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NEW DELHI: It seems that the launch of Samsung’s next foldable phone will happen as per the schedule. According to a report by a South Korean publication, the company has started mass production for the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2. The report by Daily Korea adds that Samsung has placed bulk orders for the components required for mass production with the major suppliers. So, this means that the smartphone will launch in August along with the Galaxy Note 20 series. The report also suggests that this time Samsung will be using the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) in the Galaxy Fold 2 instead of the plastic display. This is the same glass that the company used in the Galaxy Z Flip. The Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 is expected to come with a 7.7-inch display with 120Hz of refresh rate. Some earlier leaks also suggest that the device might incorporate an in-display camera. It is also expected that Samsung will also upgrade the outer display of the smartphone. The company is expected to include an Infinity … [Read more...] about Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 may get launched in August
Smartphone with best battery
What are my specs? These apps make it easy to check the specs of your phone with ease While the Settings app on your phone does a decent job at telling you some of the specs on your smartphone or tablet, it doesn't tell you everything. Luckily, there are a plethora of apps that allow you to not only check your phone's specs, but so much more. … [Read more...] about How to use Zen Mode on your OnePlus phone
As the coronavirus lockdown continues, it seems people around the world are turning to their smartphones for their mental fitness. There has been a spike in the number of downloads of mental wellness apps, especially in the month of April, as per a report by app analytics firm Sensor Tower. As per the report, the top ten mental wellness apps saw an uptick in their number of downloads in April. The list includes apps like Calm, Headspace and Meditopia. These three alone made up for about 10 million downloads the month before. The top ten mental wellness apps were downloaded 24.2% more in the month of April than in the month of January. The gap marks the spread of the coronavirus around the world and the subsequent lockdown phase that continues through May also. Among all the apps, Calm proved to be the most popular of these apps with 1.6 million first-time installs in April on both Android and iOS platforms. The mental wellness app that saw the fastest growth during this period is … [Read more...] about Mental wellness app downloads surge during lockdown: Report
macro isn't it Galaxy S20 vs. OnePlus 8 camera comparison: Zoom trumps macro The Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 8 both have triple camera arrays, but Samsung and OnePlus went in different directions for the individual lenses in those systems. Both phones take great photos, but in the end one is more well-rounded and versatile than the other. … [Read more...] about Do you think the Pixel 2 is a good purchase in 2020?
Hardware Need a fast USB-C to Ethernet adapter? This dongle has you covered Building a YouTube studio: Battle of the quick-release adapters Got an iPad Pro? Here's how to make it even better Best home office equipment: Top three things I couldn't live without First the headphone jack, now the charging port: Has Apple lost its mind? (ZDNet YouTube) The Best Smart Home Devices of 2020 (CNET) Photos: The best business laptops (TechRepublic) … [Read more...] about Microsoft Surface is a hit with business, but outlook for other tablets is bleak


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A QUICK visit to Brisbane’s Food Technology Queensland trade show yesterday confirmed that if anything, the pace of change in technology as it applies to red meat processing is speeding up, rather than showing any signs of easing up.
The impression we got from exhibitors spoken to yesterday is that the past two years of high profitability among meat processors has triggered a wave of expenditure on new or upgraded processing equipment and technology – everything from boilers and refrigeration systems to robotics, scanning and packaging technologies. All are designed to deliver greater efficiency and/or product performance.
Big changes are being seen in the packaging technology field, especially in improving shelf-life, lifting traceability and handling difficult-to-manage items like bone-in red meat items with sharp points. More on that in an article later this week, after attending a brief Expo seminar this afternoon.
Advances in plate freezer technology will be the subject of another upcoming story from the Food Technology Queensland exhibition. Beef Central learned that there has been a major increase in the use of plate freezing technology among red meat processing over the past three years, and Australia is now the dominant world leader in the use of this advanced technology. Much of that is related to our heavy export market dependence.
Today we focus on another piece of high-tech equipment on show yesterday.
Food Processing Equipment (FPE) featured the latest generation Eagle FA Dual Energy X-ray (DEXA) scanning technology. Manufactured in the US, but based on technology developed in New Zealand by their equivalent of CSIRO. The equipment fills two important purposes:
- It provides extremely detailed screening for contaminants, including metal (processors still find buckshot and other metal fragments embedded in beef), plastic, bone, glass, stone and other foreign object fragments.
- The same piece of equipment has an important second role, delivering fat analysis at an extremely accurate level. It can also analyse for protein and moisture levels, at extremely high rates of throughput.
The use of latest DEXA X-ray over the old MQ27 fat measurement and metal detection technology used for contaminant scanning is more expensive, but it offers a host of advantages not only in accuracy, but speed and versatility.
“This technology allows every single carton produced out of a plant to be analysed – 100 percent of production, if required,” FPE’s business development manager Stuart Hincksman said.
Only the very largest Australian beef plants, like JBS Dinmore, needed to install a second machine in order to keep up with throughput. There are currently 40 of the units in place in large processing installations across the country, and the number continues to grow.
“Ten years ago, on the JBS’s and Teys’s could justify the cost. Now, plants doing as few as 200 a day are making installations, because of the value-proposition they represent – greater efficiency, reduced fat claims from customers, and better managing lean levels in trim,” Mr Hincksman said.
“And secondly, there has been considerable growth in customer demand for X-ray inspected product. They know they can buy with a greater level of confidence.”
Another advantage is that the scans produced by the equipment show exactly where, in the carton, a detected foreign object is, presented like a doctor’s X-ray image. The old metal scanners simply sounded an alarm when a carton was detected with a metal contaminant.
And inherently, the older technology did not perform well in scanning red meat, because of one factor: the inherent iron content.
“The sensitivity in an older metal detecting units was fragments of stainless steel down to about 9mm in size. But the DEXA machine will detect, at high rates of throughput, down to 2mm,” Mr Hincksman said.
Managing CL before it gets into the carton
He said the next frontier for such technology was in controlling the CL (Chemical Lean, or the ratio of lean meat versus fat in a meat sample) before it reached the carton.
“Up to now, most scanning has occurred only after the trim or other meat has been placed in the final carton, which is really delivering the news too late. But CL can be monitored using the DEXA equipment in a continuous bulk stream, before it reaches to the carton, to very precise CL levels now being demanded by international customers.”
The only ‘bulk’ machine currently in use in Australia is installed at Thomas Foods International’s Murray Bridge facility in SA, analysing fat content of unpacked meat ‘on the belt.’
“It allows the user to batch an 80CL load, and then pack it that way. At the moment, an operator might visually assess a carton as around 80CL, but then find out after scanning it is an 83, or a 77, meaning it has to be diverted elsewhere.”
“This way, the customer is happy, because they are getting a far more accurate and consistent CL level in their product, to very narrow tolerances. And there are labour savings in packing once, without the need to re-work.”
“Also, it allows the operator to target what they want to pack more accurately, rather than just grading it in the carton as it comes down the line. It’s about getting more efficiency out of a plant’s lean meat output,” Mr Hincksman said.
In the domestic retail market, Coles now makes quite specific claims around the CL fat content of its various mince offers – regular, lean and heart-smart – based on DEXA scanning results. Woolworths is yet to follow suit, but is widely expected to do something similar, as everyday consumers become increasingly diet-conscious.
“We think the future is in doing the scan, for both contaminants and fat content, before the product ends up in the carton,” Mr Hincksman said.
FPE has already aligned with a company that allows it to offer a full system approach – size-reducing the trim, grading it in bulk on the belt, automated batching according to CL.
- The Food Technology Queensland exhibition is on at the Brisbane Convention Centre, South Brisbane, until late Tuesday afternoon.

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Original URL: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/28/wp7_vs_android/
WP7 vs Android: a struggle for supremacy
Microsoft must not throw away its best chance to outwit Google
Microsoft may be pandering to carriers by backing away from controlled updates, but predictable user experience is the best way to win fans from fragmented Android. Google can no longer dismiss criticisms of OS strategy from majors such as Netflix.
For all its flaws, one attraction of Google‘s "carrier-lite" sales model for the Nexus One was that it freed users from the whim of the operator or handset maker when waiting for software updates. Google has never ceased to ram that point home, with new Android releases and enhancements consistently turning up on the small base of Nexus Ones out there, well ahead of any carrier‘s update program. But generally, there is little incentive for carriers or OEMs to upgrade devices – vendors would rather users bought a new phone, and so would operators as long as it comes with a new data plan.
Now Microsoft has waded into the mire of confusion that surrounds OS update policies, with its new Windows Phone 7, as it seeks to strike a balance between openness and control. And Nokia‘s new system of a "continuous stream" of Symbian modifications, rather than one or two big releases a year, may be even trickier to manage.
Microsoft, being Microsoft, is being heavily criticised – by some for being too prescriptive about WP7, by others for giving carriers some freedom to decide when and whether to release WP7 enhancements. The latter has been a downside of the free-for-all approach of Android, and partly responsible for the fragmentation of the Google OS base. The number and variety of Android devices make OS updates a complex matter, especially when dealing with carriers such as Verizon Wireless, which are famously careful about testing any changes that may affect their networks. Each Android release has to be separately adapted by the vendor for each individual handset, and then that combination must be tested by the cellco, which may also add its own code or overlays. Result – fragmentation, unpredictable and sometimes long waits for updates, and annoyance at carriers‘ fiddling with the Android experience.
Microsoft's OS updates policy
Microsoft can be more dictatorial than Google, since it controls its platform, but it does have to deal with multiple vendors and model designs. It also, as an also-ran in the smartphone game, has to be rather more conciliatory towards cellcos than Apple. The latter issues iOS updates centrally with no reference to the operators. While that is a source of some carrier discomfort, reinforcing Apple‘s ability to use its market strength to ignore their interests, it is generally popular with consumers.
At the launch of WP7, it was clear that Microsoft was trying to please all parties, though ensuing debates suggest it has failed. The firm claimed it would be able to manage the user experience better than Google has, because it would keep control of updates and would impose strict rules on its OEM partners. Indeed, vendors have to follow some surprisingly rigid guidelines on WP7 handsets, choosing between three standardised hardware chassis for different grades of phone, and adhering to strict rules on the user interface. These rules bring an element of quality control that is missing from Android, Microsoft supporters argue, and enable the firm to differentiate WP7 with its key innovation, its hub-based UI, the first major modern user experience not to emulate the iPhone‘s.
However, the risk is that Microsoft alienates powerful partners by giving them too little room to differentiate themselves (HTC‘s famous Sense UI has been a big driver of sales for its Android and Windows Mobile phones, but is hidden in a lower layer on WP7). The software giant may also be falling into its old trap of overestimating how much consumers love its user experiences.
IDC analyst Nick McQuire commented in an interview: "Microsoft has a big challenge ahead to build a relationship directly with consumers. To do that, it needs to make sure that user experience is really tight and clean and very Microsoft."
But being "very Microsoft" may be precisely what puts some consumers off.
Uneasy compromises with carriers
Like Apple, Google and even Nokia, Microsoft does want to make its own brand the primary one for the user base, driving their user experience and the kind of applications and services they access. But it is very unclear, as yet, whether WP7 will be sufficiently appealing to create that relationship, in the way that Apple has.
In the mean time, Microsoft remains reliant on the goodwill of the cellcos, which really do control the user relationship in most parts of the high end (postpaid) mobile base. As Google found with Nexus One, and even Apple with its aborted embedded SIM plan (see separate item), the carriers cannot be excised too hastily from the mobile value chain.
That means Microsoft has to engage in some uneasy compromises in its policy towards OS changes and other updates such as security releases. Its official line is: "Microsoft will push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users and all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates."
Small changes would be delivered over the air and larger ones by USB through the Zune software. Updates will still need to be supported technically and tested, though, and that can be a complex task, even if there are unlikely to be as many WP7 modifications as Android ones.
So the reality may not be so simple. Already, Microsoft has pulled back on over the air updates and bug fixes, for now at least, making the phone dependent on a PC. And earlier this month, attendees at a WP7 reviewers‘ workshop found that carriers will now be able to hold back updates in some circumstances, indicating confusion in the Microsoft strategy. Joe Belfiore, director of Windows Phone program management, was quoted by the ArsTechnica blog as saying: "We build updates for all Windows Phone users, but must certify them with the carriers. They'll happen on a regular cadence like they do on the PC. If a carrier wants to stop an update they can. But they will get it out on the next release."
He added: "Carriers could in fact block updates to sell you a phone. That can happen. But we don't expect that to happen. We are not going to push updates onto carrier networks that they have not tested."
He made a clear call to the carrier to justify the additional flexibility they appear to have won, saying: "Microsoft is being very trusting of the carriers here. This is very different from the situation with Windows Mobile where every phone was very different. With Windows Phone, there is no impact on OEM code, network code, and so on. Yes, there are upgrades that will require a full test pass. But most will not."
The underlying message seems clear – Microsoft will be less heavy-handed with operators than Apple, but it does not expect them to abuse that position, since WP7 should not present genuine technical difficulties on the networks.
In other words, Microsoft‘s softening is in the interests of keeping carriers happy, not avoiding genuine problems for end users. Since first wave WP7 handsets are so similar, because of the design guidelines, it would be perfectly feasible for all the updates to be centrally managed from Zune servers, bypassing operators. Microsoft has moved on significantly from the anarchy of Windows Mobile, where every device was so different that it needed separate testing, and there was no commonality of experience for users. With Android emulating the WinMo model, Microsoft has an opportunity to market WP7‘s more controlled, consumer friendly approach as a serious differentiator. It must be careful not to lose that advantage by being too accommodating to the cellcos.
The specific issues of OS updates highlights wider concerns about Android, which Google needs to address to prevent consumer irritation becoming fury – thus opening opportunities for Apple, Microsoft and Nokia to bite back. Nearly all the major concerns relate to fragmentation, caused by Android‘s open source nature and Google‘s relentless upgrade process. Not only are there multiple and incompatible releases in the market at any one time, but operators and OEMs add their own tweaks too, and most software vendors struggle to keep up with all the variations.
Some issues will be addressed naturally as the platform gains maturity, but ironically, the solution Google itself favors is to increase its control over the user experience the OEMs and operators deliver – bringing it closer to Apple and Microsoft. But if it really succeeds in imposing common rules about Android 3.0 implementation, it could alienate some of its largest supporters. Already, Samsung is indicating that it will weight its handset release roadmap for 2011 towards WP7, despite the success of its Android based Galaxy S. In other words, it is easy to forget, amid the progress of Android and iOS, that smartphones are a very young market and many players are still jostling for position. It is not yet a foregone conclusion that Android will keep its lead, and Google‘s decisions on how to balance control versus anarchy will be as important as Microsoft‘s in deciding the fortunes of their respective OSs.
Android fragmentation hit the spotlight again in the past couple of weeks as two high-profile apps providers complained that the multiple incompatible versions of the platform made their task impossible.
Casual games developer Rovio Mobile said it would create a lightweight Android version of its flagship title Angry Birds because consumers with older handsets were experiencing such bad performance issues. "With our latest update, we worked hard to bring Angry Birds to even more Android devices. Despite our efforts, we were unsuccessful in delivering optimal performance," Rovio wrote on its blog.
It listed more than a dozen Android smartphones that could not be supported, including all those with release 1.6 or below, or with custom ROMs. Angry Birds is available for iPhone and Symbian and has received over 7 million downloads.
Video-streaming king Netflix is also out of patience with Android. Although its Watch Instantly subscription service is available on about 200 connected consumer devices, it is still struggling with the Google OS. In the mobile space, it supports the iPhone and iPad, Symbian, WP7 and others, but it says Android suffers too much from device fragmentation and lack of a common digital rights management (DRM) solution.
In a blog post, Netflix‘ product development manager Greg Peters wrote: "The hurdle has been the lack of a generic and complete platform security and content protection mechanism available for Android. The same security issues that have led to piracy concerns on the Android platform have made it difficult for us to secure a common DRM system on these devices. Setting aside the debate around the value of content protection and DRM, they are requirements we must fulfill in order to obtain content from major studios for our subscribers to enjoy."
He also pointed to the problems of fragmentation, especially when carriers add their own features. "Unfortunately, this ... leads to a fragmented experience on Android, in which some handsets will have access to Netflix and others won‘t. This clearly is not the preferred solution, and we regret the confusion it might create for consumers. However, we believe that providing the service for some Android device owners is better than denying it to everyone."
In a world where content delivery, especially video, will be at the heart of the mobile experience, such complaints are serious ones. In the short term, some OEMs or carriers may welcome the chance to lure users to upgrade to a new phone that does support a key app like Netflix, but overall they will be wary of any signs of consumer and developer backlash.
Is Samsung putting WP7 ahead of Android?
Probably the biggest blow in Android‘s hitherto charmed life came last week from Samsung, which, though never religious about operating systems, is hugely important to the success of any platform because of its market size. It has traditionally supported almost any open OS out there – Symbian, WinMo, LiMO, other Linux flavors, and more recently Android and WP7. But it has been narrowing its focus somewhat as it aims to release a few truly high impact devices, rather than take its usual scattergun approach into the smartphone market. It has backed away from Symbian and LiMO and its belated smartphone push centered on variations of a single handset, the hugely successful Galaxy S. But despite the high sales of that phone, it seems that Samsung will focus mainly on Windows Phone 7, rather than Android, in 2011.
According to a report in iMobile.com, Samsung plans for almost two- thirds of its high end models next year to run WP7, even though senior executives said, just a few months ago, that they would prioritise on Android. At this stage, WP7 had not yet hit the market, and Samsung had decided to move away from Symbian.
Samsung insiders said there was no pullback from Android, but it would greatly expand its smartphone ranges overall next year. It may be that the firm believes it can steal an early march in WP7 and dominate it more easily than Android, though previously, HTC and LG have been the closest Microsoft partners.
However its range balances out, the vendor will continue to use its scale to create a wide range of different models targeted carefully at different user profiles. Its own bada platform is also reported to be faring better than many had expected. When it was launched at the start of the year, single-vendor operating systems seemed to be on their way out, but since then the market has fragmented again, with several new options such as MeeGo and webOS 2.0 on the horizon.
And according to consultant Tomi Ahonen, in his latest quarterly update on smartphones, bada had 1.3 million active users in the third quarter, about 2 per cent of the global base for high-end handsets.
That would make bada the most successful mobile OS launch since the first iPhone iOS, achieved with only one handset, the popular Wave, and without the support of a US cellco. The Wave boasted Samsung‘s Super AMOLED display technology and a friendly, widget-based user interface at a lower price than the Galaxy S. It has now been joined by two further bada handsets.
Android remains in pole position to take second place in smartphones next year, and to usurp Symbian in some markets. But the market is a fluid and uncertain one, and Google‘s CEO Eric Schmidt needs to take a more decisive stance.
At last week‘s Web 2.0 Summit, he had his head firmly in the sand, saying the contracts made with the Open Handset Alliance (the group of Android supporters) were good enough to prevent a splintering of Android Market, and that Market apps would run across all handsets. Netflix and Rovio say otherwise, and Google needs to address the issue before it suffers the ultimate humiliation of losing out to Microsoft. ®
Copyright © 2010, Wireless Watch
Wireless Watch is published by Rethink Research, a London-based IT publishing and consulting firm. This weekly newsletter delivers in-depth analysis and market research of mobile and wireless for business. Subscription details are here.


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Vibrant Gujarat reaches out to Poland
A high level delegation led by Ms. S. Aparna, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Gujarat, visited Poland for a series of meetings and roadshows in connection with the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Summit’ planned in January 2017. In a series of focused interactions, the delegation identified a number of areas for cooperation between Gujarat and Poland, including food processing, mining, ship-building and pharmaceuticals.
2. In Warsaw the delegation met with Mr. R. Domagalski, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Economic Development, who also spoke of his numerous visits to Gujarat at the roadshow organized at KIG to introduce Polish business to Gujarat. Ms. Aparna made a multimedia presentation outlining the numerous opportunities offered by Gujarat. Ambassador Ajay Bisaria described Gujarat as one of the most progressive and business-oriented States of India and expressed the hope that a ‘vibrant’ Polish delegation would visit Gujarat in 2017.
3. Ms. Aparna was leading an eight-member business delegation that included Mr. R.S. Sodhi, Managing Director of AMUL, the largest dairy cooperative in India, and Dr. M.N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of the Gujarat University. The delegation reached out to four Polish regions, including Mazovia, Transcarpathia, Pomerania and Malopolska.
4. Poland, as a ‘Partner Country’ of the Vibrant Gujarat summit, is expected to field a high-powered official and business delegation for the event. The visit to India will be coordinated by the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
5. The state of Gujarat contributes more than 7% of India’s GDP and was the foremost among all provinces in the Asia-Pacific region in 2015, attracting more than US$ 12 billion of FDI. In terms of ease of doing business, Gujarat is one of the most attractive locations in India.


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Mumbai: In an unprecedented move, Disney Star has reportedly bagged a whopping Rs 150-crore sponsorship deal with Mahindra Auto for the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC World Cup cricket events. Industry insiders suggest that this mammoth association is possibly the first of its kind for the automobile giant with a cricketing extravaganza.
The alliance between Disney Star, a prominent broadcasting network, and Mahindra Auto, a stalwart in the automobile industry, has sent ripples through the sports and entertainment sectors, marking a significant pivot in sponsorship dynamics for major cricketing events.
A New Innings for Mahindra Auto
Though Mahindra Auto has previously been involved in various sponsorship ventures across different domains, this marks its most ambitious foray into the cricketing world. A source close to the deal mentioned, “Mahindra Auto recognizes the unparalleled passion and viewership cricket commands, especially with marquee events like the Asia Cup and ICC World Cup. Associating with Disney Star at such a scale demonstrates their commitment to aligning with popular culture and expanding brand outreach.”
Cricket is not just a sport, especially in regions like Asia; it’s a sentiment, a collective passion. For brands, associating with cricket is akin to tapping into the very heartbeat of millions. Events like the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup are not mere tournaments; they are grand stages where emotions, national pride, and sporting excellence converge.
Mahindra’s decision to associate with such significant events through Disney Star speaks of a vision that transcends typical brand visibility. It is about forging connections, building lasting memories with the audience, and embedding the brand into experiences that matter.
Disney Star’s Winning Streak
Disney Star, with its vast broadcasting network and a history of showcasing premier sports events, continues to assert its dominance in the cricket broadcasting space. The partnership with Mahindra Auto further consolidates its position as a leading player in sports entertainment, promising enhanced viewer experiences.
The world of sports broadcasting is dynamic, with brands constantly vying for the top spot to capture the attention of an ever-growing audience. Disney Star has, over the years, cemented its position at the forefront of this space, particularly in cricket, which commands an unparalleled viewership in regions like Asia. Its recent partnership with Mahindra Auto, a stalwart in the automobile industry, further accentuates its ambition to remain the leading figure in sports entertainment. Here’s a deep dive into what this collaboration signifies:
Disney Star’s Legacy in Sports Broadcasting
Disney Star’s broadcasting journey, especially in the realm of cricket, is marked by innovation, quality, and extensive reach. They have, time and again, presented cricket in formats that resonate with both ardent fans and casual viewers:
- High-Quality Production: From multiple camera angles, and Ultra HD broadcasts, to specialized commentary teams, Disney Star has set benchmarks in sports production.
- Interactive Platforms: Through initiatives like fan polls, interactive graphics, and real-time analytics, they’ve made cricket viewing a more engaging and interactive experience.
- Diverse Language Options: Catering to the diverse linguistic landscape, especially in countries like India, Disney Star offers broadcasts in multiple regional languages, making the game accessible to a broader audience.
- Elevating the Viewer Experience
- The synergy of Disney Star’s broadcasting prowess with Mahindra Auto’s legacy promises to elevate the overall viewing experience:
- Exclusive Content: The partnership might usher in exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and segments, providing viewers with a richer understanding of the game.
- Technological Innovations: Mahindra’s involvement could lead to the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in broadcasting, enhancing the visual and auditory experience for viewers.
- Community Engagement: Collaborative initiatives could be launched to engage with the cricketing community, be it through contests, fan zones, or digital platforms.
In a landscape where cricket is much more than just a sport, the coming together of Disney Star and Mahindra Auto heralds a new era in broadcasting partnerships. This alliance, rooted in mutual respect and shared goals, is set to redefine how viewers consume cricket, making it a more immersive, interactive, and memorable experience. As the cricketing calendar unfolds, the world will be keenly watching the innovative strides this partnership takes.


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Morrisons has broken into the UK’s top 20 fashion retailers for the first time since launching its Nutmeg clothing label three years ago.
The grocer edged into 20th position in terms of market share during the 12 months ending January 2016 – and in doing so became the final member of the big four to crack the top 20.
Asda is the UK’s second-largest fashion retailer behind Primark by sales volumes, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel, courtesy of its George brand.
Tesco, which sells its F&F fashion brand, lies in fourth, while Sainsbury’s is two places further back in sixth position, driven by the success of its Tu brand.
Morrisons, which now holds just under 1% of the competitive fashion market, was the latecomer of the big four to the fashion sector when it launched Nutmeg in March 2013.
But the label is gaining momentum and recorded more than 3.1 million transactions in the year to January 2016. One in 10 female shoppers aged 35-44 purchased Nutmeg products during the period.
“Sales have increased 25% over the last 12 months, and there’s still room for growth.”
Christine Bryce, Nutmeg
The Bradford-based grocer is in the process of rolling out its clothing proposition across its store estate and plans to sell Nutmeg lines in all of its 498 supermarkets by the end of the year. It currently has a fashion offer in 304 of its shops.
The Nutmeg label stretches across 6,000 SKUs, consisting largely of kidswear and some adult “essentials”, including underwear and pyjamas.
Retail Week understands Morrisons is mulling a move to launch full menswear and womenswear propositions, although that is unlikely to happen until the final quarter of 2016 at the earliest. It could also explore the potential of taking its fashion range online.
Nutmeg category director Christine Bryce said: “Sales have increased 25% over the last 12 months, and there’s still room for growth as we aim for a presence in every supermarket before December.
“We’ll continue to work at raising awareness of Nutmeg and introducing even more customers to it by providing good quality and excellent value.”


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A 15-bedroom American mansion with a guitar-shaped driveway has gone up for auction – with a starting bid of $0.
Seven Montagel Way will go under the hammer on October 31.
The 27-acre property in Shoal Creek, Alabama comes with a horse riding arena and a fitness centre.
The impressive 16-bathroom property includes a decadent foyer with ceiling murals and crystal chandeliers.
It also boasts a screening room with a 170-inch screen, theatre-style seating for 25 people and an authentic box-office, a commercial-grade elevator, a wine cellar with shelving for 2,000 bottles and a game room.
In 2011 the property was listed for $17.9 million (£11.67million) by owner Larry House – the former CEO of MedPartners, a firm that supplies staff to hospitals and medical centres – but he removed it after it failed to sell.
Last year, the house was put on the market again for $13.9 million (£9million). At the time, Pam Ausley, the listing agent, said the property awas too big for Mr House.
She said: ‘Their kids are grown, and they’re just ready to do something different. He knows it’s not the best time to sell, but he’s just ready.’
Mr House also put the property up for auction in 2003 but bought it back when it sold for just $3.95 million (£2.57million).
CEO and founder of DeCaro Luxury Auctions, Daniel DeCaro, said: ‘Inspired by historic French and Italian castles of Europe, architect Bill Shepard designed 7 Montagel Way to feel like a traditional palace in Versailles.
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A$AP Rocky is moving into the world of spirits. The New York City music and fashion superstar has announced Mercer + Prince, a new Canadian whiskey created alongside Global Brand Equities and E & J Gallo.
According to Billboard, the new spirit is named after Rocky’s favorite intersection in his hometown of NYC. The new whiskey is a hybrid of vanilla, caramel, and baked apple flavor.
“I’m so excited and grateful to finally introduce Mercer + Prince to the world,” founder Rocky said in a statement to Billboard. “I have been learning about whisky from all over the world for the past decade and wanted to defy the rules to create something unique, while honoring and respecting industry traditions.”
You can learn more about the new whiskey here.


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Plant-based Diets Are Trending in the U.S. The U.S. News and World Report ranked the Mediterranean Diet (a eating plan that involves consuming a ton of plant-based foods) as the Best Overall Diet in 2020. A 2018 Nielsen report found that nearly 40 percent of Americans eat more plant-based foods.
Often times, when people become interested in certain foods, they ask their vets whether they should change their pets’ diets too. Plant-based diets are no exception.
‘Should I buy plant-based food for my dog?’ is a question I get regularly, ”says Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, Veterinary Expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance. “Many human counterparts to our pets choose vegetarian diets, and therefore they choose the same for their pets.”
Some also believe that vegetable means “higher quality”. Ryan Bethencourt, CEO of Wild Earth, co-founded the plant-based dog food brand in 2017 after seeing dog food recalls.
“I thought, ‘Why is the food system so unsafe for our pets?'” Bethencourt recalls. “I thought, ‘What if we replaced the meat in dog food with vegetable protein?’ That got me on my way to try and find high protein but still have plant-based foods. “
Wild Earth uses yeast, which is 40 percent protein, to ensure dogs get protein in their diet. Bethencourt also believes in its product so much that he ate some of it in 2019.
It tastes good – but are plant-based diets healthy for puppies? Dr. Choczynski gave her the pros and cons of plant-based dog foods.
Are Plant-Based Dog Foods Good for Dogs?
Some vegetarians and vegans choose the diet for ethical reasons and want their dogs to follow suit.
“They want to make sure that they feel morally appropriate about what they are feeding their dogs,” says Dr Choczynski.
Like humans, dogs also have a vegetable diet for health reasons including liver failure.
“Our livers are responsible for filtering out toxins,” explains Dr. Choczynski. “One of the things that is responsible for filtering is ammonia.”
But when the liver breaks down, it can’t filter the ammonia. When a dog’s body breaks down meat-based proteins, it produces ammonia.
“Ammonia will float through the bloodstream … and it can cause hepatic encephalopathy, which can cause seizures,” says Dr. Choczynski. “We’re going to switch to a soy-based diet … with the aim of lowering the ammonia in the blood.”
Anecdotally, dogs on a plant-based diet may have better joint health, more energy, and fewer skin and coat problems, according to a survey of Wild Earth customers.
What are the cons of feeding dogs plant-based foods?
Dogs are omnivores, which means they usually eat meat and vegetables. Although Dr. Choczynski says that if it is possible to replace meat protein with vegetable protein, not all dog bodies will ingest it. She says some plant-based dogs have experienced urinary crystals.
Dogs on a vegetable diet can also become deficient in taurine, as the amino acid is usually found in animal protein. Dr. Choczynski warns that taurine-deficient dogs can suffer from heart disease or heart failure.
Signs that your dog is not eating a vegetable diet include constipation, poor coat, poor eyesight, and weight loss. Dr. Choczynski suggests consulting your veterinarian before feeding your dog any plant-based foods and if any problems arise.
What to look for when choosing dog food
You want to make sure that your dog’s food, whether plant-based or not, is balanced with all of the nutrients he needs to live his best life. Dr. Choczynski advises pet parents to look for the American Feed Control Officer (AAFCO) label, which means it meets regulatory standards as a healthy dog food.
Featured image: Getty Images
Continue reading: How to read dog food labels


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The meat and poultry industry is the largest sector of the American agricultural economy, employing more than six million workers and generating a total economic output of more than $830 billion. The meat and poultry industry is fuel for our nation's economic engine. So what is USDA thinking? asks American Meat Institute (AMI) President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle in a Washington Examiner guest editorial on the proposed USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) livestock procurement rule.
If the rule moves forward, Boyle notes that nearly 105,000 jobs will be lost, along with $14 billion in overall economic activity generated by the meat and poultry industry. Federal and state taxes generated by the meat and poultry industry will decrease by $80 billion.
In addition, according to the new economic analysis by John Dunham and Associates on behalf of AMI, meat and poultry prices will increase by 3.3% and cost Americans $2.7 billion in higher prices.
To read the entire article, link here.


text: JPS Writes: "The NBA Live series has had quite the tumultuous path over the last multiple years. After years of existence, the NBA Live series just seemed to disappear back in 2010 with the delay and eventual cancellation of NBA Elite 11, only a few weeks before the scheduled release. NBA Elite was supposed to be the next evolution of EA Sports’ NBA Live series to compete with 2K Sports’ NBA titles. However, since that cancellation, the series has been pretty much dead in the water outside of a mobile release, with another cancellation occuring in 2012 for NBA Live 13. That all changed with the announcement that the NBA Live franchise was being revived with NBA Live 14 on both of the next generation consoles at the Xbox One announcement event."


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2022 Seat Ateca. The impending Ateca 2022 has been eavesdropping on testing, and it appears that the new model is concealing a slight makeover. According to the photographs, the new version of the seat badge has camouflage on the front and rear.
The upcoming Tarraco SUV was also tested alongside the new Ateca. Although there is plenty of camouflage to the front, the latest Ateca reveals a new grille pattern and a more attractive rear. Moreover, the redesigned bumper no longer includes fog lights.
2022 Seat Ateca Design
The new Seat Ateca 2022 crossover shows plenty of camouflage on the front. However, we can see some refreshment. The manufacturer used a new grille pattern and a redesigned bumper that no longer included the fog lights. The grille looks attractive and is pistol shaped, with the same grille pattern as the Leon hatchback. The headlights will remain the same on the pre-facelift model.
In the back, the upcoming Ateca 2022 Seat features the same attractive design as the front. The taillights will use the latest LEDs and the manufacturer will use the same exhaust system used on the concept model.
2022 Seat Ateca Interior
We don’t expect any significant changes inside the new Ateca 2022 seat. The cabin will be responsible for updating the mid-cycle according to the latest information. The infotainment will be updated and the new model will definitely provide more comfort as well. Additionally, SEAT will likely offer more safety tools and there will be more standard features The Real Deal will happen on top models. This package will provide more upholstery options.
It will be interesting to see what the manufacturer will add in the final version. Things like DSG transmission and tablet screens will be offered in the standard package. According to a reliable source, the manufacturer will also add more customizations and more color options.
2022 Seat Ateca Engine
There is no information on what the new 2022 Seat Ateca will do. According to some sites, the upcoming SUV may have a plug-in hybrid powertrain and mild hybrid technology for some petrol engines to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The Seat Insignia SUV will likely come with a gasoline-powered powertrain that will be able to deliver 296 hp. However, based on some information gleaned from other forums, the manufacturer will give an additional 10 hp and achieve a total of 306 hp to match the new Cupra Leon ST with AWD. However, this information has not been confirmed by SEAT.
2022 Seat Ateca Release Date And Price
The new 2022 Seat Ateca is the SUV that comes with an attractive and elegant design. Moreover, this model provides a gasoline engine and may have an additional hybrid engine.
Seat’s manufacturer has not disclosed any information about the launch date and price. However, some speculation indicates that this model could be launched later this year. The price is still unknown and we can only wait for more information.
2022 Seat Ateca Update
Stylish headlights and a new chrome grille mean the Seat Ateca now looks like a deflated Tarraco. At the rear, new LED taillights are included, with sweep indicators on the FR and Xperience models and new exhaust trims. The name “Ateca” is now passed in a handwritten script very similar to Leon’s new font. You also get a new trim level, called Xperience, which adds a solid look thanks to the black plastic bumpers and unique 17-19-inch wheels.
The new interior design of the 2020 Seat Ateca
Inside, the steering wheel has also been redesigned, as it gets new interior door linings and new matte trim. The windshield on high-end Xperience models also has a Climacoat coating for faster defrosting.
There is a larger 8 ”to 8.2” or 9.2 ”infotainment screen on models with SE technology and above. The 9.2-inch system features connected voice activated services. To bring it to life, all you have to do is say “hola hola” in Spanish, and the system will ask you how it can help you.
You can call emergency services if you have an accident, and tell them where you are and how many people are in the car. With the SEAT Connect app, you can also check vehicle location and range and unlock or lock doors remotely from your phone.
New Seat Ateca 2020 2020
Safety is also enhanced with the SEAT Ateca with predictive adaptive cruise control that uses information from the car’s satellite navigation system to automatically reduce speed around corners, roundabouts and intersections when driving on the highway with cruise control.
Exit Assist is another new collection that is only suitable for Xperience cars. It warns you if you are trying to exit in front of traffic when you exit somewhere and can apply the brakes to stop the collision if necessary.
The engines of the new Seat Ateca 2020
You can get your Ateca with a choice of five petrol engines, including a revised version of the SEAT 110-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder that now runs on a Miller cycle, improving fuel economy by 15%.
In terms of diesel engines, Seat has abandoned the old 1.6-liter model, replacing it with a 2.0-liter engine with 115 horsepower, and you can also choose between a 2.0-liter diesel model with 150 horsepower. All diesel engines have a new dual-dose SCR system that includes dual AdBlue injection for cleaner emissions.
2022 Seat Ateca News
Next Seat Ateca 2022 is a practical family SUV. It is a fun to drive model without a doubt. Of course, the Spanish crossover is far from luxury, so off-road is a big deal for this little car. However, getting around the city is very relaxing and quiet. The Ateca model was recently spied on and showed people its new design.
After years of extensions, Seat will finally offer more significant updates. Even the interior will benefit from the latest changes. Most importantly, the spy photos show changes to the exhausts so it’s likely there will be a brand new transmission. The new Ateca 2022 will go on sale later this year as the 2022 model.
2022 Attica spy photos
The Seat Ateca 2022 will celebrate its fifth year on the market. This time, you should expect more stringent updates on this crossover. The latest spy photos are the evidence we needed to make all of the previous rumors a reality. The prototype was spied on with a great deal of camouflage. However, most of Ateca’s novelties were visible at first glance.
It includes a redesigned front end. The front end now comes with the radiator grille featuring a fresh style. As for the headlights, the units get a new look and will also get new interior graphics. Even the lower part of the front bumper will undergo some modifications. The rear of the car has upgrades similar to the front. Overall, the latest changes will further enhance Ateca’s appeal.
Internal details are not available yet. However, the new 2022 Ateca Seat should also receive some updates inside. This crossover will likely come with a new, larger screen. It is essential for a Spanish plant. Also, this screen will feature better graphics and an easy-to-use interface. We cannot say what the rest of the news could be.
However, it seems very plausible that this crossover finally offers some new driver assistance features. As for the interior space, four passengers can find enough space inside the cabin. Fitting a fifth person inside, especially an adult, is very difficult. Front passengers are sure to enjoy a high level of comfort. Even the base trim provides height-adjustable seats.
The Ateca Crossover will have a new diesel engine
Most likely, the next Ateca 2022 will arrive with an all-new engine option. The spy photos show the latest changes and various leaks. Also, some reports are already writing about a new 2.0-liter diesel engine. Moreover, the same reports say that the Spanish automaker is testing Volkswagen’s 150-horsepower TDI Evo unit.
Some other rumors point to the 2.0-liter Cupra Ateca (previously known as the Seat Sport Ateca) model. However, this engine will not meet the requirements in Europe. Two other possibilities are a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine or a type of hybrid transmission. However, the Leon already features the hybrid powertrain that it shares with the VW Golf.
2022 Ateca seat price and release date
The latest Spanish crossover will go on sale during the second half of 2020. The Attica seat coming from 2022 will arrive at a slightly higher price, so expect between $ 25,000 and $ 27,000. The Spanish manufacturer has yet to release the exact outbreak based on the coronavirus outbreak.


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Come up with a name for your new list and we'll add to it:
Carvana raised a round of funding on June 12, 2012. Investors include
DriveTime Automotive Group.
Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) offers automated, coin-operated car vending machines, which allow people to shop for, finance, purchase, and trade-in a car entirely online, while receiving next-day vehicle deliv…


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Cosmetic industry down by unrest, trade embargoSales and production of beauty products have been affected by the ongoing Tarai unrest and India’s unofficial trade blockade.
Sales and production of beauty products have been affected by the ongoing Tarai unrest and India’s unofficial trade blockade. Imports from India and China, the major sources of beauty products for Nepal, are down; and domestic production has come to a halt due to shortages of raw materials and fuel.
Local manufacturers said that they had not been able to produce cold cream for this winter. Most of the factories making cosmetics are closed while some have slashed output.
Freshia, Enricher, Dekar and New Look are some of the local brands that have been increasing their presence in the market that used to be highly dominated by imported products. Traders said that demand for cold cream and moisturiser soar during the winter season. Imports of beauty products from India have plunged 44 percent while imports from China decreased by 18.8 percent in the first four months of this fiscal year, according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
Nepal imported cosmetics worth Rs424.5 million during the period mid-June to mid-October this fiscal year, down from Rs760.7 million during the same period last year. Imports from China stood at Rs76.8 million against Rs94.6 million previously.
Hemanta Niroula, managing director of Delta Marketing, the manufacturer of Freshia and importer of Astaberry in Nepal, said that their factory was closed and that imports from India had dropped, affecting business and revenues. “We have to import the ingredients and packaging materials from India, but all the raw materials are stuck at the border. As a result, our production of beauty products has come to a standstill. But we have been fulfilling the demand for imported products,” said Niroula.
Delta produces 12 ranges of beauty products including cold cream, face wash and cleansing milk. Niroula also said that some quantities of cosmetics had been brought to Nepal by rerouting the shipments, but the high transportation costs and detention charges had made them very expensive.
Bijendra Shakya, managing director of Cosmo World, the manufacturer of Enricher cosmetic products, said that they had to stop manufacturing cold cream for lack of raw materials. “The factory has been totally closed for two months as the raw materials stopped arriving from India after the blockade, and the goods in stock have been sold out. So we are having a hard time paying the salaries of our employees,” said Shakya. Cosmo World produces eight varieties of cosmetic items including face wash, hair oil, cleansing milk and body scrub. The company has postponed the planned launch of cold creams for this winter season. “We had planned to introduce cold cream this winter, but the blockade killed our plans,” said Shakya.


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A TikTok video about prison labor is facing criticism and even drawing some comparisons to slavery.
A now-deleted video from @howdydewdrop racked up stitches and angry comments after it was initially posted. It featured a woman in a cowboy hat sitting in a truck laughing as a man off-camera talks on the phone.
“Literally just called the prison to ask for day laborers,” the text overlay reads.
The video didn’t sit well with critics of the prison labor system, who likened the use of day laborers for free or minimal wages to slavery and questioned the purpose behind posting a TikTok like this in the first place.
“There’s something about white people calling prisons to have day labor that doesn’t fucking sit right with me,” TikToker @troublepuffs said in a stitch with the original video.
“In what universe can you have a group of people who are in jail, cannot consent to do anything, literally have no rights, but you can call and order them to do work?” asked @_anastasiagracia_. “Are they getting paid? This literally sounds like slavery. And even if they are getting paid…pocket change ain’t shit.”
Texas, where the video appears to have been recorded, not only has the largest state prison population in the United States but is one of the five remaining states to use forced labor from prisons. Prisoners who refuse to work lose privileges, and not every job pays. Those that do generally pay as low as less than a dollar per hour.
Yet Texas makes an estimated profit of $70 million per year off of this labor.
“The 13th Amendment says that slavery is still legal as long as you’re duly convicted of a crime,” @ispeak0906 told his viewers.
@howdydewdrop appears to have deleted her TikTok and is unavailable for comment.
Today’s top stories
|‘Fill her up’: Bartender gives woman a glass of water when the man she’s with orders tequila shot
|‘I don’t think my store has even sold one’: Whataburger employees take picture with first customer who bought a burger box
|‘It was a template used by anyone in the company’: Travel agent’s ‘condescending’ out-of-office email reply sparks debate
|Sign up to receive the Daily Dot’s Internet Insider newsletter for urgent news from the frontline of online.


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Skip to comments.China Steals $600 Billion of American IP Yearly: Trump's Tariffs Can Stop Them
Posted on 09/25/2018 10:27:50 AM PDT by Thalean
Consumers are paying the price for President Trumps tariffs, CNN claims. Millions will feel the pinch; many thousands will lose their jobs.
What CNN fails to mention is that millions of Americans already feel the pinch, and millions more have already lost their jobs. Why? Chinese consumers wont pay the price for American exports: China steals up to $600 billion in American intellectual property (IP) every year.
Trump understands that tariffs are a powerful political tool that can and should be used to force China to pay for their crimes.
Most Americans have only a fuzzy understanding of what constitutes IP. Basically, IP are ideas; the products of human creativity such as art, branding or inventions that can be owned and legally protected by registering copyrights, trademarks or patents. Examples of IP include Beethovens Sixth Symphony, the Daily Callers logo, and Teslas battery designs. Needless to say, IP is incredibly valuable and incredibly easy to steal.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
Thot beefthovens music was public domain...
Who owns it then, Sony or Disney? ; p
Trump should simply say that if it can be proven in AMERICAN COURTS/venue that a chinese product is using American Intellectual property (including any patents) ILLEGALLY then EVERY PRODUCT FROM THAT WHOLE COMPANY OF THAT PRODUCT is to be blocked/banned from entering the US and any such goods seized.
That include old patents for products the chinese stole and used for years.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Oldham-based warehousing and distribution firm TT Express has been named the 2015 winner of the Tesco Primary Haulier of the Year award. The firm clinched the win – which was assessed on various factors including number of loads delivered successfully, overall consistency of service level and quality of communications – at the retailer’s annual Primary Distribution Supplier Conference in Chester on 6 May. TT Express general manager Vlad Costache said the company, which has embarked on a large-scale business review […]
Hargreaves Logistics is to adopt a franchise programme to boost subcontractor retention and create a more flexible fleet.
Tesco has gone live with a Microlise routeing system after a six week installation operation.
Norbert Dentressangle’s five-year, £100m contract with Comet is in the hands of administrator Deloitte following the biggest high street collapse since Woolworths in 2008. Wincanton, Comet’s previous logistics partner, walked away from a warehousing and distribution deal with Comet on 30 April after it was unable to agree terms with OpCapita, the equity company that bought the chain at the start of 2012 from Kesa Electricals. A spokeswoman for ND said: “We continue to operate our contracts with Comet Group, […]


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StorX Network Founder Handy Barot explained in a recent Tweet that the platform has over 2000 storage nodes. However, Handy
StorX (SRX) Token is now available on the leading digital assets exchange Bitrue. Deposits for this token have been enabled
TheNewsCrypto is an online media publication that helps to educate readers about news, exchanges, and markets in the crypto and blockchain industry.


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LexJet opens Charlotte distribution center
Published: June 24, 2011
Time posted: 11:30 am
Sarasota, Fla.-based LexJet said it is opening a distribution center in Charlotte, one of five new centers the company plans to have operating next month.
The Charlotte facility is at 10800 Withers Cove Park Drive.
LexJet already has distribution centers in New York, Alabama, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Florida, California, Wisconsin, Nevada and Delaware.
The company supplies equipment and software used to digitally print photographs, art and commercial graphics.


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China's General Administration of Customs reported on Monday that China's trade surplus narrowed to 416.6 billion yuan ($58.9 billion USD) in August, compared with 442.23 billion yuan ($62.33 billion) in July.
Despite falling on July’s, the August 2020 figure increased more than expected. China's exports rose by 9.5% year-on-year, posting the strongest gain since March 2019, while imports fell short of estimates by 2.1% year-on-year in a sign of weak domestic demand.
August’s rise in Chinese exports came as economies re-opened around the world, and marked the third monthly increase in a row, surpassing the prolonged decline in imports.
Strong exports indicate a faster and more balanced recovery of the Chinese economy, which is recovering from a record decline in the Q1 thanks largely to domestic stimulus measures.
A special survey on manufacturing activity last week showed that Chinese factories reported their first increase in new export orders this year in August as overseas demand slowly recovered. The boom in business also led to further expansion in production, marking the largest gains in nearly a decade.
Tensions between the US and China, already high, are expected to escalate ahead of the US presidential election as China continues to fall short of its pledge to boost its purchases of US goods under a deal launched in February. China's trade surplus with the United States widened to $34.24 billion in August from $ 32.46 billion in July.
Senior trade officials in the US and China reaffirmed their commitment to the Phase 1 trade agreement in a phone call last month. "Both sides see progress and are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the success of the agreement," the US Trade Representative's office said.


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Pico Interactive, the VR hardware subsidiary to Chinese tech giant ByteDance, is apparently getting ready to release a new series of standalone VR headsets.
Vive Flow, HTC’s compact VR headset, is targeted at travelers and consumers looking for casual VR experiences and media consumption. Now the company has announced it’s marketing a Business Edition of Vive Flow alongside an optional controller which should make navigating in-headset a bit easier for first-time users.
Meta says its ultimate goal with its VR hardware is to make a comfortable, compact headset with visual finality that’s ‘indistinguishable from reality’.
HTC’s compact VR headset, Vive Flow, launched late last year targeting a different kind of VR user. The company says that feedback since launch has consistently been around two features, both of which it plans to address.
Meta is still pretty camera-shy when it comes to showing off Project Cambria, the company’s upcoming high-end VR headset which offers AR passthrough.
Apple is a notorious black box when it comes to internal projects, although sometimes details based on supply chain rumors shed a sliver of light on what might be happening with the company’s AR/VR headset behind closed doors.


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Donald Trump hosted a discussion on trade at the White House yesterday and decided to break some news about a development that seemed pretty important.
"I do want to tell you, we just got this notice: General Motors in Korea announces the first step in necessary restructuring. They're going to -- GM Korea company announced today that it will cease production and close its Gunsan plant in May of 2018, and they're going to move back to Detroit."You don't hear these things, except for the fact that Trump became president. Believe me, you wouldn't be hearing that. So they're moving back from Korea to Detroit.... General Motors is coming back into Detroit. That is a really significant statement."
Well, maybe, though there's reason for some skepticism about whether the "really significant statement" is true.
We know for certain that part of Trump's story is accurate: General Motors is closing its Gunsan plant in South Korea, ending the run of a facility that's been struggling for a while.
It's that other part that stands out, though. The American president may like the idea of an auto manufacturer moving production from Asia-Pacific to Michigan, but is that what GM actually "announced" yesterday?
Not exactly. The company's statement made no mention of Detroit or U.S. production. Reuters reported:
GM did not say that it plans to move production of vehicles to the United States from South Korea as part of its restructuring of operations there."The announcement is related to our need to restructure our business in South Korea. Depending on the outcome of those restructuring efforts there could be broad global implications but as we said yesterday we need the full engagement of all stakeholders with a sense of urgency," the automaker said in a statement after Trump's comments.The White House did not immediately provide clarification on whether Trump had been told by GM that vehicle production would be moved from South Korea to Detroit.
So, it's possible that the president is privy to information that hasn't yet been released to the public, but it's also possible that Trump saw the GM news, started adding details that he wanted to believe were true, and ended up making a major announcement about an imaginary development.
It's one of the downsides of having a president whose public remarks are so frequently at odds with reality: we don't know what to believe; we can't consider him a reliable source of information; and we're routinely confronted with independent information that points in a different direction, as was the case yesterday.
In the not-too-distant past, a sitting American president would feel quite a bit of embarrassment over getting something like this wrong, but in the Trump era, it's generally just known as "Tuesday."
Update: A GM spokesperson confirmed today that the company has no current plans to move any of the jobs or production from it Korea plant to Detroit.


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This morning we visited Interview magazine’s offices to test out its new iPad-ready issue before it hits stands. Consisting of 334 screens of images and text, which you can leaf through with the flick of a finger much like a paper magazine, the issue includes a spread of Ke$ha covered in dirt and, of course, glitter. But we were most excited to see the already storied Jersey Shore spread, shot by Terry Richardson. And it didn’t disappoint!
The Shore editorial opens with an image of our four favorite self-proclaimed guidos holding a giant sub sandwich while a bikini-clad Bar Refaeli takes a bite off the end. (All images on the iPad look great, by the way.) Clearly they’ve been hitting the gym, and their tans are spectacular, but what about laundry? The Situation, Vinny, Ronnie, and DJ Paulie D don’t seem to have a clean shirt between them, which leads us to wonder if either the fame has taken its toll on their GTL routine or they now deem themselves too good for shirts both in and outside the house.
By tapping an icon at the bottom of their iPad screen, readers can post any article to their Twitter or Facebook accounts. And in two months, Interview’s team hopes to enable a chat feature, which would allow readers to discuss “the Situation“‘s abs with other subscribers. The iPad version of the magazine also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot, complete with hair-sculpting, weight-lifting, fist-pumping, and, yes, spray-tanning.
We are no tech geeks, and even after all that, neat as it was, we still don’t feel compelled to save up for iPads of our own.


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Food tourism is not a joke. And food businesses that cater to the food tourist and the hungry local have been cropping up all over the place. The latest is Dishcrawl, which takes participants to four restaurants in one night, with chefs waiting on you tableside.
Described as a “culinary adventure,” the philosophy behind Dishcrawl is one that combines socializing with fellow food lovers and tasting the best dishes of neighborhood restaurants. Similar to a pub crawl, this guided tour will lead diners to four restaurants around East Bay, adding depth to their knowledge of some of Charleston’s better-known restaurants.
Dishcrawls have taken place in San Francisco, New York, Montreal, and other cities around the States. Alyssa Lepow, the Dishcrawl Ambassador for Charleston, felt bringing the event to the area was long overdue. “Charleston is a culinary hub,” she says. “There are so many great restaurants that are all close in walking distance.”
Lepow wouldn’t reveal the names of the restaurants just yet, but she assures us that the $39 price tag will be well worth it. Usually at Dishcrawls in other cities, chefs will prepare a trio of small, 2-3 oz. dishes that showcase the restaurant’s favorites. That way, Dishcrawlers can try an array of dishes at each restaurant and walk away with a sense of the host’s signature plates. “We want to make the event community oriented,” says Lepow. “The chefs will tell the story behind the dish, not just present the food.” Lepow also has plans to appearances by the restaurant owners, who will share the restaurants’ stories.
Drinks are not included in the ticket price and will be for sale (cash only). Be sure to buy your ticket soon, as the number of participants is limited to 40. The event takes place on Nov. 14. Visit dishcrawl.com/chas for more information or to purchase a ticket. You can also follow the event on Twitter (@DishcrawlChas) where Lepow will give hints about the Dishcrawl’s stops over then next couple weeks.


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The company has now raised over $106 million in venture fundingRead more...
True Ventures, Citi and Qualcomm invest in the Series B
(Updated to reflect comment from Streetline)
I don't drive, but I spend plenty of time in cars, especially now that I am living in California. And, as we all know, parking can be a nightmare. You can wind up driving around for 30 minutes sometimes looking for a place to rest your car, and then the only one you can find is, like, a mile away from where you need to be.
Parking platform Streetline, a mobile app that lets you locate a nearby open parking space by facility type, payment options, and more, takes care of that problem. And it announced Thursday that it has raised $25 million in Series C financing.
The round was led by True Ventures, and new investors Citi and Qualcomm Incorporated, acting through its venture investment group, Qualcomm Ventures. Sutter Hill Ventures, RockPort Capital Partners, and Fontinalis Partners also participated the round. The round augments a $25 million credit facility that Streetline recently secured from Citi.
The company previously raised a $15 million Series B round in June 2011, bringing the total amount raised to $40 million.
Kelly Schwager, Chief Marketing Officer at Streetline, says that the company will use the money to expand channels for distribution of parking data, as well as expand further into Europe after launching in Germany and the United Kingdom in 2012.
The way Streetline works is that it provides sensors, which are installed in parking spaces. Users then use the Parker app to find an open parking space. The app includes a map with with the number of open spaces available on different blocks. The app is currently available for smartphones, tablets and personal computers. Streetline says that it will also soon be available in-car navigation systems, "as well as other applications geared toward city planners and parking facility operators." In addition to real-time data, Streetline also integrates garage data for over 23,000 locations.
Over the last year, Foster City, California-based Streetline has expanded its real-time smart parking solutions to more than 30 cities and universities. It debuted its first two European deployments in Braunschweig, Germany and Birmingham, U.K. It is availab le across the United States, in states such as California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
"Streetline is harnessing the power of the 'Internet of Things' to tackle one of the great unsolved urban problems: parking," Zia Yusuf , president and CEO of Streetline, said in a statement.
"With more than 30 deployments in both the U.S. and Europe, we've moved beyond smart parking as a concept to smart parking as a reality. This investment is a validation of Streetline's achievements to date and represents a considerable endorsement of our future growth potential globally. We are delighted to welcome our new investors True Ventures, Citi, and Qualcomm and the continued support of Sutter Hill, RockPort Capital and Fontinalis."
"We're trying to solve the world's parking woes, one space at a time," Schwager said. "The beauty of parking is that it is typically the number 2 or 3 highest revenue source for a city so investing in this technology has a real ROI. Once the mesh network is in place, other "sensing" devices can easily be added to the network — for example, water pressure sensors, pollution sensors, light sensors."
While Streetline would not disclose its revenue, it says that it makes money by selling the technology in a SaaS model. It charges a recurring monthly fee that includes the sensors, the network, all of the apps, the analytics, the maintenance. It also makes money on transactions, such as if a consumer makes a parking reservation or pays for metered parking via the mobile app.
Why invest in Streetline?
Streetline put itself in a startup category that calls itself "The Internet of Things."
These are startups which are focused on the industrial aspects of the Internet, and based on networks of wireless, easily deployed sensors that transmit data back and forth to enable new insights and suggestive actions. These are "things" we use in everyday life, in this case parking spaces, that are now made to be more convenient through this technology.
GE chief economist Marco Annunziata says this new category has the potential to become a $15 trillion industry, and True Ventures sites it as a reason that it decided to invest in Streetline.
"There are so many 'things' within our cities that have the potential of providing extremely valuable data – including parking spots," Puneet Agarwal , general partner of True Ventures, said in a statement.
"The "Internet of Things" is on the cusp of tremendous growth, and we believe Streetline has cracked the code on making smart parking technology both reliable and cost-effective to deploy. We have invested in several innovative companies within this space, including Fitbit and 3D Robotics, and we're pleased to further expand our commitment to the Internet of Things by welcoming Streetline to the True portfolio."
Of course, there is also the amount of money to be made in the parking industry, which is $25 billion in the United States alone, according to Quinn Li, vice president of Qualcomm Ventures.
"Qualcomm's investment in Streetline is based on the overall market opportunity, the company's solid and diversified business model, and its smart strategy for growth. We look for companies that can be the leader in their market, and we see that in Streetline," Li said in a statement.
Of course, Streetline is not the only app out there designed to help people find parking spaces.
"There are thousands of "parking apps" in the app store today. Some are using our data – others claim to have real time parking data but what they really have is a directory of parking locations," Schwager says. "There are also various sensor companies but many are focused on other types of sensing…traffic, for example. What we're trying to do is focus in on that last piece of the equation…where is the nearest parking and is it available? And, our goal is to publish this information everywhere we can."
For example, there is QuickPay, which allows parking garages to denote how many open spots they have open so that drivers that may not know where all the garages in the city are can look up all the spots open at that moment. The app also lets users pay digitally. In August, the company announced that it hired a new CEO and that it raised $3.5 million seed round of funding.
But what sets Streetline apart is real-time service.
"We started with the hardest piece of the equation – developing sensors to detect the arrival and departure of a car. We believe we have the most robust solution available and with more than 30 customers have demonstrated that Smart Parking isn't just a vision…it's here," Schwager says.
Another app that used Streetline's real time data is ParkMe, a personal parking assistant that uses technological solutions to improve parking in urban environments. It provides parking data, including hours of operation, rates, entrance points, payment types, in the top 300 U.S., 200 European and 50 Canadian cities. ParkMe's also provides "real-time" on-street data.
(Image source: https://www.streetline.com)
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ParkMe is a personal parking assistant that uses technological solutions to improve parking in urban environments. With an estimated 30% of traffic due to people searching the block for a space, the app gives driver vital information and reduces their carbon emission output. With ParkMe's comprehensive parking data (hours of operation, rates, entrance points, payment types) in the top 300 US cities, 200 European and 50 Canadian, no driver will ever be left in the dark again. Additionally, ParkMe's "real-time" on-street data has recently been deployed in Austin, TX, with many more cities to be added in the coming months.
ParkMe was founded by Sam Friedman and Alex Israel, who founded the company because they were frustrated with how difficult it was to find parking spots.


text: Such guidelines have existed since 1980, with revisions made every five years, and are aimed at advising the public on how to follow a healthy, balanced diet. They also indicate to manufacturers the areas to approach to boost the healthy profile of their products in line with consumer awareness. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services are now inviting nominations from industry experts for the committee, which will be responsible for establishing the 2010 dietary guidelines. The announcement on the Federal Register says the committee is "necessary and in the public interest" and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act 5, which requires regular updates for the guidelines. Reasons for updated guidelines The announcement says: "The committee will evaluate whether a revision of the 2005 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is warranted, based on a thorough evaluation of the most current scientific and applied literature and, if so, will proceed to develop." As new studies find new benefits and dangers posed by different food and drink ingredients, it follows that guidelines will also evolve. Within its plans to set up a new committee, the two governmental departments say they are seeking expertise in specialty medical areas including the prevention of chronic diseases (such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease), epidemiology, nutrition biochemistry and physiology. This indicates the wide range of effects food and drink can have on health, and the focus of scientific developments. Additionally, the agencies call for a specific knowledge of obesity, as the number of overweight and obese people in America is on the increase. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, two-thirds of US adults were either overweight or obese between 2003-2004, compared with 47 percent between 1976 and 1980. Food safety and technology is also an area of consideration when forming the new committee, and this is a topic that has been brought to consumers' attention recently following scares in the US, such as contaminated goods from China and well-publicized food recalls. Any developments will affect food manufacturers as if consumers hear a consistent message about what they should and should not eat; it follows that they will be more likely to select products that are in line with this. Efficiency of the guidelines The Dietary Assessment of Major Trends in US Food Consumption report by the USDA found that Americans are failing to meet the Federal dietary recommendations. A study, published in the January 22 online edition of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York, raised questions on the benefits of dietary guidelines, and suggested guideline writers should be directed by explicit standards of evidence to ensure the public good. Paul Marantz, associate dean for clinical research education at Einstein, said: "The message delivered by these guidelines might actually have had a negative impact on health, including our current obesity epidemic. The possibility that these dietary guidelines might actually be endangering health is at the core of our concern about the way guidelines are currently developed and issued." The research team led by Marantz said it was vital to ensure that mistakes made in the past are not repeated when the 2010 guidelines are established. "In 2000, the Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee suggested that the recommendation to lower fat, advised in the 1995 guidelines, had perhaps been ill-advised and might actually have some potential harm," the study noted. "The committee noted concern that the previous priority given to a 'low-fat intake' may lead people to believe that, as long as fat intake is low, the diet will be entirely healthful. This belief could engender an overconsumption of total calories in the form of carbohydrates, resulting in the adverse metabolic consequences of high-carbohydrate diets." The reseachers also said "an increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States has corresponded roughly with an absolute increase in carbohydrate consumption". Although researchers for the Einstein study were careful not to make direct links between poorly worded dietary guidelines and the increase in food-related diseases, Marantz and his colleagues said it nonetheless "raises the possibility of a net harmful effect of seemingly innocuous dietary advice".


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Microsoft is shoring up its optimized Xbox Series X|S content with the addition of “The Medium” to Xbox Game Pass this month. The upcoming psychological horror game was originally scheduled for release in Dec. 10 but was delayed until Jan. 28 because of several reasons.
As the title inches closer to launch, Bloober Team has revealed more details about the game, including its notable dual world motif. The main character, Marianna, can move between the material and spirit world at the same time. The project looks like it has more of a “Silent Hill” vibe rather than a “Resident Evil” one.
The latest update for the game is a a live-action trailer that was worked on by Paweł Maślona and Academy Award-nominee Tomasz Bagiński.
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“’The Medium’ is our biggest and most ambitious project to date,” said Piotr Babieno, CEO of Bloober Team in news release. “When we thought who could write a live action trailer for the game, Tomasz Bagiński quickly became the most natural choice. After all, his Oscar-nominated ‘The Cathedral’ was also inspired by the art of Zdzisław Beksiński, just like the spirit world in our game. I’m personally very happy that we could create something together.”


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Cristiano Ronaldo “Shapes up” and “Faces Up” with Pao
Japanese brand Pao launched a set of new healthcare products for men a few weeks ago. Cristiano Ronaldo was chosen to be the face of Pao in Japan and the brand recently released a new TVC where the Portuguese star presents one of the latest products from Pao Facial Fitness.
Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled as the ambassador of the brand a few weeks ago during a trip he took to Japan, where we have also seen Neymar Jr. recently attending an event for a mattresses company. It was not until last month though, that the brand launched their latest TV advert featuring the player.


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Swedish scientists crack massless power storage
In our minds, batteries are often perceived as throwaway items which are distinctly separated from the machines and devices we use. That could be about to change.
A major breakthrough by Swedish researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology suggests that batteries of the future could be transformed from something disposable and separate to structural batteries instead. In effect, the power source for a new generation of EVs, for example, could be built into the very fabric of the car.
This would unlock a new field of technology known as massless energy storage. By adjusting a vehicle to make the battery part of the load-bearing structure itself, the battery becomes effectively massless, greatly reducing the weight of the vehicle overall.
A pressing issue
Battery technology, especially for EVs, was previously constrained by weight. EV batteries are constructed from dense materials, and this can pose a serious problem for vehicles. If the battery is too heavy or too dense, the car risks being rendered less efficient, with the battery acting as a drag on its performance.
The likes of the Tesla S Model from 2015 carry a battery weighing 540kg. By contrast, researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology intend to use structural massless batteries made from conductive carbon fibres. These fibres are woven into the car’s infrastructure, serving as an electrode, conductor and material capable of carrying out load-bearing.
If you look at consumer technology, it could be quite possible within a few years to manufacture smartphones, laptops or electric bicycles that weigh half as much as today and are much more compact. We are really only limited by our imaginations here– Professor Leif Asp, Department of Industrial and Materials Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology
What this gives us is the potential for EVs which are far lighter than predecessors. Participants involved in this research have been working painstakingly over more than a decade, trying to find suitable carbon fibre materials which have the qualities needed for a workable massless battery.
More streamlined batteries
Researchers revealed last month that the structural massless battery would have an energy density of 24 Wh/kg. While this is equivalent to 20 per cent of the capacity found in conventional lithium-ion batteries, the reduced weight of the vehicle would mean it requires less energy to move it. Lower energy density also reportedly means increased safety, according to the researchers involved.
The Swedish National Space Agency is showing interest in the concept of structural batteries, helping finance a project to enhance research even further. Leif Asp, who heads up the project, believes it could result in a structural battery with an ultimate energy density of 75 Wh/kg, plus a stiffness of 75 GPa. Such stiffness would make this massless battery as strong as aluminium, but far lighter.
Lighter structural battery technology could have a wide range of practical uses, resulting in more efficient EVs, smartphones, laptops and electric bikes. The point is simple – this new way of powering technology could revolutionise the way we work and travel for years to come.
Feature photo credit: Marcus Folino, Chalmers University of Technology


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Two mind-blowing middleweights and a few gorgeous Italian and Japanese motorcycles make it to this list
The auto industry is going through a sales slump, but thankfully, that hasn’t deprived us of the #ThrillofRiding. So, here’s a compilation of the exciting machines that we’ve ridden in October 2019 alongside all the important happenings from the motorcycling world.
The baby Kwacker was recently unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show and is powered by a liquid-cooled, 249cc, inline-four motor. Kawasaki has decided to make its quarter litre bike stand out by offering premium kit like traction control, quickshifter and keyless ignition in addition to ABS and riding modes. Read more about the Ninja ZX-25R here.
Yes, the Japanese superbike manufacturer earns two spots in our top five list. But we just can’t ignore how tempting this Z H2 looks. It’s the latest supercharged motorcycle from Kawasaki after the H2 and the H2 SX. Its 998cc, four-cylinder supercharged engine produces 194.3bhp and 137Nm of torque.
Ducati showcased a slew of motorcycles at the world premiere and we were most excited for the Streetfighter V4, which gets all the goodies of the Panigale V4 minus the fairing. The MY20 Panigale V4 too broke cover alongside the Panigale V2, Multistrada 1260
S Grand Tour, Scrambler Icon Dark and the MIG-RR e-bike.
Triumph has thrown some upgrades onto the Street Triple RS making it Euro 5 compliant and more irresistible than ever before. Thanks to the new exhaust cam and intake duct, it still makes 121bhp but the torque is up by 2Nm at 79Nm with a 9 per cent boost in the mid-range.
This one’s so good that it features on the cover of the November issue of the Fast Bikes India Magazine. With its terrific acceleration, superb handling and a plethora of electronic rider-aids, the 790 Duke has everything needed to unsettle its rivals. According to one of our principal correspondents, the Austrian is now the ‘baap’ of all naked middleweights.


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Federal officials issued a caveat emptor today in their indictment of a downtown vendor charged with selling fake handbags and other accessories: some of those cheap knockoff goods could contain poisonous lead.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement announced today that Leticia Nunez, 38, was charged following her arrest yesterday for allegedly trafficking in counterfeit goods. Nunez, who operated two booths downtown, faces two counts on that charge and could get up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Federal agents said they worked alongside LAPD detectives in searching Nunez’s businesses, including a Los Angeles storage facility she rents. What they found probably surprises no one: fake Tiffany jewelry, fake Chanel handbags, fake Dior, fake Bvlgari, fake Juicy Couture, etc. According to special agents, “the seized items represent an estimated loss in revenue to the legitimate trademark holders of more than $130,000.”
Claude Arnold, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles, stated that “the sale of product knockoffs is not a victimless crime” -- the victims being billion-dollar fashion industry leaders. And he implicated the people buying it: “Retailers and vendors who deal in counterfeit goods are selling stolen property, and consumers who knowingly buy those products are essentially an accessory to the crime. Product counterfeiting undermines the U.S. economy, robs Americans of jobs, stifles American innovation and promotes other types of crime.”
Most people already knew that the stuff being sold downtown is fake designer. But federal officials buried the lead in noting that a previous bust in Orange County led to the seizure of “handbags, watches, clothing and jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks for designer brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Fendi, Rolex, Prada and Burberry. Subsequent testing revealed some of the seized jewelry contained hazardous levels of lead. Investigators say had the items been genuine, they would have had a retail value of more than $400,000.”
Even when people are exposed to dangerous lead poisoning, the real victims remain the major retailers.


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Caseking and Overclockers UK executive director sales Steve Ling talks to PCR about the company and what it’s presenting at PCR Boot Camp 2014.
What do you see being the biggest challenge facing PC retailers at the moment?
We pride ourselves on service. Our staff are all experts and work hard to give customers the best advice possible. The challenge for retailers is to provide the services customers want, while being price competitive with faceless box shifters.
In your opinion, what’s the most important thing for retailers and resellers to bear in mind when dealing with customers?
Understanding what customers want is crucial. That’s different from what they ask for. Real experts will simply give you a shopping list and you fulfil it, but 90 per cent of customers are also looking for specialist advice.
What gadget can’t you live without?
Smartphones allow you to take your office with you, around the world. It’s hard to imagine life without it.
What do you think will be the next big thing in tech?
Wearable Tech looks big, but there will be a lot of resistance at the start. Ten years from now, we’ll think it’s perfectly normal to walk around ‘augmented’.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about the channel?
More opportunities for networking – like the old days! We all work in our own separate worlds these days, with so much pressure to perform, the industry is missing key events where everyone can get together and share information and stories. That’s why PC Retail Boot Camp is such a great idea.
What is your proudest moment as a company?
Establishing ourselves as a true pan-European distributor. There are markets when size isn’t everything, but distribution isn’t one of them. We know what enthusiasts want – and now we can offer that kit across the whole region.
What products and services will you be promoting at Boot Camp this year?
All of the new stuff from our key brands really. New cases from BitFenix, Lian Li, NZXT and Silverstone
We’ll also have some great power supplies from Super Flower – which you’re going to hear a lot about in the next year. Lastly, the great new coolers from companies like Raijintek and Prolimatech
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
We carry exclusive brands – that cannot be found elsewhere – and we have enough knowledge in the consumer-facing parts of the organisation to ensure customer satisfaction.
What are you most looking forward to at PCR Boot Camp?
Networking, meeting our customers and hearing about the success stories in the industry. Things are so much better than they were in 2008, we need to appreciate that there are good years ahead and spread that positivity.
More information on Boot Camp
Caseking has signed up as a Gold Partner for PCR Boot Camp 2014. The expo and conference event, held at the Brewery in London on Wednesday May 21st, is free to attend for retailers and resellers – to secure your place register here today.


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GM strike could drag into July negotiations resume but little progress is seen
By Jeffry Bartash, CBS MarketWatch Last update: 6/16/98 8:00:00 PM
WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- Negotiations resumed Tuesday between striking auto workers and General Motors, but with little progress thus far, speculation is growing that the standoff will last into July.
If an agreement isn't reached by Wednesday, industry analysts say, the strike almost certainly will remain unsettled for several more weeks. That's because GM (GM) GM, +0.22% is slated to close its plants for the annual summer retooling starting at the end of next week. Moreover, top union officials are heading to Las Vegas next week and may not be available to negotiate with their GM counterparts.
Estimates vary, but analysts project that GM is losing as much as $40 million to $50 million a day, a figure that will rise as more plants are shuttered. More important, the strike could delay the introduction of the auto makers' all-new pickup truck, expected to be a big money maker.
GM stock, meanwhile, is off 7/8 to 67 1/2 at midday. The stock traded slightly above $75 a share before the strike began.
Eleven days into the strike, which started at metal-stamping plant in Flint, Mich. and later spread to another Flint parts factory, neither side seems ready to give in. On Monday, talks broke off after local United Auto Workers officials accused company negotiators of insulting them, a charge GM denied.
Auto industry analysts say the Flint stamping plant is far less productive compared to GM's competitors and that the company has to win concessions from workers on improving efficiency, The workers, for their part, fear that GM wants to reduce jobs at the plant or even close it.
The strike at the Flint plants, which make key parts for most of GM's vehicles, has forced other plants in North America to shut down. As of Monday, GM has idled more than 40 parts and auto-assembly plants and more than 63,000 employees.


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Tech Hangover: Beware of Coronavirus
We’re all doomed.
We get it, you have a life. There’s no way you can read all of the day’s news in one single shot, let alone visit every web page, which is why we’re here to help. Well, sort of.
There’s a ton of tech news we weren’t able to cover throughout the day (hey, give us a break, we’re a small independent outfit), so to help you stay up to speed with everything we didn’t get to, we rounded up some of the biggest stories, which should help you keep up to date. Hence the tech hangover.
Here’s some tech news you probably missed out on today (and when we say you, we mean us, but also…you).
We’re all going to die.
Google is temporarily shutting down all of its China offices due to the coronavirus outbreak, the company confirmed to The Verge on Wednesday. The shutdown includes all offices in mainland China, as well as Google’s offices in Hong Kong and Taiwan. – The Verge
Honestly, who doesn’t these days?
In November 2019, Russian parliament passed what’s become known as the “law against Apple.” The legislation will require all smartphone devices to preload a host of applications that may provide the Russian government with a glut of information about its citizens, including their location, finances, and private communications. – Fast Company
The Google security team has indefinitely suspended the publishing or updating of any commercial Chrome extensions on the official Chrome Web Store following a spike in the number of paid extensions engaging in fraudulent transactions. – ZDNet
Technically, this headline is incorrect so is the type of thing she’s targeting?
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday released a plan to fight disinformation and to hold tech companies accountable for their actions in light of the 2016 election. –CNBC
And in just case you missed some of our stuff earlier, here’s what you may have missed:
- PSA: Ring’s Android app is secretly sending your data to Facebook, Google, and more
- Here are your free PlayStation Plus games for February 2020
- Amazon is blowing out AirPods for just $129
- Here are your free Xbox Games with Gold for February 2020
- Apparently, Facebook’s “clear history” tool is a big fucking sham
- Snag a 3rd generation Echo Dot for just
- Google is working on another messaging app they’ll probably kill off in a couple of years
- These high-quality wireless earbuds are down to just right now (usually 0)
- Amazon has a bunch of PC gaming accessories up for grabs in a huge one-day sale
- Apple reports record first-quarter earnings, making bank off your love for iThings
- File conversions: How to convert a PDF to an online fillable form
- While I shiver with anticipation for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I am worried about one thing
- DoubleTake is an iPhone app that lets you record from two cameras at once
- Facebook has finally released a tool to let you wipe the data companies are sharing about you
- Amazon has a ton of monitors insanely discounted in a massive one-day sale
Why the UK is banning default passwords in IoT devices