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September 26, 2013 at 9:46 AM
By James Glover
Once a Day Marketing
James Glover, That Branding Guy, provides the inspiration and ideas for you to build more mindshare and capture marketshare with your customers in his Once a Day Marketing blog. Tune in often to his short, entertaining and practical marketing and branding tips and watch your organization become more successful and profitable.
Hello, I’m Jim Glover, That Branding Guy for Once a Day Marketing™. Today is Recon Thursday and we are discussing brand stature and how a brand that was a household name for years is making a comeback.
You may recall that last year Hostess, maker of such treats as Twinkies, Ding Dongs and the iconic Wonder Bread, went out of business. At the time there was an outpouring of public sentiment and a rush to snap up the inventory that remained on store shelves.
According to a recent Associated Press article, Flowers Foods, Inc. purchased five breads brands from Hostess for the sum of $355 million, surely hoping to tap into the nostalgia for the Wonder Bread brand. The familiar bread along with the three others, returned to store shelves this week.
Flowers’ strategy is likely to prove to be a good one. Re-launching the brand which stirred customer emotions and captured hearts may be able to lure consumers back to a brand that clearly had excellent name recognition and a large percentage of mindshare.
Brands such as Wonder Bread and Twinkies are so much a part of our culture that they retain their value and mindshare. Other companies are willing to invest in purchasing them to leverage their mindshare and, as result, iconic brands are slow to fade away.
Once a Day Marketing™ positions brands to become #1 in the minds of target customers. Visit our website at www.onceadaymarketing.com. Contact James Glover at (505) 501-1330 or email email@example.com. Listen to Ask Those Branding Guys™ every Monday at noon (MDT) streaming live on SantaFe.com KVSF 101.5 FM.
© 2013 Once a Day Marketing™. All rights reserved.


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Currently state-owned operator MTC dominates in Namibia, a country of 2 million people.
Regulations passed in March made it compulsory for bloggers and owners of other online forums such as YouTube channels to register with the government and pay up to $900 for a licence. Per capita inco
Last week, legislators passed the Excise Duty Amendment Bill, which introduced a one per cent tax and varying taxes on other electronic transactions such as airtime and social media networks like Twit
Other East African countries have passed laws that activists complain curtail free expression.
Youtube has 1.3 billion users who regularly watch video and there are assertions that it might topple the streaming music industry leader, Spotify
In Kinshasa, banks are very cautious and demanding before lending money to start-ups. Founder of a music streaming app, Baziks faced this. He hopes to get support so that his company can continue to p
Tanzanian bloggers and rights activists won a temporary court injunction on Friday against a government order to register their online platforms that raised concern about a crackdown on free speech.
A great deal of progress has been made over the past 20 years in reducing malaria cases and deaths. In 2016, the number of malaria cases was on the rise and in some areas there was a resurgence, the f
Mechanics in the Republic of Congo are learning more on electric vehicles that are gradually taking over our roads.

domain: news


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Party City, a deep discount retailer that specializes in party merchandise, is opening its fifth area store on Saturday.
The company has signed a lease to occupy 14,000 square feet in the Eastgate Plaza on Transit Road in Clarence.
"This is an exciting new neighborhood for us," says John Gaffney, owner of 11 Party City stores in upstate New York and Erie, Pa.
The store will be neighbored by a Wal-Mart on one side and a Dick's Sporting Goods on its other side.
"Party City is a great fit," Gaffney says.
Party City has other stores in Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Blasdell.


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After Several Alterations, Singer Looks SharpBy
Remember the once-ubiquitous Singer sewing machine? True, it's no longer among the nation's hottest products. But overseas, particularly in East Asia and Latin America, sewing machines are selling like hot cakes. And Singer has reemerged as a new company whose stock has zipped up from 14 1/2 to 20 since its Aug. 2 initial public offering.
For investors "looking to participate in the rapidly expanding markets abroad, especially in the so-called emerging countries, Singer is the stock to own," says Chris Helton, a portfolio manager and director of equity research at Security Pacific. He notes that Singer is again thriving as a sewing-machine maker as well as a worldwide distributor of consumer-electronic appliances. The bulk of its sales and earnings come from overseas.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Singer deemphasized sewing machines in favor of aerospace and computers (prior to the company's takeover by Paul Bilzerian). The sewing-machine operation was spun off in 1986 and renamed SSMC. In 1989, Semi-Tech (Global), a Hong Kong company headed by James Ting, acquired SSMC. As new chairman and CEO, Ting reinstated the Singer name and took the company public last year.
Now listed on the Big Board, Singer is "very attractive as an earnings-driven company," says Helton, "and we think its undervalued stock will double over the next 12 to 18 months."
`POWERFUL NAME.' Another Singer bull is Merrill Lynch, which managed the company's recent stock offering. Merrill analyst Jonathan Goldfarb says Singer is putting to good use "its powerful brand name and global-distribution system, which has been revitalized in recent years." With 35,000 outlets around the world, Singer sells other consumer appliances, such as cassette players and VCRs, using the Singer label. The company has attractive contracts with such original-equipment suppliers as Sony, Philips, and Matsushita Electric Industrial.
Singer is trying to resuscitate sales in North America, which contribute less than 15% of total sales. Earnings at Singer have risen to $22 million in 1991 from $13 million in 1989, thanks in part to such big U.S. customers as Wal-Mart Stores and House of Fabrics.
So, in spite of the recession, Singer's earnings and return on equity "have improved impressively," says Goldfarb. Last year, earnings jumped to $1.36 a share from 1990's $1.02, and Goldfarb expects net to hit $1.55 a share this year and then rise 10% to 15% in 1993. Also impressive, he notes, is Singer's modest long-term debt of $24 million.
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- Ready-to-eat food delivery firm HelloFresh provides its services in 14 countries including the US, UK and Australia, on a subscription basis.
- The German company has already raised guidance four times in 2020 on the back of robust performances witnessed during the pandemic and beyond.
- Though HelloFresh is facing competition from its local rivals, the company said their subscription base rose during pandemic.
HelloFresh SE (XETRA: HFGG), a German meal-kit delivery firm, is seeing higher demand as the pandemic-hit consumers are desperate to add some jazz to their home-cooked meals amid strict lockdown.
Ready-to-cook food delivery service HelloFresh promotes itself as a “curated box” for food. The firm delivers a complete box with instructions for each recipe that are easy to follow. The subscribers can choose the ingredients as per their choice. The package comes with not just the fresh, pre-portioned ingredients but also nutritional information for healthy meals.
With HelloFresh, users get a chance to be a gourmet chef and that too at their home. With the meal-kit delivery, consumers are saving up on the energy on shopping for the ingredients to prepare the meal, making life a bit easier. The comfortable process in selecting the meal and payment is changing the lifestyle of busy Australians.
Healthy and fresh meals at your doorstep
HelloFresh recipes take about 30 minutes to cook a fresh and delicious dinner. Be it steak, fish or vegetable salads, versatile and straightforward recipes will not just help with hunger but also provide the much-needed nutrition.
Most recipes take time with preparation routines like cutting veggies, marinating the meat and then some more time is spent on cooking. With HelloFresh, the customers can cook stress-free dinner with little setup and cleaning afterwards. The classic box provides three nights of dinner for two people each week. HelloFresh also has a subscription box for four people, a family box and a veggie box.
Iamge Source: © Kalkine Group
Trillion-dollar industry globally
The read-to-cook meal firm has already raised guidance four times in 2020. The company said that consumers are now dining more at home because of the lockdown restrictions on restaurants. The company has its primary market in the US, where the firm is serving hungry, health-conscious customers with convenient food.
In its latest guidance released on 16 October, the company has increased its FY20 revenue growth guidance to between 95% and 105% on a constant currency for the HelloFresh Group. Previously, the revenue growth guidance was between 75% and 95%. The company increased the guidance on the back of robust performance in Q3 2020, which continued in Q4 2020.
The revenues for 2019 stood at €1.8 billion. HelloFresh provided 280 million meals in 2019 and had approximately four million active subscriptions in both the first and second quarter. HelloFresh operates in 14 countries such as the US, UK, Germany and Australia with around 7000 employees in these countries.
HelloFresh’s shares soared all-time high of €55.20 after it released its latest guidance report. The industry experts believe that it could go higher and expect the share price in the range of €63 -€65.
HelloFresh gained praise from the analyst as they believe the company’s revenue would double in 2020, and there is a massive growth paved ahead. Few analysts believe that HelloFresh shares trade at the discount rate because the company has a higher churn number. The HelloFresh customers use the subscription for a week or so and then discontinue, only to return after a while.
Facing competition in Australia from Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon AG (ASX:MMM), a meal kit delivery service, features legendary chef Martha Stewart’s award-winning recipes and smart cooking techniques. The company recently teamed up with culinary icon Maggie Beer.
Marley Spoon is witnessing its sales rising amid the coronavirus pandemic. Marley Spoon said on the rising customer base that its order frequency and average order sizes reduced substantially at the beginning of the health crisis. Slowly, it gained momentum and remained at pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.
Way forward for HelloFresh
HelloFresh chief executive Dominik Richter said that before the coronavirus pandemic, its consumers were cooking about 50 per cent meals at their home. The numbers started to rise with pandemic forcing people to stay home.
The company is improving its product and assortment to meet the consumer expectations and provide the exact meals its customers are looking forward to cooking and eating daily.


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- Apple finally unveils the new iPad Air Read more »
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PlayStation Vita 1.61 adds Maps app, video recording, and other updates
PlayStation Vita has a round new update for the portable console. Sony PS Vita team release a System Software Update (v1.61) available for download. If your a first timer,1) once you turn ON your PS Vita it will show an update screen to process the latest version update. 2) try select “System Update” under the “Settings” menu and download the firmware directly to your PS Vita over Wi-Fi. 3) try this connect your PS Vita to a PS3 or a PC/Mac and update via Content Manager.Read the rest of the article »
Sony gives a first taste of PS Vita experience with GameStop PS Vita Demo Kiosks.
If you’ve been dying to get your hands on Sony’s latest portable device and live within the United States, then you’re in luck because Sony has rolled out demo units of its much awaited gadget, the PlayStation Vita.
On Friday, February 3, over 3,300 GameStop stores all over the U.S were equipped with PlayStation Vita units and have set up demo kiosks to give anxious fans their first hands-on PS Vita gaming experience. Sony has also made it more exciting by throwing in a little extra and included some of its much awaited PS Vita titles like UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss(TM) and wipEout(R) 2048, to name a few.Read the rest of the article »
The much-anticipated PlayStation Vita game console hits stores in Japan this coming Saturday.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. President Andrew House mentioned to the press at the pre-launch last Thursday that orders have been overwhelming even though its release has already missed the holiday season shopping rush.
On the other hand, PS Vita will land in North America and Europe on February 22, 2012.Read the rest of the article »
Konami just unleashed a video footage of its Metal Gear Solid 2/3 and Peace Walker at the TGS 2011 today.
At today’s TGS 2011 conference, Konami gave a refresher on what’s set to be released this year.
Headlining the show was Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 HD, along with Peace Walker. Konami also announced that a “premium package” will roll out in the streets of the Japan. The firm also shared a new footage of Metal Gear Solid 2/3 and Peace Walker during the conference.
Konami also announced that the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will hit the PS3 and Xbox 360 this November, with plans of releasing a version for PlayStation Vita sometime next year.
Hit the break to see one of the Metal Gear Solid video footage.Read the rest of the article »
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan just wrapped up its pre-TGS 2011 presser this afternoon. The company spent the time discussing most of the PlayStation Vita details.
Following Nintendo’s pre-Tokyo Game Show press event in Japan yesterday, Sony also hosted their own conference today — highlighting the official details for its upcoming handheld device, the PlayStation Portable Vita. The core speaker throughout the entire event was the president of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Hiroshi Kawano, and it was he who spilled the biggest revelations to the public.
Like Nintendo’s presser, Sony also focused on its handheld console. The media and other attendants of the event were finally given a launching date for the Vita, along with its pricing, data plans, and other additional info. Interestingly, there are also a lot of developers who came to show off the features and upcoming games for the anticipated PlayStation Vita.
Learn more by hitting the break.Read the rest of the article »
Sony's PlayStation Vita is scheduled to roll out in Japan, along with several games on December 17, 2011.
Sony has finally announced a launch date for their newest handheld, the PlayStation Vita. The handheld console is set to arrive on December 17 for customers in Japan. Regardless of Sony’s recent move to cut down the PS3 price to $249 ahead of 2011’s holiday sales, the firm has maintained its original promise to offer the Vita Wi-Fi variant for $324 while the 3G model goes for $390.
The PlayStation Vita will be sold along with 29 different games when it ships in Japan. The upcoming titles include Fish On, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Katamari,F1 2011 and WipeOut among others.
Sony will start taking Vita preorders in Japan on October 15. US customers may be disappointed to find that Sony has yet to provide a time-frame for bringing the device to international markets.View Article Source »
Sony and AT&T made an exclusive partnership to unveil the Xperia Play 4G!
Just a few months after Sony’s Xperia Play hit the market, the company and AT&T announced an exclusive partnership to release the newest version of the phone — the Xperia Play 4G. AT&T offers the 4G-capable handset in an exclusive stealth blue color, together with bonus accessories like Sony Ericsson Multimedia Dock DK300 and MC100 music cable. Moreover, the Sony Xperia Play 4G is pre-loaded with seven games at no additional costs.
Learn more about the Xperia Play 4G by hitting the break.Read the rest of the article »
Sony has revealed the final specifications for the upcoming PlayStation Vita.
Finally, the long wait is over! Sony just unveiled the official specifications for its upcoming PlayStation Portable Vita. As confirmed by the manufacturer, the handheld gaming device will be carrying a 512MB of RAM, and not 256MB RAM as rumored.
It was last month when Novarama’s CEO, Dani Sánchez-Crespo, hinted about the RAM capacity of the anticipated PSP successor. “Remember the PSP had 32MB of RAM, we have about ten times that now,” he stated. If you were to do the math, his statement would rather mean that the Vita might be able to support a memory of more than 256 RAM.Read the rest of the article »
Sony is collecting a consensus between fans on what PlayStation Vita peripheral would they like to see. Would this bring a UMD converter in the market soon?
Sony polls their fans on what PlayStation Vita peripherals would they like to see at its Japanese community site. It is obvious that the firm is using their time well, now that the PS Vita will be rolling out in Japan this year, followed by US and Europe early next year. And though the community site is written in Japanese characters, browsing through the pages will tell you that a UMD converter is on top of the wish list. Other peripherals mentioned were cradle with HDMI out, full keyboard attachment, and secondary battery.
It is not surprising that a UMD converter becomes a top request, since there are still UMD-only PSP titles like Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. Hopefully, this move from Sony could be an indication that a peripheral as such would be considered.View Article Source »
Sony's PlayStation Vita will miss out the holiday shopping frenzy in US and Europe.
Finally, the timeline for the PlayStation Vita’s release date has been set. But if you’re living in US and Europe, perhaps you won’t like this announcement made by Sony.
Kazuo Hirai, Sony Corp. Executive Vice President, confirmed that the upcoming PSP successor will still hit the markets of Japan by the end of 2011, but won’t be available in U.S. and Europe until next year. Kazuo Hirai pointed out that this issue was not considered to be a “delay”. They just wanted to make sure that the system has been equipped with a wide array of HD titles the moment it launches.Read the rest of the article »
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Raises Full Year 2021 Adjusted EPS Guidance
FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FLT), a leading global business payments company, today completed the acquisition of Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX), an international cross-border payments provider. By acquiring AFEX, FLEETCOR® builds upon its corporate payments line of business and strengthens its position as one of the largest global business payment companies in the world.
AFEX delivers global cross-border payment solutions that help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) break down currency barriers to facilitate international growth. AFEX joins FLEETCOR’s cross-border payments counterpart, Cambridge Global Payments, in its corporate payments portfolio. Combined, AFEX and Cambridge process cross-border payments in more than 145 currencies for approximately 30,000 customers processing more than $65 billion in annual volume.
“With the combination of AFEX and our current cross-border business, we expect the enhanced scale and breadth to accelerate revenue growth in our corporate payments business. The complementary geographic nature of the customer bases provides an immediate boost to our business, and this year, we anticipate the acquisition will be accretive to 2021 adjusted EPS, as we execute our integration plan,” said Ron Clarke, chairman and chief executive officer, FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc.
“We are raising our full year 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range to $12.32 – $12.88 as a result of the completed AFEX acquisition,” said Charles Freund, chief financial officer, FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc.
“FLEETCOR is uniquely positioned in the corporate payments landscape. First, we have an unmatched global presence with corporate payments operations in 12 countries on three continents. Second, we have one of the broadest corporate payments product lines in the market featuring AP automation, SMB online bill pay, cross-border payments, virtual cards, currency risk management, expense management and mobile purchasing solutions,” said John Coughlin, FLEETCOR Group President, Corporate Payments. “As we unify all of our corporate payments businesses including Nvoicepay, Comdata Corporate Payments, Cambridge, AFEX and Roger under the new Corpay brand and UI, we have the opportunity to maximize the return on our marketing spend and capitalize on a tremendous cross-sell opportunity worldwide.”
Eversheds Sutherland provided legal counsel to FLEETCOR. Greenberg Traurig provided legal counsel to AFEX, and BofA Securities provided strategic and financial advice to AFEX.


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TouchWiz has long been an issue with Samsung phones. Although it looks elegant and has some decent features, the UI in a whole was a drag on performance. Samsung has slowly been trying to improve their in-house UI TouchWiz for the past couple of phones. Most notably, the Galaxy Note 4 was one of the most well-performing TouchWiz phones to-date, but it still wasn’t good enough.
It was earlier reported that Samsung was trying very hard to bring “Nexus-like” speeds to TouchWiz on the Galaxy S6 and that may start with one small thing.
According to SamMobile’s exclusive, almost every add-on feature that would normally ship with a Galaxy device, will now be optional. The Samsung apps that aren’t pre-installed will be available on either the Samsung app store or the Google Play Store. With that, SamMobile expects Samsung apps such as S-Voice, Story Album, and S Translator will all get the boot. They will still be available by a users choice, but it won’t be installed on the partition of the device.
This is great news for the Galaxy S6, even more so than its beast of a processor, the Exynos 7420. The phone is only as good as the software it comes with, so it’s really good to see Samsung taking the initiative on the upcoming Galaxy S6. TouchWiz Slim will be a great addition.


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Questioning apply for a brand new passport, which organizations provide free childcare, or when the following financial institution vacation is likely to be? When you’re primarily based within the U.Ok. and also you’ve acquired a speaker, smartphone, or good show powered by Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa, you’ll be capable to get solutions to these questions hands-free beginning this week.
As noticed by Android Police, the U.Ok.’s Authorities Digital Service (GDS) — the cupboard workplace unit charged with sustaining and streamlining on-line authorities data and companies — yesterday introduced that voice assistant customers can now floor greater than 12,000 items of data on Gov.UK, together with issues like “What age can I retire?” and “What’s the nationwide minimal wage?”
Head of Gov.UK Jennifer Allum says that entry to extra data can be added down the road.
“We need to simplify individuals’s interactions with the federal government, making data clear and accessible to everybody,” mentioned Allum in an announcement. “These outcomes are promising as a result of voice companies could be a actually handy option to get data, notably for individuals who discover computer systems and telephones laborious to make use of.”
The hundreds of newly searchable factoids are the work of a small crew inside GDS tasked with making it simpler for search and data engines — together with Google Assistant, Alexa, and different clever assistants — to parse and supply knowledge from Gov.UK. Late final summer season, they tapped Schema.org — a joint effort to enhance the net by including structured markup to webpages — to implement schemas for informational and information articles and step-by-step guides, and so they pledged to combine “extra concise” solutions into future and current Gov.UK content material.
Voice assistants are bettering of their skill to offer correct solutions to questions thanks partially to those efforts, however they’re not excellent. In a examine carried out by Loup Ventures final yr, Google Assistant was solely capable of reply 88 p.c of 800 questions appropriately versus Apple’s Siri at 75 p.c, Alexa at 73 p.c, and Cortana at 63 p.c.
For its half, Amazon has made a concerted effort over the previous few months to produce Alexa with new knowledge sources. This summer season, the corporate started sourcing hours of operation, descriptions, and addresses from Yext, a knowledge administration platform that counts Taco Bell, Arby’s, Marriott, and Ceremony Support amongst its purchasers. December noticed the launch of Alexa Solutions, an invitation-only program that enables individuals to submit solutions to questions that, if accepted, are distributed to the tens of millions of Alexa customers world wide. And Amazon just lately built-in Alexa with Wolfram Analysis’s Wolfram Alpha computational engine to enhance its math and science data.


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At auction, a sealed original iPhone sells for $35,000
In January 2007, Steve Jobs showed off the first iPhone. He said that Apple’s new product would “make history.” The sleek new device had a touchscreen, a 2-megapixel camera, visual voicemail, and a real web browser. Dan Farber wrote for ZDNet, “If the iPhone works as well as Jobs’ demo, it will be a hit.”
The iPhone was a big hit, and Apple did make history by changing the way mobile phones are used.
In fact, the first iPhone is so well-known that an unopened first-generation iPhone sold at auction last week for $35,414!
The Model A1203 device came sealed from the factory. It had 8 GB of storage space. The auction house RR Auction said that the box has a life-size picture of an iPhone with 12 icons on the screen, which shows that it is from the first batch of iPhones made. In 2007, Apple added a thirteenth icon for iTunes. In the middle of 2007, the first 8 GB iPhone went on sale for $599.
The device was part of RR Auction’s “Apple, Jobs, and Computer Hardware” auction, which had more than 70 items up for bid. On August 18, the auction ended.
The auction also had an Apple-1 circuit board that Steve “Woz” Wozniak soldered by hand and that is said to have helped Apple get its first big order. The price of the prototype was $677,196.
A 5GB Apple iPod from the first generation that had never been opened sold for $25,000.


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Press release issued by Häagen-Dazs:
Häagen-Dazs launches #LoseYourself Wimbledon campaign in collaboration with photographer Adam Katz Sinding
- Katz Sinding will capture fans losing themselves in their moments of pure intensity and passion throughout The Championships
- Images to be published on some of the nation’s biggest digital billboards and premium fashion and lifestyle news sources
Summer 2016 – This summer, Häagen-Dazs joins the line-up of prestigious Wimbledon Official Suppliers to become The Ice Cream of The Championships. In celebration of this new partnership, the luxury ice cream brand, which is famed the world over for the delicious intensity of its products, launches #LoseYourself – a campaign to celebrate people losing themselves in the intensity of this year’s Championships.
#LoseYourself will bring an iconic photographic project to the nation, capturing the world’s most intense tennis tournament, through its passionate fans. Moments of pure, #LoseYourself intensity and visceral emotion associated with Wimbledon will be brought to life with the help of the renowned fashion photographer, Adam Katz Sinding. Katz Sinding is a street style photographer who spends 300 days a year travelling, working 20+ hour days in rain, snow, hail and humidity, to take some of the most recognisable shots of leading fashion stars.
For Häagen-Dazs, Katz Sinding has been live at Wimbledon, capturing expressions in sync with the style and atmosphere – sharing the daily elation, tension and anticipation so closely associated with the globally iconic tournament. Adam’s photography, which will focus on the fans at the matches as opposed to the players, will be showcased around the UK on some of the nation’s biggest digital billboards and leading premium fashion news sources-fitting outlets for his candid yet intense lifestyle photography!
Adam Katz Sinding comments: “As a street style photographer, I travel the globe in search of excitement and authenticity. I aim to capture my subjects interacting with the world around them, enjoying deliciously intense moments. That’s why I’m so excited to be partnering with Häagen-Dazs – a brand that shares my taste for modern luxury and timeless style. For their portrait project, I will capture real people every day during the Wimbledon fortnight as they are caught in their own moments of intensity that really embody that #LoseYourself feeling.”
Additionally, www.wimbledon.com will play host to a series of exclusive #LoseYourself videos, which will tell the stories of some of the greatest moments from this year’s Championships through the unique and intense reactions of the fans.
Richard Williams, General Mills Marketing Director for Northern Europe, said: “Similarly to Wimbledon, at Häagen-Dazs we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality and the most intense experiences, the only difference being that our focus is on irresistible moments of taste. We want ice cream and tennis lovers to embrace these #LoseYourself moments, and with Adam’s imagery, we truly hope to bring this to life.”
James Ralley, Head of Marketing and Commercial at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said: “Häagen-Dazs has always been associated with quality and luxury, just like Wimbledon. We’re thrilled to welcome Häagen-Dazs to the line-up of prestigious Wimbledon Official Suppliers and to make it the Official Ice Cream of The Championships.”
– ENDS –


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Chaos went down to a Wisconsin Walmart store on Wednesday night after a karate mother, her naked son and belligerent dog, a thief in the basket and a crazy run in the store.
The Eau Claire Police Department said on social media that the police had responded to the call of a woman, Lisa Smith, aged 46, and her dog "Bo", of stolen items at the store in the store. The woman's son, Benny Vann, 26, was also causing chaos in the store.
The police learned that Smith had entered the store with a wild Bo, the dog running immediately to the customers while the woman was unpacking displays in the store and placing them in her cart.
THE COMMUNITY MISSISSIPPI LEFT IS CONFUSED AFTER POTATO BOWLS MASHED KEEP MYSTERALLY APPEARING
After being asked to leave the store, the woman started showing her karate movements in the parking lot to repel the police officers.
The dog tried to flee the scene of the crime, but without success, with a box of Jiffy Cornbread Muffin Mix in his mouth.
After a brief fight with the officers, Smith was arrested. During an ultimate attempt, she tried to give a window pane of a police car.
Meanwhile, his raucous son became completely naked and began to expose himself to other shoppers. He then tried to cover himself with new clothes from the store without intending to pay them, the police said.
THE PILOT OF FLORIDA IS ACCUSED OF STOPPING IN MANNER TO THE MAN, THEN REACHING IT WITH SUV
After the police had confronted Vann, he threatened to crush them with his scooter, prompting the police to resort to physical force to stop the scooter and stop the man.
The mother was charged with disorderly conduct, resistance to arrest and bail. The son faces accusations of obscene and lascivious behavior, disorderly behavior and theft in the retail business.
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Bo, the dog, is the only character not to lose his head.
"Bo was caught by agents in the store and brought to the Humane Association. The dog was not charged – we sent him a warning about the theft, "police said in a statement.


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While the naughts really brought in technology and the internet as the biggest trends in business, the teens refined on these principals, with an increase in local businesses, at-home business, and green business. Experts suggest that the ’20s are due for an overhaul when it comes to how business gets done and what you should expect it to look like.
So much of the predictions that have to do with the business sector in 2020 have to do with automatization and convenience. By bringing in more robotics, sophisticated tech, and smaller-still computers, the tech aspects of a business are continuing to surge. With green movements in full force globally, businesses should be looking for clever ways to downsize, lowering their carbon footprint and responding to the consumer drive for locally sourced goods.
Compactus retailer discusses the future of modern business
While this isn’t to say that global economies will cease to exist, a deflated faith in global trading markets, ever-increasing tariffs, and major political instability leaves consumers wanting better choices made available to them in their own countries. While it may sound a bit like a Marxist Utopia on the horizon, the reality is that business owners want better control of their assets and consumers are looking for simplicity.
“Cost of property per square meter is rapidly rising. Consumers feel better about purchasing items that are local, organic, or responsibly sourced- but neither purveyors nor paying customers want to pay the premiums historically associated with these items,” says a spokesperson from one of Australia’s largest mom and pop storage shops Premier Lockers.
What makes them such an authority on the subject isn’t just their infinite knowledge on compactus storage units that are answering a growing need to save space, but also an early innovative move to get their business online and in the homes of millions of Australians. Coupling easily navigable online ordering with in-home installation saved them from needing to pay for expensive brick and mortar operations throughout the country.
“To us, it seems that downsizing in order to provide better service and better quality materials will definitely be the trend to watch in 2020.”
- 1. Localization of business
The push for locally sourced and produced goods and services is higher now than it has been since before global marketing became widely available. For many, this has much to do with the current political climates. The trade war between the US and China has deterred many from historical purchase patterns due to the increasing cost of goods. Brexit has changed the demand for many goods across Europe. As the global market continues to further complicate itself and hike up costs associated with the goods we use most, people are demanding a change.
- 2. Automation
More and more jobs throughout the world are quickly becoming automated, with more sure to come.
“The compactus system that we see so many small businesses using successfully became nearly obsolete with increases in automation.”
The company says, “What brought it back around was business owners needed a reliable place to store stock and other goods while floor space became a premium.”
Premier Lockers believes that continued trends in automation will further push business owners into clever ways of organizing and storing the utensils that they require on a daily basis.
- 3. Downsizing
Thanks to online ordering and an onslaught of web-based business, businesses are beginning to shift away from brick and mortar chains. Where you may once have many different physical locations, consumers are beginning to favor the ease and convenience of ordering their necessities online and having them delivered to their door. This creates a unique opportunity for businesses to save on operational costs, which also allows consumers to get in on the deal.
- 4. App-based business
‘There’s an App for that’ is more than just a comedic phrase, it’s become increasingly true. As technology shifts and gears business even more directly toward consumer desires, app-based business is booming. Apps allow businesses to send out important information on stock, as well as circulars and promotions, without the cost of print to work around. Consumers can stay on top of deals with instant notifications and can even contact shops directly in a standard messaging format.
“Anything that makes it easier for your clients to browse, purchase, and utilize your product is sure to be a clear win for your business.”
The nationwide compactus dealer hopes to see their goods available to consumers via app in the future.
“It’s a sales floor that resides directly in your customer’s hands.”


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With a new study confirming that the nation's credit-reporting system is harming consumers, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine joined a chorus of consumer advocates yesterday calling on Congress to fix the problems now.
With a new study confirming that the nation’s credit-reporting system is harming consumers, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine joined a chorus of consumer advocates yesterday calling on Congress to fix the problems now.
The Federal Trade Commission released a study yesterday that says 40 million people have errors in their credit files. The study is based on a survey of 1,001 people and their 3,000 reports — one report from each of the three large credit-reporting agencies.
It said that one in five people might have serious mistakes that make it harder for them to buy a house or auto, rent an apartment, land a job or qualify for cheaper auto and home insurance.
The FTC report, mandated by Congress in 2004, mirrors a yearlong Dispatch investigation in 2012 that found Americans are plagued by errors and are virtually powerless to correct problems on their credit reports.
“Congress should hold hearings. The evidence is there. The evidence is overwhelming that the (credit-reporting) agencies are violating the law,” DeWine said.
As a result of the Dispatch’s “Credit Scars” series, DeWine and at least two dozen other state attorneys general launched an investigation into the inner workings of the three national credit-reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
The agencies are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which requires them to investigate errors. But as The Dispatch reported in May, consumers rarely can win a battle with a credit-reporting agency without the help of an attorney general or the court system.
“They have designed a system that is a very automated system, that is not designed to find the truth,” DeWine said.
The FTC study involved 1,001 participants randomly selected to match the national distribution of credit scores. Those consumers reviewed their credit reports and filed disputes to correct what they considered to be errors.
Sixteen percent of the participants were unable to persuade agencies to fully correct errors. “ If true errors remain . . . the current FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) dispute process is not serving these consumers well,” the FTC concluded.
A consumer’s complaint is reduced to a two-digit code and sent electronically to the creditor that is the subject of the possible mistake. The credit-reporting agencies almost never forward documentation supplied by consumers to prove their cases.
Officials of the Consumer Data Industry Association, the lobbying group for the three credit-reporting agencies, didn’t respond to a request by The Dispatch for comment.
The FTC has been studying the accuracy of credit reports since 2004 but has not taken action against the credit-reporting agencies. Last year, the relatively new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took over as the chief watchdog of the three credit-reporting agencies. The bureau released a report in December that also raised concerns about the accuracy of credit reports, but it has yet to require changes.
Congress has held numerous hearings on the issue over the years but also has not taken action.
DeWine and others said consumers deserve better.
Changes could have prevented years of frustration and financial hardship for Judy Thomas of northeastern Ohio. The credit-reporting agencies mixed her credit information with that of a similarly named woman in Utah who had terrible credit and massive debt.
Thomas, who was featured in the “Credit Scars” series, had to file a lawsuit to untangle the financial mess created by the credit-reporting agencies.
“Our leaders want to stimulate the economy but aren’t being diligent in making sure that citizens can use their credit the right way,” said Thomas, a 52-year-old nursing supervisor in Elyria near Cleveland. “We know there’s a huge problem, and I hope things get done to make it better. I don’t want my children or anyone to go through this like I have.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who held a hearing on credit-reporting issues in Washington in December, said the FTC report is further proof that consumers are too often victimized by their credit reports. “The consumer credit-reporting agencies treat consumers as guilty until proven innocent,” he said. “Consumers must provide evidence when they challenge a credit score, but creditors are taken at their word.”
Industry observers say it’s time to make real changes. The National Consumer Law Center in Boston, for example, has long been a thorn in the sides of the credit-reporting agencies, and it again called for action.
“It’s unconscionable that 40 million American have errors in their credit reports, and that 10 million have errors grave enough to cause them to be denied or charged more for credit or insurance or even be denied a job,” staff attorney Chi Chi Wu said in a statement. “There needs to be serious and wholesale reform of the credit-reporting industry.”
Despite all the calls for action, Judy Thomas is still skeptical — worried that reforms won’t come and that the other Judy’s bad credit will haunt her again.
Those mistakes almost cost her job in 2010.
“It’s been just such a tough road, and those companies are so powerful,” she said. “I’ll believe it when I see it, if they make real changes.”


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Greenworks is introducing its first residential lithium-ion powered zero-turn mower, with options for a 42- or 46-inch deck. Vince Constantine, regional sales manager, outlines the mower's features. The mower will be available at dealers this fall.
Solectrac, a manufacturer of electric tractors based out of Santa Rosa, Calif., has been declared as “assets held for sale” by its parent company, Ideanomics. A global electric vehicle company, Ideanomics said in its second quarter earnings filed Aug. 4 that 4 of its subsidiaries, including Solectrac, had met the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale.


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You’d expect it to be the unholiest of alliances.
In the Venn diagram of life, food and fashion aren’t supposed to intersect— food is what fashionistas avoid so the fashion will fit. Isn’t hunger supposed to be the ultimate fashion accessory? As Kate Moss once said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”
Two new crossover magazines are proving otherwise.
There is some common ground. Both food and fashion are seasonal and colorful. They can be stylish or trendy, and they both photograph well. Purists may grumble but the coalition gives a much-needed boost to the food publishing business. While most print media spent the last few years struggling with online challengers and a balky economy, fashion magazines have been busy breaking sales records for advertising pages. Food gets to hang onto fashion’s coattails with this new category of mashup publications.
Cherry Bombe thumbs its nose at Kate Moss with a breezy, sample-size-be-damned approach to food. The magazine’s founders have their food industry bona fides, but they also worked together at Harper’s Bazaar, and that’s what on display. Cherry Bombe has the look and feel of a traditional fashion magazine, from the cookie-baking supermodel on the inaugural cover to the glossy, stylized photography inside.
Alla Carta’s founders say that they bring together food and fashion (and art and design) by exploring the social act of eating. The publication’s fashion-related interviews, editorial content, and photo spreads revolve around meals; good food and good design pull it all together.
There’s one more thing that ‘foodies’ and’ fashionistas’ have in common: both groups detest those fatuous and disparaging nicknames.


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In a bid to reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills and to address marine plastic pollution, Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for a measure that seeks to ban single-use plastic straws and drink stirrers in the food service business.
Senate Bill No. 1866 otherwise known as “The Plastic Straw and Stirrer Ban of 2018” seeks to ban the use of plastic straws and stirrers in restaurants and other establishments. It prohibits food service establishments and/or other service establishments that serve beverages to offer consumers any single-use beverage straw and stirrer made of plastic or any other non-biodegradable material.
The measure also mandates food service establishments and other service providers occupying fixed spaces, such as sari-sari stores (neighborhood convenience stores), to prominently display signs informing their customers of their “no plastic straw and stirrer” policy.
“Through this proposed bill, we hope to start a national conversation on the need to reduce plastic pollution in our landfills and the oceans by discouraging people from using single-use plastic materials,” Hontiveros said.
The legislator said plastic straws and drink stirrers are considered by environmental advocates as “gateway plastics.”
“If we can persuade the people of the positive effects of not using plastic straws and stirrers, we can also encourage them not to use other single-use plastics such as bags and bottles.”
“The measure seeks to effect positive behavioral change among our people. We hope straws and stirrers will become ‘gateway plastics’ to convince people to shift from using plastic to reusable products. If we can persuade the people of the positive effects of not using plastic straws and stirrers, we can also encourage them not to use other single-use plastics such as bags and bottles,” the lawmaker said.
The bill provides penalties for food establishments caught providing plastic straws and stirrers.
The bill provides penalties for food establishments caught providing plastic straws and stirrers. First offense will merit a fine of P50,000. Second offense, P80,000, and third offense, a fine of P150,000 and the suspension of business permits for a period of one year.
However, the bill added that food service establishments may still provide suitable beverage straws to a person who requires a straw due to a disability or medical condition.
The lady senator said a recent waste audit showed that the Philippines was the third biggest contributor of plastic wastes to the world’s oceans, ranking only behind China and Indonesia. Much of the plastic the country consumes finds its way into the ocean.
The trash is of such magnitude that it has created six garbage patches in our oceans, with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as the largest. It contains at least 79,000 tons of plastic debris that spans 1.6 million square kilometers, twice the size of France. Among the most common plastic products that are found in our oceans are beverage straws and stirrers.


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Porsche raises earnings forecast
Luxury automaker Porsche raised its earnings forecast for the year on Tuesday, predicting that pretax profit will be “significantly” above last year’s level.
Luxury automaker Porsche raised its earnings forecast for the year on Tuesday, predicting that pretax profit will be "significantly" above last year's level amid solid sales.
In the first 10 months of the fiscal year ending July 31, revenue climbed to euro 5.98 billion ($A9.53 billion) from euro 5.96 billion ($A9.5 billion) in the year-earlier period.
The company delivered 79,540 vehicles - barely changed from 79,564 a year earlier, despite a dip in sales of the Cayenne SUV due to a model changeover.
Porsche gave no 10-month profit figure. However, CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said in a statement, "it is not difficult to predict that our annual earnings on 31 July 2007 ... will be significantly - and I mean significantly - better than the euro 2.1 billion in the previous year."
In March, Porsche had said that it expects pretax profit this fiscal year to "surpass" last year's figure.
Profit this year will be boosted by special factors, including proceeds from share-price hedging related to the acquisition of a further stake in Volkswagen AG.
At a shareholder meeting, Wiedeking said on Tuesday that his company had "invested more than euro 5 billion," or $A7.93 billion, in its Volkswagen stake. Earlier this year, it lifted its stake in Volkswagen to more than 30 per cent in a move meant to help shield the automaker from potential foreign takeovers.
Porsche plans to "secure the independence of the Volkswagen Group - in our interest and in the interest of Volkswagen," Wiedeking said. The two automakers "won't be connected on an organisational level", he added.
The CEO also said Porsche is "not exactly happy" with business development in the US, where the company is "apparently the victim of the self-destroying rebate policy of competitors".
"We'll stick to our (strategy) and won't grant rebates from the company's side," Wiedeking said.
The shareholder meeting approved a change to the corporate structure that will see Porsche's operative business become a subsidiary of a new Porsche Automobil Holding SE, or Societas Europaea.
The SE designation was introduced in 2004 to make cross-border mergers easier to implement and help a company do business in other EU member states without having to operate under different corporate laws.
Porsche shares fell 2.3 per cent to euro 1,302.57 ($A2,076.59).


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Some 27 tons of nearly-expired beef and chicken were found in the cold storages of Vietnam Metro Cash &Carry, Binh Duong Province, on August 13. The company later requested the province’s Veterinary Department to check a further 85 tons of turkey, beef and lamb stored at the same storage.
The inspection team, including officers from Binh Duong Province Veterinary Department, Market Management Agency, the Department of Health and the police, raided the cold storages Swisre and Panasato, owned by Vietnam Cash and Carry, in Song Than 2 Industrial Zone, Di An District.
They found 26 tons of nearly expired ground chicken and 700 kilos of beef.
According to Ta Trong Khang, deputy director of the Veterinary Department, the chicken was infected with staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in humans. The bacterium was ten times that of the legal maximum.
The beef was found to be contaminated with E. coli, bacteria that causes severe cramps and diarrhea, and coliform, which were 2.5 times more than legal limits.
The products would have expired within one month and was seized by the inspection team.
On Friday, Vietnam Metro Cash & Carry sent a official letter to the province’s Veterinary Department, asking the agency to take samples of a further eight lots of frozen food also stored at cold storages Swisre and Panasato, including 85 tons of turkey, beef filet and lamb.
The meat is reported to have been imported from the US, Canada and Brazil.
Among the eight lots of meat, two will expire in August.
Vietnam Metro Cash & Carry promised that they will wait for the test results and will not put the meat into circulation on the market.


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SALEM — The 9th annual Concorso Italiano car show, driven by Tuscan Brands CEO Joe Faro’s love of prized European automobiles, boasted about 200 to 250 high-end sports cars on Sunday, its biggest lineup ever.
“There’s 222 spots here and we’re double-parking,” Faro said.
Hundreds turned out for the event in the “piazza” between Tuscan Kitchen and Tuscan Market on Main Street to see the Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Maseratis and more. Many of the cars were modified with custom wraps and carbon fiber spoilers and some were painted in neon colors.
Tuscan Brands CEO Joe Faro poses in front of his Lamborghini Urus SUV, one of his favorite sports cars on display at the Concorso Italiano car show in Salem on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019. The license plates on his cars are all vanity plates with a variation on the word “pasta.”
Ryan Lessard/Union Leader Correspondent
The event, which Faro said began in 2011, was held just down the road from the 170-acre Tuscan Village development, which is under construction.
Faro estimated there were a couple dozen collectors represented Sunday, plus independent owners and a few car clubs like Mission 22 and 603 Speed. Owners hail from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York, he said.
“It’s a great group of people,” Faro said.
The developer and Italian food mogul was happy to show off some of his own sports cars, and answer questions about them from community members.
Faro said of his 10 sports cars, only his Porsche Cayenne Turbo S was missing. His Lamborghini Urus SUV and his McLaren 720S are currently competing for his favorite.
He said he’s known for modifying everything he buys and said he has a network of mechanics he works with.
For example, Faro said he’s souped up his Urus to 870 horsepower, and his 720S to 965 horsepower.
Hundreds turned out for the annual car show Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at the Tuscan Piazza on Salem’s Main Street, which boasted more than 200 high-end sports cars.
RYAN LESSARD/UNION LEADER CORRESPONDENT
Also on display was Faro’s Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder, a 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 restoration and a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, which Faro said was “a very, very rare car.”
The license plates on his cars are all vanity plates with a variation on the word “pasta.”
Faro said the love of premium sports cars began when he was 7 or 8, drawing pictures of the cars.
“I always said if I ever make anything of myself, I’m gonna get one of those cars,” Faro said.
His first purchase was in 1993, when he bought a 1988 Porsche 928 S4, which he has since sold.
Faro estimates he’s owned about 50 sports cars over the years.
“I consider them works of art because of the way they’re designed and the way they’re put together,” he said.
All told, Faro estimated the value of the cars on display Sunday at $40 million to $50 million, with an average value of $200,000 per car.
And he said it’s the largest turnout the event has ever seen.
Since the start of the annual gathering, a portion of the proceeds has gone to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, he said.
To view the original article and author, click on the link above. Thanks!


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Is Google contemplating a crypto ban?
Rumors suggest the FBI is pressuring the company due to the growing number of crypto-investment fraud cases
Today’s crypto-sphere is full of chatter about Google restricting, suspending or even terminating Adword accounts that have associations with crypto-currencies.
Some say this is happening because crypto investing is considered so high risk that it violates Google’s own financial services regulations while others think the social media giant has been put under pressure by North American regulators. One line of rumor claims it is because of concerted pressure by the FBI, who are increasingly concerned about the growing number of crypto-investment fraud cases.
In January of this year, Facebook banned crypto-currency adverts because of “misleading or deceptive promotional practices.” Google, says some of the chatter, will follow suit later this month.


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In today’s increasingly connected world which features an ever-growing number of mobile users, MNOs are under mounting pressure to deliver secure, high quality services to vast numbers of people.
There are many obstacles along the way for MNOs as they navigate competition, new security threats, rising customer demand. With many plates to keep spinning, it’s a tough task for MNOs to protect profits, stay ahead of the game and keep customers happy. This is particularly the case when it comes to ID fraud. We must ask the question: who is currently winning the battle when it comes to ID fraud versus MNOs? Unfortunately, the current climate favors ID fraud, given the latest figures. It’s not totally one-sided as steps have been taken to remedy the situation, but there’s still much work to be done. Here’s why it’s so important MNOs take further action now to turn the tide and combat ID fraud head on:
It’s hard to find something more damaging to businesses than revenue stream damage, and this is where ID fraud can make a large negative impact. The total cost of identity fraud stands at a staggering €40 billion – a figure that can’t be ignored. In fact, fraudulent payments alone can represent up to 10% of an MNO’s bottom line. Furthermore, this number and percentage of bottom line can go undetected – often it can take months to discover fraudulent account activity.
Strong fraud regulation is clearly essential. According to the GSMA, over 90 countries now require secure registration for prepaid SIM cards. This of course is a key necessity in the battle against fraud and is enforced strictly, especially when it comes to financial services on mobile. KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations must be met by MNOs. Any failure to do so result in heavy fines. It’s just one more reason why MNOs need to take meaningful steps towards protecting their customers (and by extension, their revenue). If they don’t, they’ll learn the hard way about how manual checks are painfully inadequate for detecting forgeries (it’s a seemingly impossible task for staff) and how SIM swap fraud results in money vanishing from accounts without customers (or MNOs) noticing.
Reputation matters, perhaps more than most businesses realize. It’s an important factor from both a customer and a business-to-business perspective. ID fraud is capable of damaging a MNOs reputation in a variety of ways, particularly regarding customer trust. MNOs need to act quickly in the event of fraud to offset any reputational damage they sustain by offering compensation and incentive payments to customers to stay (again, this can be costly). This is crucial when you consider how ID fraud victims are highly likely to abandon networks they no longer trust with the responsibility of keeping them secure. In addition, there are many other costs can spring up off the back of this. For example, advertising campaigns to restore trust with a customer base, investors and partners will be required, and of course will impact profits further.
As we can see, there is much work to be done in this battle. But what can be done?
Essentially, it comes down to understanding the business models of fraudsters which rely on manual verifications, which are often inaccurate. Fraudsters use these to buy subsidized phones and all the services that MNOs can offer – it then takes time (too much time) before the fraud is discovered. It’s clear there is a need for automated ID verification solutions in order to fight fraud at the early stages. An example of how this would work can be seen below.
It’s also crucial MNOs fully acknowledge the risks and costs, the types of fraud in play right now, and stay informed about all the solutions at they could use to help protect themselves and their customers. To make things easier, we’ve built a new easy-to-read infographic that lays out the key points to consider. You can also view our video below which outlines why fighting identity fraud should be a priority for MNOs.
In the coming months, we’ll be discussing the topic of fighting identity fraud and subscription fraud in more detail, so keep an eye out for further information from us as we’ll take a deeper dive into the solutions available, including biometric verification, to help all MNOs win the battle against ID fraud.
What do you think are the biggest risks for MNOs? Will the tide turn against identity fraud in telecommunications soon? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us at @GemaltoMobile with the hashtag: #KnowYourCustomerNOW or leave a comment below. And for further information on why fighting identity fraud is critical for MNOs, see our new web page.


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When Eliza Daniel decided she wanted to open a bakery during the pandemic, her parents told the 15-year-old to come up with a business plan.
The Council Rock North High School sophomore did her research and told her mom and dad that if a new franchised cookie company called Crumbl opened near her bakery, “they would bankrupt me,” remembers his mother.
Not wanting to be chewed up by the competition, the search for a place to open a Crumbl franchise began.
The whole family got involved because Eliza is the fourth of five children. Daniel and Denise Daniel and their children chose a store in the Bensalem Marketplace and opened their first Crumbl franchise in November.
The couple opened their second Crumbl store at Valley Gate Shopping Center in Warrington in January.
This weekend, the Daniels will host the grand opening of their third Bucks County Crumbl store at the Village of Newtown in Newtown Township.
The store held a soft opening this week and the line of customers was at the door, Denise Daniel said.
A case of butter does not last long in these bakeries. Nor the gallons of milk they import from New York dairies. They’re mixed into the creamy dough used to make the 15,000 to 25,000 cookies the Daniels sell each week at each of their Crumbl cookie stores.
Their cookies do not become stale. “We sell them fresh…within two hours. We want our produce to come out fresh,” Denise said.
The stores also sell Crumbl cream ice cream.
Cookies not your thing? :Yardley’s new restaurant is vegan, but there’s plenty on the menu for any Bucks County foodie
Crumbl stores, which have a huge following on social media, change their cookie selections every week, but the brand’s famous milk chocolate chip cookies are still available. This week, the other selection includes a no-bake peanut butter cornflake cookie topped with mini marshmallows and peanut butter chips; a cookie topped with fruit pebbles and a pink sugar cookie.
The past few weeks have featured cookies inspired by cinnaminon rolls, a spin on churros, red velvet varieties, and lemon and blueberry choices, just to give a sample. Cookies can be ordered in advance for pickup or delivery.
Crumbl Cookies was started by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley in Utah who wanted to get into the baking business. They spent thousands of dollars on “wasted dough” and “recipes that didn’t meet their expectations”, before launching their quest for the perfect cookie to the public.
“They gathered feedback and tested recipes — a practice that’s still part of the Crumbl process — until they created the world’s best chocolate chip cookie,” the company’s website says.
They opened their first store in Logan, Utah in 2017. There are now 383 stores nationwide.
New to the Bucks scene:Margarita flights, tacos arrive in Newtown, Croydon’s Dog and Bull set to expand and take in the views from this rooftop bar
Try it:In a pickle? That’s how hoagies are served at this grocery store in Croydon
For subscribers:Warwick Brewery opens new tasting room to showcase farm-to-tap beers
Individually, the 4.25-inch-diameter cookies sell for $4.38; or a four-pack for $14.83. A half dozen costs $21.13 and a dozen costs $38.36.
Need a gift idea for a gourmet person? A pack of Crumbls can be delivered to your home or office, says Denise Daniel. Local deliveries are handled by DoorDash and Grubhub. National deliveries are handled by Crumbl headquarters.
She said their franchises are doing “really well. Who doesn’t love a warm, freshly baked cookie?” she asked.
The stores are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information on the new Crumbl Newtown store, visit https://crumblcookies.com/panewtown.
To contact Peg Quann, email [email protected]


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Although Electronic Arts have announced that Criterion will return to Need For Speed development after helping with Battlefield 2042, the publisher has yet to reveal the new instalment…
Tom Henderson has written that the Andrew Wilson-led publisher will be talking about more games during July (it isn’t something Electronic Arts will be doing during an EA Play Live, as we’ve already written about the publisher skipping that program this year!) So along with FIFA 23, Skate 4 and the new Need For Speed could also be shown during the second month of summer.
The latest Need For Speed, Need For Speed: Heat, was released in November 2019, so it’s been almost three years since its release. The new instalment is being developed by Criterion Games, who got the IP back after Ghost Games (which has since been renamed EA Gothenburg) has left it behind. According to Henderson, the next instalment of NFS could be subtitled Unbound, but he’s treating it as a code name. He confirmed several earlier rumours from Jeff Grubb, who wrote for VentureBeat in April, that this racing game would have a photorealistic graphical style combined with anime-like, cartoony elements.
Henderson likened the character designs to the animated series The Boondocks. At the same time, the cars will have exaggerated effects (flames, wind, smoke) during specific actions (drifting, reaching a certain speed, etc.). He also mentioned a Meetups feature, which allows online players to run into each other on the map and race on what he calls “unique” tracks.
Henderson also leaked the release date: he understands that Need For Speed: Unbound (if that’s what it’s going to be called…) will be released on November 4. The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC trio is a safe bet, but the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One are not out of the question either if the game gets slightly more… shall we say, childish graphics. It should be noted here, however, that this is not yet official.


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According to BGR, the phone, which would be Motorola’s first big-screen smartphone, will launch in the third quarter. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that Motorola was working on a 6-inch handset. Back in January, a similar post on Weibo claimed that the company was developing a Moto X successor, as well as a phablet and a smartwatch.
We haven’t heard much about the Moto X successor. The smartwatch, however, turned out to be the recently announced Moto 360. That sleek, circular device is one of the first watches powered by Google’s new Android Wear platform.
Motorola Mobility, the company’s smartphone arm, has changed hands frequently as of late. After being purchased by Google, the handset maker was scooped up by Lenovo back in January. It’s unclear if the acquisition caused any delays in the company’s release schedule.
Apple’s iPhone 6 is expected to be announced this fall and will reportedly sport a more powerful quad-core processor and larger display. It’s unlikely, however, that the smartphone would feature a screen size anywhere close to the phablet range. Via: yahoo


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Remember Scott Morrison’s potent condemnation of Bill Shorten at the last election for wanting 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030 to be electric vehicles? Labor policy would have killed off tradies’ utes, according to the Coalition, and endangered Australians’ weekend by making it impossible to tow boats and caravans.
There will be no repeat performance of such political inanities at the next election. Not when two Liberal state governments in NSW and South Australia, as well as Victoria’s Labor government, are now pushing almost exactly the same target as Shorten did.
Electric vehicle fast charger in Adelaide: yet another market facing different state taxes and conditions.
Not when the rules of the road are changing so fast. But it’s not just that other countries and car manufacturers have adopted similar or faster timelines.
The bigger risk for Australian drivers now is they will be near the back of the global queue for newer, cheaper models of electric vehicles over this decade.
It’s another example of how quickly preferences can shift in a range of industries given demand for faster emissions reductions and falling costs for renewable energy. But for the Australian car market, the road still has plenty of large potholes en route to a far horizon.
Only around 1 per cent of new car sales in Australia last year involved electric vehicles, for example. And despite some financial incentives offered by state governments, there’s considerable consumer hesitation about price and about reliability in travelling distances.
The uptake of electric vehicles, including hybrids, will still inevitably increase dramatically over the next several years as battery costs decline, charging infrastructure is rolled out and technology keeps advancing.
Canberra risks missing the chance to gradually transition its tax take from the car industry at a time of least political cost.
That is also why state governments are taking advantage of Canberra’s resistance to introducing road user charges for electric vehicle owners by implementing their own.
The result is the states will have a new, growing revenue source – even though minimal as yet – and Canberra a steadily diminishing staple. The federal fuel excise levy, worth about $11 billion a year, can only decline over time with nothing in place to make up for it.
Over several years, various Coalition ministers have been set the task of investigating road user charges but nothing has eventuated due to political sensitivities and internal resistance – for different reasons.
Yet for all the predictable electrical vehicle industry complaints about inhibiting the growth of a laggard market, it’s much simpler politically for governments to introduce charges at a low level while customer numbers remain tiny. The carrots can also be relatively modest and temporary.
Canberra risks missing the chance to gradually transition its tax take from the car industry at a time of least political cost. It leaves the states happily shifting gears into the policy vacuum via their own financial road grab. Gazumped!
The NSW government, as part of its budget, is leading the way. It is playing it cautiously by offering more carrot than stick but producing longer-term reform. At a cost of $500 million, it will abolish stamp duty for electric vehicles costing less than $78,000 and provide a $3000 rebate for the first 25,000 vehicles sold under $68,000.
It will also fund more charging infrastructure on highways while electric vehicles will have access to priority car pool lanes and parking spots for battery charging.
In return, NSW will impose a road user charge of 2.5¢ per km on electric vehicles and 2¢ for plug-in hybrids by 2027 or once they make up 30 per cent of new car sales – whichever comes first.
Victoria’s less generous $100 million package of incentives offers a limited number of $3000 discounts and registration reductions but equivalent road user charges will start from July 1. South Australia will adopt a similar charging model from next year. Expect other states to follow the same route.
The federal government acknowledges the cost of hybrid, battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles will steadily reduce to match or fall below conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. Its own projections are for EVs to reach 26 per cent of new vehicle sales by 2030.
But Canberra is resisting subsidies to boost sales. Nor does it favour any system of local carbon credits for sales of electric vehicles. These credits have encouraged global car manufacturers to internally subsidise prices of EVs in other countries while also countering the cost of higher emitting and higher taxed vehicles.
That means Australians will continue to pay more for longer.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor argues subsidies don’t offer value for money in emissions reduction per tonne relative to other government options. That’s compounded by an electricity supply still heavily dependent on coal-fired power. The energy mix will change considerably over this decade, however, along with the use of rooftop solar to charge car batteries.
The federal government is still focused on the more immediate benefits of upgrading commercial fleets lured by cheaper running costs while improving public charging infrastructure to give consumers confidence about distance driving.
So its Future Fuels Fund commits $72 million for co-investment with the private sector in addressing highway “blackspots” in infrastructure for charging electric cars or hydrogen refuelling.
That sounds promising until companies point to the high cost and dubious financial returns of long-distance charging infrastructure in Australia now. Years of investment delays beckon.
The Brisbane-based electrical vehicle fast charging company Tritium has been able to brilliantly leverage US appetite for its technology with a $2 billion listing on the Nasdaq planned, for example. But 95 per cent of its business is overseas.
Chief executive Jane Hunter says NSW’s strategy will stimulate uptake of electric vehicles and put pressure on other states. What about Canberra?


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Australian Government establishes a freight data hub
In an Australian-first, mapping and geospatial specialists Geoplex have developed a national interactive tool to help provide vital insights into Australia’s freight system.
The National Freight Data Hub (NFDH) was developed by Geoplex, part of the Nova Group, working with the Commonwealth. The Hub will help industry, governments and researchers to better understand Australia’s freight system, evaluate and plan for the future.
The insights aim to help industry make more efficient decisions on movements, and even better understand the impact of traffic congestion on freight pricing.
One sample showed that congestion adds approximately 25 per cent more time on key freight routes in Sydney in the morning peak and evening peaks.
However, the highest peak congestion sample was in Melbourne at 5.00pm, where journeys were calculated to take 38 per cent longer across the city on key freight routes.


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Frances Gould | 10/9/2013 8:13:19 PM
Jazzman aromatic varieties developed at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station have gained acceptance in farmers’ fields and on consumers’ tables.
Rice farmers in the southern United States grew more than 10,000 acres of Jazzman last year.
Dr. Steve Linscombe, a regional director for the LSU AgCenter and director of its Rice Research Station at Crowley, said yields overall for Jazzman and Jazzman 2 were lower than other varieties. But he said that was expected.
"We had some fields that exceeded expectations and some that didn’t meet expectations," Linscombe said, stressing the emphasis in developing Jazzman rice lines was on the aromatic trait. "We knew going into this endeavor that Jazzman and Jazzman 2 didn’t have the yield that our current varieties have."
The lower yield has been offset, however, by a premium offered by mills for the specialty rice, Linscombe said.
"It was a learning experience for some who had never grown a specialty variety before," he said, explaining part of that learning curve included keeping the rice separate from the rest of a farmer’s crop.
Linscombe said consumers and the restaurant trade have readily accepted Jazzman rice as alternatives to imported Jasmine from Thailand.
"Almost across the board, everything I’ve heard has been positive, even exceeding my expectations," he said. "A lot of the restaurateurs using imported Thai Jasmine have been really positive about Jazzman, and in many cases, the comments I’ve heard is this is better than Thai Jasmine."
Linscombe said the superior aroma can be traced to different factors.
Thai Jasmine often is blended with nonaromatic rice, but U.S. Jazzman is not mixed. "Our Jazzman is a known entity, and that is not really always the case with imported Jasmine," Linscombe said.
Also, shipping rice across the ocean from Thailand increases the likelihood rice may sit in a container on a dock, exposing it to hot temperatures and diluting the aroma, he said. On top of that, the time it takes from harvest in Thailand until the rice reaches grocery shelves in the United States can diminish the aroma and flavor.
Another point in Jazzman’s favor is that consumers have confidence the U.S. product has been grown with federal oversight.
"Everything we do is subjected to U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration standards," Linscombe said.
Farmer Jimmy Hoppe of Fenton said he is upbeat for Jazzman’s potential.
"I’m going to increase acreage because of demand," he said. "The mills are expecting more use, and I continue to move more rice."
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Xueyan Sha, who developed the varieties, said the Jazzman offerings to consumers have gone beyond the United States, with one U.S. company exporting it to Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Sha said he is continuing work to improve Jazzman quality. He spent a month in 2011 cooking 2,000 different samples and looking for improvements in aroma and grain appearance.
He also is at work on a Clearfield Jazzman version – to give farmers more flexibility in their variety selections and weed control.
"It makes it much easier for farmers also because if you have Clearfield all around, you don’t have to worry about herbicide drift," Sha said, explaining Jazzman and Jazzman 2 were used to develop the Clearfield Jazzman lines.
(This article was published in the 2012 Louisiana Rice Research Board Annual Report.)
|Go to Report Home Page||PDF Version 2012 Report|
Please click on the links above to go to the Rice Research Board Reports home page, to go to the 2013 report, and to go to the PDF version of the 2012 report.


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Apple Recap: iPhone Costs and Cook’s Meeting With Icahn
The shut down of the federal government had little effect on U.S. equities on Tuesday. The S&P 500 closed up 0.80 percent at 1,695.00, the Dow Jones closed up 0.41 percent at 15,191.70, and the Nasdaq closed up 1.23 percent at 3,817.98. Riding that wave, shares of Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock closed up $11.21, or 2.35 percent, at $487.96. Here’s a cheat sheet to today’s top Apple stories:
IHS iSuppli recently dissected and analyzed the individual components of the iPhone 5S in order to discover the actual cost of Apple’s device. According to IHS iSuppli’s data, the 16GB iPhone 5S BoM (bill of materials) and manufacturing cost is approximately $199.
Although Apple currently sells its 16GB iPhone 5S for $649, this doesn’t mean that Apple is pocketing a cool $450 every time it sells the device. As noted by IHS iSuppli, the estimate “accounts only for hardware and manufacturing costs and does not include other expenses such as software, licensing, royalties or other expenditures.”.. (Read more.)
How Much Money Is Apple Saving With a Plastic iPhone?
How much did Apple actually spend to make your iPhone? A recently published report from UBS attempts to break down the cost of materials used for Apple’s iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S, reports the Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, a 16GB iPhone 5C costs Apple $156 in materials, while the 16GB iPhone 5S costs $213. Surprisingly, the biggest difference in cost between the two iPhone models was due to the casings and not the cutting-edge fingerprint sensor. UBS estimates that the aluminum metal iPhone 5S casing cost Apple $48.22 in materials, while the plastic casing of the iPhone 5C cost a mere $6.32… (Read more.)
Tweet, Tweet: Icahn and Cook Meet for Apple Buybacks
All it took was one tweet.
Had a cordial dinner with Tim last night. We pushed hard for a 150 billion buyback. We decided to continue dialogue in about three weeks.
— Carl Icahn (@Carl_C_Icahn) October 1, 2013
Shrewd activist investor Carl Icahn let the cat out of the bag Tuesday morning, informing his Twitter followers that he had dinner with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook the night before, and that, during the meal, he “pushed hard” for a $150 billion share buyback. The tweet was issued at 10:24 a.m. EDT and spurred an almost instantaneous Apple stock surge… (Read more.)
Follow Meghan on Twitter @MFoley_WSCS


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Celebrity spokespeople get paid lots of cash to try and sell us stuff. The idea is that we will somehow be convinced to buy a product simply because a famous person says it’s cool. This is Lincoln’s hope with its celebrity spokesman, Matthew McConaughey, and he’s back in a commercial for the new Lincoln Continental. […]
The 2017 Audi A4 is all-new with improvements on every front. It boasts a more powerful engine, a refined transmission, design updates, and Audi’s dazzling virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch color display.
The news on the return of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer swings wildly depending on the moment. It started off as simple rumors that were later confirmed by Jeep. Fans threw confetti, until news of the Grand Wagoneer’s cancellation surfaced. The latest news isn’t a cancellation, but a delay. It was last summer when reports had the […]
Alfa Romeo was founded in Milan, Italy in 1910. The company has a history of building beautiful cars with a performance aesthetic, but that history also includes a long absence from the US market. Now they’re back with the beautiful Giulia sedan joining the recently introduced 4C Coupe and 4C Spider. It’s a tough time […]
The Lincoln MKC was introduced in 2015 to give Lincoln a stake in the crossover market. This is an attractive and upscale crossover that stands out from the more affordable brands with elegant styling and a rich interior.
The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD brings a unique set of skills to what has become a challenging sales environment.
Is the 2016 Lexus GS200t F Sport a sheep in wolves clothing, or is it exactly what buyers want?
The Chrysler 300C Platinum has styling and performance that together create an unmistakable impression of confidence and strength.
The Rolls-Royce Dawn gives an unqualified upscale experience.


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The company is looking for a replacement for its chairman and has hired AlixPartners to review its operations.
Bad news keep coming for Ted Baker. After announcing yesterday that it is looking for a new chairman and the appointment of AlixPartners to review its operations, the British company issued today a profit warning and announced the departure of its chief executive officer, Lindsay Page.
Ted Baker now expects pre-tax profits for the year to be January 2020 to between 5 million pounds and 10 million pounds (6.5 million dollars and 13.1 million dollars). The company has also stated that it has suspended the payment to its shareholders temporarily. The company made a profit pf 24.5 million pounds (32.2 million dollars) during the same period in 2018.
The company also announced this month that David Bernstein was leaving his role as chairman immediately, for which the company has already begun to look for a substitute with headhunter company Korn Ferry. On the other hand, chief executive officer, Lindsay Page will be relieved on an interim basis by the chief financial officer, Rachel Osborne.


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The world of luxury brands is often seen as a world of exclusivity, of affluence, with demand for luxury goods seemingly never ending. But the recession has led to luxury brands to struggle with slowing demand – a challenge no one had imagined. This weekend briefing will explore how the luxury industry is contending with this drop in demand and what needs to be done to stay competitive in the market.
1. Luxury Brands: When Increase in Demand Becomes Unsustainable
luxury brands have become increasingly popular over the years as wealthy individuals seek out premium items as a symbol of status and means of identifying with other exclusive clients. Recent studies show that the demand for luxury goods has increased to a point where it has become unsustainable.
The stratospheric prices of luxury products make it difficult for even affluent individuals to maintain their lifestyles of wealth and indulgence without setting back their finances significantly. Additionally, excess demand breeds resentment from the general public, as the affluent continue to splurge on items of luxury while those less affluent struggle to make ends meet.
- Environmental Impact: Luxury items typically involve a reliance on natural resources that may or may not be renewable, and the methods used to harvest these resources can have a devastating impact on the environment.
- Price Inflation: Too much demand can drive up prices artificially, making premium items less attainable for even those with significant financial resources.
- Public Opinion: Those affluent individuals with a public profile can find themselves in an uncomfortable spotlight as wealth inequality is increasingly scrutinized.
2. Analyzing the Slowdown in Luxury Consumption
In recent years, there has been a drop in luxury spending and consumption. The question is whether this is a temporary pause or a sign of something more permanent. To understand the reasons for this slowdown, it is important to takes a close look at the current market conditions.
From the data, we can see that there are several key factors that could be influencing the drop in luxury spending. Firstly, a decrease in disposable income, has led to less money being available for significant luxury purchases. This is evident in a slowing of consumer spending on items like new cars, jewellery and fine clothing. Additionally, a decrease in consumer confidence has seen people become less willing to part with their hard-earned cash, even if the item in question is of the highest quality.
- Decrease in disposable income
- Decrease in consumer confidence
Finally, the current economic environment has also contributed to this slump in luxury consumption. Rising unemployment levels and increased competition from global competitors, has led to many companies reducing their spending on luxury items such as marketing and advertising. This has a direct effect on the demand for these items, which in turn has resulted in a reduction of profits for companies operating in the luxury sector.
3. Understanding the Undeniable Impact of an Economic Slump
For any nation, an economic slump can have devastating consequences. But why exactly is this the case? To understand this, we should begin by considering the various ways it can influence lives.
- Spending Habits – It is widely known that when the economy is in a period of stagnation, most people tend to cut back on their spending due to dwindling income. This in turn weakens the demand for goods and services, further impacting businesses.
- Employment – Many businesses can no longer afford to employ as many people due to a lack of capital and consumer base. This can be a harsh blow to a whole family, as a reduction in income and overall spending can take a toll on the head of the household.
It is unfortunate that most of these effects can take a while to repair themselves, leading to prolonged periods of distress. This emphasizes the need for governments to be proactive in managing people’s expectations and providing necessary support.
4. Keeping up with Consumer Trends: Adapting to Change
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving retail industry, it is essential for businesses to stay ahead of consumer trends. Change is inevitable, but it can mean success or failure for your store. With a few tips, you can adapt to market shifts and remain competitive.
The first step towards understanding and adapting to trends is actively seeking out information about your customers and the market. Research is an essential tool in staying informed. Utilize surveys, reviews, and other sources of feedback to understand what’s new and what’s on the rise. Additionally, stay up to date with industry news to identify what’s trending.
- Keep your inventory relevant: To stay current, adjust your merchandise selection according to what customers are asking for. Seek out the latest styles, colors, and even product categories to keep your shelves up to date.
- Listen to customer feedback: Your customers are your biggest asset. Pay attention to the way customers respond to your products and services, and take notes on anything that stands out.
- Monitor the competition: Looking at what your competitors are up to can give you an edge. Follow what’s working or not working for them, and use that knowledge to drive your own strategies.
Perhaps the most important thing when it comes to adapting to trends is to keep an open mind. Don’t let other people’s ideas limit your potential. Follow your instincts – you might be surprised by the positive impact it can have on your business.
As the luxury market continues to look for ways to move forward, one thing is certain: if brands hope to remain successful and competitive, they must embrace technological innovation and move away from traditional marketing strategies that fail to keep up with changing customer trends. Luxury brands must remain flexible enough to cater to their customers’ desires if they want to stay on top and have a viable future.


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Thumbprint Gallery, the only gift shop in Detroit that is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, launched an online store that carries handcrafted items from around the world, including hand-painted candles from South Africa, cotton bandanas from northern Vietnam, and candle holders made using reclaimed wood from abandoned buildings in Detroit.
As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Thumbprint Gallery is committed to equitable partnerships with their vendors and artisans. The designation assures that artisans are paid up front and work in health- and safety-compliant environments, and that they benefit from the trade partnerships and make environmentally sustainable products.
Thumbprint Gallery’s online store allows the gift shop, which currently is closed, to continue supporting artisans. The countries that had products in the store were impacted by the spread of coronavirus.
“In South Africa, the artisans who we work with were given three-day notices before the country shut down,” says Becky Riess, co-owner of Thumbprint Gallery. “There was very little time to prepare. I haven’t gotten an update lately as to how the government helps to subsidize people, but for a while – longer than it should have been – they weren’t paid anything.
“And so, the country turned from begging for money to begging for food. We reached out to a couple of artisans and prepaid on our next orders because we knew that they were really hurting and that this could help them greatly.
“They say the best thing we can do is continue selling their products in the states. The value of these sales is important. That’s why we have ramped up our efforts on this side to get our online site going.”
Purchases from the online store can be delivered or redeemed through curbside pickup at the shop’s location (2448 Riopelle St.) in Eastern Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
“People know they’re making a difference with their purchases. A lot of people buy our items as gifts, and they want something that tells a story as well,” Riess says. “I think our products appeal to the millennials, who are committed to making a difference in the world, and then it appeals to a lot of people who are older, who have travelled the world, who are interested in global issues, and who have made a commitment to speak out, being conscious of what they purchase.”
Riess opened Thumbprint Gallery in 2018 with friend and co-owner Kris Engels. In 2012, Riess and Engels started Thumbprint Artifacts to help artisan companies in South Africa get their products to the United States and so the companies could employ more women.
Thumbprint Artifacts sells to more than 400 stores and online catalogs, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Boston Museum of Fine Art, the Smithsonian, Petalura, and many brick-and-mortar giftshops across the United States.
Thumbprint Gallery’s website is available here.


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Despite achieving a marginal increase in export volumes for the 2022 season, compared with that of 2021, South Africa’s citrus industry has faced a myriad of challenges during this period. These have negatively impacted on returns and threaten future sustainability and profitability.
For that reason, mitigating measures are being pursued by the growers and industry nonprofit organization the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) to safeguard the long-term sustainability and profitability of the industry, its export revenue of about R30-billion a year and the 130,000 jobs it sustains.
According to CGA CEO Justin Chadwick, the latest total citrus export figure for the 2022 season stands at 165.1-million 15 kg cartons, compared with the 157.7-million cartons exported in 2021. The exports comprise 16.7-million cartons of grapefruit, 31.9-million cartons of mandarins and 34.8-million cartons of lemons, as well as 27.8-million cartons of navel and 53.9-million cartons of Valencia oranges.


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In a moving keynote, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, introduced a host of new features, such as a brand new AI-powered search engine (Search) that promises to generate hyper-personalised product information, AI additions to Gmail, and many more. The tech giant also launched its first foldable smartphones, the Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
The Twitterati had a rather enthusiastic response to the event, particularly the AI updates. One Twitter user wrote, “Well OpenAI/Microsoft had a good run. But after the Google I/O announcements today, I wouldn’t bet on them maintaining a lead for much longer.” Another described the event as “monumental” and congratulated Pichai and Thomas Kurien (CEO of Google Cloud) and the rest of the team. “Google is back,” wrote another.
Another expressed alarm that how easy it will become to "falsify images and simulate reality" with the help of AI, while others implicated that the Google keynote was a pitiful imitation of the one delivered by its competitor Apple.
Some users poked fun at how the Google team was hyper-focused on artificial intelligence at the event. “Heard ya’ll wanted some AI s****. We have got AI in all of our s****,” wrote a user. “AI was always a dirty word. Now it’s cool,” wrote another. An AI expert pointed out that every time the word AI was mentioned at Google I/O, the tech giant added $400 million to their market cap. Another speculated that, due to the I/O event, Google is dominating the AI news section and trends. This may induce OpenAI to launch GPT-5 just to overshadow Google.
Some Twitter users were put off by how expensive Google’s brand new foldable smartphone was. A Twitter user shared a snapshot of the price: $1799. Netizens called out the tech giant for the exorbitant prices. “The price for this ugly thing,” wrote a user. Another commented, “Yeah you can kiss my potential purchase goodbye …” Another claimed that the very concept of folding phones is a waste of resources. “Better to use simple phones,” they wrote.
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In celebration of the release of SHINEDOWN‘s brand new album ‘Amaryllis‘ on Monday, the band have put together some playlists for us. The first playlist we posted was Barry’s and you can check it out on Spotify by clicking here.
SHINEDOWN frontman, Brent Smith, has selected some tracks for you to check out too and you can find his playlist on Spotify by clicking here. He has some killer tunes by artists like Soundgarden, Black Sabbath, Jimmy Eat World, Pantera and much more. Check it out!
Brent selected some songs that aren’t on Spotify but we did manage to find them on YouTube – you can hear those tracks below:
You can get your hands on the brand spanking new SHINEDOWN album ‘Amaryllis‘ by clicking the below links: