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Vivo V30 Pro will be launched by the Chinese smartphone maker later this month. The handset is set to arrive weeks after the standard Vivo V30 model made its debut. Ahead of its arrival, Vivo has confirmed that the phone will sport a 3D curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while all three cameras on the handset will be equipped with Zeiss lenses. The company has also revealed that the handset will be powered by a 5,000mAh battery.
As per a landing page created on the company’s website, the Vivo V30 Pro will be launched in Thailand on February 28. Customers in the country can now preorder the handset as part of an early bird program. The site also reveals that the phone will be launched in three colour options — Green Sea, Night Sky Black, and Pearl White.
The company has also revealed some of the specifications of the handset on the landing page. It will be equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera, and all three cameras will feature Zeiss lenses. There’s an ‘Aura’ light under the camera module and users can adjust the colour temperature while clicking images. It has a 3D curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate, according to the company.
According to details recently leaked by a tipster, the Vivo V30 Pro will be equipped with a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. It could also be equipped with a 50-megapixel front-facing camera, according to the tipster. The handset is said to pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W charging.
Readers might recall that the specifications list of the Vivo V30 Pro shares several similarities with that of the Vivo S18 Pro that was launched in China in December 2023. The latter is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9200+ chipset, runs on Android 14 out-of-the-box and features a 12-megapixel triple rear camera setup.


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"It has become very difficult to carry out the works for which the temporary advances are needed. We have made payments to contractors from our pockets and are still awaiting the sanctioning of our advances," said a BSNL engineer.
In some instances, the lack of funds has forced officials to either put the works on hold or postpone them.
"Against the demand for 86 new landline connections in my area, I have been able to release only 54, while others are pending. No material is available in the stores as of now. The stocks have gone dry. This has happened because there are no funds at the disposal of the stores to buy goods for the works to be carried out," said an engineer from the BSNL's ND Patel Road office.
Another engineer from the CIDCO area said only servicing calls were being attended to. "Wherever the work involves the changing of wires or other major things, we have put that on hold," he said.
"I had complained about the disconnection of my phone on November 21, but till date, it has not been maintained. I am told that I would have to wait till material was available. The fault was cleared on December 1," Dinesh Jahagirdar, a customer from Nashik Road said.
"This is a temporary issue. Due to the ERP, the administration will be paperless. All services will be back to normal in a matter of few days," said a senior BSNL official.

domain: news


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New Delhi: US-based farm and construction equipment maker John Deere plans to rejig its tractor business in India by focussing more on smaller segment and is looking to launch at least two models by 2011 in that category.
“We started our Indian operations by focussing on high power tractors of 50 Horsepower (HP) and above. So far we have continued with the trend. However, half of the Indian tractor market is in the 31-40 HP segment and we are now going to change our strategy to target that segment,” John Deere Director (marketing and sales) Ravi Menon said.
The company is also ramping up production at its Pune plant in anticipation of increased domestic demand, as it targets over 7% growth in sales in the country this fiscal.
“The overall tractor industry sales are growing at 7% and we expect to grow more than that this fiscal in the domestic market,” he said.
During last fiscal (November 2008-October 2009), the company sold 25,000 units in the Indian market, besides exporting another 10,500 units.
Menon said that the company is working to introduce new models in the 31-40 HP segment, starting with two 35 HP tractor variants by 2011 but did not give details on price points.
The company’s existing 35 HP model comes at a price of Rs3.6 lakh. John Deere’s Pune plant has an installed capacity of 45,000 units.
John Deere currently sells eight models in the country across various segments.
“Most of our current Indian sales are in the above 50 HP segment, where we command a market 40% share,” Menon added.
The Indian tractor market was of 3.3 lakh units in 2008, of which the 50 HP and above segment had 7% share.
Commenting on production increase, he said last fiscal the capacity utilisation at the Pune plant was about 80%, and the company is aiming to increase it further but did not elaborate.
“Demand is likely to go up further this year as more money is reaching the farmers’ hands due to increase in minimum support prices,” Menon said.
“Although domestic sales are expected to rise, exports from India are unlikely to grow over last fiscal’s 10,500 units as international demand is still low,” he added.


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Chesapeake — The state of New York wants a doll taken off Dollar Tree’s store shelves after testing revealed the toy’s head had 246 times the level of a chemical substance than federally allowed.
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an alert in the middle of December calling the 5-inch blonde doll wearing a pink floral dress a “toxic toy,” because of the phthalate levels it found. Phthalate’s are chemical substances used in making plastic, typically to make plastics soft. The doll, which is made in China, is intended for children who are at least 3 years old.
“This toy poses an unacceptable risk to our kids and should not be on store shelves,” said New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado in a statement.
A Dollar Tree spokesman did not respond to two attempts to reach him for comment via email.
The Division of Consumer Protection had an independent laboratory, QIMA, test 10 toys. The agency gave the lab six identical Fashion Doll toys to test, separating the doll into its component parts (face, torso, hair, shoes, arms, heads). It was the only toy of the 10 to fail the phthalate test, and it was the doll’s head that did it. The toy passed tests for lead and mechanical hazards. The phthalate found in the doll was Di(2-ethylhexyl), also known as DEHP. The federal limit for DEHP levels in a product is 0.1% but the Fashion Doll had 24.6%.
The toy was imported by Chesapeake-based Greenbrier International, which does business as Dollar Tree.
The state agency reached out to Dollar Tree and the Consumer Product Safety Commission with letters on Dec. 12 and encouraged the federal agency to issue a nationwide recall. As of Dec. 24, it had not, but the federal agency had expressed interest in doing its own testing on the doll. Dollar Tree’s legal counsel reached out to the New York agency and were given the results of its testing.
The New York agency encouraged anyone who had bought the “Fashion Doll” to throw it away or set it aside away from children in case there are any recalls for the toy that involve a refund.


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Central Co-op’s Christmas Toy Appeal Returning to Boley Park, Lichfield on 4th November
Posted by sam bishop | Published: 02/11/2022
Following on from last year’s successful Christmas Toy Appeal event at Boley Park in Lichfield, Central Co-op is bringing its festive Christmas truck back to the store in order to collect gifts for its annual Christmas Toy Appeal. Customers can see the truck in person on 4th November, and enjoy festivities at the store at the same time.
The Toy Appeal, which is running from 2nd November to 2nd December, is collecting toys for charities such as Family-Action, The Salvation Army, Rainbows, and – for the first time – Play Action International, who is distributing toys to families in the UK affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Toy donations must be new, unwrapped and can include puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls/figures, and art materials, with all stores and funeral homes featuring donation points throughout the Appeal. Food bank donation points can also be found at all stores, which will be distributed to local food banks across the trading area.
Over 10,000 toys were donated last year as a result of the efforts of customers, ensuring that as many children as possible had a gift to open on Christmas Day.
Chief Member and Customer Officer Rajesh Gupta said: “Every year our Christmas Toy Appeal brings joy to so many children, and that’s why we’re so passionate about it. This year will be especially important as we extend this support to the children of families fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine.”
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to cause challenges for many families, it’s more important than ever to make sure that every child wakes up to some festive joy on Christmas morning.”
“If you’re able to, please visit our various locations to donate to this appeal. Thank you so much for your support!”
Kirsty Coxon, Corporate Partnership Fundraiser at Rainbows, said: “It is wonderful for Rainbows to be part of the Central Co-op’s Christmas Toy Appeal once again. Christmas is a special time for us at the hospice, when wonderful memories are made. It is lovely for the children and young people who are with us over the festive period to be able to receive extra gifts and we would like to thank everyone who takes part in the scheme and supports us.”
For further details, head to the Central England Co-operative website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Notes to editors
About Central Co-op
Central Co-op is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK, with a heritage stretching back over 175 years and interests in food, funeral, floral and property investment.
Owned by hundreds of thousands of members, its 7,700 colleagues serve customers across 440 plus trading sites in 19 counties in the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Its purpose is to create a sustainable Society for all.
It actively campaigns for food justice and works with FareShare Midlands and a network of local food banks. It also adds £1 to every Healthy Start Voucher redeemed in store and supports six schools in partnership with Magic Breakfasts.
The Society embraces inclusivity and equality and is a signed-up member to the Business in the Community (BITC) Race at Work Charter. The Society is also a member of Diversity in Retail and it is fully committed to addressing the impacts of climate change by reducing carbon and food waste, increasing recycling and investment in community Sustainable Spaces funded by the carrier bag levy. It recently launched its Malawi Partnership to support farmers and producers in the country through the Co-operative International Trading Development Fund.
It invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities through its Community Dividend Fund scheme which has seen over £109,769.25 shared out between 121 good causes in 2022.
Press office contact: Sam Bishop, PR Specialist


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International iron and steel association, according to data from November 1, 2014, the global crude steel production is 1.498 billion tons, an increase of 1.8%. In the same period, the national bureau of statistics data show that China's crude steel output of 749 million tons, an increase of 1.9%, account for half of the world's crude steel production. Our country has become a truly global steel production country. Under the background of domestic steel consumption is relatively weak, steel exports sustained high growth.
In 2013, according to China's steel exports more than 60 million tons, an increase of 11.84%. 1 - in November 2014, exports soared to 83.6123 million tons, the rapid growth of 46.78%, a new peak of history. In 2014, ten million tons of steel exports or broken "9".
China's steel exports hit a record high, effectively alleviate the pressure of the domestic steel demand has fallen. Steel exports looks like a piece of red, but from the point of "price", export innovation is high, does not bring the whole industry development peer profits, ultra-low prices, has sold "bargain", and the development of high pollution and high energy consumption way bring serious harm to environment protection, resource sustainability. China's steel import and export of key features:
A, import and export should, slowing imports, exports and net exports hit a record high
China's steel import growth is slowing, imports far worse than exports. Steel imports in China from 29.3033 million tons in 2004, continued to decline in 2013 to 14.0787 million tons, 1 November 2014, China's steel imports is 13.2199 million tons, only a slight increase of 2.70%. Contrary to imports, China's steel exports maintained rapid growth, from 14.2273 million tons in 2004, growing to 2013 tonnes in 62.3296 million, ten years increase 4.38 times. 1 - in November 2014, China's steel exports have more than 83.6123 million tons, annual or 90 million tons. Net exports increased significantly, by 2013 China's net exports are less than 50 million tons of steel. 1 - November this year, China's net exports of 70.3924 million tons of steel, a new historical record.
Second, the general trade accounts for more than 9 into, each kind of trade way maintained rapid growth.
November 1, 2014, China's steel exports of 79.8978 million tons, in general trade way accounted for 95.56% of China's steel exports, an increase of 48.01%. To export processing trade way is 1.9339 million tons, only accounted for only 2.31%. In small-scale border trade and the areas under special customs supervision way are more than 600000 tons of export, the total accounted for only 1%, increased by 16.02% and 16.02% respectively.
Three, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines in export before 3 armour, main export markets are maintained rapid growth.
1 - in November 2014, I steel 23.2908 million tons, exports to the association of south-east Asian nations (asean) increased by 44.01%, accounted for 27.86% of China's steel exports during this period. 11.8567 million tons, exports to South Korea grew 34.88%, accounted for 14.18%. Exports to Vietnam and the Philippines are 5.7886 million tons and 4.3809 million tons, up 59.94% and 95.52%, accounted for 6.92% and 5.24%, respectively. Exports to the United States, 3.16 million tons, an increase of 61.68%, accounting for more than 3.78%.
Four, steel plate for the greatest export varieties, steel bar.
November 1, 2014, China's exports of iron and steel plate 39.2383 million tons, an increase of 55.54%, accounted for 46.93% of China's steel exports during this period. Export 27.0943 million tons of steel bars, an increase of 73.64%, 32.40%. Angle steel and steel exports of 4.2652 million tons, an increase of 9.82%, the percentage is only 5.10%. Steel wire and steel pipe fittings exports are less than 2 million tons, accounted for less than 3%.
The main reason for China's steel exports continue to run high:
A, the obvious contradiction between supply and demand, the price is as low as "bargain" export competitiveness.
The macro economic growth is slowing, to this year's steel apparent consumption decreased, for the first time since 2000, steel consumption has dropped for the first time in 14 years. In August of this year, China's crude steel apparent consumption fell 1.9% from a year earlier to 61.9 million tons, August 1 - apparent consumption reduced by 0.3% to 500 million tons. National crude steel production in 2014 or 826 million tons, history will reach a new peak, market oversupply abnormal prominent contradictions. According to cisa data statistics, eight key mills steel inventories in late 14.242 million tons, up 14.37% from a year earlier.
In order to alleviate the contradiction between supply and demand, increasing exports of iron and steel corporation, are taking a campaign at a low price strategy, overseas market. , according to data from the customs information network (www.haiguan.info) - in November 2014 in January 2013, China's steel exports average price besides 1 months remain modest growth, other 22 month presents the negative growth. September, October and November 2014, China's steel export prices decline more than 10% on average, to November export average price has dropped to $684.20 a tonne. Which part of the segment goods prices below even $600 and $500 per ton. On November 27, 2014, the main steel market prices, according to the manufacture of our country's export volume price of us $540 per ton FOB; Hot rolled plate and thick plate in the FOB price is only $465 and $460 per ton. Reduced computation, the steel price is 2 RMB per kilogram, and cabbage prices rather on the market, steel sold "bargain". Excess production capacity, demand is not prosperous, China's steel prices have dropped to the lowest level in nearly 10 years. Plate, hot-rolled coil at the same time, in the commonwealth of independent states (cis) export price respectively for $510 a tonne FOB (black) and $475 a tonne (FOB black sea).
Second, the global manufacturing continues to expand, and emerging market demand expansion drive to export.
Since this year, the increasingly clear signs of recovery in the global economy stabilises, manufacturing a sustained momentum. Jpmorgan chase and Markit jointly issued, according to data from the global purchasing managers' index (PMI) in August expansion speed up again, rose to 52.6 from 52.5 in July, and expansion level for 21 months in a row. Among them, the U.S. manufacturing institute for supply management (ISM) PMI final value is 57.9, according to the data published in the most substantial increase since April 2010. The strong expansion of the U.S. economy is the main cause of global index rose. October and November global manufacturing expansion is slowing, is still in a state of expansion. In October, the global manufacturing pmi stabilisation in 52.2. Global manufacturing sector continued to expand, steel demand increase, according to the world steel association (WSA), expects 2014 global steel consumption will be about 1.562 billion tons, an increase of 2%.
As emerging market countries sustained and rapid economic development, infrastructure construction and civil construction investment increasing, the demand for steel in particular building steel increased significantly. 1 - in November 2014, China's exports to asean in 2329, ten thousand tons, up 44.01%; For African exports of 6.0235 million tons, an increase of 40.09%. Demand from emerging markets to expand pull China's steel exports to increase.
Current our country iron and steel industry overcapacity and exports surged, with many development problem. Industry led to severe overcapacity steel market continues to supply, low price competition increasingly prominent, which makes the whole steel industry fall into the predicament of the "production is not income". At the same time, the increase of export of steel products in China, the cause more trade litigation. Specific as follows:
A, continuing excess capacity, backward production capacity and environmental pressure.
In recent years, China's steel industry investment continued high fever is not retreated, backward production capacity out ineffective, and leading industry overcapacity problem increasingly prominent. The national bureau of statistics data show that in 2006-2012, our country new crude steel production capacity has reached 440 million tons, compared with the total reduce crude steel production capacity is 76 million tons only. In 2013, the new capacity of 80 million tons, is expected to 2014 new production to 30 million tons.
Along with the increase in fog weather across the country, from the state council to the local governments have issued control air pollution and overcapacity. In September 2013 the state council issued the action plan for the control of air pollution, eliminated again in 2015 ironmaking 15 million tons, 15 million tons of steel; In October by the state council "about resolving contradictions of severe overcapacity guidance", puts forward total compression steel production capacity of 80 million tons in the next five years; On January 7, 2014, ministry of environmental protection with the national 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) signed the goal responsibility of the prevention and control of atmospheric pollution ", has been clear about the local air quality improvement targets and key tasks. On November 25, 2014, the ministry announced in accordance with the conditions of steel industry norms, "the third batch of enterprises, thus 85% of steel production capacity has been documented statistics, eliminate backward production capacity, the possibility of more in the future.
Second, the "price for quantity", vicious competition risk, steel circulation market funds "reservoir" function is lost.
Domestic steel demand remains weak, need to rely on exports to resolve capacity pressures, exports competitive. Iron and steel production enterprises to preempt the limited export market, are taking "to the price change amount" strategy. The move will intensify steel exports vicious competition, and cause more trade friction.
As the steel prices falling, steel traders have "escape", steel market funds "reservoir" function loss. Steel trade circulation to avoid market risks, reduce steel inventories in succession, even adopt the strategy of zero inventory, reduce the order to steel production enterprises, results in the decrease of steel social inventory, production enterprise inventory. In November 2014, steel social inventory a new low since 2009, as of 28, 29 key cities in China social inventory of 8.988 million tons of steel, fell 7.6%, fell 27.8% year on year. Steel inventory structure changes of non-performing loans in the steel trade industry, since this year most of the decline of the quality of bank assets.
Third, the trade friction multiplier, double the event three times for the same period last year, spread to emerging markets.
Since this year, with China's steel exports increase rapidly, the trade friction surge in foreign markets. According to the statistics show that by the end of November 2014, a total of 11 countries (regions) of China's iron and steel products to launch trade remedy investigation 60, an increase of 200%. , including double negative survey 13, the anti-dumping investigation, 41 6 countervailing investigation. Consecutive 19 years in our country to become the country with the largest trade friction, the steel industry has always been in "areas".
From traditional markets such as Europe and the United States steel trade friction presents the trend of spreading to the emerging markets. Since this year, steel products in China has suffered from the United States, India, the eu trade remedy investigation, Malaysia and other countries. Among them, India, Malaysia, Korea, Brazil and other emerging markets have initiated trade investigations. Such as October 30, 2014, Brazil's seamless steel tube anti-dumping final, five-year anti-dumping tariffs, until October 30, 2019. At the same time, this year in Thailand, Malaysia, Morocco, etc have the safeguards investigation measures on imported steel. On August 18, 2014, Malaysia for safeguards investigation of hot rolled steel plate.
Continuously push new country steady growth method, but the domestic iron and steel demand in the short term will not big improvement. Capital security, ten, cut interest rates and encourage social investment measures are developed. Infrastructure, nearly two months, the national development and reform commission has approved the railway project, airport and port projects. In a series of measures to boost the steady growth of vibration, and reform the bonus release, but funding in place and to iron and steel industry demand will take time. So, still have large steel outlet pressure. Advice, strictly implement the industrial policy, and actively eliminate backward production capacity, manufacturing-according-to-sale steel enterprises, standardize the order of export enterprises, beware of low malignant competition.


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Plasma atomised titanium, aluminium and nickel powder provider AP&C, a GE Additive company, has signed a new agreement with Airbus to provide titanium powders (Ti6AI4V) for use in metal Additive Manufacturing.
“The adoption of metal additive technology in aerospace continues to gather momentum,” stated Alain Dupont, CEO at AP&C. “And one of the challenges of matching that pace in a highly-regulated industry like aerospace, is building a robust supply chain that can meet both the industry standard for conventionally and additively manufactured parts, but also add value.”
AP&C has grown its capacity to more than 1,000 tons of titanium powder per year. This large-scale production is performed in more than a dozen powder production lines at two manufacturing sites. The company continues to invest in its plasma atomisation technology, which allows new materials to be produced and ultimately reduces the cost of plasma atomised powders, while maintaining the high quality required by metal AM users in the aerospace industry.
Dupont added, “Our approach is to be more than just a supplier of metal powders to our customers. To scale metal Additive Manufacturing, acceleration can only be achieved by sharing knowledge best practice to lower risk and increase stability. One way we have supported Airbus in recent years, for example, has been to help its in-house Additive Manufacturing team establish its own methods and processes to qualify Ti6AI4V powders.”


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OnePlus 10R tipped to debut in India in Q2 2022
Chinese tech giant OnePlus is reportedly working on a new 10-series smartphone, the OnePlus 10R. According to Android Central, the handset will be launched in the Indian and Chinese markets sometime in the second quarter of this year. The report has also tipped that the upcoming device will boast MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9000 processor and will bear a 120Hz AMOLED display.
- The OnePlus 10R will arrive as a successor to the OnePlus 9R model. It will join the 10 Pro smartphone, which went official in China earlier this month.
- It will compete against other flagship smartphones featuring the Dimensity 9000 processor such as the upcoming OPPO Find X5.
- The vanilla OnePlus 10 and 10 Pro are also tipped to debut globally in Q2 this year.
The OnePlus 10R will feature a punch-hole design with slim bezels and an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication. On the rear, it may have a quad camera setup. The handset may bear a 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a Full-HD+ (1080x2400 pixels) resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, an aspect ratio of 20:9, and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection.
The OnePlus 10R is likely to sport a quad rear camera setup comprising a 64MP (f/1.8) primary sensor, a 16MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide lens, a 5MP (f/2.4) macro snapper, and a 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor. Up front, it may have a 32MP (f/2.0) selfie camera.
The OnePlus 10R is said to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor, paired with at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Under the hood, it will run on Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 and may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 65W fast-charging support. For connectivity, the device should offer support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC, 5G, and a Type-C port.
As of now, there is no information regarding the pricing and availability of the OnePlus 10R model. However, considering the rumored specifications, the handset is likely to cost around Rs. 45,000 in India.


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According to Chinese firm ArcherMind Technology, this is the world’s first embedded Android-based navigation system. It comes with a seven inch touchscreen (WVGA 800×480) display and is capable of web browsing over 3G or Wi-Fi.
The ArcherMind SatNav was demoed at the Embedded Technology tradeshow in Japan, and quickly caught the attention of many. Who wouldn’t like to have an Android on the dash of his/her car, right? Unfortunately, it appears there’s no plans to release this gadget in America any time soon.
This device runs on a Marvell processor, it also has a hard drive and SD slot, is capable of playing your music, and it can even send SMS messages. The Android SatNav will be able to provide carmakers an advanced system for next generation car infotainment device, according to ArcherMind. And apparently, one unnamed Chinese auto maker is considering this device to be available in Q1 2010 in their cars.


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Pandemic draws farmers, investors to agritech startups
As lockdowns and restrictions disrupted supply chains, agritech has helped farm produce reach the market and manage cash flows, endearing these startups to farmers and attracting investor interest
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU : On Monday, agri-fintech startup Jai Kisan raised $30 million in a funding round led by South Korea’s Mirae Asset, signalling expanding investor interest in a sunrise sector.
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THE Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo aviance) has posted gross revenue of N7.38 billion for the nine – month period ended September 30, 2019.
The company subsequently posted a profit before tax of N973.1 million for the period, N241.3 million or 32.96 per cent higher than the amount for the same period last year. Profit after tax rose by 30 per cent to N782 million in third quarter 2019 compared with the N601.31 million in third quarter 2018. Earnings per share stood at 48 kobo as at the end of the third quarter of 2019 compared to 37 kobo as earnings per share as at the end of the third quarter of 2018.
The board appointed a new management for the company which early this year embarked on a five – year transformation plan. The company is continuing the massive upgrade of its equipment, warehouses and other facilities at the airports.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCo aviance) Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi said she was delighted that the company was making progress on all fronts.
“NAHCo is in a good place. Apart from being the industry leader in ground handling in West Africa, we are also providing leadership in supporting our partners, the cargo agents, in the important skills of packaging for export,” Fagbemi said.
She noted that in the period that the new management took over, the company had increased the capacity of its export warehouse and is currently renovating its import warehouse.
She said NAHCo is also taking advantage of opportunities emanating from Federal Government’s closure of the land borders as it is partnering stakeholders on proper packaging for their products for exports.
By: Victor Odiase


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Posted: Monday, 30 April 2012 3:35pm on MediaAccess.org
Sony has just launched its much anticipated cinema access technology which displays captions on a pair of glasses, replicating the look of open captions. One independent cinema chain in the USA has already signed on to install the device.
After a year of testing at a handful of its cinemas, the independent Regal Entertainment Group has formalised an agreement to install Sony’s Entertainment Access Glasses in each of its locations, in line with the chain’s move to digital projection.
As reported in May last year, Regal has undertaken a nationwide rollout of accessible cinema
which is expected to be completed by early 2013. The rollout of personal access devices will see closed captions, aud...
Read more »


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PepsiCo announced this week that it has officially changed the name of its Aunt Jemima pancake and syrup products to Pearl Milling Company. The company said that Pearl Milling Company was founded in 1888 in St. Joseph, MO, and was the originator of the self-rising pancake mix that would later become known as the Aunt Jemima brand. The news comes a little over six months after the company announced the intention to change the name and logo of its Aunt Jemima products, saying at the time that its \"origins are based on a racial stereotype.\" Pearl Milling Company-branded pancake mixes, syrups, cornmeal, and grits products will begin to hit supermarket shelves starting in June. Products will continue to be available under the Aunt Jemima name without the logo until June.
Humble Gourmand has a recipe for every occasion of your life. We want to keep you nourished and inspired no matter what season you're in. Enjoy the delicious tastes of cuisines everywhere right in the comfort of your own kitchen.


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E-Scooter Space: Ola Electric has captured the top position in the fast growing Electric Vehicle (EV) market in India in just five months of launching its first e-scooter. According to data from the government’s vehicle portal, Ola has registered 12,689 e-scooter units in April, which is more than the previous segment leader Hero Electric.
OLA becomes the market leader
Ola has registered a growth of 39 percent in April as compared to the previous month. At the second position, Okinawa Autotech registered around 10,000 e-scooters, while Hero Electric registered 6,571 units, securing the third position.
Ola’s Founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal expressed happiness
Ola’s Founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal expressed his happiness through a tweet, saying that his company is the number-1 position in the market. has reached. He said in his tweet, "Ola’s Market Share: No.1!"
<p style="text-align: justify;"He also took a dig at the fake statements against the company and said that the customers and the markets have brought out the facts and the truth. Agarwal said, "We are just getting started."
Ola plans to launch an electric car by 2024
Ola is also gearing up to launch its e-scooters in the global markets and plans to launch an electric car by 2024. The plan has also been disclosed.
<p style="text-align: justify;"LIC IPO Update: Policyholders’ share in LIC IPO fully filled, 1.5 times subscribed by 12:24 PM


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RIPTA: Bus tickets now available by smartphone
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced on July 12 the launch of a new mobile app that will enable passengers to use their cell phones to purchase tickets and passes.
The mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, is part of an ongoing project to upgrade fare technology at RIPTA and improve the passenger experience for customers.
Developed by Bytemark in New York City, the app is available for download in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android devices. Customers can find it by searching for “RIPTA Flash Pass.”
“We are committed to using technology to make RIPTA accessible and easy to use,” CEO Scott Avedisian said. “This new mobile app gives passengers the convenience of purchasing tickets and other fare products on their phones and storing them until they are ready to ride. For now, passengers will show their mobile tickets to bus operators when they board, but in a little more than a year, we will have devices on all our vehicles enabling riders to simply scan their mobile device.”
The validators that will be installed on all buses later this year, giving passengers the ability to simply scan their mobile devices as they board. For now, passengers will be required to show drivers the active ticket on their phone so operators can verify its authenticity. RIPTA bus operators will not be handling passengers’ phones and passengers are being instructed to make sure they have their electronic tickets ready to show the driver when they board.
Since the app is still in beta mode, RIPTA will be monitoring its performance and collecting customer feedback. Currently, the products that are available for mobile purchase are a single trip with no transfer, a single trip with transfer, a five-trip and transfer bundle, a day pass and a seven-day pass.
For more information, visit ripta.com.


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At the company’s Connect event on Thursday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the social media platform’s new name will be Meta.
This however does not translate to the app changing it’s name to Meta. The names of the apps — Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp—will remain the same.
“We are a company that builds technology to connect,” Zuckerberg said. “Together, we can finally put people at the center of our technology. And together, we can unlock a massively bigger creator economy.”
“The metaverse is the next evolution of social connection. Our company’s vision is to help bring the metaverse to life, so we are changing our name to reflect our commitment to this future.” the company says on it’s website.
The term “metaverse” refers to online shared virtual world environments that individuals can access.
The phrase can apply to digital settings that have been enhanced with virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR).
Some people also use the term metaverse to refer to virtual worlds in which players can roam around and interact with other players.
During the 2021 keynote, Mark Zuckerberg said the company is developing exciting new technologies that will help people connect and explore in the metaverse.
The metaverse will be brought to reality in three ways;
Virtual reality allows you to go to other worlds and share experiences with others. Even if you live far apart, Quest allows you to share new experiences with friends and family.
AR enhances shared experiences with amusing virtual effects at the touch of a screen, allowing you to express yourself with the people that matter the most.
Smart glasses, for example, will serve as portals into the metaverse, allowing you to interact with the environment around you. The first step in this path is smart glasses, which allow you to record audio and video with only a touch.
The rebrand is part of the firm’s efforts to move away from being known solely as a social network company and instead focus on Zuckerberg’s metaverse goals.


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A new advert for vegan food delivery service allplants has hit UK television screens – and will play throughout the first week of January.
allplants is an award-winning company that delivers frozen meals nationwide from its 20,000 square feet kitchen in North London – Europe’s largest plant-based facility.
allplants’ advert coincides with the first week of Veganuary – a global initiative that supports people as they try a vegan diet in January and beyond. The ad is aimed at non-vegans, and urges them to eat more plant-based food (below).
The ad shows a women attempting to go vegan, but struggling to give up cheese. She manages to move towards a plant-based diet by tucking into meals from allplants.
The commercial encourages those who are working towards going vegan but aren’t there yet, with the slogan: “We’re all plants. You don’t have to be.”
allplants lighter menu
The ad also coincides with the launch of allplants’ new Lighter Menu, which includes a range of dishes which all come in at under 450 calories per portion.
Meals including were created in collaboration with the company’s in house nutritionist Aly Findlay, to ‘ensure they’re balanced, as well as tasty’.
They include Spicy Szechuan Noodles, Protein Bolognese Bowl, Roasted Veggie Lasagne, and Aubergine Parmigiana.
Nutrients on a vegan diet
“It’s absolutely possible to get all of the nutrients your body needs in order to stay energized and healthy from a vegan diet,” Findlay said.
“There are also health benefits associated with a vegan diet, such as increased fiber and reduced saturated fat intake.”
“As with any diet, the key is being mindful of the different nutrients you’re consuming, and varying them so you’re getting the complete range of micronutrients.”
The price of an allplants box of six meals costs £40.50 for single portions (£6.75 per meal) or £59.88 for double portions (£4.99 per meal).


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Couple caught with boost bags to avoid anti-theft devices
Two were arrested after they say the pair used a boost bag to steal clothing from the Old Navy store on 9th Street North in the Coastland Mall Friday afternoon.
The officer on foot patrol was asked to check out the pair described at first as two women who were in the back of the store.
Based on the obvious wear of the shopping bags, the officer questioned the two once they left the store.
It was believed the booster bags, made so the contents go undetected by anti-shop lifting devices, would have been used to steal from the stores. The bags were found to be empty.
They used the bags to test the store's anti-theft effectiveness and found both bags hid the contents from discovery.
It was later learned the couple had a rental car in the parking lot and despite the suspect's refusal to allow a search, police could see other bags in the car including a white garbage bag full of clothing.
The car was towed and impounded at the Naples Police Department until a warrant could be obtained for the search.
The two were identified as Maria Mendoza of Miami and Roberto Reyes also of Miami. Police say Reyes has an extensive history of criminal activity including grand theft and using a booster bag in 2012.
Mendoza was also arrested for using a booster bag in 2013 and grand theft.
Police believe they are members of a traveling organized retail theft group out of Miami and with their criminal histories they had hoped for a high bond.
Both Reyes and Mendoza posted $10,000 bonds on Saturday.


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China to invest in energy field in Romania
Officials from the Romanian Ministry of Economy (ME) had a series of meetings last week with a delegation of the Commission for Economic and Financial Affairs with the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of China, headed by Vice-President Wen Shizhen.
According to the Secretary of State with the ME Tudor Serban, Romania is ready to represent for the Chinese economy like a open gate to the European market, through the Chinese investing in various fields in Romania, including in the energy field.
Moreover, the Secretary of State Constantin Claudiu Stafie added that the ME is currently seeking to identify such categories of industrial products to be exported to the Chinese market, so as to reduce the deficit in the trade balance.
The Vice-President of the Commission for Economic and Financial Affairs with the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of China Wen Shizhen also mentioned as another objective of his visit to Romania the documentation related to how laws are being made in Romania.
China is the most important commercial partner of Romania in the Asian area, occupying the 2nd position in exports and the first in imports.
The total volume of the trade exchanges between Romania and China stood at 3.805 billion dollars on December 31, 2008, with exports standing at 270.17 million dollars and imports at 3.535 billion dollars.
Moreover, the Chinese investments in Romania have recorded an upward trend. There were registered 9,432 Chinese companies and Romanian-Chinese joint companies in Romania, with the total value of Chinese investments in Romania standing at 330 million dollars, China raking thus 17th among countries investing in Romania.


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The 105 pledge signatories together generate over $1.4 trillion in global annual revenues and have more than 5 million employees across 25 industries in 16 countries.
The Climate Pledge is a commitment co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early and achieve net-zero carbon by 2040.
Amazon and Global Optimism announced that more than 100 companies have now signed The Climate Pledge. Among the 52 new signatories joining The Climate Pledge are well-known brands including Quorn Foods, the first meat alternative brand to sign the pledge, Colgate-Palmolive, Heineken, PepsiCo and Sainsbury’s.
Pledge signatories in total generate more than $1.4 trillion in global annual sales and have more than 5 million employees across 25 industries in 16 countries—demonstrating the collective impact The Climate Pledge can have in addressing climate change.
Signatories to The Climate Pledge agree to:
- Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis.
- Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies.
- Neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially beneficial offsets to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040—a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050.
Quorn Foods’ purpose is to provide healthy food for people and the planet, offering the world a more sustainable protein source than meat.
“Quorn is the leading alternative protein brand, and our aim is to help people everywhere make simple, satisfying, and significant contributions to our collective fight against the climate crisis, simply by eating less meat,” said Marco Bertacca, Quorn Foods CEO.
“We’re focusing on making positive contributions to both our environmental challenges as well as our public health challenges by meeting consumer demand for delicious meat alternatives, and prioritising sustainable development of these products. It is a great pleasure to join The Climate Pledge and commit to becoming net-zero by 2040.”
All signatories are taking science-based, high-impact actions to tackle climate change by innovating in supply chain efficiency, sustainable transportation, circular economy, clean energy solutions, and more. Many organisations are also meaningfully involving customers in their journey to net-zero with initiatives focused on innovative packaging and sustainable product design and development, while delivering solutions to empower customers to reduce their own emissions with educational campaigns and sustainable shopping experiences.
The main ingredient in all Quorn products is mycoprotein, a fermented meat-free super protein that is naturally high in protein and fibre, low in saturated fat, and uses 90% less land and water, and produces 90% less carbon emissions than making animal protein.
The company also strives to minimise the environmental impact of its operations so that its business as well as its products are sustainable. Since 2012, Quorn Foods has reduced the carbon footprint of its factories per tonne by 33%, and reduced its water usage per tonne by 16%. Additionally, 80% of the company’s packaging is fully recyclable. The company is committed to an interim target of net-zero carbon across its own operations by 2030. The company is also committed to having a net positive impact in society by 2030 through promoting healthier lifestyles and more inclusive communities, and supporting climate action for all.
“Less than two years ago, Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge and called on other companies to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early—today, more than 100 companies with over $1.4 trillion in global annual revenues and more than 5 million employees have signed the pledge,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “We are proud to stand with other signatories to use our scale to decarbonize the economy through real business change and innovation.”
“We helped to initiate The Climate Pledge to prove a model that accelerates decarbonization with the most ambitious companies,” said Christiana Figueres, the UN’s former climate chief, and now founding partner of Global Optimism.
“Today over 100 companies, including household brands and companies from all industry sectors, have joined The Climate Pledge with its goal of net-zero by 2040. They are demonstrating that moving faster toward decarbonising their businesses is a pathway to competitive advantage. There is no doubt we’re at a tipping point to establish the low carbon economy envisioned in the Paris Agreement. I commend the leadership of the companies that have joined The Climate Pledge already and look forward to welcoming the next 100.”
Amazon and Global Optimism welcome the new signatories that have committed to The Climate Pledge.
Direct Healthcare Solutions Ltd.
Edmonton International Airport
EV Private Equity
Inn at Laurel Point
Lil Packaging Ltd.
Morgan Sindall Group
Natural Capital Partners
Portland General Electric
Rail Delivery Group
Springer Nature Group
The Sustainable City


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Arusha, Tanzania, August 17, 2011 — IFC and the World Bank today launched a report stating that if the best of East African regulations and procedures were implemented across the board, the business regulatory environment in East Africa, as measured by the report, would be comparable to that in Japan.
The report, Doing Business in the East African Community 2011, draws on data from the annual global Doing Business study and takes a detailed look at business regulations in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The report states that East Africa could benefit from sharing good practices in business regulation as measured by Doing Business.
In the past five years all East African Community economies made it easier to do business. The average ranking for those countries is 117 out of 183 economies overall in Doing Business 2011. Kenya has some of the most business-friendly regulations for dealing with construction permits. Ugandan courts resolve insolvency relatively efficiently. And Rwanda is among the fastest places to start a business.
“If each East African country was to adopt the region’s best practice for each Doing Business indicator, East Africa would rank 18, bringing the community closer to the global top performers,” said Sabine Hertveldt, World Bank Senior Private Sector Development Specialist and co-author of the report.
The East African Community is the regional intergovernmental organization of the economies studied in this report. In recent years EAC economies have worked to harmonize EAC Customs Union legislation and common market protocols while establishing peer-to-peer networks such as the Network of Reformers, based on similar models in the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union. In July 2010, EAC countries officially entered into a common market.
“We are serious about our role in the creation of an environment which is attractive to increasing private sector activity within and across our borders. We can do this by further streamlining regulations affecting businesses and by ensuring that the business environment is reassuring to investors,” stated Enos Bukuku, EAC Deputy Secretary General in a speech delivered on behalf of the EAC Secretary General.
“Although the common market has opened several opportunities for businesses in the region, it still requires an investment climate that is properly suited to catalyzing additional trade and investment. The EAC Doing Business report serves as a platform for private sector and governments to work together to make doing business in the community easier,” said Agatha Nderitu, Executive Director, East African Business Council.
Doing Business in the East African Community 2011 was prepared as part of the EAC Investment Climate Program supported by the World Bank Group and PRO€INVEST, a partnership program developed and undertaken by the European Commission on behalf of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of states.
Between June 2009 and May 2010, as recorded by Doing Business 2011, East African countries implemented eight reforms making it easier to do business. That brought the region’s total since 2004 to 54. Of the eight reforms, three were carried out in Rwanda, two each in Kenya and Uganda, and one in Burundi.


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It can also be anticipated that this pattern will continue, especially as the youthful generations of individuals (in highly urbanized countries) no longer need to own a automotive anymore, and like other modes of transport. Other potentially powerful automotive markets are Iran and Indonesia.Emerging automobile markets already purchase extra cars than established markets.
For many many years, the United States led the world in whole car production. In 1929, earlier than the Great Depression, the world had 32,028,500 automobiles in use, and the U.S. vehicle business produced over ninety% of them.
After 1945, the U.S. produced about seventy five % of world’s auto manufacturing. In 1980, the U.S. was overtaken by Japan after which grew to become world’s chief once more in 1994. In 2006, Japan narrowly passed the U.S. in production and held this rank until 2009, when China took the highest spot with 13.8 million items. With 19.three million models manufactured in 2012, China nearly doubled the U.S. manufacturing of 10.three million items, whereas Japan was in third place with 9.9 million models.
Battery manufacturing is an area that analysts and trade officers say the U.S. electric automotive maker has a aggressive edge compared with legacy automakers. If Ford was genuinely “the one American automaker” supporting California’s decreased greenhouse gas emissions plan, we would see much more motion, not simply tweets and one soon-to-arrive electrical vehicle. Meanwhile, as I write this, Tesla’s carbon impact page shows that Tesla owners prevented 3,622,648.5 tons of CO2 emissions.
From 1970 (140 models) over 1998 (260 models) to 2012 (684 models), the number of automobile fashions in the U.S. has grown exponentially. The automotive trade comprises a wide range of corporations and organizations concerned within the design, growth, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor automobiles. The automotive industry doesn’t include industries dedicated to the maintenance of cars following supply to the tip-person,[quotation needed] corresponding to automobile repair retailers and motor fuel filling stations.
Eichhorn said that he’s optimistic about Audi’s sales performance within the last quarter of this 12 months, and Audi China might need an opportunity to have a record yr general. Till the top of August, Audi China’s efficiency was above the previous 12 months, because the automaker is rising its sales and gaining market share. German automaker Audi is accelerating its improvement to meet industry tendencies in China such as electric autos and connectivity with the debut of seven new autos at the 2020 Beijing auto show. The firm builds its own branded automobiles with know-how from partners including BMW and Bosch, while producing other vehicles under a General Motors license.
It’s also important to do not forget that all the standard automakers are introducing electric vehicles of their very own, and the competitors in this segment of the market shall be fierce in time. Nearly everyone can recall an extended record of automotive brands, and nearly everyone has an opinion on the best new automobiles and trucks available on the market. Tesla has beforehand supplied batteries to Mercedes and Toyota Motor under separate partnership deals.
Ford is on the alternative aspect of issues with fifty seven.5 million tons of CO2 emissions. If Ford really supported this, the automaker would join Tesla and solely make electric vehicles. Ford would cease all inner-combustion engine merchandise and put all of its money, energy, and focus into making electrical automobiles. If Ford isn’t doing that, then it isn’t actually supporting climate motion.
Automobiles and other motor automobiles have to adjust to a sure number of rules, whether local or international, in order to be accepted on the market. The normal ISO 26262, is considered as probably the greatest follow framework for attaining automotive functional security. The automotive industry started within the 1860s with tons of of producers that pioneered the horseless carriage.
In 2007, there were about 806 million automobiles and lightweight vehicles on the street, consuming over 980 billion litres (980,000,000 m3) of gasoline and diesel gas yearly. The vehicle is a main mode of transportation for many developed economies. The Detroit branch of Boston Consulting Group predicted that, by 2014, one-third of world demand would be in the four BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China). Meanwhile, in the developed countries, the automotive industry has slowed.
In the United States, vehicle gross sales peaked in 2000, at 17.eight million items. The state has additionally pushed the automaker to hitch a European initiative on batteries for electric vehicles, and on Tuesday, France introduced an €eight billion plan to assist the auto industry and its manufacturing of electrical autos.
Power study, emerging markets accounted for fifty one percent of the worldwide light-car gross sales in 2010. However, more modern reviews confirmed the opposite; namely that the automotive business was slowing down even in BRIC countries.
The expertise has emerged as a competitive front partially as a result of automakers are under strain to cut electric automobiles’ manufacturing prices to make them as reasonably priced as mainstream gasoline vehicles. It is as if that they forgot about Tesla — or deliberately ignored Tesla and Elon Musk’s contributions towards this sector. I really feel that if it wasn’t for Elon Musk and Tesla, Ford — nor the opposite automakers — would even consider making competitive electrical vehicles. They solely made them due to the passion for Tesla and its hyper-in style vehicles.
When it involves investing in traditional U.S. automakers, GM is actually on firmer footing than rival Ford. The firm’s sturdy money position, higher product line-up and its aggressive move to add EVs to its fleet make shares of General Motors a greater purchase than Ford. Ford Motor Company just isn’t solely one of many largest automakers–it’s the biggest household-owned business on the earth, with each CEO being instantly associated to the corporate founder, Henry Ford. Safety in the automotive business is especially necessary and due to this fact extremely regulated.


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From 9/21 Cyber Report
Internet Turns 40! On September 2, 1969 the first two ARPAnet computers were linked and began exchanging meaningless data. This evolved to the Internet and the ultimate exchange of meaningless data — Twitter. Today there are nearly 1.7 billion Internet users representing 1 in 4 people on the planet — that’s a lot of birthday cards. More Info: Internet by the Numbers 2008; World Internet Usage Stats and the Village Voice’s humorous Top 10 Internet Achievements.
US Control Over Domain Name System to End Sept. 30
In 1998, the U.S. Department of Commerce delegated management of the global domain name system to a newly formed entity – the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The US-ICANN agreement expires on September 30th, after which ICANN will be independent entity. ICANN and and EU states welcome this move since the Internet has evolved from a Defense Department project to a highway of global commerce (and some international organizations are eager to step into the US role), but there is a push in Congress to establish a permanent relationship with ICANN. More Info: “Threats to Internet Oversight Mount as Key Protection Expires” Circle ID; “Its Congress v. ICANN in the battle for Internet Authority;” Betanews and Congressional Research Service’s 2005 Background Paper on ICANN.
Survey: 95% Clicks Were Fraudulent
A survey released by Seattle based Mpire reports that half of all ad impressions and 95 percent of clicks in online buys were fraudulent. One analyst said that click fraud is “the dirty little secret of the online ad industry that no one wants to talk about.” More Info: Online Media Daily article.
International Briefing The French government has passed a 3 strikes law that would cut off internet access to users who repeatedly violated copyright laws (a prior version was rejected by French courts).
While there is some push to amend the US law banning online gaming, the European Court of Justice held that member states may ban online gambling for crime control purposes – thwarting efforts to liberalize the EU market.
China, however, has announced that starting December 31st every piece of music on Chinese hosted websites (including foreign songs which would have to be translated) would need to be approved by the Ministry of Culture. Unacceptable music includes songs that “endangers national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”; harms “national honor”; incites ethnic hatred or discrimination; advances evil cults and superstition; promotes obscenity, gambling or violence; or goes against public morality or cultural traditions.
ILC Begins Third Year
The Internet Law Center enters its third year this month with offices on both coasts and a broad range of clients in 11 states and 4 countries. We will be launching a rebranded version of our award winning newsletter (formerly known as Monday Memo) sometime in October. We may experiment with different looks along the way, so any feedback is appreciated.


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Sports Authority names executive VP for marketing, strategy
Jeffrey Schumacher has been named to a new executive position overseeing marketing and strategy at sporting-goods retailer Sports Authority.
Schumacher — currently a partner in McKinsey & Co.’s North American marketing and sales practice — will be executive vice president, chief marketing officer and chief strategy officer for Sports Authority, effective Monday.
“We are thrilled to have Jeff coming aboard as we look to the near future and beyond to drive our marketing efforts,” David Campisi, president of Sports Authority, said in a statement Friday.
“Jeff’s ability to understand the Sports Authority’s business has proven invaluable, “ said Jonathan Seiffer, partner Leonard Green & Partners LP, Sports Authority’s principal owner. “I consider Jeff to be one of the brightest minds in the marketing business and look forward to seeing the impact which he and his team will have in the upcoming months.”
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As this financial bubble - which according to most rational market participants and, recently, Jeremy Grantham, is the biggest ever - gets bigger by the day, we are observing things which are more and more absurd by the day and make the GFC's CDO-squared monstrocities seem like amateur hour for Madoff wannabees.
Case in point - the latest news out of that venue that has unlocked the full insanity of the stock market to 13-year-olds, Robinhood, which ahead of its upcoming IPO, which will value the company around $20 billion (it was valued $11.7BN in a September funding round), is planning on selling shares to its own clients!
Having been clearly inspired by the relentless bullishness of its own millennial and Gen-Z clients, which at last count were just over 13 million, Bloomberg reports that the Menlo Park-based company is weighing allocating a significant minority of the shares it will list to clients. It's unclear if Robinhood would also sell the details of how many shares it allotted to any given client to the highest bidding HFT firm.
Needless to say, this is a striking development as typically retail investors don’t get to buy into new listings at the offering price as those shares are saved for preferred institutional clients of a given underwriter. Instead, retail typically has to invest on the first day of trading in a rush that can drive up the stock price but can also lead to massive losses. Last November, unprecedented demand for new technology listings sent DoorDash and Airbnb soaring when they debuted last month, raising questions about whether the market has become overheated, and sparking a modest Nasdaq correction.
There is, of course, a reason why retail investors aren't usually invited to participate as anchor investors in major IPOs - besides merely kickbacks to major institutions who usually end up acquiring shares well below market prices - and that is that whereas institutions tend to be long-term holders, retail investors have a nasty habit of puking their holdings as soon as the shares dips aggressively. Enough retail sellers and the IPO could quickly turn into a disaster. Robinhood's management and board know this, yet the fact that they are willing to gamble with allocating a sizable chunk of shares to their own teenage clients shows just how much confidence they have that nothing can possibly spoil the market party or - in the immortal words of Chuck Prince - bring the dancing to an abrupt halt.
As a reminder, Bloomberg reported in late 2020 than Robinhood plans to go public as soon as this quarter, after trading volumes on its platform exploded during the coronavirus pandemic and when its clients outperform hedge funds 14-to-1. The company, which focuses on equities, also offers crypto, gold and options trading.
As Bloomberg notes, Robinhood's growth has come with controversy, including a hacking spree that compromised almost 2,000 accounts and flood of complaints to U.S. protection agencies depicting inexperienced investors losing money. In December, Robinhood paid $65 million to settle SEC allegations that it sold its retail orderflow to frontrunning HFT firms such as Citadel. Which, incidentally, is the core business model of the "free" brokerage that is Robinhood which makes its money not through commissions but from selling orderflow to market making firms which can frontrun it and millions in risk-free dollars each and every day, resulting in a new $100 million house for the likes of Ken Griffin every month.


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– USA, CA – Turo, the leading peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace, has raised $92 million in Series D funding. Daimler and SK Holdings – one of South Korea’s largest conglomerates – led the round, with Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and Founders Circle Capital also joining the financing. Existing investors August Capital, Canaan Partners, Kleiner Perkins, GV, Trinity Ventures and Shasta Ventures also invested in the latest round of financing. Turo will also acquire Croove, the leading peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace in Germany, from Daimler.
In the past two years, Turo has quadrupled its signups and vehicle listings. Currently, Turo has over four million users, adding more than one million in the last four months alone, and has over 170,000 cars listed.
“We are proud to welcome Daimler, SK Holdings, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and Founders Circle Capital to the Turo family,” said Turo CEO, Andre Haddad. “This impressive roster of strategic investors joins our existing investors in fueling Turo’s mission to put the world’s one billion cars to better use and positions Turo firmly as the global leader in the fast-growing peer-to-peer car sharing space. We’re thrilled to have them by our side as we work to reshape car ownership and travel worldwide.”
Turo’s acquisition of Croove provides an immediate opportunity to expand its presence from existing international markets in Canada and the UK to Germany and more broadly into Europe. Funding co-lead SK Holdings will also provide strategic support and insights as Turo considers expansion into South Korea and other Asian markets.
“People want access to mobility – anytime and anywhere,” said Jörg Lamparter, Head of Mobility Services responsible for all mobility services bundled under the roof of Daimler Financial Services. “We have already been addressing this desire by providing mobility services to over 15 million people, and our investment in Turo allows us to further expand our leading position and create a stronger mobility services ecosystem. Daimler’s expertise in this sphere and Turo’s marketplace complement each other perfectly.”
“Attitudes toward car ownership and travel are rapidly changing. We’ve witnessed these changes first-hand through our investments in SoCar, Korea’s leading car sharing service, and SoCar Malaysia, which will launch at the end of this year,” said SK Holdings CEO, Dong Hyun Jang. “We are confident that Turo will continue to accelerate these trends and look forward to helping Turo to expand into Asia.”
In addition to investing, Jan-Michael Graef, CFO at Daimler CASE organization and SK Holdings VP of Portfolio Management, Jungho Shin, join Turo’s board of directors.
Liberty Mutual’s investment in Turo builds upon the companies’ existing relationship that provides commercial insurance for vehicles on the Turo platform. “We are excited to support Turo’s peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace as they reinvent traditional car ownership,” said Dan Robinson, Managing Director of Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures. “The sharing economy has been a focal point for the fund, and Liberty Mutual is eager to engage with Turo to explore how we can provide innovative insurance solutions for their customers and our policyholders.”
Founders Circle Capital (FCC) participates as a new financial investor in Turo’s Series D. “We are focused on finding the most disruptive, highest performing and capital efficient private technology companies. Turo significantly exceeds our strict investment requirements on revenue, growth and profitability. It is clear that, much like Airbnb did in accommodations, Turo has established itself as the category leader in car sharing. We’re proud to align ourselves with such a forward-thinking management team and investors as they gain brand momentum and global expansion,” said Chris Albinson, Managing Director at Founders Circle Capital.
The $92 million Series D funding brings the company’s total funding to $193 million. In addition to its focus on expansion abroad and deepening its expertise in insurance, Turo plans to invest capital from the Series D to enhance the customer experience on both sides of the marketplace, boost customer acquisition and grow the Turo brand globally.
Turo is a car sharing marketplace where local car owners provide travelers with the perfect vehicle for their next adventure. Travelers from around the world choose from a unique selection of cars and car owners earn extra money while helping fuel their adventures. A pioneer of the sharing economy and travel industry, Turo is a safe, supportive community where the car you rent is part of a story, not a fleet. Whether it’s an F-150 truck to help out on moving day, a Tesla for a luxurious weekend away, or a classic Mercedes-Benz for a picture-perfect road trip, travelers rent the car and own the adventure.
For more information : https://www.turo.com
- Disclaimer - News, data, and statements included in this release are intended exclusively for general information purposes. Talent4Boards does not guarantee that news is accurate or about the correct person and accepts neither liability for the consequences of the reader’s reliance, nor responsibility for the accuracy of the information. Nothing in this release should be considered for decisions about referred securities. Products and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.


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Furnishings giant Dunelm fails to pay its 7,000 staff their salary after 'human error'
Thousands of staff at Dunelm suffered a nervous start to the new year as the home furnishings giant failed to pay them their salaries, the Mail has learnt.
The retail chain, which posts its Christmas trading figures on Tuesday, left up to 7,000 staff without their monthly earnings at a crucial time of the year when many have bills to pay.
Deputy executive chairman Will Adderley, whose family built the firm from a market stall in Leicester, said he would offer staff short-term loans and cover any charges following what he described as human error.
'Human error': Deputy executive chairman Will Adderley said he would offer staff short-term loans
‘This has nothing to do with cashflow – it’s business as usual for us,’ he told the Mail. ‘Someone in finance, not payroll, has keyed in the wrong pay date.
‘It is hugely embarrassing and impacted a large proportion of our workforce.
‘It’s the first time this has ever happened and it is totally unacceptable. We have offered to give staff loans and will cover any fines – we will do the right thing for our people.’
Adderley said staff will receive their salary on Monday and are taking steps to ensure the problem never happens again.
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Sandwich Recall Expanded
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded a list of recalled sandwiches because of Listeria contamination.
The first recall on December 21st involved 19 sandwiches produced by Edmonton-based HQ Fine Foods.
The list now includes 36 varieties sold across the country under the brand names Best Value, Fresh and Local, Hygaard and Made To Go.
Quality Fast Foods, Quality Fast Foods Classics and The Snack Co. are the three other brand names.
The CFIA says all the recalled sandwiches carry a best-before date of Feb. 1st.
It says people should throw out the products or take them back to the store where they were bought.


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The Myer (ASX: MYR) share price is popping today, up 6%. Here’s the tea on this ASX retail department store’s latest moves. The post ASX
The crash in oil-exposed ASX shares is creating a near-term chance to make a quick buck, according to Morgan Stanley. Here’s why… The post Top
The Spacetalk Ltd (ASX: SPA) share price has exploded 50% in a week. We take a look into what is driving the company’s shares higher.
The Aerometrex Ltd (ASX: AMX) share price is rising today after news from the company of a $1.1 million government contract. The post Here’s why
The Netccentric (ASX: NCL) share price is rising today as the company announced a landmark agreement with e-commerce giant Shopify. The post Netccentric (ASX:NCL) share
The QBE (ASX: QBE) share price has dropped 2.1% today after the insurer clarified its exposure to the now insolvent Greensill Capital. The post QBE
Here’s why the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX:FMG) share price is under pressure on Monday and could have fallen into the buy zone. The post
The Beach Energy (ASX: BPT) share price is up slightly following a gas discovery at one of its wells. Here’s what the company announced. The
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DEVELOPERS and marketers are up in arms over persistent technical problems with social networking platform Facebook.
Since October, software developers have been complaining about their Facebook applications not loading properly on most browsers.
In turn, the developers have had to handle complaints from clients who've had their Facebook marketing or advertising campaigns stalled.
Developers have highlighted a series of bugs to Facebook but no clear end is in sight.
"Facebook developers like us are very frustrated and have taken large volumes of support calls from users who are wondering why applications are suddenly failing without warning," said Ken Tan, managing director of Enterprise Glue.


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The second prize winning ticket was sold by the Pala Meenakshi Lotteries. The second prize was awarded to ticket number TG 270912. Pappachan, a lottery agent, bought and sold the winning ticket from the Meenakshi agency. Meenakshi agency bought tickets from the Kollam district office.
The first prize of Rs 25 crore was won in Thiruvananthapuram. The first prize went to Anoop, originally from Srivaraham, who bought the ticket from the Pazhavangadi Bhagavathy Agency. The ticket sales were carried out by an agent named Thangaraj. Anup will get Rs 15 crore 75 lakh after various taxes.


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Southwark Council has approved architect Landolt + Brown’s designs for Peckham Rye Station Square.
The plan, which will see a new public square created, as well as the regeneration of the railway arches, was approved by a meeting of the planning committee on 1 March.
Councillor Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, said: “This has been a long and, at times, a difficult process.
“But now the co-design work the architects have undertaken with Peckham people, from all walks of life, has resulted in a fantastic proposal that will provide a more open, inviting retail area in this important gateway to Peckham, while remaining sympathetic to the historical buildings around it.
"This is an important step for the regeneration of the area and we will continue to work with local people as we bring the plans forward."
Southwark Council has given the go-ahead for the compulsory purchase of Elephant and Castle shopping centre which is due to be redeveloped…


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The mobile network O2 has suffered a dramatic 33% drop in profitability in its UK business as it battles to retain lucrative iPhone customers.
Until October 2009, O2 was the only network in the UK allowed to sell Apple's smartphone, and many of the high-spending customers which signed two-year contracts around that time are now free to go elsewhere.
In order to hold on to them, the network sacrificed short-term margins for long-term gains. Underlying first quarter operating profit at the Telefónica-owned network dropped 33% year on year to €334m (£276m), which represented an operating margin of 19%, down from 27% for the whole of 2011.
The network tempted customers to stay by subsidising the cost of new smartphones including the iPhone 4S, released in October. Money was ploughed into handset upgrades, which increased 40% year on year, contributing to a 25% rise in commercial costs.
O2 said: "The company's efforts in retaining the customer base have shown positive signs in contract churn which will translate into higher retained value going forward."
Cash spent equipping subscribers with the latest in handset technology resulted in the largest net increase in new contracts since 2010, with 223,000 contract customers added. Exactly half of O2's connections are with contract as opposed to pre-pay customers. Some 41% of its subscribers are smartphone owners, with 80% of new signings choosing these over more basic handsets.
Revenues fell 6% year on year to €1.719bn in the three months to 31 March, "impacted by a difficult trading environment and regulation", the company said. The fall was not as sharp as in the previous quarter, when the 6.8% contraction represented O2's steepest quarterly fall since launch 10 years ago.
Across Europe, the number of subscribers with an internet phone increased 9% to almost 30%. The network had "continued to gain momentum in a highly competitive marketplace", said the European chief executive, José María Alvarez-Pallete.
A day after the EU voted to reduce the price of accessing the internet from a phone while travelling within the region, Telefónica moved to reduce the shock of bills by announcing its first standard pan-European data roaming tariff. Customers can buy 25MB of data – enough for 500 emails or 250 website visits – for €2 a day. The price is below the maximum voted for by the EU, which prohibits networks from charging more than 70 cents for a megabyte, equal to €17.50 for 25MB.


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Warner Music just sent ripples through the boardrooms of the UK advertising industry.
In his first major move since being named Warner’s global recorded music boss, Max Lousada has poached Chris Bovill and John Allison from 4Creative – the in-house agency at UK TV network Channel 4.
They will join Warner’s London HQ in late summer to lead ‘The Firepit’ – which encompasses a creative content division, innovation lab and state of the art recording studio.
Make no mistake: Bovill and Allison (pictured) are highly prized amongst the upper echelons of the creative advertising world.
In their five years at 4Creative, the executive duo won three highly-coveted D&AD Black Pencil awards, in addition to Campaign’s Campaign of the Year (2016) and Advertiser of the Year (2015) gongs.
Bovill and Allison’s rebrand of Channel 4’s idents is now shown in the British Design Museum – while their ‘Yes I Can’ Paralympics campaign (see below) forms part of the national curriculum in UK schools and has been adopted by the U.N. for its worldwide disability awareness initiative.
They were also responsible for the BAFTA-winning ‘Humans’ campaign.
So why, in traditional terms, is a ‘record company’ like Warner Music UK splashing out to hire expert ‘TV ad execs’?
Because media is increasingly converging online – and Max Lousada sees a big opportunity to directly generate branded video content with Warner artists, rather than relying on third-party agencies.
In other words, for Warner Music UK to become much more than a ‘record company’.
Lousada – who will continue to run Warner Music UK in addition to his new global responsibilities – said, “In an always-on world, compelling narratives around music, artists and popular culture have never been more sought after and, having been at the forefront of entertainment for 70 years, Warner Music is uniquely placed to unlock them.”
So we can expect to see Warner Music UK artists – which include the likes of Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Gorillaz, Dua Lipa, Anne-Marie and Liam Gallagher – start taking advantage of Bovill and Allison’s talents… all in combination with third-party commercial partners.
“Chris and John are among the most celebrated creatives of their generation. Their fresh, bold and inventive perspective has helped redefine some of the world’s best-loved brands, while Brian has played an important role in the growth of VICE, one of today’s most pioneering media companies.”
Max Lousada, Warner Music
Prior to Channel 4, Bovill and Allison worked at advertising agencies Fallon and TBWA London, making multiple-award winning work for brands from Cadbury to Skoda.
In conjunction with their hiring, Warner’s The Firepit is also welcoming Brian Murnin as SVP, Business Development.
Another new media expert, Murnin (pictured inset) was previously VP, Business Development, VICE Media, will devise and implement the commercial and distribution strategy around The Firepit‘s content output.
Added Lousada: “Chris and John are among the most celebrated creatives of their generation. Their fresh, bold and inventive perspective has helped redefine some of the world’s best-loved brands, while Brian has played an important role in the growth of VICE, one of today’s most pioneering media companies.
“Together, they make an incredibly dynamic team that will accelerate our growth into this exciting space.”
To get a sense of how well-regarded Bovill and Allison are in UK advertising circles, you only need glance at the latest coverage from ad industry trade title Campaign.
In an op/ed analysing the departure of these ‘creative superstars’ from 4Creative, Campaign Global Editor-in-Chief Claire Beale writes:
“This pair deliver Superhuman creative results. Hotter than shit, they could get a job pretty much anywhere in advertising now.
“This pair deliver Superhuman creative results. Hotter than shit, they could get a job pretty much anywhere in advertising now.”
Claire Beale, Campaign
“But they don’t want a job in advertising. Advertising should have a think about that.
“Do the world’s best commercial creatives still see ad agencies as the most exciting, rewarding, encouraging, inspiring places to work? I’m not so sure.”
It appears Max Lousada, for one, agrees with her.Music Business Worldwide


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In advance of the start of the big CES tech show this weekend, LG has announced its flagship TV lineup for 2019.
Leading LG’s range this year are its first 8K TVs, the 88-inch Z9 OLED and 75-inch SM99 LCD, which boast four times the resolution of current 4K displays, or sixteen times that of full HD. The entire flagship lineup also natively supports Alexa at launch in addition to Google Assistant, and they’re the first TVs announced with support for the latest HDMI standard, version 2.1, and high frame rate (HFR) for better rendering of sports, documentaries, and action films.
Whereas last year you could only control LG’s TVs with Alexa using an external smart speaker, this year’s models will allow you to access the voice assistant…
Go to Source
Author: Jon Porter


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Disney Cruise Line announced on Saturday that the former Global Dream will debut as the Disney Adventure, and confirmed its plans to deploy the ship to Asia when it starts revenue service in 2025.
Originally ordered for Genting’s Dream Cruises and under construction in Germany at MV Werften, Disney bought the ship in a half-finished state following Genting’s demise in 2022.
The ship will have capacity for approximately 6,000 guests and will come methanol-real.
After repositioning to Asia, the vessel is expected to start its cruise program out of Singapore’s Marina Bay facility.
The Adventure will join the Treasure, debuting in 2024, and a yet-to-be-named newbuild, also debuting in 2025 and a sister to the Treasure and Wish.
In addition, with the Fantasy, Dream, Wonder and Magic in service, Disney will have eight cruise ships sailing by the end of 2025.
Disney Cruise Line Fleet
Disney Adventure: 208,000 tons, Built in 2025, 6,000 passengers.
Unnamed: 140,000 tons, Built in 2025, 2,500 passengers.
Disney Treasure: 140,000 tons, Built in 2024, 2,500 passengers.
Disney Wish: 140,000 tons, Built in 2022, 2,500 passengers.
Disney Fantasy: 128,000 tons, Built in 2012, 2,500 passengers.
Disney Dream: 128,000 tons, Built in 2011, 2,500 passengers.
Disney Wonder: 85,000 tons, Built in 1999, 1,750 passengers.
Disney Magic: 85,000 tons, Built in 1998, 1,750 passengers.
Source – Cruise Industry News


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*UPDATE* – Turns out this is actually the charging screen for BlackBerry 10. Most likely, the bootscreen will be similar to what we’ve seen on the Dev Alpha devices. Here’s another photo for your viewing pleasure:
We’ve only gotten a small glimpse at the new boot screen that will accompany BlackBerry 10 on the Dev Alpha devices. Today, a photo of the boot screen has surfaced. As you can see, the traditional loading bar BlackBerry users are accustom to has changed drastically.
It’s an interesting new look for the loading bar. While we were in BlackBerry Jam Americas, RIM told us they were strongly focusing on boot time. Any current PlayBook or Dev Alpha owners will know it takes ages for the devices to boot up. RIM told us BlackBerry 10 devices should boot up in mere seconds. What do you think of the look of the new boot screen?


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New Store to Open at Former Toys R Us Site in Johnson City
A retail chain based in Rhode Island has purchased an unused building on Harry L. Drive in Johnson City where it plans to open a new store.
Ocean State Job Lot recently acquired the property at 416 Harry L. Drive. It had been home to a Toys R Us/Babies R Us store until the spring of 2018. Toys R Us opened at the site nearly three decades earlier.
A spokeswoman for Ocean State Job Lot said the company intends to use the entire 45,255-square-foot building.
In recent weeks, remaining equipment from the former Toys R Us store was removed from the site.
According to the company, hiring is underway for the new store. The target date for opening has not been announced but it's expected to be sometime this spring.
Ocean State Job Lot operates more than 140 stores in New York, Pennsylvania and in other states in the northeastern U.S. The closeout retailer opened its first store in Rhode Island in 1977.
The company has opened stores at several former Toys R Us locations in recent years.
Plans for the new store in Johnson City were first reported by WICZ Fox 40.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: firstname.lastname@example.org
For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
15 Iconic Retail Stores That Don't Exist Anymore (But We Totally Miss Shopping At)


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Microsoft said this should not only make it easier to port software between the two environments, but should speed up the time it takes developers to recode programs originally built for iOS and Android.
Expect the new mobile OS to support multicore processors, NFC with a mobile payments wallet, three screen resolutions (800x480, 1280x768, and 1280x720) microSD card slots, Internet Explorer 10 (complete with anti-phising technology). Nokia's mapping technology will also be built-in to Windows Phone 8. In addition, the update also allows internet call software based on VoIP and video chat technologies to run in the background. This addresses a complaint that the firm's own Skype program could not be used to receive calls while its owner was using another application - a function offered on rival platforms.
Microsoft also plans to bring a new Start Screen interface to existing devices through a Windows Phone 7.8 software update.
Although Microsoft did not provide details of its Windows Phone 8 UI changes, it said tha new Start Screen would include support for tiles across the entire screen and a new smaller tile layout. Users will have the choice of three tile sizes to represent installed software and more colour options.
Microsoft also announced that Gameloft's Nova 3 and Zynga's Draw Something were coming to Windows Phone.
The company added current devices, which run on Windows Phone 7.5, will not be able to update to Windows Phone 8. Windows Phone 7.5 users will be offered an update that includes the new software's start screen but excludes other features.
Microsoft also said that Qualcomm will be the sole provider of dual core SoCs for initial launch devices from hardware partners Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and HTC.
The company is also trying to bring Windows Phone 8 into the workplace, introducing a number of features and capabilities that companies and their IT departments demand.
Some of the new business-friendly features include:
- Device encryption: To help keep everything from documents to passwords safe, Windows Phone 8 includes built-in technology to encrypt the entire device, including the operating system and data files.
- Better security: Windows Phone 8 supports the United Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) secure boot protocol and features improved app "sandboxing," so the phone is better protected from malware with multiple layers of security.
- Remote management: With Windows Phone 8, IT departments can manage apps and phones remotely, with tools similar to ones they now employ for Windows PCs.
- Company Hub and apps: Companies can create their own Windows Phone 8 Hub for custom employee apps and other critical business info.
Windows Phone 8 will also support a total of 50 languages, or double the current geographic coverage. The company is also expanding Marketplace, its store for apps and games, to support app downloads in over 180 countries - nearly triple its current footprint.
Windows Phone software updates will be also improved for Windows Phone 8. First, Windows Phone 8 updates will be delivered wirelessly over-the-air. Second, Microsoft will support devices with updates for at least 18 months from device launch. Finally, the company is working to create a program that gives registered enthusiasts early access to updates prior to broad availability.


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SCRANTON -- Folks who have done business with a longtime family-owned pharmacy in Lackawanna County will be seeing some changes.
As Newswatch 16 first reported Wednesday, Costa Drugs is selling its three locations in the greater Scranton area to national drugstore chain Rite Aid.
Costa Drugs is one of Lackawanna County's oldest businesses. It's been around for more than a century.
For about 15 of those 100 plus years, Richard Hallock has been the face of the pharmacy for folks who can't get out to one of their three locations.
He delivers prescription orders to customers all day. His last day could be Tuesday, unless he's hired by the new owner Rite Aid.
"It's like a big family to me because I'm so good with the customers and they all love me and I love them back. I do favors for them and everything and I'm going to miss them," Hallock said.
Newswatch 16 followed Hallock along his delivery route.
Thursday morning he stopped at Michael's For Your Hair Salon in Old Forge. The owner, Michael Toplonsky, has been getting his prescriptions delivered by Costa Drugs for thirty years even though his business is just across from another pharmacy.
He said he always liked supporting a local business.
"It's just so nice to be able to pick up the phone. And the guy comes in, he takes a lollipop every time he comes in. It's just a convenience," Toplonsky said.
Hallock said he will miss the customers he has delivered to for 15 years. But, owners of Costa Drugs said the new owners won't abandon the store's delivery service. Under its contract with Costa, Rite Aid agreed to deliver and prepare pill boxes for customers.
"If they don't control it, then they're going to be out of business, just like we are," Hallock added.
Costa Drugs has three locations in Lackawanna County. They are expected to close early next week.
Officials with Rite Aid say the deal to buy the Costa brand is still being worked out.


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Apple's push into China is making some inroads, as indicated by the iPhone 5 launch in China this past weekend. The company announced Monday morning that it sold over 2 million iPhone 5 handsets in greater China in the last three days—a new record launch in that market for Apple. The number is particularly impressive given that the iPhone 5 isn't available on China's largest carrier, China Mobile.
"Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible, setting a new record with the best first weekend sales ever in China," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "China is a very important market for us and customers there cannot wait to get their hands on Apple products."
Apple has increasingly looked to China as one of its top potential markets for growth. In fiscal 2012, 15 percent of Apple's revenue came from sales of iPhones, iPads, and Macs there, for a total of $23.8 billion.
"[This] is really phenomenal when you think about it," Cook said during Apple's most recent financial earnings call. "That's up over $10 billion year on year."
To help bolster demand for the iPhone, Apple has been translating its developer documentation into Chinese, hoping to attract more native Chinese developers making apps for Chinese users. Apple has also accelerated its typical iPhone rollout, extending into 100 countries in just three months.
Over the weekend, there was concern that demand in China was far lower than expected, as few turned out to buy an unlocked handset at Apple's retail stores for the equivalent of $850 or more. However, customers apparently swamped mobile carriers' stores over the weekend, which offer subsidized handsets for as little as $96.