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National Treasury has released a statement dealing with the tax measures that Government is implementing to assist businesses and households navigate this difficult time. Government has further stated that it recognises that the lockdown measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus are having a significant impact on the South African economy. Most households and businesses have suffered significant losses in their income since a National State of Disaster was declared on 15 March 2020. This article seeks to summarise the tax measures put in place to assist in recovering from these losses.
On 29 March 2020, the Minister of Finance announced the details of an initial set of measures to assist businesses with their cash flow and provide an incentive for them to keep their lower-income employees in jobs. However, the conditions for businesses out there have worsened, causing National Treasury and SARS to recognise that the short-term interventions announced in the first fiscal package do not go far enough in assisting businesses or households through the crisis – especially as the lockdown has since been extended.
The Minister of Finance has now provided detail on the second set of measures that aim to assist individuals and businesses through the pandemic. The measures are expected to provide around R70 billion in support, either through reductions in taxes otherwise payable or through deferrals of tax payments for tax compliant businesses. The measures are:
- A four-month skills development levy “holiday”
- Fast-tracking of VAT refunds
- Three-month deferral for filing and first payment of carbon tax liabilities
- A deferral for the payment of excise taxes on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
- Postponing the implementation of some Budget 2020 measures
- An increase in the expanded employment tax incentive amount
- An increase in the proportion of tax to be deferred and in the gross income threshold for automatic tax deferrals
- Case-by-case application to SARS for waiving of penalties
There are further tax measures aimed at assisting individual taxpayers and to provide financial backing from the fiscus to donate to the Solidarity Fund:
- Increasing the deduction available for donations to the Solidarity Fund from 10% to 20%
- Adjusting pay-as-you-earn for donations made through the employer
- Expanding access to living annuity funds
For further detail on the above, click here to see the full media statement released by National Treasury.


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BINIFRESH inventor, Daniel Woolman (26), has been shortlisted for the national title of Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year, just one week before his product is due to launch in ASDA stores across the country.
Woolman spotted a burgeoning gap in the market for an automated hygiene product for the nation’s wheelie bins and with household waste on the rise, moves towards fortnightly bin collections and growing unrest across the UK about the state of wheelie bins, his timing could not be more perfect.
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The next big bioscience might just be biomimicry — the study of how nature's proven processes can be applied to the challenges of science and industry — and local believers are working to form Cleveland's own Biomimicry Institute to establish a beachhead in the field. Led by Cleveland's Entrepreneurs for Sustainability and the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, 47 proponents met June 4 with biomimicry's godmother, Janine Benyus, and representatives of the Montana-based Biomimicry Guild and Institute to form an institute here. Their goal not only is to develop a network of local engineers, designers, artists and biologists to support biomimicry initiatives at local companies, but also to cement Cleveland as a leading center for a biomimicry movement they say only will gain momentum. The meeting drew academicians from the Cleveland Institute of Art, Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron, as well as industrial designers from faucet maker Moen, American Greetings and GoJo Industries, producer of Purell hand sanitizer and other skin care products. All either are using biomimicry already, or are interested in learning more about a significant new trend affecting how they work. Chris Weigand, an industrial designer at American Greetings, does not use biomimicry in designing displays and racks for his company. However, he's already taken one workshop on it and thinks it could play a role in future designs. For example, observing how plants and animals in nature grab the attention of other, often symbiotic organisms might provide ideas on how to attract shoppers' attention to products such as greeting cards, Mr. Weigand said. Like others at the June 4 meeting, Mr. Weigand at least hopes a biomimicry institute here would help him look at industrial design projects in new ways. “Did you know there's no pigment in a peacock feather?” Mr. Weigand asks, noting that one of the most colorful of all animals has no coloring in its feathers, only prism-like cells that create color differently that most humans would think to do. In the future, humans might provide color to new products using similar techniques, rather than coating or impregnating a product with an actual color pigment.
A natural concept
Leaders plant seeds for biomimicry hub, which could
place NE Ohio at forefront of environment, industry
The term “biomimicry” has only been around since 1997, but its proponents note that man long has been successful when he mimics nature — and he's likely been doing it since prehistoric times, Ms. Benyus said. For example, if primitive man watched and copied the hunting tactics of a pack of wolves, that's biomimicry at its most primitive level. In today's world, the uses for biomimicry are more sophisticated. Scientists are studying gecko feet to design adhesive materials that do not need glue and are working on a waterproof glue that emulates substances put out by mollusks. They're even studying the feet of cheetahs and other animals in hopes of learning how to make shoes that will enable athletes to run faster, said Barry Patterson, the Montana Guild's staff business catalyst. The June 4 meeting was an initial planning meeting, and those in attendance had yet to even agree on whether the local Biomimicry Institute should have a physical presence, such as its own building or offices, or would best be run more as a virtual entity made up of an online consortium of cooperating practitioners. Holly Harlan, founder of Entrepreneurs for Sustainability, said she'd like to see the new organization work both as a conduit for local engineers and designers to share biomimicry ideas and uses, and as an organization that could provide advice and possibly consulting to companies from outside the area. That setup would follow a model of Ms. Benyus' Biomimicry Guild, which provides consulting services to companies from around the world, ranging from Nike to Boeing, Mr. Patterson said.
Ms. Benyus didn't mean to become a consultant, but when her book, “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature,” coined the term and essentially invented the concept of biomimicry in 1997, her phone started ringing with big corporations calling and asking how biomimicry might assist them in their design and engineering work. “It was the biggest surprise in the world to me,” said Ms. Benyus, who still considers herself first and foremost a natural sciences writer, but has become both a consultant and venture capitalist through biomimicry. Quick initial interest in her work led her in 1998 to form the Biomimicry Institute, in order to further the study of biomimicry, and the Biomimicry Guild to provide professional consulting services. Paul Alsenas, director of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, said he hopes Cleveland can have its own successful biomimicry center that would help foster economic development. The county has not promised any financial support, but has become interested enough to help coordinate efforts to create a center here. “This is major stuff,” Mr. Alsenas said. “Our mission is to help reinvent the local regional economy, and this could be part of that.” Ms. Benyus said biomimicry is a natural path for businesses to follow, and she believes businesses will take that path more in the future. “They're looking for something that's been tested, and this is it,” she said, noting that the processes at work in nature have been refined over thousands of years, allowing man to benefit from more trial-and-error development than he could achieve on his own.


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The Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) has updated its Guiding Council (GC) for 2023 with four new councillors.
A new chair and deputy chairs have also been announced following a member election.
The AiMCO chair is Tegan Boorman, founder of Social Law Co, who has more than 15 years’ experience as an Australian Lawyer, with a focus on influencer marketing related legal issues.
Sam Kelly, MD at Hello Social joins as a deputy chair alongside Detch Singh, founder and CEO of Hypetap, and Patrick Whitnall, MD at TwentyFiveFour, who remain as deputy chairs.
Josanne Ryan, AiMCO CEO, said it's wonderful to have an experienced team on the AiMCO Guiding Council Executive to provide industry leadership to the GC and drive the strategic vision of AiMCO for its expanding membership.
"The influencer marketing channel is growing fast, and exists within an environment of increased regulatory oversight, the AiMCO community continue to be world leaders in their commitment to best practice and elevating the skills and knowledge for the sector," said Ryan.
Outgoing chair Sharyn Smith, founder and CEO of Social Soup and director of The Influence Group, said she was proud of the industry body forging stronger relationships with regulators and building knowledge and practice in this dynamic industry.
"I’m stepping down to make way for new leadership as I take on new challenges and I’m thrilled we’ve got such an experienced chair taking the role in Tegan with her incredible knowledge and expertise across the influencer marketing landscape," said Smith.
"I’ll be continuing my support for the industry in a AMAA board role providing governance and strategic direction ongoing to AiMCO.”
Tegan Boorman said it is a pivotal time for participants to have a working knowledge of the key issues with the increased regulatory focus on the influencer marketing industry.
"This includes influencer advertising disclosure, tax considerations, and an awareness of the specific goods and services subject to additional regulatory frameworks, such as therapeutic goods, regulated health services and financial products and services," said Boorman.
"I’m honoured to be elected the next chair of AiMCO for 2023 / 2024 and am excited to continue the initiatives which support the industry through its enormous growth."
All members of the Council are involved in determining the work and initiatives of AiMCO with the focus being on resourcing and supporting members whilst providing a cohesive voice for the channel.
AiMCO has active working groups that continue to address industry best practice by evolving the AiMCO Code of Practice and other supporting guides.
AiMCO’s GC represents companies from across the influencer marketing community with 18 members that guide the overall direction and activities of AiMCO for the year ahead.
Joining the Council for the first time are Hannah McElhinney, chief creative officer at Snack Drawer, Kate Levy, GM – marketing & communications at RedKite, Lucy Ronald, partnerships director at Fabulate, Ross Candido, VP | Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia at Meltwater and Tom Maynard, director at Amplify.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.org


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- Vegemite’s huge in the land down under, so what took Domino’s so long to put it on a pizza?
- Rosa’s Pizza in Brooklyn also unveiled a Vegemite pizza earlier this month, and chef Giovanni Fabiano says he plans to “maybe show the Aussies a thing or two.”
It’s a pizza dream come true—for Aussies anyway. Domino’s Australia has launched a new Vegemite pizza for a limited time, and we might be excited, too, if we knew what vegemite was.
OK, we just Googled it, so now we know. Vegemite is a “thick, dark-brown Australian food spread made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives.” Those of us of a certain age mostly know it from the classic Men at Work song, “Down Under.”
But Vegemite is a big deal in Australia, where, as the song says, women glow and men plunder. Domino’s hopes to plunder some pockets with the new menu item, featuring Vegemite and lots of mozz. With a flavor described as “salty [and] slightly bitter,” the pizza will be sold at Domino’s stores for the next three weeks—or until ravenous Aussies wipe out supplies entirely—for $7.95.
Considering Vegemite’s popularity, the only question is: What took Domino’s so long to put it on a pizza? The chain finally asked its social media fans earlier this year if they’d be interested in a cheesy Vegemite pizza. The post garnered nearly 30,000 likes and 12,000 comments, which the chain took as a yes.
Vegemite pizza is enjoying a bit of a boom right now, and not just in the nation known for its boomerangs. Giovanni Fabiano, the master chef behind Rosa’s Pizza in Brooklyn, New York, also launched a limited-edition Vegemite Margherita pizza earlier this month. It’s available only by request as an off-menu item, according to Nine.com.
Fabiano told the website that he has met a lot of Vegemite-loving Aussies, adding, “You don’t need to be talkin’ for long before they start prattling on about the stuff.”
But he said Australians don’t use Vegemite to its full potential. “Aussies love their Vegemite, but I only ever hear about them eating it on toast,” he said. “I love it on pizza pie, so I decided to try it on my menu, test it out with the crowds and maybe show the Aussies a thing or two.”


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Wine lovers went out to Martinsburg over the weekend to celebrate the 2019 Wine Fest. The event takes place every Memorial Day weekend. People and vendors from all around the tri-state area attend the event, tasting homemade brews. There were many kinds of wine from red to white.
There was also live music, food and games. This year, Main Street Martinsburg took over the festival, and they explain the experience.
“We tried to do it a little different than years past, a lot of West Virginia vineyards and winery’s here, plus we have a tent that offers some local wine from West Virginia and California and some other wines, plus a nice beer garden with over a dozen craft beers,” P.J. Orsini said, the chairman for Wine Fest.
This isn’t the only large event to be hosted, Main Street Martinsburg says there are more events coming up.


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Listen : Audio version of this article
Once only known through science fiction, 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) has now become a must-have for engineering companies as well as a useful consumer tool. It is the only technology that allows an individual to design, create, and print an object of any shape or size imaginable.
The layer wise production process of AM enables greater flexibility and creativity in the product design. Designers do not have to design for manufacture of products and can develop parts that can be completely redesigned so that they are stronger in areas they need to be. 3D printing also speeds up the design and prototyping process and parts can be created within hours.
The market for 3D printing is witnessing substantial growth in recent years. Driving it are factors such as the benefits of 3D printing such as reduction of errors, a decrease in development cost and time, and the ability to build customized products. Furthermore, an increase in application in healthcare and its growing application in various industries are likely to offer growth opportunities for the market. The market is expected to accrue a sum of $44,393.1 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, says research firm, Allied Market Research.
Recognizing the potential of 3D printing, many manufacturers in the space are coming up with new 3D printing solutions. In February ’19, Carbon, the leading digital manufacturing platform, launched several 3D printing solutions for the dental market in collaboration with Dentca, a company providing accurate dentures, and Dreve, a German medical and dental device company.
DENTCA Denture Base II and DENTCA Denture Teeth are two FDA-cleared (Class II) materials for 3D printed dentures, while DREVE FotoDent gingiva and DREVE FotoDent tray are new choices for gingiva masks and dental impression trays. In February ’19 again, Ultimaker, a 3D printing company, introduced a cloud platform aimed at supporting the 3D printing workflow. The cloud services under the platform include remote 3D printing, interrupted access to the Marketplace, Marketplace ratings, and the possibility to backup user settings for remote access. Evonik Industries, a chemical industry company, unveiled a new polymer powder for 3D printing applications in a higher temperature range.
The new product is developed to offer great mechanical strength and chemical and temperature resistance. Recently, students from Northern Illinois University adopted 3D printing technologies to help RadMax Technologies, a product development firm to improve its proprietary axial vane rotary devices. Farsoon Technologies, a global solution supplier of industrial-grade polymer (plastics) and metal laser sintering systems, launched an additive manufacturing method called Flight Technology for improving the productivity of plastic laser sintering. The technology makes use of powerful fiber lasers which offer increased laser durability and energy absorption.
As more and more companies are adopting 3D printing machines to design end-products and working prototypes, understanding the trends that would mold the future of this technology is important. One of the recent trends is the 3D printing machines that are cheaper and faster.
This is because sales would increase further, and the applications of 3D printing would grow. Another trend is that software will become part and parcel for various 3D printing operations at every stage – from design/simulation to workflow management.
For instance, with the advancement in simulation software, the printing parameters can be better understood which can help reduce material wastage, enhance process reliability, and make the best use of machine uptime. Another trend is developing standards for 3D printing, which will be a primary driver for the industry.
To conclude, the 3D printing industry is indeed in a phase of rapid transformation. As the industrial world makes a move towards a more autonomous and connected world, more companies in the space would come up with new solutions pertaining to 3D printing.


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Is your love for retro gaming rivaled only by your love for throwing away money? If so, iam8bit has just the thing for you. The company announced today a collaboration with Capcom to release a brand new run of Mega Man 2 and Mega Man X cartridges to celebrate the Blue Bomber’s 30th anniversary.
Priced at $100 each, games are limited to just 8,500 pieces comprised of 7,500 opaque light blue and 1,000 translucent, glow-in-the-dark blue cartridges. The cartridges are brand-new and produced by Retrotainment Games and Infinite NES Lives and come packed in a tri-fold box featuring foil and gloss embossments. Additionally, they come packed with an instruction booklet with a foreward written by Jirard “The Completionist” Khalil along with as of yet unspecified “retro pack-in-surprises”.
This isn’t the first time iam8bit has partnered with Capcom to resurrect a classic from gaming’s bygone era. Last year they released a special Street Fighter II 30th Anniversary cartridge to celebrate the three decades since Street Fighter first pummeled its way into the arcades way back on August 30th, 1987. Weird how iam8bit chooses to reprint sequels rather than the games that kicked these franchises off, but I digress…
I love Mega Man as much as the next guy, but seeing how similarly produced reproduction cartridges of these games typically run for less than half the price iam8bit and Capcom are offering, the $100 price tag is a bit hard to swallow. That is unless those retro goodies they’re teasing are actually pretty interesting. To be fair, iam8bit has done some pretty exceptional releases in the past – including their beautiful retail release of Hyper Light Drifter – but at the time of this writing, I’m just not seeing the value here. Then again, I can imagine the Mega Man die-hards out there will be lining up to add this to their collections with the quickness.
So, what do you think of these 30th anniversary Mega Man carts? Is the $100 price tag worth it to you, or do you think Capcom and iam8bit are preying on nostalgia to make a quick buck? Be sure to let us know in the comments section.


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The Big Oversight Flaw for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
December 8, 2022
Despite increased enforcement this year, products likely to have been made with forced labor are still entering the United States. The Uyghur Human Rights Project published an investigation in August that found red dates connected to Xinjiang in seven grocery stores in the D.C. area and websites offering Xinjiang dates for shipping to the United States.
Read the full article: https://thedispatch.com/article/the-big-oversight-flaw-for-the-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act/


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Macau’s six leading casino resort operators have joined forces to offer exclusive special deals to local residents as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative.
Covering a wide-range of non-gaming offerings, Macau Loves Locals features award-winning luxury hotel rooms, family-friendly shows and entertainment, refreshing spas, world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, and many other non-gaming elements.
This new programme is exclusive to both permanent and nonpermanent residents of Macau.
Available from Feb. 23 to Mar. 31, 2016, the city-wide promotion offers local residents the chance to enjoy non-gaming facilities at all hotels and resorts operated by Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM China Holdings Limited, Sands China Ltd., Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (SJM) and Wynn Macau Limited.
The campaign is a corporate social responsibility initiative of the six operators, as a way to give back to the community.
"It was an honor to be invited to the press conference for the Macau Loves Locals campaign co-organised by the six operators today," said Lionel Leong Vai Tac, Macao SAR Secretary for Economy and Finance. "I am very pleased to see the six operators supporting government directions and coming together for this first-of-its-kind campaign. This joint promotion gives Macao locals the opportunity to enjoy unprecedented special offers on a wide range of non-gaming offerings which include hotel accommodation, entertainment and dining for a limited period, rewarding them with this promotion while at the same time promoting the development of the non-gaming sector in the city."
The Macau Loves Locals campaign is an unprecedented campaign in Macau, offering limited-time special offers to residents. This campaign has also received full support from the Macau SAR Government, with the aim to showcase the charm and diversity of Macau to local residents.
Asia Gaming Brief is a news and intelligence service providing up to date market information for worldwide executives on relevant gaming issues in Asia.
ASIA GAMING BRIEF
PO Box 1139, Macau SAR
Tel: +853 2871 7267
Fax: +853 2871 7264


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The online retailer drew millions of new customers to its Prime service for the holiday season.
Amazon has posted its largest profit in the company’s history. The online retailer said net income more than doubled to $1.86b, or $3.75 per share in the fourth quarter ended 31st December. Its profit received a provisional $789m boost from the US Republican tax bill passed in December. On average, analysts were expecting just $1.85 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The period running from before the US Thanksgiving holiday through to New Year was Amazon’s biggest-ever by revenue. Sales rose 38% to $60.5b in the quarter, beating estimates.
The company’s fast delivery, like its two-hour Prime Now service, has helped win over holiday shoppers eager to avoid the crowds of big box retailers. Prime saw more than 4m sign-ups in one week alone last quarter, and revenue from subscription fees grew 49% to $3.2, Amazon said.
That figure is expected to rise this quarter in part because the company recently raised the fee for month-to-month Prime plans, affecting some 30% of subscribers, according to analysts at Cowen & Co. Some 60m, or close to half of all US households, are estimated to have Prime subscriptions.
Advertising and other revenue rose 62% to $1.74b.
Brian Olsavsky, Amazon’s chief financial officer, said on a call with analysts that advertising was “a key contributor” to the company’s growing profit margin. Sales of Alexa, the voice aide embedded in the company’s Echo speakers and Fire TV players, as well as some cars and house gadgets, were also a major factor in the profit boost.
Also on the up were exports from British sellers, which increased by a quarter last year. Amazon and its e-commerce rivals are often blamed for a drop in footfall to the British high street as online shopping rises, as well as squeezing out small businesses thanks to their size. But the company is trying to position itself as an ally of independent sellers by opening up international markets to small and medium businesses.
Six in ten UK-based businesses selling on Amazon Marketplace now export abroad, with half of all sales on Amazon’s global sites coming from smaller, independent businesses.


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At a time when the World Trade Organisation has downgraded the global trade forecast from 4% to 3.3% for 2015, exports to Hong Kong could play a key role in fulfilling India’s ambitious aim to double outbound shipments to $900 billion over the next five years.
With nearly 25 years since India unveiled the Look East policy for building strategic and economic relations with its neighbours, Hong Kong has emerged as the next big opportunity for exports. It is now not merely an entrepot or trade centre, but a consumer as well.
According to the commerce ministry, the country has jumped two ranks up in just five years, and is now the third-largest market for Indian exports, after the US and UAE. Exports to Hong Kong jumped to $10.96 billion in April 2014-January 2015 from $6.65 billion in 2008-09.
Analysts estimate that 30% of exports to Hong Kong (led by gems, jewellery and leather products) are locally consumed. The rest is shipped to China, but majority of it comes back to Hong Kong as value-added goods.
“It would be interesting to see the impact of this changing trade architecture, where the traditional markets account for 30% and emerging markets add up to 56%,” said Himanshu Tewari, partner, BMR & Associates LLP.
“Another hidden silver lining is the fact that the exports (to Hong Kong) help counter India’s trade deficit ($40 billion) with China,” said Ajay Sahai, director-general and CEO of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).


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Bajaj Auto Limited news
Led by the erstwhile president of Bajaj Auto’s motorcycle business Srinivas Kantheti, the former executives have come together to establish WheelsEMI, a start-up that will lend money to India's used two-wheeler market that is now pegged at 17 million units annually.
Many shops in metros such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru ran out of stocks while one Hero dealer in Mumbai had to call in cops to manage the crowds.
With 6.71 lakh two-wheelers affected out of total of 8 lakh BS-III vehicles impacted by the ban, this move is aimed at selling as many units as possible.
A March 14 letter from Nissan executive Scott Becker to the United Auto Workers union declines to address demands presented after a March 4 pro-union rally.
The One Man Taxi app like any other taxi service provider will also have usual features such as a ride tracker, fare estimation and panic button.
According to data, Royal Enfield's sales in the 350-cc-plus motorcycle segment declined by 35% in the period under review. The co had sold 4,053 units in Feb 2016.
"I think the workers in the Nissan plant in Mississippi have shown an enormous amount of courage," the former candidate for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination said.
Industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on Friday blamed the government's demonetisation drive for causing a double-digit de-growth for the industry and job losses.
"If the solution or the idea is right, it will go like a hot knife through butter...if the idea is not working, for example demonetisation, don't blame execution. I think your idea itself is wrong," Rajiv Bajaj said.
"Media and analysts call it de-risking. It is not, it is gambling! this is playing darts, distraction and fragmentation of resources. You must be like (Mahabharat hero) Arjun, see eye of the bird and go for it," Rajiv Bajaj said.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Bajaj Pulsar are the most popular car and bike on online platforms, found a recent study by online automobile transactional marketplace Droom.
The BSIV Pulsar RS200 is available in both ABS and non-ABS variants. While the non-ABS version is priced at Rs 1.22 lakh, the ABS variant is tagged at Rs 1.33 lakh (ex-showroom-Delhi)
In his budget speech, Jaitley announced an allocation of Rs 1,87,223 crore on rural, agriculture and allied sectors, up by 24% since last year. Along with the hike in allocation, tax rate for salaried class in the income bracket of 2.5lakh to 5lakh was reduced to 5% from the prevailing 10%.
Our expectation was it would be much worse. Our consumer balance sheet was up 47%, commercial 46%, and rural 122%, says Jain
Major markets in Latin America and Africa continued to reel under high inflation and currency devaluation thereby impacting demand for vehicles exported from India.
The Pune-based company said all its motorcycle, three wheeler and quadricycle brands being manufactured at its plants for domestic sales are now BS-IV compliant.
"We are delighted with the overwhelming positive response we have received for the Dominar 400 from the 22 cities where we had commenced online bookings," Bajaj Auto President (Motorcycle Sales) Eric Vas said in a statement.


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Soulcalibur VI producer still unsure about a Switch port
Posted on 6 months ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch | 0 comments
At the end of 2017, Soulcalibur VI producer Motohiro Okubo was asked about the chances of a Switch port. Okubo was open to the idea as he was interested in Nintendo’s console and said it could be a possibility depending on compatibility with Unreal Engine.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like things have changed since then. Okubo told Soulcalibur Community that the team hasn’t had time to investigate a Switch port as Bandai Namco has been occupied with Season 2 DLC.


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March 17, 2013
The 10 best U.S. cities for pizza
10. Kansas City, Mo.
Travel + Leisure’s annual America’s Favorite Cities survey — in which readers rank 35 cities for such enticements as luxury stores, live music, and good-looking locals — revealed voters’ reverence for pizza. The top-ranking cities for pizza reflect an increasing passion for authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza — as well as a flair for quirky, local renditions, such as brisket pizza in San Antonio, lobster pizza in Boston, or even Fritos-as-toppings in Houston. (The survey focuses on large metro areas, so voters didn’t have the option to rate some smaller cities with outsize pizza reputations, such as New Haven, Conn. or and Trenton, N.J.) No. 10 on the list is Kansas City, Mo. Pizza may seem like an afterthought in the No. 1 city for barbecue, yet the locals clearly need something to periodically cleanse their palates. The traditional favorite in K.C. is Minsky’s, while the newest contender is Pizzabella, in the Crossroads Arts District. It has won over locals with chorizo-with-pesto or egg-and-pancetta pizzas.
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The Exynos Modem 5100 is a new single-chip unit that, as well as delivering the super-fast power of 5G with support for multi-mode communication, also supports legacy technologies currently in widespread use in the commercial phone market, such as 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE, opening up the tantalising possibility that Samsung's first 5G smartphone is much, much closer than anyone imagined.
The dramatic 5G reveal came courtesy of a post today on Samsung's official Newsroom, where the South Korean maker also stated, in news that is sure to worry Huawei who is also racing to release a 5G phone, that:
“Samsung’s leadership in communication technologies and market-proven knowledge allowed us to develop the industry’s first 5G modem. As the industry prepares the shift toward 5G, Samsung will continue to drive the growth of innovative ideas and new services in mobile applications.”
Now, this development naturally raises the question: what will Samsung's first 5G phone be?
At first many reports indicated that the Samsung Galaxy S10 was to be the maker's first 5G phone. However, only a few days ago did Samsung CEO, DJ Koh, come out and rather cryptically note that the S10 would not be the first 5G phone released by the company.
So why won't the S10 be Samsung's first 5G phone? That's unclear at the moment. Koh's comment could mean that the S10 will not feature 5G. Or it could mean that another 5G phone will be released in advance of the Galaxy S10 and the S10 will still be a 5G phone, just not Samsung's first.
There are definite reasons why the new modem might not feature in the Galaxy S10, foremost among these being the size of the chip (which is reportedly quite large), as well as heat, with the extra power of the chip potentially leading to cooling issues within current smartphone designs.
This leads to the conclusion that the first 5G phone Koh is hinting at has a different form factor, such as the much-rumoured Samsung Galaxy X folding phone (this has also been reported as the Galaxy F).
The Samsung folding phone is reportedly slated for an unveiling in January 2019, too, maybe with a sneak peak at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, so this lines up in terms of time frame to be the first, and ticks the different form factor box as well.
Another possibility is that Samsung releases the 5G Galaxy X after a 4G Galaxy S10 (which will almost certainly get an official unveiling at Mobile World Congress). But that would leave at least three months of 2019 empty for another maker, such as Huawei or Sony and its 5G Xperia, to steal the world's first 5G phone crown.
Or how about a particularly unlikely scenario: holding the 5G modem back for inclusion in the Galaxy Note 10? With the Note series typically launching in August, that would mean Samsung would be sitting on a 5G modem for an entire year, which doesn't sound at all realistic.
That means, aside from Samsung pulling another phone we currently know nothing about out of its hat late this year or very early in 2019, that indicates that the firm's 5G tech currently looks set to launch in the Galaxy X.
Hopefully we'll find out more soon, as we for one can't wait for the era of 5G to arrive.


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Browse all of our article and udpates. We have black friday news and tips, money saving advice, news about new sales and flyers, and hopefully a few other things that will delight, entertain, educate, or amuse you.
It's not Thanksgiving yet, but H.H. Gregg is extending their hours for a Pre-Black Friday sales event, giving you access to those deep discounts early! Their 8-page ad features great deals on electronics, TVs, and furniture, with savings of up to 35% or more on major appliances. Their Pre-Black Friday Sale 2013 begins with extended hours Sunday, Nov. 10th from 10am to 8pm. Offers will be valid through Nov. 16th, giving you plenty of time to check it out, but remember - the best deals tend to go quickly.
Take a sneak peek at Lowe's Black Friday 2013 ad, a 2-page preview with 24 items to whet your home-goods appetite. With no word on hours or bonuses quite yet, the preview is simply a grid of products and prices - and while it isn't very flashy, the sales certainly light up the page.
The Belk Black Friday 2013 ad just dropped and it's a monster of a sale! The flyer includes 72 pages of EarlyBird specials, discounts, rebates, and coupons! Belk will be open from 8pm Thursday to 10pm Friday, rotating special savings depending on when you show up. 300 EarlyBird specials will be available online from 8pm Thursday to 1pm Friday, and with free shipping on your purchase of $50 or more, it'll be easy to save without setting foot in the store. It might be worth the line, however, because the first 250 people in line will score a free gift card valued from $5 to $1000, with a guaranteed $1000 winner in every store.
The Bealls Black Friday 2013 ad is here! Not only does it have 48 pages of fantastic deals and doorbusters, but it comes with coupons too! Take an extra 25% off a single item with a coupon from the cover, valid Nov. 28th-Dec. 3rd. Bealls will be open from 6pm to 1am Thanksgiving night and again at 6am on Black Friday. The first 50 people in line on Thursday (and again on Friday) will get a Surprise Scratch-Off Card. Most will be $10 off coupons, but a $50 and $100 gift card winner will be issued at each store each day.
Online retailers are getting in on Black Friday 2013 early with November sales you can't afford to miss! The new iPad Air is in stock at MacMall.com, Amazon.com has announced their Countdown to Black Friday Deals week, NewEgg.com is launching their Black November deals, and Best Buy is having a Holiday Kickoff 2-Day Sale.
Now that November has arrived, the pre-Black Friday 2013 sales are beginning to trickle in. Not surprisingly, Walmart is leading the pack in prices with their just announced Early Bird Online Specials, featuring 8 pages of electronics, toys, video games, home goods, and an assortment of other great-for-gifting products at below retail costs. From tablets to TVs, Power Wheels to princesses, the Walmart Early Bird Special can cross off items for anyone on your list.
Preparing for your holidays on a budget? Look no further! Dollar Tree's catalog is here, and with free shipping for pickup at your nearest store location, it's easier than ever to get exactly what you need – for less! As expected, nothing is priced over a buck, but what may come as a surprise is the variety of essentials featured, from party prep to goodies to go on (and under) the tree.
Meet your holiday apparel needs early with Aeropostale's latest flash deal. Check out sale prices on sweaters and jeans. And don't forget to shop their clearance section for up to 70% off! With deals for both girls and guys, there's something for everybody on your list.
You don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to take advantage of Black Friday sized price cuts - Home Depot is having a huge appliance sale Nov. 10th-13th! The Early Black Friday Pricing Event features brands like Frigidaire, Samsung, May Tag, and LG at prices so low, they may as well be doorbusters. Plus, save up to an extra $500 instantly on appliances purchased between Nov. 7th-Dec. 4th. Just check out the savings grid on page 2 and see what kind of bonus discount your purchase can earn you.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving 2013 Ad has been announced! With a hefty 44 pages of holiday markdowns, this is great news for shoppers looking for deals, in addition to the doorbusters. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Sale features apparel, accessories, home goods and more at 30-75% off, including boots and booties starting at $59.99 and coats at 50% off. For accessories, check out designer watches at $39 and fragrances with free gifts, including One Direction’s sure-to-be-hot “Our Moment,” featuring a free tote with purchase. Stay cozy as the weather cools with 50-60% off comforters and pillows.
Walmart sets the bar high with their 2013 Holiday Toy Book! The ad includes 32 pages of holiday toy bliss with deals so good, it's hard to believe they aren't doorbusters. While there may not be coupons, Walmart has announced some of the most competitive prices of the season, including board games as low as $4.88 and huge price rollbacks on bigger-ticket toys like electric Razor scooters and Power Wheels.
Macy’s is kicking off the Black Friday 2013 season with a weekend sale on November 1st and 2nd! Join them for "Preview Friday" and "Super Saturday" to get 30%-75% off the storewide selection with an additional 20% off for Macy’s cardholders. Discounts even apply to sale and clearance items! This flyer includes two coupons for 10%-15% off clearance apparel and home items for early birds.
We have just released the Half Price Books 2013 Black Friday Ad! They have announced a "free giveaway" as part of their Black Friday 2013 specials. The first 100 customers will receive a free tote bag AND a $5 gift card. In addition, one of these lucky shoppers will randomly be selected to receive a $100 gift card!
We have just posted the AAFES Black Friday 2013 Ad! AAFES will start their Black Friday 2013 sale on Nov. 29th at 4am. This leaked ad does not contain any prices at the moment, but we are working on acquiring the full ad. However, you can still browse through this 32-page ad and start scoping out your favorite items now!
The Toys R Us 2013 Toy Book is now available! This whopping 78-page flyer may very well satisfy all of your holiday shopping needs for every kid (and "kid at heart") on your Christmas list. Get ready for this three-week sale, running from November 3rd through November 23rd.
The official Sam's Club 2013 Holiday Guide has just been posted! Whether you're looking to stock up the pantry, upgrade your home theatre or simpy purchase the perfect gift for that special someone, this 24-page flyer is certain to have what you need for the holidays, and runs from October 30th-November 27th.
Best Buy just released their 2013 Holiday Kickoff Event! This two day sale is on right now and ends Saturday October 26th. T.V.'s, Macbooks, Smartphones, Tablets, Cameras and more are marked down dramatically to gear up for Black Friday and into the Holiday season. This is the ideal time to start looking for the electronics you need.
We have just posted Dollar General's "Holiday Central" Toy Book Ad. This 24-page ad scan features over 400 toys, with the sale ending on December 24th. With deals on Hot Wheels, Disney Princess Dolls, Marvel Action Figures and more, this is an ad you will want to check out!
We have just posted the Kmart 2013 Toy Book Ad. With over 400 toys to choose from and 14 coupons for you to use, now is a great time to get this year's hottest toys!
Kmart's toy sale begins on October 27th and ends on November 23rd.
Best Buy is keeping it classic this year. They have just posted on their Black Friday online page that they will start their in-store and online sales on actual Black Friday (Nov. 29th). Other retailers are commencing sales on Thanksgiving Day, but Best Buy is keeping it traditional!
Last year the Best Buy Black Friday Ad leaked on November 8th. Ads are getting leaked earlier and earlier every year and we will share it with you once we get our hands on it. Keep checking back!
The new Apple iPad will not be released until November 1st, but Walmart has already begun rolling back prices! Starting November 1st, Walmart will be selling the "iPad Air" for $479, which is $20 off the original Apple price.
Apple products do not usually qualify for big discounts during Black Friday. Instead, stores usually offer a small discount bundled with a free gift card. Be sure to check back for the latest deals on the new Apple iPads!
Bon-Ton has just released their Black Friday sale start date! They have decided to join JCPenney, Macy's, and Kohl's in starting their Black Friday sale on Thanksgiving at 8pm. We expect this trend to continue and we wouldn't be surprised to see even earlier start times/days in years to come.
Macy's is having a two day sale starting on Friday and ending Saturday night. They will be offering several doorbusters that will be available from 9am-1pm only! These doorbuster include many items at 50% off which are expected to sell fast, so hurry over to Macy's to avoid missing out on the big savings!
Amazon has raised it's free shipping minimum order threshold from $25 to $35 this year. This is the first such increase made by the company in over a decade!
JCPenney is having a Halloween Monster Sale this Friday and Saturday! There are tons of great deals including 50% off doorbusters, beginning Saturday. Also included is a clip-on coupon for 15% off which can be used in-store and online on most items, including doorbusters!


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US garment imports settle on strategic suppliers
The world's economic problems are still very much with us, but it now appears - from the latest US figures - that garment customers may have settled down to a new but stable order of strategic suppliers.
The world's economic problems are still very much with us, but it now appears - looking at the latest US figures - that garment customers may have settled down to a new but stable order of strategic suppliers. David Birnbaum looks at the data.
Emerging Asian countries hold the key to the future of the global apparel sourcing industry, according to a new research report from just-style.
Syria, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan may become increasingly important apparel sourcing countries in coming years once ongoing issues around political and human rights have been resolved.
While China's position as the world's leading clothing manufacturing country remains unassailable, the increasing cost of doing business there means the rapid growth of its apparel industry may be on the wane. New research highlights Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Madagascar, Tunisia and Morocco as attractive sourcing alternatives.
Textile and apparel imports into the US were up again in April, rising 2.9% to 4.35bn square metre equivalents (SME) on top of a 1.7% increase in March.
- Impact of the TPP on the US textile industry?
- JC Penney emphasises new merchandising strategy
- Crystal Group nurtures its caring culture
- Hazardous chemical removal a key industry issue
- US apparel import data shows China competitiveness
- Vietnam proposes 15% rise to regional minimum wage
- Cambodia garment workers “dying on the job”
- Avery Dennison forms JV with Ningbo Shenzhou
- Nike appointments to drive growth opportunities
- Critical findings identified at Bangladesh complex
- Global Database of the Top 1000 Apparel Producers - Company Names, Financial Performance, Key Executives, and Contact Details
- Textile Wholesaling in the UK - Industry Market Research Report
- Global market review of denim and jeanswear – forecasts to 2020
- Survey of the European Fabric Fairs: Spring/Summer 2015
- Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in Turkey


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According to a new usage report by consumer research group NPD, gamers are either unaware or apathetic to the non-gameplay features of next-gen consoles.
PS3 owners, the report says, are less likely than Xbox 360 owners to download demos and videos on their consoles due to unawareness. In addition, only 37 percent of PS3 owners are aware of backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games. In contrast, a majority of PSP and DS owners are fully aware of what their handhelds are capable of.
The study also found that DS users are more likely to play games online than PSP users, and 360 users are more likely to play games online than PS3 and Wii users.
"This study verifies what many of us already know: features related to playing games are by far the most important to consumers of video game systems," said analyst Anita Frazier. "While systems' capabilities of providing owners with additional features may become more important in the future, currently the importance of these features and the awareness among consumers of these features is far from universal.
"To make headway in this next-gen race, manufacturers still need to be primarily concerned with the quality and entertainment value of the games themselves."
This story, "Study: Gamers Unaware of Console Functionality" was originally published by GamePro.


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One of the main reasons Oatly is so popular is because it makes a delicious dairy-alternative that is much more sustainable than almond milk. This is precisely why news that the brand recently sold a 10%, $200 million stake to an investment group led by private-equity firm Blackstone Group hurts so bad. When news of this sale broke back in July, we, like so many others, were distracted by the fact that the group includes Oprah Winfrey, Natalie Portman, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and Jay-Z's entertainment company. Now, however, it has come to the attention of many that Blackstone's chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman recently gave $3 million to a pro-Trump super PAC called America First Action and has been a "close confidant of the president's since his inauguration," according to CNBC. Blackstone recently hired lobbyist David Urban, who also has ties to President Trump.
While the links to President Trump, who has openly mocked The Green New Deal, pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord, and expressed doubt that climate change is real, are bad enough for eco-conscious consumers of Oatly, it's not the only reason former fans are mad about the deal. Last year, Blackstone invested in Hidrovias do Brasil, a Brazilian company that has been accused of "contributing to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest through deforestation and the development of a highway to facilitate the farming and export of grain and soybeans," Eater reports. These alleged actions are, of course, antithetical to the reasons so many adore Oatly.
Since Blackstone's controversial business dealings and leadership have garnered attention, former Oatly fans have taken to Twitter to announce that they will, with great sadness, no longer by buying its product.
Oatly has been frantically responding to various tweets from users announcing their boycott of the brand, and in many of its replies, the company has linked to its official response. "On multiple occasions, we've found ourselves stepping on the toes of both our friends and those who disagree with our mission, and now we've gone and done it again. This time it's about our current need for funding, specifically 400 million U.S. dollars, in order to continue to grow as sustainably as possible as the demand for our products continues to skyrocket, both in our current markets as well as new markets," Oatly said in a statement recently published on its website. "$200 million was secured through a green-deal bank loan where we are committed by the terms of the loan to ensure that all of our investments are in sustainable solutions. The other $200 million came through an investment from Blackstone, an investment choice that makes for sensational headlines in a world where debates have become so dangerously black and white."
Oatly fans may remember what was dubbed "the great oat milk shortage of 2018," which was caused by the small company's inability to keep up with soaring demands and led to Oatly prices skyrocketing and baristas limiting oat milk orders at cafés around the country. The brand seems to have turned to outside investors as a way to prevent that from happening again, especially now that oat milk is officially mainstream. Still, consumers desperately wish the brand had chosen another partner to help with sustainable growth. In response to that, Oatly wrote, "Blackstone is like the biggest supermarket of the private equity sector. We thought that if we could convince them that it’s as profitable (and in the long-term even more profitable) to invest in a sustainability company like Oatly, then all the other private equity firms of the world would look, listen and start to steer their collective worth of 4 trillion U.S. dollars into green investments."
The good news for consumers is that since oat milk has grown — in large part thanks to Oatly — beyond being a niche vegan trend, there are many brands now on the market. That means Oatly lovers can experiment and find their favorite non-Oatly oat milk brand. We must point out, however, that if you're going to boycott Oatly for its investor's transgressions, you should also do your research on Silk, Califia Farms, Planet Oat, and others. It may turn out that there simply is no ethical oat milk consumption under capitalism.
In response to recent criticism, a representative of Blackstone Group shared a blog post it published last year with Refinery29. The post refutes claims that Hidrovias owns, controls, or has any interest in the road in question. The representative also noted that many of Blackstone's most senior executives — including president Jon Gray and vice-chairman Tony James — are major fundraisers for Joe Biden and Democratic Party causes.


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Microsoft’s Windows Phone mobile operating system has been on the market for a little over two years, with early criticisms being levelled against it for the lack of apps available when compared with the likes of iOS and Android.
However, it has been announced that an additional 75,000 apps were added to the Windows Phone Marketplace over the course of 2012 alone, which will help Microsoft to convince sceptics that its software is finally competitive in the downloadable content department.
An average Windows Phone user will have downloaded 54 apps, with 85 per cent of people preferring apps that have integrated Live Tile functionality, according to an official blog post.
Android and iOS are expected to breach the million app barrier in the next 12 months, which still puts them well ahead of Windows Phone.
However, the reality is that only a small proportion of this catalogue will ever gain widespread popularity or offer the levels of quality that users expect. As such, the quantity is less important, provided that the overall experience is on a par across all of the available mobile operating systems during the next 12 months on the market.


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SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - State troopers in western Nebraska have reported finding more than 360 pounds of marijuana and cannabis products in a traffic stop near Lodgepole.
The Nebraska State Patrol said in a news release Thursday that the seizure stemmed from a traffic stop around noon Wednesday on Interstate 80. A trooper reported that he stopped a minivan for having an expired license plate and smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
The patrol says a search of the van turned up 309 pounds of marijuana, 46 pounds of edible cannabis products, 14 pounds of a concentrated cannabis drug called shatter, 80 grams of a cannabis syrup, and 2,000 cannabis vape cartridges. The street value of the haul is estimated at more than $1 million.
The 33-year-old driver from Medford, Oregon, was arrested.


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News & Views
14th October 2020
Update on face masks: all face coverings must now be fitted
As of 11th of October, 11:59 PM, the Victoria State Government is requiring all Victorians to wear a fitted face mask outside of their homes at all times.
A fitted face mask is now required instead of other face coverings such as face shields, bandanas, or scarves or loose snoods, loose Buffs® or loose neck gaiters because it provides better protection. As restrictions ease and movement increases, the effectiveness of a face mask is even more important.
A face mask with three layers is the option recommended by the Chief Health Officer. You can continue to wear a cloth mask, as long as it fitted and covers your nose and mouth. You can wear a face shield with a face mask.
Wearing a fitted face mask helps keep you and others safe, and will help us reach COVID Normal. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spread from close contact with a person with coronavirus (COVID-19). Face masks help stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has coronavirus (COVID-19) but feels well.
Unless a lawful exception applies, fines will be given to people who do not wear a fitted face mask.
Follow the links below for more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and requirements.


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Intel’s RealSense technology is being used in a wearable prototype to help people with low or no vision. The efforts started last August in a small lab inside the company’s headquarters but eventually turned out to be a promising portable prototype that has the capability to support blind and vision-impaired people and help them to have a better sense of their surroundings, says a blog post.
Useful technology from Intel
Intel’s RealSense 3D camera technology is fitted into an environmental sensing system and was launched at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Intel CEO Brain Krzanich suggested that 39 million blind people across the world and 250 million people with impaired vision could draw major benefits from this technology. The Intel CEO described RealSense as a technology that works in real-time dynamics and can help in avoiding obstacles nearby, along with assessing the emotions of people with the help of facial recognition.
Darryl Adams, a technical project manager at Intel who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa almost 30 years ago, was invited by Krzanich to com onto the stage. Adams is suffering from a deficiency of the photoreceptors in his eye, which is taking a toll on his peripheral vision and ability to see in dim light or at night. Adams got emotional on the stage and explained how the new technology will help him. According to experts, it was the most useful technology showcased during the keynote.
Many minds at work
Rajiv Mongia, director of the RealSense Interaction Design Group, said, “If we can bring vision to PCs and tablets, why not use that same technology to help people see?”
Mongia said this while he was talking about Intel’s RealSense technology, which will be available in the new computing device hitting the market. Other members of the team who are working on a human-computer interface, human factors and prototyping are Chandrika Jayant, Robert Cooksey and Sarang Borude, who are focusing on finding neutral, intuitive and extensive ways to use RealSense 3D camera technology.
To get the RealSense technology to work on a human body, Mongia and his team had to design customized clothing fitted with the camera and a computing module that connects wirelessly to eight thumb-sized vibrating sensors, including three across the chest, three across the torso and two near the ankles of each leg.


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'Battlefield 1's new expansion will be released on September 19.
The new content, named 'In The Name of the Tzar', has been hotly anticipated by fans of the first person shooter game since publishers EA called it the game's "most extensive expansion yet", and it has now been revealed players can get their hands on the DLC in just over two weeks time.
'In The Name of the Tzar' will be available to download for $15 (£12) on September 19, although users who hold a Premium Pass membership will be eligible for two weeks' early access starting on Tuesday (05.09.17).
The new expansion contains a whopping six new maps - including Lupkow Pass which was recently released to Premium Pass holders - and a brand new mode entitled Supply Drop, amongst other exciting goodies.
Supply Drop is set on the Eastern Front and sees teams compete to recover airdrops that provide them with additional weaponry.
In a blog post on the game's website which was posted on Thursday (31.08.17), EA said: "On September 5, 'Battlefield 1' Premium Pass owners can start their two-week early access of 'Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar'. On September 19, the most extensive 'Battlefield' expansion yet - and winner of the "Best Add-On/DLC" Gamescom Award - will be available for purchase for all players.
"With 6 new maps (including the newly released Lupkow Pass), new weapons, new vehicles, the new Supply Drop mode, the Hussars, and the Russian Army joining the fight, 'Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar' is packed with fresh content. (sic)"


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Pro Evolution Soccer has its work cut out if it’s to beat FIFA this year – but if anyone can do it, Konami can.
Despite critical acclaim, PES 2017 couldn’t keep up with FIFA 17’s sales.
While EA Sports’ footballer sold 1.1 million copies in its first week in the UK, PES couldn’t manage more than 50,000.
Konami will want to turn things around fast.
We go through some key changes needed to give PES 2018 a fighting chance.
OutFox FIFA on visuals
PES 2017 may not have Frostbite powering it, but it still looks stunning in motion.
This is thanks to Fox Engine, the same powerhouse behind the recent Metal Gear Solid games.
However, Fox is capable of so much more than what gamers experienced in PES 2017.
Lighting was flat and lifeless compared with FIFA, while player models ranged from the hyper-realistic to the comically bad.
Fox Engine can provide stunningly realistic movement, perhaps more so than Frostbite’s slightly ‘robotic’ animation (the latter often revealing its shortcomings during replays and celebrations).
Animation wasn’t as smooth as it could have been in PES 2017, so expect Konami to focus a lot of effort here.
We’d also expect PES 2018 to capitalise more on the PS4 Pro – with a 4K mode available from the off, and closer visual parity with the PC version.
Plan the attack
The last game featured attacking and defensive philosophies such as the Gegenpress, Tiki-Taka and False 9.
However, it didn’t take long to master these and for tedium to set in.
We’d like to see the ability to craft your own tactics in PES 2018 – allowing for a truly personal experience.
Protect and server
One of the major negatives to come out of PES 2017 was the servers – with thousands struggling to find a game from the off.
Konami must boost server quality as well as refine matchmaking to allow lag-free online gaming.
FIFA is far from perfect, and is often criticised for speed-up lag and input delay when played online.
If Konami can improve their online offering, PES will win back some players.
Rethink online modes
However, none of this really matters if there are no compelling online modes.
FIFA Ultimate Team is by far the most popular part of EA’s game – offering depth and bags of replayability.
The PES Become a Legend mode was practically unchanged from the 2016 version, while the Master League and MyClub modes just had minor tweaks.
If PES is to compete this year, a new mode or heavily-revamped versions of existing offerings needs to happen.
Voice of reason
PES has never been known for its commentary, which could be an easy way to claw back some points.
Peter Drury and Jim Beglin will be returning this year, but we’d like to see the pair deliver lines in a more organic way.
Konami confirmed thousands more lines of commentary will be added, so there should be a noticeable improvement.
Game of Champions
Konami’s title only has a handful of licensed teams – but they do have the Champions and Europa League licenses.
Expect PES to continue to exploit these – with bags more detail during pre-match / post-match build up.
Konami also has an exclusive partnership with the Brazilian Football Confederation, which gives them full rights to all 20 teams in the Brazilian domestic league.
Plus, it’s never been easier to download Option Files from other players that include all the official kits created by the community with File Sharing.
Keep gameplay the same
While FIFA is slow and considered with an emphasis on build-up play, PES is fast-paced and frenetic.
Konami’s effort best captures the beautiful game – through crisp passing, responsive shooting and simple, rewarding set pieces.
Some believe FIFA’s gameplay isn’t as fun as it has been in the past, which gives PES another opportunity to strike.


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[blockquote right=”pull-left”][/blockquote] A Snapchat update rolling out this week may not be good news to the handful of Snapchat users in developing nations where in app-purchase has not been a huge success so far. The company is introducing two new features and one of then will involve users digging into their pockets and it is called paid replays. The other feature is a selfie-altering mode called “Lenses.”
We have written before the reasons why most people don’t use Snapchat, one of them is that there is a 24 hour duration to view snaps before they expire. With the new update, the app will allow users to purchase extra replays at a cost of $0.99 (UGX 3,600) for every three. This is understandable for the developers of the app as they have to find away to monetize it, but on the other hand they have blocked their potential next billion users with this in app-purchase strategy. Luckily, this doesn’t apply to Stories, which last 24 hours, which are already replayable, and this is Snapchat’s most widely used feature. I guess the Snapchat story makers can still rejoice, for now.
Would you pay to replay a video? Well, Snapchat thinks you can as its replay feature gives them a third stream of revenue, including the money it makes on its Discover partnerships and the ads it places in its sponsored Snapchat Stories. Using in-app purchases to generate revenue has proven to be a powerful model when it comes to mobile apps, and this move could be just the first step for Snapchat.
There is also a new Lenses feature that allows users to appear as a Terminator killer cyborg by placing the T-800’s iconic red eye (and other scars) over their faces. With Lenses, as you line up your selfie, you’ll be able to press and hold on your face to activate a panel where you can pick different Lenses.


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Electone, Longwood, Fla, has hired Bob Goldstein as director of sales. Prior to joining Electone, Goldstein was educational sales manager for systems integrator I.COMM. He also spent 18 years as a salesperson in the apparel industry.
Weitbrecht Communications Inc, Santa Monica, Calif, has named Barbara Hyde as its new sales and marketing manager. In this role, she will manage the WCI sales, customer service, and marketing efforts, and oversee the daily operations of the company. WCI is a distributor of assistive listening devices and telecommunications equipment, serving individuals, hearing care professionals, state programs, governmental agencies, and consumer organizations.
Audiology Foundation of America
The Audiology Foundation of America (AFA), West Lafayette, Ind, re-elected Ken Lowder, AuD, to the AFAs chair position at its Board of Directors meeting held July 20 in Chicago. Lowder has served as chair of the AFA for the past 2 years and held the position of vice chair from 1998-2000. He has twice served as president of the Iowa Association of Hearing Health Professionals, and is the current chair of the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. In addition, AFA announces that its new vice chair is Deborah Price, AuD, who practices in Dallas. AFA secretary Mike Hartman, AuD, and treasurer Rich Burba, MBA, will continue in their roles on the board.
Beltone Electronics Corp, Chicago, has promoted Randi Binstock to general manager for alternate distribution initiatives. In this new role, she will be responsible for the companys 14 corporate retail locations, in addition to enhancing current programs and creating new programs for the Beltone network. Prior to this appointment, Binstock served as vice president of customer care and development for the company, as well as treasurer. As vice president, Binstock and her team implemented many new programs, including, Path to Success, a program developed to familiarize new customers with Beltones products and company procedures. She also managed the retirement program and dispenser healthcare plan for the company.
Central Institute for the Deaf
The Harold W. Siebens Hearing Research Center at Central Institute for the Deaf (CID), St Louis, has named Richard A. Baird, PhD, its new director. In this position, Baird will be responsible for overseeing the Fay and Carl Simons Center for Biology of Hearing and Deafness, as well as the Center for Childhood Deafness and Adult Aural Rehabilitation. He joined CID in May 1998 as a senior research scientist and director of the Simons Center, and is the Spencer T. Olin professor of vestibular physiology in the Washington University department of speech and hearing. He also holds adjunct appointments in the Washington University departments of otolaryngology and anatomy and biology, and heads up the Inner Ear Core Consortium, a group of 19 scientists from CID, Washington University School of Medicine, and St Louis University.
Unitron Hearing, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, announces the appointment of Donald Hayes, PhD, to manager, audiology research and marketing. In this position, Hayes will be responsible for leading the companys audiology research efforts, as well as new product concept testing and validation. Hayes earned his doctoral degree from the University of Cincinnati in March 2002, with a focus on crossover frequencies and digital noise reduction algorithms.
Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People
Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH), Bethesda, Md, has named Kathryn Stephens its interim executive director, a position she will hold until a permanent executive director is selected. Stephens is an advisor to nonprofit organizations on management and organizational development issues and provides professional coaching services to nonprofit executives in Washington, DC. Previously, she was the founding executive director of Building Futures: Family AIDS Housing in Washington. In addition to a BA degree in international affairs from George Washington University, Stephens is a graduate of Georgetown Universitys organizational development program. The SHHH Board of Trustees is currently working with the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations and their Executive Transitions Program to search for a permanent director.
Unitron Hearing, Plymouth, Minn, announces the addition of several new staff members. Bobbie Knopf has been appointed to regional sales manager, responsible for sales in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Mary Hendel has been named sales representative for the West region, with primary responsibilities including West Coast states, Montana, and New Mexico. Jarrett Lowenstein has been named regional sales manager, responsible for sales in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Stephanie Wiebe has been appointed sales representative for the Midwestern region.


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Pelican BioThermal is unifying its brand across the globe. The company will now be known worldwide as Peli BioThermal.
After growing its BioPharma Division through acquisitions from 2012 to 2014, Pelican Products, Inc. of Torrance, CA rebranded the division Pelican BioThermal in the Americas and Peli BioThermal in Europe.
The names aligned with Pelican’s existing brands and created a consistent market-specific presence for Pelican.
But the work of Peli BioThermal and its customers is now increasingly global.
“Customers who use our products and services operate in many different markets across the world,” said David Williams, President of Peli BioThermal.
“One name creates consistency for them and firmly positions us as a brand they recognise and trust, regardless of location.”
Peli BioThermal’s unified global brand heralds its evolving direction.
The company will launch an additional portfolio of offerings, including thermal shippers, rental programs, outsourcing services and new technology that connects all aspects of the cold chain for their customers.
Peli BioThermal will also add new service centres to support the expanded offerings, growing its already robust and unmatched global network.
The change to the company’s brand name takes effect immediately and a new website will launch in the coming weeks, with further brand changes throughout 2021.


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That time of year has come, the dates on which Google starts sending the new Nexus to those who have looked forward to the latest tablet or smartphone designed by the American giant that with the promise of updates almost for life and instantly has already conquered many.
We already have a Nexus 9 with us, the new 8.9-inch tablet from Google manufactured by HTC. Those of you waiting for Nexus 6 you will have to endure a little more, and it seems that the Google smartphone is going to take something more. This time it seems that the management of HTC is being very good, we will have to wait to see what happens with Motorola, which for now we have almost no news in terms of distribution.
Factory Image Nexus 9 LRX21L
What do you think about new Nexus 9?


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SHANGHAI -- General Motors says the redesigned Buick LaCrosse will debut in China next month with an improved chassis and more fuel-efficient powertrains.
The top-of-the-line LaCrosse 28T will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection and a start-stop system. The engine generates 192 kW of power (257 hp) and a peak torque of 350 Nm (258 pounds-feet).
The powertrain consumes 7.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (equal to 31 mpg).
Car buyers also have the choice of a LaCrosse equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with an output of 125 kW (168 hp) and a peak torque of 252 Nm (186 pounds-feet). This version consumes 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers (equal to 38 mpg).
GM did not disclose pricing for the redesigned LaCrosse, which has been a popular model. Last year, GM sold 83,000 LaCrosse sedans in China, and the brand's entire lineup has posted strong demand.
In January, Buick's China sales grew 39 percent from a year earlier to 138,907 units. The brand enjoyed strong demand for the Excelle GT, while sales of the Envision SUV doubled year over year.


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Andfjord Salmon is developing a next-generation farmed salmon diet for its fish at its first flow-through land-based pool at Andøya, northern Norway in collaboration with feed manufacturer Skretting and Zooca, a supplier of feed raw material based on zooplankton.
Andfjord Salmon is the world’s first salmon farmer that uses commercially developed feed that contains zooplankton.
The salmon producer has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Skretting and Zooca to “facilitate the provision of a specifically designed salmon feed for Andfjord Salmon and a long-term cooperation to increase the utilisation of the zooplankton in feed.”
The LOI follows the signing this past February of a feed supply agreement between Andfjord Salmon and Skretting, the aquaculture business line of nutrition giant Nutreco. Nutreco invested via a private placement €3.8 million in Andfjord Salmon that month.
“Our ambition is to develop the world’s most fish friendly and sustainable aquaculture facility of its kind. Having our own specially designed feed, with unique ingredients from a local supplier, is another important building block towards realising this ambition,” says Martin Rasmussen, CEO of Andfjord Salmon.
The feed has been named “Calanus Plus by Andfjord Salmon” after the zooplankton’s scientific name, Calanus finmarchicus. Andfjord says the feed ingredients have a proven track record from land-based salmon farming. However, the feed composition is specifically tailored to Andfjord Salmon’s flow-through system and location at Andøya.
Andfjord Salmon released the first smolts into the brand-new operations’ flow-through fish pool on June 25. The initial batch released comprises 200,000 smolt weighing 120 grams on average, but the company is licensed to produce 10,000 tonnes.
“The fish has settled quickly and has already demonstrated a healthy appetite, which continues to improve daily. Fish mortality rate is extremely low, so it has been a promising start,” adds Martin Rasmussen.


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Medical device security and the regulations that govern it may be somewhat lax today, but that’s all set to change if the Federal Drug Administration has anything to do with it.
According to an audit report released by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, while the FDA is already making an effort to scrutinize the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of new medical devices, HHS believes the FDA “should further integrate its review of cybersecurity into the premarket review process.”
The FDA--often scrutinized for its slow, bureaucratic processes--has wasted no time in heeding the call.
Having first reported on the HHS OIG audit in September, the Minnesota Star Tribune noted that the FDA has not only already begun working on some of the HHS recommendations, but is trying to take them a step further. From the Star Tribune:
FDA officials welcomed the input, noting that they were already following most of it and going beyond it in other aspects.
The guidance involves having the FDA make changes to its internal processes to make sure it asks questions about medical device cybersecurity earlier in the device-approval process, and to ensure such questions are asked uniformly when new device submissions are made …
New rules under consideration at FDA could require device makers to create and distribute a “software bill of materials” that would identify all of the software that comes standard on a device. The agency is also considering forming a public-private CyberMed Safety Analysis Board that would assess high-impact cyber problems, serve (sic) as a “go team” to investigate potential and actual device compromises at the FDA’s request.
For manufacturers, it’s always seemed like only a matter of time before medical device regulations bore down on the industry. But, the recent report of the FDA’s efforts to establish and begin enforcing internal medical device security guidelines means it might not take an act of Congress to give manufacturers the incentive they need to start building more secure products.
Why Medical Device Security Matters
As the FDA prepares security standards for the medical-device-approval process, we should remember why medical device security is so important in the first place.
While hospitals abound with connected devices these days, the ones the FDA is most concerned about are embedded—or rather, they're implanted in the patients who use them.
Embedded devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, are life-saving innovations that have dramatically improved the quality of life of the patients that use them, and have made once crippling conditions and diseases bearable.
However, as with any successful product, innovation doesn’t stop after initial market release. Pacemakers and insulin pumps, once manual devices, have gone through evolutions during their life cycles and today are smarter and more connected than ever before.
While these new functionalities make for better medical devices, at least in theory, they also open up a slew of attack vectors that never before existed. For the first time, bad actors have the ability to remotely hack into a device implanted in your body, take control, and begin manipulating it.
One does not need a degree in medicine to read the writing on the wall.
The Consequences of a Compromised Medical Device
The most dire consequence of a compromised medical device is death.
A pacemaker, for example, is designed to send electric shocks to the heart to keep it beating regularly. Most pacemakers also include a defibrillator that is activated during emergencies when the heartbeat becomes irregular and dangerous. This is where modern pacemaker risks come from.
As has been depicted in television, and proven by researchers, a bad actor could gain access to a connected pacemaker and kill the patient by either 1) activating the defibrillator when the heart is beating regularly or 2) by withholding the electrical shocks that keep that heart beating regularly in the first place. Either result in almost certain death.
Today’s insulin pumps come with similar risks. As any diabetic will attest, the amount of insulin being delivered must be precise both in its dose and timing. A bad actor, therefore, could manipulate an implanted insulin pump to overdose the patient or withhold the life-saving medication from them entirely.
But the consequences of a compromised medical device don’t just put patients’ lives at risk. These embedded devices also happen to send a tremendous amount of valuable data to doctors, hospitals, and research facilities. A bad actor could exfiltrate this data—either for the purposes of espionage or sabotage. In either event, the financial hit associated with the loss of valuable data, as well as the legal repercussions thereof, is enough to make any medical device manufacturer shutter.
Medical Device Security and Safety Is Possible
Medical device security is a high-stakes game, especially when you think about the safety of the patients involved.
While the FDA’s new guidelines are overdue and should be welcomed, they’re sure to frustrate device makers because of their focus on software.
Software is the primary way device makers attempt to secure their products, but as we’ve discussed on this blog before, software alone cannot fix our cybersecurity problem. That’s because all software is inherently flawed since writing bug-free code is impossible.
To paint a picture for you, fixing inherently flawed software with more software that’s inherently flawed, is much like trying to bail out a sinking ship with a sieve. You might make some progress, but it’s only a matter of time until you drown.
The answer, then, to providing medical device security and safety must be in hardware.
Sentry processors, such as Dover’s CoreGuard™ silicon IP, can help immunize medical devices from cyberattacks by acting as a bodyguard for the host processor. By implementing such a security solution, medical device makers can accomplish two, important things:
- Stop remote cyberattacks: CoreGuard lives directly on the SoC and monitors every instruction set the host processor is asked to execute. When an instruction is presented asking the processor to act in a way it wasn’t designed to, CoreGuard flags the instruction set and does not allow the processor to run it. Since CoreGuard isn’t a software solution, it can’t be subverted remotely over the network.
- Ensure safe medical device operation: When a pacemaker’s or insulin pump’s host processor is sent malicious code, we want the processor to reject the instruction set, but the last thing we would want is for the device to shut down as a result. CoreGuard helps the host processor continue to do what it is meant to do—such as trickle-charge a heart or dispense insulin—after an attempted attack has occurred.
As the FDA bears down on the medical device industry, it will be security solutions like these that will keep regulators at bay and manufacturers competitive in the market.
Learn more about CoreGuard and how it can help secure your medical device, here.


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At Ubisoft, Baptizat was most recently game director on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and before that, also worked on the likes of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Baptizat’s arrival in EA Motive is notable not only because of his past work and evident talent, but also because of what he might be working on.
As spotted by Axios, Baptizat joined Motive in April, and is serving as game director on a currently unannounced project.
Assassin’s Creed veteran Eric Baptizat has left Ubisoft after sixteen years at the company, and joined EA Motive, the studio behind last year’s Star Wars: Squadrons and the single player campaign of Star Wars Battlefront 2.
Where Dead Space is concerned, reports suggest that the game is going to be announced at the EA Play Live event on July 22, so we’ll know soon enough what’s going on with those rumours.


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City employees — including DDOT workers — are not exempt from parking tickets. Just last week, a government vehicle blocking traffic was issued a $100 ticket.
Traffic tickets and criminal fines in Arlington County will now cost $5 more to fund the implementation of an electronic summons system.
So many drivers are passing stopped school buses in Montgomery
County, the ticket fines for that violation may double.
It\’s still possible to catch playoff baseball action at Camden Yards without spending a fortune.
Take note baseball fans: there are tickets available to
see playoff baseball in person at Nationals Park.
For the third time in less than two years, the City of
Laurel is taking another measure to prevent drivers from getting speed or red-
light camera tickets.
Many offices in the D.C. area were filled with frantic typing around 10 a.m. Monday. That\’s because Washington National\’s fans were trying to snap up playoff tickets.
A new report from the D.C. Inspector General finds that when drivers get a speed camera or parking ticket in the District of Columbia, they\’re presumed guilty until they can prove themselves innocent.
DOSWELL, Va. (AP) — Tickets are on sale for the 2014 State Fair of Virginia scheduled for later this month. The Virginia Farm Bureau says tickets are available for purchase online or in person for…
DOSWELL, Va. (AP) — Advance tickets for the 2014 State Fair of Virginia are set to go on sale in a few weeks. The Virginia Farm Bureau says discounted online ticket sales are set to…
A just-released Ticketmaster app could help iPhone users get better seats by letting them get through the ticket buying process faster.
\”The demand for the tickets has been nothing like we\’ve seen in this market in a long, long time,\” says the team\’s chief revenue officer.
Want to see the Wizards in the second round of the NBA playoffs? You might have a chance.
A Maryland man who received a $75 red-light camera ticket in Rockville says the city targets drivers to raise revenue, not for safety.
The number of parking tickets issued across Arlington County has been plummeting in recent years and its taking a toll on the city\’s revenue.


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A generous supermarket worker in Hamilton paid for a customer’s shopping after her card declined twice at the checkout.
Kind-hearted Julie who works in Aldi on Wellhall Wynd told the shopper to simply pass on an act of kindness of her own when she offered to come back later in the day to square up her bill.
Blown away by the cashier’s goodwill, the lady contacted Aldi thereafter to praise Julie for her amazing gesture which was shared by the food chain online.
Described as a ‘wee gem’, Julie featured in a Facebook post by Aldi Scotland which reaped hundreds of comments praising her act of kindness.
It even attracted special praise from Regional Managing Director for Scotland Richard Holloway who commented: “Julie’s act of kindness went above and beyond. We’re so proud of her and of each and every one of our colleagues who work hard day in day out to serve their local communities.”
Julie is pictured in the Aldi store where she has been working with the public during the difficult times of lockdown in the coronavirus crisis. With protective plastic shields, she and other workers have been able to serve the Hamilton community safely during the pandemic.
Locals were quick to commend Julie with one saying: “What a fantastic lady with a beautiful heart”, and another adding: “The world could do with a few more of this woman, not just about the money but the care and thought in this gesture is beautiful.”
One regular customer of the Hamilton branch said: “Brilliant staff in Hamilton Aldi. Julie is just lovely. What a kind thing to do.”