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The consumer-friendly iteration of the bestselling S/Lab Ultra shoe is comfortable without added bulk
With waxed cotton fabric and no external pockets, these bags are a far cry from Osprey’s traditional fare
Plastic joint casings from certain production batches could break, causing the chair (and user) to fall
Smith claims these sunnies can help you focus better. Do they actually work?
A new commuter pack, waterproof adventure blanket, dog bowl, and insulated pint glasses round out Yeti's growing collection of lifestyle gear
This European gear giant is trying to disrupt the U.S. outdoor market with its $2.50 backpacks and $49 tents. But is the product any good?
Pins in certain bindings from 2017/18 could break, posing a fall risk
New products to get you outside
This is the first innovation we’ve seen in closed-cell foam pads in nearly two decades
No need to simply toss your flips after running them into the ground
We can’t help but get excited about this new featherweight jacket
After years of making some of our favorite running hydration packs, Salomon is launching the Advanced Skin 8 Set
Cool companies and their gear
Hefty canvas and denim work apparel is experiencing a resurgence. A panel of experts at Outdoor Retailer explained why.
Don’t let the StairMaster aesthetics fool you: this thing can move
Portraits of five powerhouses you should know about
Sometimes the best gear comes in small packages—and at low prices
Next month a community initiative will present guidelines for companies on how to define, talk about, and respond to inappropriate behavior
Pulling back the curtain on the industry’s biggest product launches
Brands go to great lengths to make their products stand out. Here are the five wildest examples.
The first-of-its-kind approach shoe returns in spring 2019
Heavy-duty and highly visible, the Nordwand Advanced HS jacket is making a splash at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
Don’t let the funky shape fool you
The Zipper Gimp is a small (but important) upgrade
Essentially a three-person paddleboard base with a mesh tent upper and nylon fly, the Universe is happy on the ground, in the air, and on the water
Once again, our gear editors head to the industry's largest trade show to scope out the latest, greatest outdoor tools and toys
Outdoor Retail Summer Market 2018 is here, and the industry is abuzz about new gear. We hit up Confluence and Commons Parks to get in some testing time.
Last year we featured this bike, calling it “the ultimate toy for big kids.” Now it’s going to be used by law enforcement.
Tough and waterproof, it fits everything you need for a day
The California Stonemaster and Five Ten founder changed the way we all climb
An enduro mountain-biking pack, an adventure-travel duffel, and a hiking pack are coming to shelves this February
Durable fabrics, intelligent design, clean looks, and plenty of storage make this one of the best office-outdoor crossover bags we’ve tried
With ripstop fabric, drain holes, and a water-resistant phone pouch, this endurance-racing vest is ready to get messy
The e-commerce behemoth is on its way to becoming the biggest marketplace for outdoor-recreation products and its influence over the industry grows every day. Is this the apocalypse for the shops and brands that have fueled our love of adventure? Or can they learn to fight back without destroying one another?
We had the chance to see the brand’s new packs, running shoes, hiking boots, and apparel nearly a year before they’ll hit shelves.
New tech automatically adjusts settings to keep the watch in tracking mode longer, without sacrificing accuracy
This rotomolded beast is bigger, tougher, and better insulated than your classic plastic jug
Digital tools to help you get into (and out of) the backcountry
These mailers, made from upcycled vinyl billboards, can be used up to 2,000 times
The goal: to give your trail runner an extra layer of armor
The electric rigs and bike computers are on the latest list of Chinese imports to be slapped with the 25 percent tax
The messaging device uses a pay-as-you-go model that’s more flexible than the monthly contracts required by other companies
Gear companies like Arc'teryx and Gore are desperately seeking ways to enter the approximately $15 billion market. They're making headway, but distributors say they still have a lot to learn.
The Ranger and Scout are designed to bring the trademark Traeger cooking experience to the campground
The family of three watches gets even fancier navigation features, and the 5X Plus gets a pulse oximeter
The textile company launched its Power Fill last year with 80 percent recycled material. Now it’s gone 100 percent.
We got our hands on the British cycling brand’s new commuter gear, which is designed with your gadgets in mind
After two weeks, I learned something: I'd do it again
It's smaller and lighter than its predecessor but still ready to handle the toughest high-alpine conditions
A foundation run by the family of Chris Farley believed that Trek was capitalizing on the late comedian’s name
Through a new program called North Face Renewed, customers can purchase used and refurbished gear online
Judy Gross started LightHeart Gear out of her house in 2006. Today, her shelters are favorites of thru-hikers across the country.
Our favorite ultralight filter gets a welcome upgrade
We got our hands on the first in-house gear from the Utah-based e-retailer.
The products mark the company’s first water cooler and a new addition to its Panga line
The shoe brand worked with a pair of Honolulu artists to incorporate home-grown indigo plants into its fabrics
Four class-action suits claim that the retail giant broke the law when it nixed its lifetime guarantee
Chacos and NRS teamed up on these special-edition sandals in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
We tested the Squamish XL, which is full of tech-oriented features to keep your gear organized and safe while you travel
The partnership between Brooks, HP, and Superfeet uses biomechanical analysis and 3-D foot scanning to create a pair of shoes built especially for you
You're a woman who rides a bike? I'm assuming you've been the target of lewd comments, threats, and maybe even outright assault. It has to stop.
This detachable anchor system makes a bold yet unnerving promise to deliver full-length, single-rope rappels. Is it the holy grail for rappelling or an accident waiting to happen?
The company behind the smart bike helmet just launched a watch. Here's our take.
The Boston tech company is now selling monthly access to its Strap 2.0 data-tracking device
The founder of the Boulder Running Company is opening a new store and merging it with his physical therapy business
The cooler giant is making its famous (and very, very heavy) Tundra more portable
With the X, the company refreshes its flagship device
If you've ever dreamed of operating your own outdoor brand, here’s your chance.
Jackets are getting trimmer and thinner. Are the weight savings worth the money?
Three years after the pioneering ultralight backpacking brand declared bankruptcy, it's relaunching under new ownership
The new collection is durable and ready to haul, with an emphasis on comfort and easy access
The handheld satellite communication device is significantly smaller than its predecessor but has almost the same functionality
The California resort will be the first major bike park in the U.S. to allow the motorized rigs—meaning the war over two-wheeled access to public lands is about to heat up
Depending on the vote Tuesday, some products from big names like Banana Boat and Coppertone could soon be missing from shelves in the Aloha State
The company made a name for itself making replacement lenses for other brands' frames. Now it's making its own shades.
The International Trade Commission passed a restriction on the import of products that infringe upon patents for Nite Ize's popular Steelie family of dashboard electronics mounts
With Yeti in the hot seat over a feud with the NRA, competitors are jumping at the chance to win over new customers by declaring their allegiance to the Second Amendment
The two-person pod is a departure from the brand's traditional aluminum design
The NRA claims that Yeti refuses to sell to its foundation. Yeti begs to differ.


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TOKYO — Shiseido reported growth in its first-half net profit and sales, while its operating profit contracted due to increased investments.
For the six months ended June 30, net profit gained 10 percent year-over-year, totaling 52.45 billion yen, or $494.4 million.
Operating profit for the same period declined by 3 percent, coming in at 68.98 billion yen. Japan’s largest cosmetics company said Thursday that this reflected “increased investments in marketing, research and development, and people, which offset an increase in gross profit accompanying the increase in net sales.” It concentrated its marketing investments in digital mediums, which led to an improvement in its marketing return on investment.
Shiseido posted net sales of 564.65 billion yen in the first half, representing growth of 6 percent over the same period last year. It conducted cross-border marketing initiatives targeting Chinese consumers across Asia, which helped boost sales.
In nearly all of its business segments, Shiseido’s sales grew in the first half. The biggest gains came from the travel-retail business, where sales were up by 17.2 percent to 53.06 billion yen, and the China market, where sales grew by 15.9 percent to 107.68 billion yen.
“In the China business, the strong performance of prestige brands such as Shiseido, Clé de Peau Beauté, Ipsa and Nars continued, and sell-out of prestige brands soared in mainland China, exceeding 40 percent growth,” the company said in a statement. “Among cosmetics, strong growth also continued for the ‘made in Japan’ brands, Elixir and Anessa.”
Sales in the Americas gained 8.9 percent to total 64.07 billion yen, bolstered by advanced shipments. BareMinerals, which is restructuring and closing unprofitable stores, underperformed the previous year, but prestige brands such as Shiseido and Nars, as well as the fragrance brand Dolce & Gabbana, continued to grow.
First-half revenue in the company’s home market of Japan inched up 0.5 percent to 231.89 billion yen.
“In the Japan business, we continued to see strong sales growth in the ‘skin trinity category’ in which we have continued to increase marketing investments,” Shiseido’s release said. “We also secured steady inbound demand by strengthening cross-border marketing throughout Asia despite the impact from unfavorable weather from early spring onward in addition to the decline in buyer sales caused by yen appreciation and a new e-commerce law in China.”
The company also revised its guidance for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, increasing its net profit forecast and lowering its net sales forecast.
Shiseido now expects its full-year net profit to come in at 83 billion yen, up 7.5 billion yen from its previous forecast of 75.5 billion yen. It said that this change is mainly due to an increase in taxes.
The operating profit forecast remained unchanged at 120 billion yen.
The company now expects net sales for the year to total 1.16 trillion yen, a decrease from its previous forecast of 1.17 billion yen. This change is due to a number of factors including the application of new accounting standards among Shiseido’s U.S. subsidiaries and changes in foreign exchange rates.
More About Shiseido on WWD.com:

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After a couple of tough years, budding retail operators tested their concepts on the street and at the mall.
The mixed-use project’s partners are aiming for LEED Platinum certification with a design focused on energy efficiency.
The shopping center’s Knit-o-Rama will anchor a fundraiser for the Deafblind Association of South Australia.
QuadReal and CfAD mined the data that backs a CSR-minded approach to property development and management.
Unlike a quarter of the Australian population, these mall shoppers are getting their regular exercise.
Arenas and public halls host large religious gatherings and community-minded shopping centers could be next.


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As initial prices for Microsoft's Windows XP leaked out, the company suffered more embarrassment over the rollout of Windows XP Release Candidate 1 (RC1) today, when it emerged that some beta testers are still waiting for their preview copy of the software.
Reports are suggesting that some testers may not get their hands on the product until the end of the month, just as RC2 is scheduled to launch.
It is still unclear how many beta users are affected by the hiccup, but there are claims that as many as 100,000 users have not yet received the beta software. Microsoft would not confirm numbers, however. "That is still rumour and speculation," said a spokeswoman.
But most embarrassing for the Redmond giant is the fact that, while users who have paid to beta test RC1 cannot get hold of it, thousands of unsolicited users downloaded the product late last week when a rogue link to the company's download site went up with no password protection.
Paid up users should have received the software either in the mail last week or from the Microsoft website but, while many are still waiting, further reports claim that some users have received false installation keys, preventing them from installing the software anyway.
Price wise, Amazon.com was this morning taking orders for Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade at $99.99, Home Edition full product at $199.99, and Professional at $299.99. The company stressed that the product was not set to ship until 25 October.
Now, however, the product data seems to have mysteriously disappeared from the Amazon.com website, although a search on the site still claims an even more mysterious four matches.
Musk went public on privatisation plan "because I felt it was the right and fair thing to do so"
Intel's 9th generation Core CPUs will be released on 1 October along with Z390 motherboards
Short-sellers burnt by Musk's "false and misleading" tweets the first to file suit
The intent is to build bots small enough to crawl through a garden hose


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The volume of cryptocurrency trading in Turkey has soared above one million per day amid the lira's recent dive, according to Reuters.
The US is moving to require that all air travelers entering the country show a negative COVID-19 test performed within one day of departure.
The FTC has asked Amazon, Walmart, and other big retailers for internal documents as it examines supply chain problems and soaring prices
The FTC launched an investigation into supply chain disruptions Monday, ordering nine companies to provide detailed information about the situation.
One of Asia's largest airlines is facing a revolt from pilots, who say Hong Kong's multi-week quarantines are endangering their mental health
Cathay started running "closed-loop" rosters involving five consecutive weeks locked in hotel rooms and then two weeks off at home.
Amazon executives have been charged as part of a $148,000 marijuana smuggling investigation, police in India said
However, Amazon said reports of the charges were "incorrect" and "we are not aware of any Amazon executives being named in the investigation."
Mexico arrests wife of kingpin 'El Mencho,' sparking fears of reprisals from powerful Jalisco cartel
The violent CJNG is widely viewed as the most powerful gang in Mexico, alongside the Sinaloa Cartel.
The UK's antitrust watchdog will spend six months investigating the deal.
Peloton said in the suits that both Echelon and iFit had attempted to "free ride" off Peloton's tech, and had violated its patents.
Trading on the Beijing Stock Exchange kicked off on Monday, with shares of 10 companies surging and triggering circuit breakers
A total of 81 stocks started trading to mark the official launch of the exchange, which has been set up to serve small- and medium-sized enterprises.
China's new home prices in October fell by the most since February 2015 as Evergrande continues to grapple with its $300 billion debt load
China's October new home prices fell 0.2% month-on-month amid continued demand weakness with authorities holding the line on purchase restrictions.
Volkswagen is planning to bid farewell to the sedan that became a status a symbol in China in the 1990s as the economy boomed
Volkswagen plans to stop making Santana cars in China, bidding farewell to its first Chinese-made model that became a symbol of the country's rising middle class.
Macy's raises minimum pay for its 100,000 US workers to $15 an hour as the labor shortage continues to bite
As retailers fight to retain workers, Macy's is boosting both pay and benefits, including through a $35 million staff education scheme.
2 of China's most populated cities, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have been told to allocate 10% of their land for affordable housing as demand for homes rises
These homes will be no bigger than 70 square meters and will be intended for young people. Shenzhen has the highest new-home prices in the country.
China's central bank chief broke his silence on Evergrande and said authorities' priority is to keep debt issues from spreading to other real-estate companies
China's central bank chief Yi Gang said the country's economy is "doing well" but that some companies face default risk due to "mismanagement."
Amazon systematically used third-party sellers' data to copy products and promote them to shoppers, despite saying otherwise, according to a new report
Reuters viewed thousands of Amazon emails and plans showing its strategy for copying rivals and rigging search results to boost private label sales.
Facebook will classify journalists and activists as 'involuntary' public figures to increase their protection from harassment
Facebook is changing its approach on moderating harassment of people who are in the public eye due to their work rather than their public personas.
GOP Rep. Liz Cheney says January 6 committee is prepared to bring criminal contempt charges against anyone who doesn't comply with subpoenas
"In general, people are going to have to appear, or, you know, we will move contempt charges against them," Cheney said.
The drill involved "shock" troops, sappers, and boat specialists, but China didn't say it was about Taiwan.
Investment bank JPMorgan estimates that troubled Chinese property giant Evergrande and many of its major rivals have billions of dollars worth of off-balance sheet debt that, once added on, ramp up their leverage ratios.
As investors were abuzz on Tuesday with cash-strapped China Evergrande Group's possible sale of a stake in a unit to raise as much as $5 billion, more Chinese property developers grappled with ratings downgrades on worries about their ability to repay debt.


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Ego Pharmaceuticals does not use methylisothiazolinone (MI) in any products
Ego Pharmaceuticals today clarified that no Ego products contain methylisothiazolinone (also known as MI) and confirmed that this preservative has never before been used in any Ego products.
Dr Fabrizio Spada Ph.D, R&D Manager at Ego Pharmaceuticals released a statement today to put any public concern at ease.
“We would like to reassure you that Ego does not use methylisothiazolinone (MI) and we never have,” Dr Spada stated.
Restoring and maintaining skin health is a core value to Ego Pharmaceuticals which produces products of the highest quality, manufactured to Australian and international pharmaceutical standards.
“The preservative in question has been known to be a sensitiser to the skin for many years – deeming it inappropriate for our skincare products,” Dr Spada added.
About Ego Pharmaceuticals
In 1953, Ego Pharmaceuticals was founded by humble Melbourne chemist, Gerald Oppenheim, creating innovative skin care products from his Elsternwick laundry. With over 60 years of research and development, Ego is still led by members of the founding family, carrying on Gerald’s legacy and producing products of the highest quality, manufactured to Australian and international pharmaceutical standards.
With over 130 products, Ego’s well-known pharmacy brands include QV, SunSense, Aqium, SolvEasy and MOOV all created and manufactured in Australia.
Ego’s reputation has been built on consistently delivering effective, high-quality and innovative products backed by science. Today, Ego remains committed to creating quality skin therapies and everyday skincare products


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China is encouraging its companies to buy more from India to address the neighboring country's ballooning trade deficit, its top diplomat Dai Bingguo has said, asking Indian firms to "seize" the opportunity offered by the Chinese import market which is expected to touch a whopping USD 10 trillion by 2015.
"China pays close attention to the trade imbalance. We have already encouraged Chinese companies to import more from India and will continue to do so," Dai, China's Chief negotiator with India for over a decade, said in an interview here.
India's trade deficit with China has grown to USD 23 billion in the first ten months of this year. Last year the deficit stood at USD 27.07 billion even though bilateral trade touched all time high of USD 73.9 billion.
Dai, China's pointman for India for the border issue, played down the focus on the trade deficit.
"China's economy is an open economy. We do not seek a trade surplus. While China enjoys a surplus with the US, Europe and India, it has a deficit with Japan and the Republic of Korea," said Dai, who is set to retire in March as the administration of the outgoing President Hu Jintao steps down to pave the way for new leadership headed by Xi Jinping.
"It is true that China's export has grown fast, but our import has grown at an even faster pace," he said. "China is implementing its 12th five-year plan (2011-15). During this period, China's total import is expected to reach USD 10 trillion. I sincerely hope that Indian companies will seize this opportunity and export more products that meet the demand of the Chinese market."
China's overseas trade reached USD 3.64 trillion last year. While exports accounted for USD 1.9 trillion, imports rose to USD 1. 74 trillion, constituting nine per cent of the global imports.
The USD 10 trillion import projection is being made in the backdrop of China altering its export dependent economy to that of the one based on domestic consumption in order to reduce dependence on falling exports.
In order to do that, China says its focus for the next five years is going to be on boosting living standards with increased income, which results in big increase in imports.
As a result of declining exports, China fixed 7.5 per cent target for GDP this year with projections to grow over eight per cent next year, mostly based on increased consumption.
Dai said in


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‘What’s up everybody, welcome back to my channel. Hi, how are ya?’ *waves star-shaped mirror*
If you’re a fan of Jeffree Star, you’ll undoubtedly recognise that signature opening sentence that he uses at the beginning of all of his YouTube videos. But the ‘what’s up’ and ‘how are ya’ might have had a deeper effect on you in his latest few uploads, regarding his recent product launch.
On May 16th, beauty guru, successful business-owner and YouTube sensation, Jeffree Star, revealed his brand new collection ‘Cremated’ to his millions of followers and subscribers across Instagram and YouTube. Let’s just say that the name of the grey-scale eyeshadow palette has caused quite an uproar, and many divided opinions.
While the world is in the midst of a global pandemic that is killing thousands of people, many think that the timing of this release couldn’t be any worse. It’s not just the brand of the collection that is causing an issue, though. The Gothic palette is home to 24 eyeshadows, which each have names associated with death, including ‘Grave Digger’, ‘R.I.P’ and ‘Death Certificate’.
The world of Twitter sure have a lot to say about the reveal, with mixed opinions on whether or not Star should have delayed the collection further, considering the high number of people who have died due to the Coronavirus. He has been labelled ‘insensitive’ and ‘disrespectful’ by lots of people, but long-time supporter and makeup lover, Becky Howes, is particularly disappointed by his executive decision to launch the palette now.
“I originally saw rumours of a new release on Jeffree’s Instagram, and I was very excited because I have always been a huge fan of his.
“I then learned that the name of it would be the ‘Cremated’ palette, and I was instantly horrified. Jeffree has spoken about how aware he is of the current situation, so I’m a little confused as to why he has chosen now to release a palette named ‘Cremated’, in a time when thousands of people are dying every day.
“I just think he could have been a little more sensitive to the timing”.
Numerous people have taken to Twitter to voice their disbelief on this topic, calling Star out on the bad timing of the release.
Others, including 21-year-old makeup enthusiast, Brooke Walklin, are sticking up for the makeup artist, arguing that ‘Jeffree Star Cosmetics’ had planned for this to be released months ago, and it’s just a very unfortunate coincidence.
“I do believe it’s very bad timing, but companies plan for these releases months and months in advance. I don’t believe they should have just stopped production, or pushed back the release date even further because of the pandemic.
“The palettes [that are] already made would have become out of date, [therefore] losing so much money for the company”.
Jeffree posted a video to his YouTube channel last Wednesday, titled ‘Responding to the backlash over my Cremated palette’, and defended himself and his company over the decision that they made to release the collection during the pandemic.
In the video, he explained that ‘it takes sometimes a year plus to actually make a product’ and that he didn’t create this palette to be offensive.
“For me this is art, and I never come from a negative place”Jeffree Star – ‘Responding to the backlash over my cremated palette’ YouTube video
He says that he had already planned far in advance that the palette would be available to buy in April 2020, but because of the current circumstances it had to be delayed. However, if the launch was postponed any further than now, it would not have been possible to release until Autumn next year.
Star justified his decision by saying “I never want to give my customers a bad experience. I never want to sell expired makeup”.
Brooke continues with her thoughts on the release of the collection, saying “The ‘cremated’ theme fits with Jeffree’s personality and aesthetic of the brand, so it’s understandable that they would release this palette anyway.
“Unfortunately the pandemic has already cost them and the rest of the world lots of money so why lose even more? I can 100% sympathise with those people who the pandemic has affected, but I don’t believe this palette was made to upset those people.”
Despite the backlash that ‘Cremated’ received, it sold out in under 20-minutes and will be restocked by popular demand next month.


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|The Parlor Cafe Opens in North Adams|
|By John Durkan,|
04:49AM / Saturday, December 22, 2012
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Last year a popular coffee and tea shop, The Elf Parlor, closed its doors for good.
But on Wednesday, a new coffee and tea shop, The Parlor Cafe, opened in its place.
"It's a love story," owner Jason Morin said. "I can't name anybody that wasn't heartbroken when it was closed."
Morin opened the shop with Elizabeth Osimo after spending about two months renovating the Ashland Street building. Morin has business experience running his own website-building service, BerkSites, while Osimo previously worked as a barista and bakes the goods.
Read More >>
|Burger Kings Closed in Pittsfield, Lenox|
|By Joe Durwin,|
11:21AM / Thursday, June 28, 2012
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local Burger King franchise closed the doors on three of its eateries Thursday morning.
Signs at the drive-up window at the First Street location say "Closed temporarily, sorry for the inconvenience." The Burger King on Merrill Road is also closed with the same signage; someone who answered at the Burger King in Lenox said that eatery closed Wednesday night, but the closure is only temporarily.
When contacted about the closures, franchise owner Richard George of Pittsfield replied, "I'm not at liberty to say right now."
According to Manta, the private company has annual
Read More >>
|Great Barrington Friendly's Casualty in Bankruptcy|
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The town's lone Friendly's Restaurant was shuttered on Monday as the ice cream scooper emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
10:16PM / Monday, January 09, 2012
The Great Barrington restaurant was the only closure in the Berkshires. Thirty-six other restaurants were also closed, including three in the Springfield area and seven others in Massachusetts. Several in the Capital Region of New York also closed their doors.
According to a statement from company, "we were unable to reach an acceptable agreement with landlords at 37 restaurants. Therefore, the Company has made the difficult decision to close these Friendly's effective at the close of business on January 8th."
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|Crazy Cakes Bakery Opens in Adams|
|By Robert Mangiamele,|
10:12AM / Tuesday, October 18, 2011
ADAMS, Mass. — A new bakery is bringing more dough to a local pizzeria.
Crazy Cakes Bakery opened the beginning of October inside Pizza Jim's on Howland Avenue but instead spreading pizza sauce, it's specializing in cakes and baked goods.
One family works together to run and operate the pizzeria and the bakery. By combining the two, customers have a wide variety of choosing either pizza or baked goods to enjoy.
The bakery was started by Cindy Rosenburg. The pizzeria is operated by Jim and Linda Rosenburg Montgomery, who moved the operation to Howland Avenue nearly two years ago from Commercial
Read More >>
Bill Schmick separates the bull from the bears in his weekly columns on investing and market wrap-ups.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2014
Keep track of your pets and entertain them on your smartphone or tablet
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (April 30, 2014) – Your smartphone or tablet can track your pet, find other animal lovers and promote responsible pet ownership. National Pet Week, May 5-11, is the perfect time to download some new apps and learn about all you can do from the palm of your hand.
With access to 4G LTE speeds, wireless devices enhance the relationship between pets and their owners and enable us to experience and share better moments with our pets. Approximately 164 million Americans share their homes with a pet and, according to the Pew Internet Project, more than half of American adults have a smartphone. During National Pet Week, users can celebrate by using their smartphone or tablet, such as the Apple® iPhone 5s or iPad Air, to enrich their pet ownership experience.
“It makes perfect sense to use our smartphones to simplify pet ownership,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Whether you’re tracking your pet’s health, scheduling play dates for your dog or entertaining your cat, your smartphone or tablet can help.”
To enjoy your own celebration of National Pet Week, try these apps on your wireless devices:
- The Pet Planner app available in Google Play allows you to manage your pet’s schedule, shopping lists and medical history. Users can add multiple pets and set reminders for grooming appointments, flea/tick treatment and medication. This app gathers everything you need to remember about Fido and Fluffy in one easy-to-check information center.
- The DoggyDatez app is a social platform that helps dog owners and their dogs make friends. Users can “mark their territory” and see who else visits their favorite pet-friendly location to meet up and play. You can also search for other DoggyDatez users by owner information, dog gender, dog age or breeds.
- Pet Rescue Saga, created by the developers of Candy Crush, lets users build their puzzle skills and save the animals. By matching two or more blocks of the same color, users advance through the levels and keep the cartoon pets safe. With hundreds of levels, Pet Rescue Saga is the purr-fect game for pet owners everywhere.
- For creative cats, the Paint for Cats iPad app features a mouse for pets to chase on the screen. Each time your cat swipes a paw across the area, it creates a colorful print or streak. In the end, users have unique paintings created by their pets.
- Many animal shelters and rescues also offer apps, like HumaneTV from the Humane Society of the United States, that allow users to stay up-to-date on events and videos offered by animal welfare organizations. The Knoxville animal shelter, Young-Williams Animal Center, also has a website and social media profiles where users can browse adoptable pets, RSVP to local events, sign up to volunteer and donate to current needs locally.
“Even though 43 percent of smartphone owners would rather live without pets than without their smartphone, according to a recent survey conducted by U.S. Cellular ¹, pet owners don’t have to choose! They can use their smartphones and tablets with apps like these to thoroughly enjoy their pet ownership experience,” Brundige said. “On the 4G LTE network, these apps can be downloaded quickly to help pet owners celebrate their pets and National Pet Week.”
¹ Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 2, 2013, 500 nationally representative online interviews were conducted among smartphone users in partnership with Maritz Research.
4G LTE service provided through King Street Wireless, a partner of U.S. Cellular. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, nearly 90 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.


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If you're an Uber rider, you're definitely familiar with their practice of surge pricing. That's when you need a cab on a rainy Friday during rush hour and Uber quotes you twice what you normally pay for the ride. It's completely legal and-I have to admit-kind of genius. So much so that other businesses-from airlines to hotels to freight carriers-have been using variations of this model for years. But now the practice is making its way into the restaurant industry.
Bloomberg recently reported that a well-known London restaurant called Bob Bob Ricard is implementing a surge pricing model this month, with prices for the same meals being offered at a 25 percent discount during off-peak times as opposed to its busiest hours. In other words-you get a break on that Monday lunch as opposed to that Saturday dinner.
"The idea just came from looking at how the rest of the world functions," owner and founder Leonid Shutov said in the Bloomberg report. "Airlines wouldn't be able to exist, the business model wouldn't work unless you could balance supply and demand. Everything that we have taken that is widely accepted in the modern economy and applied to restaurants, seems to have worked."
Other restaurateurs in London are keeping a close eye on this practice, and so should you, even you run an eatery in Detroit or Austin.
Of course, many are worried that the practice could turn off potential customers or come across as too gimmicky. But you can't argue with the cash flow. Shutov thinks serving great meals at a reduced price will increase traffic during the slower lunch hours and increase profits.
"We are not changing the menu," he says. "We are not trying to entice customers with anything from what they know and love. We are just saying that on certain days it will cost less. It's what we learn in economics 101."
Of course, your grandparents in Florida have known about surge pricing for years. They call it the "early bird discount."


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There has been much debate as to whether or not Nintendo would go beyond just offering free NES games with its Switch Online service. As the confirmed successor to the now-defunct Virtual Console platform, many retro fans have been not-so-patiently waiting for Nintendo to make a move with enhancing Switch Online. It looks like the waiting game may finally be coming to an end soon.
Documentation has recently surfaced of an FCC filing by Nintendo which shows an illustration of what is clearly a rearview representation of a SNES controller. This file was discovered by a user on Resetera that goes by the handle Link83.
Have a look:
As Eurogamer pointed out, take note of the model number starting with ‘HAC’. This is used for all Switch units and Switch-related accessories. This would put the new controller in the same space as the NES controllers Nintendo released alongside Switch Online last September.
Speaking of September, the first anniversary of Switch Online will be next month. So, if there’s any time for Nintendo to make an announcement of a big upgrade, it would be then. So, keep your radars on for the next few weeks, as you know Nintendo has the habit of just dropping bombs out of nowhere.


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FOX Sports’ 25th season of MLB Postseason coverage and Samsung have a new way for fans to enjoy the game. FOX Sports 5G View Powered by Samsung is an app designed for Android 5G users and powered by more than 90 stadium cameras to let users get an interactive, close up look at the action.
“After recently reimagining the FOX Sports app, we’re thrilled to work with Samsung to add this exclusive 5G smartphone experience for the NLCS and World Series,” said David Katz, EVP and Head of Digital, FOX Sports. “During these unique times for fans, we have an immense opportunity to get them closer to the action with impactful, creative solutions during some of our biggest moments. This collaboration combines the best of FOX Sports production and mobile user innovation for the fan of the present and future.”
Features within the app include:
- Interactive video-player: Empowers the viewer to be the director, with the ability to rotate around the action and zoom in/out during live games for a closer look at plays at the plate, down-the-line hits or a fastball right on the corner
- Multi-view feature: Offers five unique camera angles from around the diamond
- Highlights: Updated throughout the game to let fans re-live game-changing moments for players and teams in their quest for the trophy
- Rewind: Fans can rewind back up to 3 minutes during live games — an opportunity for a second look at an important inning or sequence
Viewers can access FOX Sports 5G View Powered by Samsung through the redesigned FOX Sports app. It’s available now on 5G-enabled Android smartphone devices, including the new Galaxy Note20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy S20 FE via the Google Play Store.


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In September, consumer prices rose 0.1% over the previous month. The print contrasted the 0.3% drop seen in August and represented, in fact, the first monthly increase seen in the last six months. The increase reflected higher prices in a majority of the categories, particularly in education. Despite the monthly rise, annual inflation stood at 0.0% for the second consecutive month in September.
Inflation remains flat in September
October 5, 2012
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Ukraine Inflation Chart
Note: Year-on-year and month-on-month variation of consumer price index in %.
Source: State Statistics Service of Ukraine.
Ukraine Economic News
October 26, 2016
Industrial production in Ukraine lost steam in September.
October 10, 2016
In September, consumer prices rose 1.8% from the previous month, which contrasted August’s 0.3% decrease.
September 26, 2016
Industrial production returned to growth in August, after contracting in July.
September 21, 2016
Ukraine’s recovery gained steam in the second quarter, as the country heals from a deep recession.
September 16, 2016
In August, consumer prices fell 0.3% over the previous month, which followed July’s 0.1% decrease.


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Richie Sambora is selling the rights to his nearly 200-song catalog to song-acquisition investment company Hipgnosis Songs Fund, Hipgnosis announced on Monday.
Financial details between the company and the former Bon Jovi guitarist weren’t specified, but given Merck Mercuriadis’ reputation to overpay for his acquisitions and the number of hits Sambora co-wrote, it’s safe to assume Sambora is walking away with a hefty paycheck. Still, the real winner here is music-manager-turned-investor Mercuriadis, who just added “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” to an already extensive list of hits he’s acquired since his company, Hipgnosis, hit the London Stock Exchange in 2018.
“In uncertain times such as this you are reminded of the power of great songs and great music, and amongst the greatest set of songs of the last 35 years are the incomparable songs Richie Sambora co-wrote for Bon Jovi and other great artists,” Mercuriadis said in a statement.
Hipgnosis puts a financial valuation on songs’ potential long-term royalties. As the music industry ushered in a new era focused around streaming rather than physical sales and digital downloads, artists and songwriters have faced more questions about their revenues. When songwriters agree to sell to companies like Hipgnosis, they agree to a more immediate payout rather than rolling the dice on future royalties on their own. Song-acquisition companies take on that bet; the bigger the song, the more likely the returns.
A quick look through Mercuriadis’ shopping spree shows a clear reasoning to his acquisitions: He wants big, timeless hits with intellectual property he can leverage beyond streaming to other mass media. And with prominent features in every drunken karaoke night as well as a slate of video games, TV shows, and movies, Sambora’s co-written Bon Jovi tunes fit that bill. The songs are still, of course, popular for traditional listening, too. Bon Jovi is one of the top-selling rock bands of all time. The single “Wanted Dead Or Alive” went quadruple platinum back in February 2015, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, and “It’s My Life” went double platinum a few months later. Bon Jovi remain one of the mainstays of classic-rock radio, and as of publication the band had more than 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Sambora left the group in 2013, but performed with the band for its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018. He and Jon Bon Jovi were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sambora’s catalog is the highest-profile purchase in Hipgnosis’s already busy 2020. In January, Mercuriadis and Co. bought catalogs from songwriter Ammar Malik and producer Emile Haynie, who have writing credits on major hit songs including “Moves Like Jagger” and “Payphone” by Maroon 5, and “Runaway” by Kanye West. Hipgnosis also bought out the copyrights on Blink 182 co-founder Tom DeLonge’s catalog, getting access to “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?,” among others.
“These songs are very important to me and I feel very strongly that Merck is the only person I could have entrusted my babies to,” Sambora said in a statement. “I believe the work he is doing that has transformed the way that the world looks at the power of great songs and the songwriting community is very special.”
Mercuriadis has an army of songs in a time when catalog acquisition is on the up and up. And if industry chatter is any indicator, Mercuriadis’ catalog will only continue to grow. According to Hipgnosis’ most recent public filing, which cut off at September 2019, the company’s portfolio consisted of 11,225 songs. As Hipgnosis keeps buying up, the music industry will no doubt keep an observant eye on the success of its long-term catalog-ownership play — especially in a time of economic free-fall due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.


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Existing home sales (closings) rose 3.2 percent in September, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which notes that sales are at their highest pace since June and are 0.6 above a year ago.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says the two-month slump in existing sales reversed course convincingly in September.
“The home search over the past several months for a lot of prospective buyers, and especially for first-time buyers, took longer than usual because of the competition for the minimal amount of homes for sale,” he said.
“Most families and move-up buyers look to close before the new school year starts. Their diminishing presence from the market towards the end of summer created more opportunities for aspiring first-time homeowners to buy last month,” Yun added.
Of the same data, Dr. Ralph McLaughlin noted, “Existing home sales bucked a two-month slide in September, as homebuyers respond to slightly more inventory compared to last month. Still, existing home sales are 16% below their pre-recession average.”
Inventory remains “extremely tight”
Inventory levels rose 1.5 percent in September but are down 6.8 percent compared to a year ago, falling (tightenint) for 16 consecutive months.
“Inventory has been extremely tight all year and is unlikely to improve now that the seasonal decline in listings is about to kick in,” added Yun. “Unfortunately, there won’t be much relief from new home construction, which continues to be grossly inadequate in relation to demand.”
The median existing-home price rose 5.6 percent over the last year, hitting $234,200 and the average days on market was 39 days in September (down three days from August, and 10 days from a year ago). First-time buyers represented 34 percent of sales in September (a much needed, albeit slight increase).
Yun says the conditions of improving job gains and affordable mortgage rates “are there for the steady rise in first-timers needed to finally reverse the decline in the homeownership rate.”
McLaughlin notes, “If home sales are to drive up to their pre-recession levels, we’ll need to see inventory continue to pick up. While September’s increase from August is good news for homebuyers, inventory still fell 6.8% over the past year.”
Sales jumped the most in the Northeast
Existing home sales in September were varied, based on region:
- In the Northeast, sales rose 5.7 percent, unchanged from a year ago. The median price was $261,600, up 2.1 percent from September 2015.
- In the Midwest, sales rose 3.9, up 2.3 percent from a year ago. The median price was $184,500, up 5.9 percent from September 2015.
- In the South, sales rose 0.9, down 0.9 percent from a year ago. The median price was $204,000, up 6.6 percent from September 2015.
- In the West, sales rose 5.0, up 1.6 percent from a year ago. The median price was $345,500, up 8.1 percent from September 2015.


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Report: Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Nissan close plants in wake of Japanese earthquake
Countless numbers of Japanese citizens have been injured, and reports of the official death toll continue to climb into the hundreds. One worker at a Honda research center was killed when a wall collapsed upon him. Approximately 30 other workers at the facility were injured.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire nation of Japan.
[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Associated Press/NHK TV]
- Great used cars for less than $10,000
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- Find and compare 2017 Models


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Dear Anonymous Prospective Podcast-Listener, We’ve got just the thing for you! Personalisation is a key focus for B2B marketing in the new decade. We’re told that just personalisation by name is not enough to be truly effective, that we should look to hyper-personalisation on our marketing, and that personalisation should extend through the sales funnel and into the customer lifecycle. But watch out! Because we’re also told that the latest research suggests that micro-targeting to existing customers is neither necessary nor wise. B2B marketer Dave Stevens talks to Global Marketing Director at Worldpay Sumeet Vermani, CEO of Turtl Nick Mason, and Director at Rich Contacts Simon Watson to navigate through this difficult area.
And Gayle Cogswell shares a key lesson she took on the journey to being a Business Consultant in 5G propositions.


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It’s an unusual week when we get new releases on a Thursday. It’s even more unusual considering there were no Wednesday releases at all. And so here we are, looking at new games on a Thursday. To see which games came to Xbox One earlier in the week, take a look at Tuesday’s releases here.
Additionally, for all the deals this week, we’ve put together the below video.
And now onto today’s new games.
Paradox Interactive, the publisher behind last year’s Cities: Skylines, are back with another game they’re publishing, this time it’s Haemimont Games’ Surviving Mars. In Surviving Mars, the city-building now takes place in space: can you successfully establish a colony on Mars and keep it running?
Surviving Mars is available now in multiple editions:
- The standard bundle at $39.99
- The digital deluxe edition at $49.99, which includes the “deluxe upgrade pack”
- The first colony edition at $74.99, which includes the deluxe upgrade pack and season pass
ACA Neogeo Aero Fighters 3
The other game launching on Xbox One today is ACA Neogeo Aero Fighters 3, a series which has become known for both re-releasing classics and for being easy Gamerscore. ACA Neogeo Aero Fighters 3 is available now for $7.99.


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Apple is predicted to switch the iPhone with a NEW each day computing gadget.
One knowledgeable has revealed the timeline for this monumental shift – and it’s not very distant.
High analyst and long-time trade insider Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple expects to switch the iPhone in simply 10 years – by 2032.
As a replacement can be an AR machine – that’s augmented actuality.
AR is when computer-generated pictures are overlaid on the world round you.
Proper now, you’ll be able to see AR in apps like Pokemon Go.
However tech firms – together with Fb, Microsoft and Google – are scrambling to develop AR units that may be worn.
A few of these exist already, as is the case with Microsoft HoloLens.
Most consultants assume the machine will probably be a pair of glasses that allow you to change the world round you.
This may very well be overlaying map instructions, displaying you data about what you’re seeing, or taking part in AR/VR video video games.
In a notice to traders seen by tech weblog 9to5Mac, Kuo defined that Apple’s timeline sees the iPhone changed in 10 years.
“At the moment, there are a couple of billion lively iPhone customers,” stated Kuo.
“If Apple’s aim is to switch the iPhone with AR in 10 years, it means Apple will promote no less than one billion AR units in 10 years.”
Importantly, Kuo says that the success of those goggles will rely on how indifferent they’re from iPhone.
“If the AR headset is positioned solely as an adjunct for the Mac or iPhone, it won’t be conducive to the expansion of the product.
“An AR headset that works independently means that it’s going to have its personal ecosystem and supply essentially the most full and versatile consumer expertise.”
Apple is predicted to launch an early model of those goggles subsequent yr.
These will compete with different early AR/VR units like Fb’s Oculus Quest 2 and the HTC Vive.
In keeping with Kuo, this early machine gained’t depend on the iPhone for efficiency – and can ship “with the identical computing energy stage because the Mac”.
The headset is tipped to function two Sony-built 4K micro OLED shows.
This might point out that the goggles would additionally be capable to assist digital actuality – like AR, however the place you’re completely immersed in a computer-generated world.
AR and VR tie in with Mark Zuckerberg’s imaginative and prescient of the metaverse.
Zuckerberg’s Meta – previously Fb – not too long ago introduced that you just’d quickly be capable to dwell in a digital dwelling contained in the metaverse.
Apple has beforehand confirmed curiosity in AR and VR, however hasn’t formally introduced a devoted headset but.
This story initially appeared on The Solar and was reproduced right here with permission.


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Amazon has acquired GameSparks, the Backend-as-a-Service game development platform
The Telegraph has reported that GameSparks acquisition by Amazon is estimated to be worth “tens of millions of pounds”. The two companies had been partnering together for some time with GameSparks support of AWS, do the acquisition makes a lot of sense for both groups.
GameSparks launched in 2014 and has over 10,000 developers using its backend development platform including some of the biggest media and entertainment companies such as Ubisoft, Bandai Namco, Square Enix, TellTale Games, Capcom, Disney, Ubisoft, Sky, Liberty Global, AT&T, and the BBC. The company currently has offices in York (UK), Dublin (Ireland) and California.
The three company founders Griffin Parry (CEO), Gabriel Page (CTO) and John Griffin (CCO) had all previously worked together at Sky.
Gamesparks Company Founders


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Click For Photo: https://image.oregonlive.com/home/olive-media/width620/img/business_impact/photo/24862118-standard.jpghttps://twitter.com/OregonianBiz/status/1015331602912534529
The chief executives of Nike and Columbia Sportswear, two of the biggest companies in the state, have each written personally to express their opposition to an initiative that would repeal Oregon's sanctuary state law.
Each submitted statements of opposition to the Oregon Voters' Pamphlet to Measure 105, which would strike down the 30-year-old Oregon law. It prohibits state and local law enforcement from using public resources to detect or apprehend people whose only violation of the law is their immigration status.
Nike - Columbia - Sportswear - Companies - Opposition
Nike and Columbia Sportswear, among other companies, had previously expressed opposition to the measure. In the newly released pamphlet, each company's CEO took the unusual step of explaining his stance.
"Nike employs people from all over the world; we can attest to the unique value, contributions, and innovations that people from diverse backgrounds add to Nike and to Oregon's culture and economy," wrote CEO Mark Parker. "Ending Oregon's sanctuary law will damage Oregon's long-standing track record as a place that attracts diverse talent from across the globe."
Nike - Profile - Fall - Company - NFL
Nike already had a high political profile this fall after the company featured former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in a new ad campaign. Kaepernick is a controversial figure because he kneeled during the national anthem in protest of social injustice and police violence...
Wake Up To Breaking News!
There's no problem on the inside of a kid that the outside of a dog can't cure.


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There are conditions for the joint campaign between Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to continue next year.
This is the list of traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which continue this Thursday, December 8.
Staff members and talent from the hotel chains TAFER and Villa Group made a pilgrimage to the Virgin of Guadalupana's temple
The traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe continue this Wednesday, December 7.
There is nothing quite like the beauty of a Posada Navideña to celebrate the Christmas season.
The esplanade of the Antonio Mijares public square was transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
The whale watching season in the bay will formally start on December 8 and end on March 23, 2023.
The traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe continue this Tuesday, December 6.
Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are in third place in the list of the ten resorts in the world with the highest growth this year.
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The gasoline retailer chose to roll out Paymedia after initially testing the technology at its corporate-owned sites in Austin, Texas.
Valero Choses VeriFone's Paymedia for Secure PumpPay
2014 FinTech Rankings
About FinTech Forward
FinTech Forward, a collaboration of American Banker and BAI, brings together the research, media, and event capabilities of bankings top two professional information and education organizations. The initiative includes the annual FinTech Rankings of technology vendors to the financial services industry and new proprietary research and market analysis conducted by BAI and American Banker to identify the forces and trends that are motivating banks technology investment.


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Drinking Bottled Juice is No Better Than Drinking Soda
Feb 12, 2014 01:34
Soda has gotten the bad rap from nutritionists for a long time. Experts say the amount of sugar in each can or bottle contributes to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Now, two U.K. researchers are saying that even natural, no-sugar-added fruit juice is a bit more than a sugar delivery system that's almost harmful as soda.
In the journal Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, researchers compared the nutritional stats of apple juice with those of a can of cola. About one cup of apple juice has 110 calories and a shocking 26 grams of sugar. These calorie and sugar counts are almost similar to what you'd find in the same size serving of cola.
The researchers also cited previous research linking regular consumption of grape juice to increased insulin resistance. Researchers wrote that it offsets any nutritional benefit offered by the vitamins and minerals in fruit juice, researchers wrote.
Researchers are now suggesting that a cup of fruit juice no longer count as one of the five servings of fruit and vegetables you're supposed to take each day. They're also calling for warning labels on fruit juice containers, which would clue consumers in to the high calorie and sugar counts.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, patients have been purchasing medication online for both the sake of safety and convenience. But how should first-time buyers go about buying medication online? Read more
Finding a suitable workout tank top for women that best suits your exercising as well as recreational needs is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Whilst gym tank tops for women are known to enhance your workout experience, they are also a hard find, i.e. searching for the right fit and features becomes a great hassle in this oversaturated fitness market with numerous brands and thousands of different variations. Read more


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The nominations have been announced for this year's British Academy Game Awards and there are some great contenders.
Loads of big names are in the running to win a Bafta at the awards which will be an online only event taking place on 25 March.
Some games like Animal Crossing, Dreams and Fall Guys are nominated in multiple categories so could win more than one award!
There are loads of games competing in lots of different categories but here is Newsround's list of the big ones to watch out for.
So which games are up for which awards? Read on to find out and let us know what you think of the nominations in the comments.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been nominated a massive six times! It is up for the Family, Best Game, Game Beyond Entertainment, Game Design, Multiplayer and the prestigious EE Game of the Year award.
New Horizons has sold 31 million copies worldwide since its release and is the 15th best-selling video game in history, so no wonder it has received so many nominations!
The massively popular battle royale game has received a total of five nominations in the Family, Evolving Game, Multiplayer, Original Property and British Game categories - not bad for clumsy jellybeans!
This is great news for Epic Games which recently announced it has bought Mediatonic, the company that created Fall Guys.
Media Molecule's game creation system Dreams has earned itself a whopping six nominations! The categories include Artistic Achievement, British Game, Evolving Game, Family, Game Beyond Entertainment, and Technical Achievement categories.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Miles Morales has come in swinging to sweep up five nominations in the Technical Achievement, Narrative, Music, Best Game, Audio Achievement and Animation categories.
The massively popular sequel to 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man received an 85/100 on Metacritic and will be one to watch with rumours of a sequel circulating.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The spinoff of the LittleBigPlanet series featuring Sackboy, the series' title character has been nominated in four categories which are British Game, Family, Multiplayer and Music.
Other games to receive a nod include Astro's Playroom with three nominations in the Family, Game Design and Audio Achievement Categories, Ori and the Will of the Wisps with two nominations in the Animation and Music categories, Minecraft Dungeons with a nomination in the Family category, and Fortnite with an Evolving Game nomination.
The Bafta Game Awards will stream live online from 7:00pm on 25th March.
Let us know in the comments what your favourite game has been this year!


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Weekend details surfaced and revealed how serious of a stunt Green-Beckham tried to pull off.
Players across the league took part in the My Cause, My Cleats campaign in Week 13 in which they wore designer cleats that helped promote charities and social issues that they care about. Green-Beckham wore a pair of cleats from Kanye West’s Yeezy brand and said they were in the name of “the Yeezy Foundation,” which apparently does not exist. (ESPN)
The NFL hit Dorial with a $6,000-plus fine for wearing the Yeezy cleats.
Green-Beckham has been fined $6,076 for wearing the cleats, and now we face the obvious question: What initiatives would The Yeezy Foundation, if it were an actual charitable organization, be involved in? (Fox Sports)
Recently, NFL superstar DeAndre Hopkins said he would rock the banned cleats if rap star Kanye West paid his fines.
Texans' DeAndre Hopkins was fined $6,000 for wearing Yeezy cleats.
His response to whether he'd wear them again = 🔥 pic.twitter.com/e3iBCpAY8k
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2016
Hopkins reportedly received a $6,000 fine for wearing his Yeezy cleats during a game.
Houston Texans’ DeAndre Hopkins received his fine Thursday, for wearing the Adidas shoes designed by Kanye West when his team faced the Chicago Bears. Hopkins was fined $6,000 and said he doesn’t plan on wearing them again, “unless Kanye plans to pay his fine,” according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. (UPI)
Introducing the YEEZY 350 and 750 CLEAT by Kanye West. Coming Soon. pic.twitter.com/PfF1W6xUZf
— adidas Originals (@adidasoriginals) September 13, 2016


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In a stark illustration of the economic challenges facing Nigeria, the Federal Government’s budget has seen a significant surge in naira terms but has encountered a decline when expressed in dollars. The proposed 2024 budget of N27.50 trillion represents a notable increase from the N320 billion budgeted in 1999, reflecting the growth and evolving needs of the nation.
However, a closer look reveals a concerning trend when viewed through the lens of the exchange rate. The proposed 2024 budget, when converted to dollars, stands at approximately US$33.10 billion. This falls short of the 2023 budget, which was valued at $41.30 billion, underlining a contraction in the government’s financial capacity when measured in the global currency.
Analysts point out that when adjusted for factors like government-owned enterprises (GOEs) budgets and project-tied loans, the 2024 budget is only marginally higher than the 2008 budget. This suggests a nuanced picture where the apparent growth may be offset by various economic considerations and debts.
The weakening of the naira is identified as a key factor contributing to this discrepancy. Not only is it adversely affecting importers by increasing the cost of goods and services, but it is also having a direct impact on the size of the government’s financial footprint. The reduced value of the naira in the international market is diminishing the purchasing power of the government and limiting its ability to execute ambitious projects and initiatives.
Economic experts argue that this scenario underscores the imperative for Nigeria to enhance its productivity and economic resilience. Calls for measures to stabilize and strengthen the naira are gaining momentum, with emphasis on diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investments, and implementing policies to ensure a more robust and stable currency.
As Nigeria grapples with these economic challenges, there is a growing consensus that a comprehensive and strategic approach is necessary. Addressing the currency devaluation, boosting productivity, and fostering a favorable business environment are seen as critical steps to ensure sustainable economic growth and the realization of the nation’s developmental goals. The onus is now on policymakers and stakeholders to navigate these challenges and steer Nigeria towards a path of prosperity and financial stability.


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CMA CGM takes delivery of latest boxship
CMA CGM has taken delivery of its latest newbuilding from Samsung Heavy Industries.
The 8,500 teu CMA CGM Figaro was handed over today and will join the Cimex service that covers the Asia-Middle East Gulf trades where both volumes and freight rates are recovering.
The port rotation will be Tianjin, Pusan,Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Port Kelang, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas, Port Kelang, Nansha, and Tianjin.
The arrival of the CMA CGM Figaro comes a few days after Hanjin Heavy Industries indicated that provisional agreement had been reached with the French line over a pair of 6,500 teu newbuildings that had been at the centre of a payments dispute. CMA CGM is now expected to take delivery of the pair fairly soon, according to industry sources.
CMA CGM Figaro, which will fly the French flag, is equipped with numerous innovative environmental features, including a fast oil recovery system that enables bunkers to be rapidly recovered at any time, significantly limiting the environmental consequences should there be an incident at sea.


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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Alcoa High School students and vendors will once again be offering up unique gifts and more during the school’s annual Holiday Market on Saturday.
Toys, ornaments, candles, jewelry, boutique clothing, woodworking crafts, shirts, tumblers, makeup, skincare products, and food will be on sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20. Five Alcoa High students will be selling their own items along with more than 75 vendors.
Entry is free and vendors paid a feed to participate with the proceeds going to Alcoa High School DECA students.
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According to a study issued by Google, Temasek, and Bain and Co., food delivery services and e-commerce have propelled the Philippines as the fastest-growing digital economy in Southeast Asia today.
MANILA, Philippines — According to the e-Conomy Southeast Asia Report, the Philippines’ whole internet economy in terms of gross merchandise value (GMV) would most certainly surpass $40 billion by 2025.
“Overall, the Philippines was the fastest- growing market in the region, driven by strict lockdowns as well as a tipping point on the adoption of certain digital services,” said the report.
The country’s GMV is expected to reach $17 billion in 2021, a 93 percent rise from 2020, thanks in part to government initiatives and widespread digital usage.
Since the epidemic began in March 2020, an additional 12 million new digital customers have been recorded. More than half, or 63 percent, are not from cities.
Meanwhile, a great majority expressed a desire to continue using the services even after the outbreak.
“Pre-pandemic users…have consumed an average of 4.3 more services since the pandemic began and 95 percent of pandemic consumers are still consumers today.
“Despite rapid growth in the last 18 months, there remains significant headroom since the Philippines has the lowest digital consumer penetration in the region, with only 68 percent of internet users consuming online services,” the report said.
Thirty-nine percent of digital merchants stated they would not have survived the pandemic if it hadn’t been for digital platforms.
“The digital adoption we’ve seen in the Philippines since last year has contributed to the accelerated growth of the country’s internet economy, magnifying its vast potential,” Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines Country Director, said in a statement. (RA/The MiNT)


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Now that Rockstar has given Red Dead Redemption 2 some time to breathe, fans of the studio are clamoring for any new details on a possible new Grand Theft Auto. There have been whispers regarding the rumored next game for awhile now, though Rockstar themselves have remained mum. Thanks to a recent developer leak, we may have just gotten some interesting clues as to what’s next for the GTA franchise.
A recent anonymous posting from a “third party small developer from EU” posted up some interesting details about the alleged next GTA entry. According to the alleged dev, the game could be releasing in 2020 as a launch title for the PlayStation 5, which seems to indicate that the PS5 is indeed slated for a next year launch as well.
According to the leak, the PS5 will supposedly release in March of next year, with GTA 6 launching in November, though they mentioned that those dates are not finalized. It’s important to note that this is an anonymous tip and that anyone can claim to be a developer, so take all information in this report with a grain of salt until Rockstar says otherwise.
They also mentioned that the two biggest cities as a focus for the next game is a toss up between Miami and New York. Miami has come up quite a bit in the rumor mill about Grand Theft Auto 6 for obvious reasons, so it’s not a bad shot in the dark. They also allege that Sony has a deal with the new GTA for a 1-month exclusivity deal regarding content, which again wouldn’t be a first for the studio.
As mentioned, this is simply a rumor until we can get confirmation. We’ve reached out to Rockstar for comment, though the studio is well-known for being able to keep a tight-lid on announcements.


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Facebook plans to dole out more than $1 billion to makers across its foundation through the finish of 2022, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. “We need to construct the best stages for a large number of makers to earn enough to pay the bills,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Putting resources into makers isn’t new for us, yet I’m eager to grow this work after some time.” The point is to “reward makers for the incredible substance they make on Facebook and Instagram.”
The organization will pay a wide range of makers, including the individuals who are simply beginning to share their own substance and construct a group of people. Facebook will offer makers more approaches to acquire payouts when they hit certain achievements and give “seed financing” for some of them to make content.
Facebook will add Bonus areas to the Instagram application later this mid-year and the Facebook application in the fall where makers can find out about different projects, remembering subtleties for qualification and how to apply. A portion of those projects are now accessible to welcomed makers, for example, rewards for running advertisements on Facebook live transfers, and for video and gaming makers who arrive at certain profit achievements with Stars (Facebook’s Twitch Bits-style tipping money) over the course of the following, not many months.
With respect to Instagram, welcomed makers can get rewards when they join to run IGTV promotions (they’ll likewise get a cut of advertisement income), sell a specific number of identifications on live streams, and make incredible Reels that perform well. Facebook will carry out more motivating force programs in the coming months. The payouts expand on Facebook’s other adaptation alternatives, including fan memberships, paid online occasions, and maker shops.
A billion dollars is a huge stash for Facebook as it hopes to draw makers from rival stages like YouTube, Substack (with Bulletin pamphlets), Twitch, and TikTok. In June, Zuckerberg said Facebook will not take a slice of makers’ income through 2022, maybe furnishing them with a greater amount of a motivating force to change to Facebook’s items. The organization has given selective arrangements with Facebook Gaming makers up the most recent couple of years, as well.
Facebook has been carrying out more ways for makers to make and share content. It’s more clear than any time in recent memory that drawing in and compensating influencers is a significant piece of Facebook’s system. On the off chance that there was any uncertainty that the maker economy is flourishing, that billion-dollar figure may be sufficient to alter a few doubters’ perspectives. The organization will offer the first new rewards to makers making recordings on Facebook with in-stream advertisements empowered. Facebook is likewise extending rewards through its Stars framework, which welcomes watchers to send decorations tips in return for fan advantages. Makers making recordings or live streaming games will be qualified for month-to-month rewards dependent on the number of watchers who send them installments by means of Stars through October.
Instagram will present its own rewards, which will be welcome just in the first place. Inside the following not many weeks, U.S. makers can gather a one-time reward for empowering IGTV advertisements. Other rewards will compensate makers for making Reels, Instagram’s solution to TikTok’s short-structure video achievement, and for hitting certain achievements in Instagram Live.
Facebook’s introduction to maker installments is only the furthest down the line exertion to kick off TikTok contender items with cool, hard money. Snapchat passes out $1 million every day to the most well-known recordings in its short-structure video item, Spotlight. YouTube has its own $100 million assets for YouTube Shorts, the organization’s own TikTok clone.
TikTok itself dispatched a $200 million maker store last year, however, the application doesn’t appear to have a lot to stress over (yet, in any case). As indicated by information from SensorTower, TikTok just outperformed 3 billion worldwide downloads. The just other applications to have crossed that achievement are WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram — all claimed by Facebook.


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Sony (SONY 1.07%) has a lot riding on PlayStation Now, its upcoming cloud-based, streaming-video-game service. If it succeeds, it could quite literally revolutionize the video game industry, dramatically reshaping how video games are distributed. Transmitted over the Internet from Sony's distant servers, streamed PlayStation games would put pressure on traditional, brick-and-mortar retailers, while simultaneously giving Sony's electronics a leg-up over its competitors, including Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF).
But PlayStation Now might be too expensive. Early reactions from the ongoing beta test have not been favorable to Sony's pricing policy, and if it remains in place, it's possible that the service could fail.
Sony is betting big on game streaming
When it comes to music and movies, streaming has emerged as the preferred method of distribution: The growth of on-demand, subscription-based music-streaming services is weighing on market for digital music downloads; at the same time, demand for physical movie discs is rapidly declining in the face of Internet-based, video-streaming alternatives.
Sony is betting that video games are next. In a recent Q&A session at the Develop Conference, Sony's Andrew House compared video game streaming to music and movies:
Last year was the first year that music downloads decreased year-on-year. It's only by six percent, but it's on the downturn. Streaming, meanwhile, is something like 30 percent up...it says to me that convenience of streaming has been embraced first in music, now in video and television, and it's going to play some role in [video games] as well.
PlayStation Now grew out of Sony's purchase of Gaikai, an upstart streaming-video-game service that cost Sony $380 million dollars two years ago. But more than justifying its investment in the company, Sony is looking to use streaming to revive interest in its other electronics.
Currently, users of PlayStation Now aren't limited to Sony's recent video game consoles (the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4) but can also access the service through newer-model Sony TVs. Eventually, they'll be able to use Sony's smartphones and tablets as well.
Exclusive access to PlayStation Now could emerge as a distinct advantage over Sony's rivals. Sony's televisions, smartphones, and tablets compete with many other firms, but its most significant direct competitor may be Samsung.
Like Samsung, Sony's televisions are primarily aimed at high-end buyers, and its Android-powered Xperia smartphones and tablets compete with Samsung's expensive Galaxy devices.
In both markets, Samsung is winning: 26.4% of the smart TVs sold in the fourth quarter of last year were made by Samsung, compared to just 14.3% for Sony. Samsung is one of the world's leading tablet vendors -- Sony doesn't even chart. And Samsung sold 40 million Galaxy S4s in its first six months on the market -- more than all the phones Sony sold in 2013 combined.
While PlayStation Now might not appeal to everyone, it could entice some gamers -- who might've otherwise purchased a Samsung product -- to choose Sony's devices.
Prices are "insane"
That's assuming that the service is worthwhile. As it stands, it's an uncertain proposition. Kotaku, a video game-focused publication, described Sony's pricing policy as "insane," noting that games can often be purchased for less than what Sony is charging to stream them.
Final Fantasy XIII-2, for example, costs $29.99 for a 90-day PlayStation Now rental, or $7.99 for seven days. Alternatively, gamers could pick up a disc-based copy (and own it forever) for around $20 (less if they're willing to buy used). Another game, Guacamelee!, costs the same to rent for 90 days as it does to purchase outright ($14.99). Given the high premium Sony appears to be charging, few gamers may use the service when it debuts.
Premium streaming pricing isn't unusual
But I still see potential for Sony's service. Compared to physical media, streaming services have often been more expensive -- it is convenience, not price, that wins consumers over.
A Blu-ray copy of the film The Dark Knight Rises, for example, can be purchased from Amazon.com for $9.99. Buying it through Amazon's streaming service, Amazon Instant Video, is $3 more expensive. Other films, like The Amazing Spider-Man and The Hangover, are priced similarly.
Music CDs are generally cheaper than their MP3 counterparts, but subscription-based streaming services are relatively more expensive. Historically, in recent decades, the average consumer has spent around $45-$65 per year on music, David Pakman, writing for Re/code, notes. But streaming services, at around $10 per month, come to about $120 per year. Yet millions of consumers have been willing to subscribe to them, suggesting that many are willing to pay the premium.
PlayStation Now remains an interesting catalyst for Sony's consumer electronics
Until Sony formally launches the service, it's too difficult to determine whether or not it could be a success. But if it is, it stands to give Sony a tremendous advantage over its rivals -- literally none of Sony's competitors will be able to offer anything like it.


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The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) is celebrating its 100th anniversary by honoring 100 individuals in the industry.
The “Advertising 100” list will highlight both industry legends and rising stars, with submissions open through May 15 on the 4A’s website. The 4A’s will announce the winners sometime next month, highlighted in a series of features on Adweek and celebrated during the 4A’s Sept. 27 event during Advertising Week. The celebration of industry standouts comes on the heels of an


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Ghanaian fashionista Osebo has voiced out her dream of marrying actress Jackie Appiah.
The popular fashion model says he is ready and willing to treat Jackie Appiah as a queen.
Expressing how highly he regards the celebrated actress, Osebo said he will never cheat on her.
He vowed to treat her like a queen if his dream of marrying her comes to reality.
Osebo made the comments in an interview with Eugene Osafo Nkansah of Nkonkonsa.


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Arora debuted the product in Paris early this month, mailing out models dressed as clowns with whited out makeup and conical hats and real acrobats following them around the stage at the Cirque d'Hiver "cold Circus" site. AFP閿樼竵rits van Paasschen is President and chief executive officer of Starwood Hotels michael kors handbags sale
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This year, Aspire had the privilege of attending Innovfest Unbound, Southeast Asia's largest innovation festival. As entrepreneurs, we met other passionate representatives from the region's finest tech companies. As a FinTech startup, we learned what's coming up next in the finance space. Moreover, how we can be a part of that change.
Here are some of our insights from Innovfest Unbound 2019, and the inside scoop on the FinTech trends that'll make a difference:
What are some of the key disruptive themes emerging in the financial services sector? In the words of Mr Richard Teng, CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market, "We're seeing hype translating into reality."
With Facebook's latest announcement of its Libra cryptocurrency project, Mr Teng notes that we're observing "the use of blockchain-enabled digital assets to enable instantaneous transmissions". And all this among other innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), global technology stacks, and the API economy.
We're going to forget "financial services" as a term altogether.
Chief FinTech Officer , Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
Sure, these are all cool and exciting developments, but it might be a little dense for the average Joe. What exactly does this mean for the broader FinTech sector?
Mr Sopnendu Mohanty, Monetary Authority of Singapore's Chief FinTech Officer, envisions an even more dramatic shift in the sector. "We're going to forget 'financial services' as a term altogether." In its place, he predicts "a broader integrative service" built on foundational FinTech infrastructures. This integration will facilitate hitherto disparate functions like identity verification, payment, trusted data... the list goes on.
But what does this means in more tangible terms? From his vantage point in MAS, Mr Mohanty acknowledges: "In such a highly interconnected, digital world, consumer demand has shifted. We have to start from the premise [of what is] for the greater good of people." And according to Mr Mohanty, that means regulators and policy-makers need to adopt "FinTech-like thinking"— in other words, it's all about the user experience.
A case study close to home is PayNow, launched by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) as part of Singapore's drive towards a cashless society. It's a convenient peer-to-peer funds transfer service, and requires just a mobile number or Singapore NRIC/FIN to send funds almost instantly. Financial services like PayNow were implemented with the simple purpose of making payments, well, simple.
Here's another regional example: India's Aadhaar national biometric system, which has achieved impressive results in financial inclusion. 300 million bank accounts have been added in the past three years. It is a process that's been facilitated by new business models built on the 'India Stack' of APIs. It's clear how FinTech innovation has the potential to enhance both consumer and business owner experiences, despite the maturity of the economy.
These case studies just prove Mr Mohanty's point on the pivotal role played by regulators in the FinTech sector. There's a need to "start building large public infrastructure that will reshape the future of financial services". It's the vision of a digital sandbox culture, at work even within the regulatory space... The intent is for "policy to become legacy instead."
So here's the good news! Moving forward, we can expect government bodies and FinTech entities to work hand-in-hand. It is to develop our digital infrastructure as a nation. We can be part of the conversation by keeping our policy-makers and regulators accountable. In addition, by staying informed of the latest trends in the FinTech realm.
However, that's the big-picture. As users and consumers, entrepreneurs and business owners, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the scope and scale of impending change. Also, it is easy to feel helpless in the face of swooping global and national trends, orchestrated overhead by "the powers-that-be". With cautions about the “Splinternet,” monopolies of Big Tech, the dangers of data theft and privacy invasion... what does this mean for our local communities? What can we do?
There's the need for local content, local reach, local knowledge.
CEO, Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market
According to Mr Teng, more than we might think. After all, there's still "the need for local content, local reach, local knowledge". For inspiration, look no further than just last year for Singapore's own underdog success story. It was the battle of the century: between Singapore-based startup Grab, and ride-sharing behemoth Uber... and Grab sent Uber packing out of Southeast Asia.
For Grab co-founder Ms Tan Hooi Ling, the "hyper-local approach" was important to cater to local needs and cultures in each SEA market. A consideration a global company "sometimes takes for granted". Grab had employees on the ground interacting with local customers, and could eke out a competitive advantage by capitalising on its nimble size and regional focus.
It's the classic David and Goliath story, and a powerful reminder to all homegrown companies with humble beginnings. As Mr Teng points out, don't forget the importance of "local knowledge and content" in standing up to global giants— and emerging victorious.
From us here at Aspire, we'd like to offer our insight on how we can make a difference: By tapping on local business communities, and playing to our niche capabilities.
No man (nor entrepreneur, for that matter) is an island. This perhaps reads ironic, for all that Singapore's an island nation... but our humble island boasts a rich and diverse FinTech ecosystem that belies its size.
Innovfest Unbound 2019 was an apt reminder of that potential. As we met one talented entrepreneur after another, it was clear just how much our local community is brimming with new ideas, new dreams, and new ways to make them happen. And for us, it was a humbling reaffirmation of our own vision as a FinTech startup: to serve, and work alongside, other SMEs and small businesses.
We're proud of how far our FinTech economy has come; let's collaborate to bring it further. By playing on our respective strengths, we can fill existing gaps. By building collectively beneficial networks, we can forge powerful synergies.
Events like Innovfest Unbound bring us together; it's up to us to stay together. We might be young— as a country, as a startup hub— but as partners and as an ecosystem, we can help each other grow.
Psst… you might also be interested in:
Aspire was founded to provide small business owners with funding solutions – no long waits, paperwork, or hidden fees. Apply online to obtain a revolving credit line of up to SGD$150,000 to unlock your business potential.


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One surprising thing about this month’s launch of the next-gen video game consoles has been a lack of announcements about back catalogue releases coming to the new consoles.
HD remasters of PS2 games have been a hit on PS3 over the years, so there’s been questions regarding some acclaimed titles from before October making the jump. So far only a couple of high-profile titles are set – “Injustice: Gods Among Us,” “Flower,” and “Rayman Legends” which will hit next gen in February.
That changed yesterday when Amazon’s Italian website began offering Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of this year’s acclaimed “Tomb Raider” reboot. The listing for this ‘Definitive Edition’ said the game would come with all the DLC and an exclusive artbook, and would go on sale on January 24th
That listing has since been taken down, and Square Enix has not commented on it so far. It sounds reasonable though, and begs the question of which other acclaimed titles of the past twelve months could (or rather should) be getting upgraded next gen versions over the next few months?
“Bioshock Infinite,” “The Last of Us” and “Grand Theft Auto V” are the most obvious candidates, along with acclaimed late 2012/early 2013 titles like “Journey,” “Far Cry 3,” “Gears of War Judgement,” “Sleeping Dogs” and “Dishonored”.


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Elon Musk says Tesla is adding its self-driving technology to other brands of cars in North America.
Tesla is making its full self-driving beta software available to anyone who requests it in North America. The announcement was made by Elon Musk who said it can be requested from the car screen, which is a purchase option when buying an electric vehicle. “Congrats to the Tesla Autopilot/AI team on achieving a major milestone!” the CEO tweeted.
The rollout of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving vehicles comes as the company faces a criminal investigation from the U.S. Department of Justice over false claims relating to its advanced driver assistance system, TechCrunch reports. Known as Autopilot, the standard issue software performs automated driving functions like steering, accelerating, and automatic braking.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is an extension of Autopilot and includes features like assisted steering on highways and city streets, smart vehicle summoning, automatic parking, and recognizing and reacting to traffic lights and stop signs. Both programs have come under scrutiny by regulators following a series of accidents, many of which were fatal. As such, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened investigations into 36 crashes involving Autopilot since 2016.
Tesla has also faced backlash from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles and drivers who claim the company falsely advertised the self-driving capabilities of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Meanwhile, some Tesla fans predicted the company might allow all cars to access FSD software after the company seemingly dropped the requirement for 100 Autopilot miles and a safety score of at least 80 to receive the FSD update.
The move is a little concerning since drivers using ADAS are less likely to watch the road and be alert in case Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system malfunctions. However, the carmaker’s website does encourage people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Still, anyone who has already paid will be able to access the software in North America.
Tesla had previously extended Full Self-Driving access to 160,000 owners in the United States and Canada in September. The new widespread rollout makes good on previous promises from Elon Musk to get the FSD system in every Tesla by the end of the year. But during the company’s third-quarter earnings report, the billionaire said the system wouldn’t get regulatory approval until 2023.
The decision to expand the number of Tesla Full Self-Driving users could be the company’s way of giving supercomputer Dojo more data to work with. It’s also the perfect way to ease investor fears and accrue more revenue since the carmaker’s stock is at a two-year low. Its market cap was also slashed from $1.2 trillion last November to $574 billion following Elon Musk’s buyout of Twitter and the ensuing company overhaul.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving scaling follows news from company engineers Romi Phadte and Gabe Gheorghian who told BazelCon that the electric vehicle manufacturer has increased the number of FSD simulations per week from approximately 250,000 in 2020 to almost two million in 2022. The carmaker is also working to integrate Dolby Atmos in its cars, to deliver better surround sound, MSN reports.