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PINK TOUR: Dolce & Gabbana are helping Italy celebrate the historic 100th running of the Giro d’Italia bike race (Italy’s equivalent of the Tour de France) that will take place in May. The duo whipped up their version of the Maglia Rosa, or pink jersey T-shirt, first created 77 years ago and worn by the winner of each stretch of the race. It’s the first time a fashion house has used its creative whim to design this zipped T-shirt. The two designers personalized it by creating a juxtaposed effect, stitching the logo around the neckline and inserting bands with Italy’s green, white and red colors. Dolce & Gabbana are no newcomers to athletics, having sponsored and dressed the A.C. Milan soccer team, as well as the Italian national soccer squad, rugby and tennis players.
HOUSE OF WAX: Coco Rocha certainly stole the spotlight from her two mannequins at the Rootstein Gallery cocktail event in her honor on Thursday night. The Canadian is the latest model to be immortalized by Rootstein Mannequins, which previously replicated Twiggy, Pat Cleveland and Agyness Deyn. It was the first time Rocha was showing off her brand-new, flaming-red hair courtesy of Louis Licari for a January Vogue shoot. While the look was reminiscent of early Nineties Linda Evangelista, Rocha said it reminded her of the strawberry blonde locks from her childhood. “I look like my mom’s daughter,” she said, wearing a Rootstein white tuxedo jacket, Proenza Schouler wide-leg pants, American Apparel tank and H&M beaded flower brooch. In fact, Kevin Arpino, Rootstein creative director, who designed the replicas through a collaboration between Visionaire and Elite Models had only seen Rocha’s new do the night before and had to re-dye the forms’ hair. While she described the mannequin experience as her highest accomplishment thus far, she added demurely, “It’s a little strange to see all these people here. I would rather be sitting home, watching TV.”
WHEN CAMILLA MET VIVIENNE: The Duchess of Cornwall cast caution to the wind and donned her first-ever Vivienne Westwood gown for a night out with Prince Charles at the London Palladium. On Thursday night, the duchess wore a one-off, draped gown in a petrol-colored silk double duchess satin for the 80th Royal Variety Performance. According to a Westwood spokesman, it was Philip Treacy — Camilla’s milliner of choice — who persuaded her to take a chance on Westwood. Camilla invited Westwood and her husband Andreas Kronthaler to Clarence House earlier this year for a first meeting. Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that one.
BEING USEFUL: Marie Gray, co-founder and current consultant for St. John, has heard more than a few compelling tales from women sharing their memorable St. John-clad moments. Gray, who made an appearance at Neiman Marcus in both Chicago and suburban Oak Brook Friday said women have told her about getting married in the iconic knit brand or attending high-profile functions at the White House, but the most surprising story involved a woman who administered CPR and saved a man’s life while wearing her favorite St. John suit. “That was an all-time first,” said Gray, who noted women also use the opportunity to share what’s missing from the line. In Chicago, they want boot-length skirts to battle the elements, said Gray, who said her role with the company, like that of her daughter Kelly, is supportive in nature. “We’re there just to help in any way we can,” she said. “Some days it’s on the technical level, some days it’s personal appearances.”
BIG SCREEN: On Tuesday afternoon, Cynthia Rowley managed to stop throngs of Times Square pedestrians when she partook in the Style Series event presented by Diet Coke. Rowley appeared on the Nasdaq and Reuters electronic billboards, and hundreds stood and watched a live interview with her replete with looks from her holiday and spring collections. “As exciting and groundbreaking as the whole thing was, it’s still terrifying to see your face six stories tall,” Rowley said.
PAMPERING THE LOYAL: Shopping isn’t exactly a national pastime at the moment, but to ease the grind for those who do partake, the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District has set up a “by invitation only” two-day hospitality suite at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, 37 East 64th St. It opened Saturday and reopens Sunday, Dec. 21. Retailers on Madison Avenue invited their favored clientele to visit the suite and take advantage of complimentary gift-wrapping, coffee and hot chocolate. But best of all for those spending $1,000 or more on Madison, a gift bag created by Madison & Mulholland awaits. Each has at least three items from Madison Avenue boutiques with a total value of $150 or more.
RALPH AIDS RIVERKEEPER: Anyone at a loss for what to give their loved ones this holiday season should have stopped by the Ralph Lauren store in New York’s SoHo earlier this week, where Amanda Hearst was doling out advice to clueless shoppers. Her favorite items? Men’s flannel shirts and long-sleeved polo shirts. “My brother Randy lives in flannel,” she said. Fifteen percent of the evening’s sales benefited the environmental charity Riverkeeper, founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hearst is on the organization’s executive committee and cochairs the junior council with Luigi Tadini. She said she tries to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle. In addition to using energy-saving lightbulbs and unplugging her phone chargers. “I send my dry cleaning out in garment bags so they don’t have to use the plastic ones, and I visit eco-resorts and eco-lodges when I travel,” she said. But this Christmas she’ll be staying somewhere not exactly known for its austerity — the ornate Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif.


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how to earn money through blogs|ऑनलाइन पैसा कमाने 2021
Best Buy offers a wider array of smart-home speakers and smart displays than Amazon, Walmart, or Target. Options from Amazon’s entire line of Alexa speakers and smart displays are available. Similarly, all options from the Google Assistant–based line of Nest Google smart speakers and smart displays are available at Best Buy and not at Amazon. So for those who prefer to shout at Google instead of Alexa, look to the yellow-tagged electronics retailer as a likely source. Our smart-plug picks and other smart options have also historically seen sales from Best Buy during Prime Day.
More fundamentally, the pandemic has masked a deep unhappiness that a startling number of Americans have with the -workplace. During the first stressful months of quarantine, job turnover plunged; people were just hoping to hang on to what they had, even if they hated their jobs. For many more millions of essential workers, there was never a choice but to keep showing up at stores, on deliveries and in factories, often at great risk to themselves, with food and agricultural workers facing a higher chance of death on the job. But now millions of white collar professionals and office workers appear poised to jump. Anthony Klotz, an associate professor of management at Texas A&M University, set off a Twitter-storm by predicting, “The great resignation is coming.”
"[There] was just something different about her this week that everyone felt very confident about," Gasso said. "She had a different look, approach -- calm, confident, wanting the ball.
You don’t have to work for every penny you earn. I can’t remember who told me this, but it’s always stuck with me. It’s contrary to what we are often told to think, but it rings so true. Make money save money and invest it wisely. When you invest money sensibly the returns will quickly add up. The best thing about investing is that while you are on holiday, with the kids or even just sleeping, you’re money is still working hard for you. If you’re unsure of how to invest that money, services like Wealthify offer an ideal, low cost and hassle free way of doing that.
These are the best blogging sites on the market
Today, just a few years after Republicans passed a massive tax cut that disproportionately benefited the wealthy, the country may be facing another swing of the pendulum, back toward a popular demand to raise taxes on the wealthy. In the face of growing inequality and with spending ambitions that rival those of Franklin D. Roosevelt or Johnson, the Biden administration has proposed a slate of changes. These include raising the tax rates on people making over $400,000 and bumping the top income tax rate from 37% to 39.6%, with a top rate for long-term capital gains to match that. The administration also wants to up the corporate tax rate and to increase the IRS’ budget.

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June 25, 2019
India will potentially be leading the shared mobility business by 2030 through innovation and customer satisfaction
Volkswagen will offer Zoomcar customised financial, maintenance, and repair services, among other benefits
Customers will have the power of choice, convenience, flexibility, and enhanced accessibility to a host of products through subscription
Volkswagen Polo cars will now be available under Zoomcar’s ZAP Subscribe model, across key cities in India
The automotive industry in India is steadily evolving as consumer priorities change along with changes in urban population, affordability, awareness, among other factors affecting the locomotive space. To make the best of this shift, Zoomcar, India’s largest self-drive shared mobility platform, and Volkswagen have entered into a strategic partnership.
As per an announcement on June 25, the companies will together improve the quality and quantity of shared mobility solutions available in India. This partnership allows Volkswagen India to enter the world of shared mobility and subscription services with Zoomcar’s ZAP subscription model, granting potential customers access to integrated services, along with other benefits.
Customers will enjoy an enhanced subscription experience through customised financial, maintenance and repair services (4EVER Care). In the future, Volkswagen and Zoomcar intend to deepen this partnership by expanding the catalogue of vehicles available.
The opportunities for investors in India have grown as a new wave of mobility startups, focused on making commuting easier, cleaner and cost-effective, have come up and are attracting investors in a big way. It is expected that India will be leading the shared mobility space by the year 2030, driven by changing consumer preferences. The country sees significant growth through increased levels of urbanisation and an overall rise in living standards, while its growing skilled workforce enjoys an enhanced disposable income.
Private car ownership has grown at 8 per cent CAGR in the last 10-15 years, while road length has only grown at 3.5 per cent CAGR. For this reason, there has been an increased focus on encouraging the use of public transport and shared mobility services. Southeast Asia’s ride-sharing market is predicted to grow to $13 billion by 2025, according to a report co-authored by Temasek and Google. India currently has all the right ingredients to become one of the world’s largest markets for shared mobility solutions.


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Buick Prepares For Rental Fleet Dominance
Automotive News is reporting that the Opel Cascada will make it Stateside in 2016. Aside from giving Buick a fresh new product that isn’t a crossover, the Cascada arrives at an opportune time to capitalize on a small but important niche: the rental market.
With the demise of the Chrysler 200 convertible and VW Eos, rental fleets now have an alternative to the pony car twins for their convertible car class. Believe it or not, not all rental car clients want a Mustang or a Camaro, and the front-drive packaging of the Cascada allows for some packaging efficiencies that aren’t there in a rear drive setup (luggage space, anyone?).
Normally, fleet sales, and daily rental specifically, is treated as a last resort for undesirable product. But in this case, The Cascada is in a position to corner a market that, while declining, is currently wide open – something that GM is familiar with.
More by Derek Kreindler


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While 1280 x 720 displays are becoming more and more standard with higher end phones, there's a newer, full HD screen in town that's set to make a debut here very soon. We've covered the Oppo Find 5 and HTC's Butterfly J which is only said to be in Japan, but it seems there's another phone that'll be launching very soon on Verizon.
The HTC Droid DNA was shown to be on the carrier, but considering it was revealed in a document, we weren't truly sure that would in fact be the name. Thanks to somebody who works for Verizon's web team, the Droid DNA name appeared in a support page on their website that talks about performing a soft reset on a phone without a removable battery.
As far as when the phone will be released, it's said to be launched in mid-November which is just right around the corner. Unfortunately, we don't know that much about the phone other than the fact that it'll have an impressive 5 inch 1920 x 1080 display.
With a supposed release date just weeks away, hopefully we'll hear Verizon finally announce this bad boy, along with the full specs.


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Indigenous communities hope to cash in on cannabis, but how they'll do it is unclear
Despite legalization, issues such as revenue sharing remain, says Grand Chief
Recreational marijuana will be legal in Canada for the first time in nearly a century on Wednesday and Jamie Kunkel is excited.
"From an economic standpoint, it's a whole new industry which is going to create a whole lot of new jobs," Kunkel, the owner of medical marijuana dispensary Smoke Signals on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, told Cross Country Checkup's Duncan McCue.
"It's a choice people get to make about their own medication and well-being."
Marijuana legalization in the country has spurred a so-called green rush as companies begin to cash in on the growing industry.
Kunkel's Smoke Signals has four franchises — all Indigenous-owned and on Indigenous land — and he hopes that number will expand once legalization takes effect.
"It would be nice to have the opportunity to be able to participate in the outside economy, as well as the on-reserve economy," he said.
'Left out of the equation'
On Sunday, Checkup opened the lines to Canadians to share their thoughts on the upcoming legislation.
While some worried about secondhand smoke and the long-term effects of marijuana use, others were optimistic about how easier availability could benefit some communities.
Regarding second-hand smoke from marijuana, our in-studio guest Dr. Peter Lin says more research needs to be conducted to determine the effects. In the meantime, he says we should be concerned about children's exposure to the smoke in enclosed spaces, such as cars.—@checkupcbc
Cannabis is the world's greatest plant. No other single plant combines the nutritional, industrial, medicinal and spiritual benefits of cannabis.

This change in the law is the first step to returning cannabis to a position of prominence in our medicine, industry and society.—@DanaLarsen
Grand Chief Joel Abram sees both sides of the coin.
The head of London, Ont.-based Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians understands the potential economic boost marijuana could provide Indigenous communities.
Still, he worries that existing issues could fall by the wayside.
"We've sort of been left out of the equation when it comes to cannabis," Abram said.
Among his concerns are revenue sharing — whether First Nations will see a cut of taxes charged on cannabis products — and whether First Nations will be able to adequately educate young peoples about its risks.
"We're really concerned about youth mental health and we have no resources whereas municipalities, they've been promised a third of the revenues from the province," he said.
Business is brisk
According to Kunkel, many of his competitors — he says there are over 40 dispensaries in Tyendinaga — are doing their part in supporting their communities.
Some stores hosted giveaways around Thanksgiving for "any family in need," Kunkel said. Education is among his company's contributions.
"I'm currently in the process of building an education centre right here on the 49 highway," he said.
"We will be trying to hold weekly seminars and classes for just that purpose: to educate the community, the youth [and] the leaders of the community."
Meanwhile, business is good. Kunkel told CBC in January he can make between $5,000 and $10,000 a day.


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Latest Auto news
Mahindra Mojo UT300 has started arriving at the dealerships of the company.
Jan 16, 2018
Maruti Suzuki also has an envious 49.6% market share in the Indian passenger vehicle space.
Jan 15, 2018
These upcoming hatchbacks are worth the wait! Maruti Suzuki Swift, new Hyundai Santro, Tata X451, Tiago Sport and more
2018 Hyundai Santro spotted during winter testing in Europe; new small hatchback to debut at Auto Expo
Renault Kwid electric version is currently being tested in India for range extension and road-worthiness.
Jan 13, 2018
1 day ago
- Rafale deal: Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation, says Rajnath Singh
- India vs Australia: Virat Kohli takes a blinder mid-air; Twitter goes crazy over stunning catch [Video]
- How did Sachin Pilot and Sara Abdullah meet? A love story that goes beyond religion and politics
- India's death penalty problem: Speed up executions or rethink on judicial murder?
- Mahindra S201 compact SUV's name revealing on Dec 19; will it be called Inferno?
- Jawa Motorcycles to add dual-channel ABS to Jawa, Forty Two: Report
- Elon Musk unveils design for new Tesla pickup truck [Photo]
- TVS rolls out 50,000 units of BMW G 310 series bikes from Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu
- Nissan India starts booking for Kicks SUV ahead of January launch


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Business News›China Plus One
CHINA PLUS ONE
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G arriving today: Check out specs, where to watch livestream
This is the third Nord device in less than a month's time.
OnePlus Ace Racing Edition with MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Max SoC, triple rear cameras launched. Check out details
The base model of the smartphone has been priced at CYN 1,999 (about Rs 23, 000).
OnePlus family to get bigger, Nord 2T will launch next week in India
The company is launching OnePlus Ace Speed Edition in China next week too.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite, OnePlus 10R & OnePlus Nord Buds arriving in India: Here's what to expect
The premium brand will showcase two of its latest smartphones on April 28.
OnePlus debuts new Ace series with 150W fast charging, triple rear camera setup. Details inside
The smartphone is protected by the 2.5D curved Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
OnePlus 10 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Soc, 80W fast charging launched in India, price starts at Rs 67KThe latest smartphone comes with a 6.7-inch QHD+ curved display.
OnePlus 10 Pro launching in India: What to expect, where to watch livestreamThe smartphone brand is also expected to unveil its OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 at the event.
OnePlus Pad may come with Snapdragon 865 chipset, will be priced around Rs 36,000. Check leaked details hereThe OnePlus Pad will feature a 12.4-inch OLED screen.
FTAs should have review mechanism to ensure mid-way course correction: Parliamentary panelThe growing preference of firms located in major economies of Europe and the US to shift from China to other manufacturing bases provides a window of opportunity for India's trade sector, which needs to be capitalised, report said.
OnePlus 10 Pro: Tech company teases smartphone's India launch in new video. What we know so farThe smartphone was unveiled earlier this year in China.
OnePlus 10 Pro will skip this RAM and storage variant for smartphones launching in India, release date revealedThe smartphone was already launched in China earlier this year.
MWC 2022: OnePlus hints at foldable smartphones while HTC unveils Viverse; Honor teases foldable device, earbudsFrom taking a tour of Metaverse to witnessing high-end smartphones, MWC 2022 continues to surprise.
OnePlus 10 Pro India launch scheduled for March, smartphone will no longer share unified OS with OppoGlobal OnePlus devices will continue to run OxygenOS, the company announced.
Chips & China-plus-one give small businesses a chance to be part of a Rs 76,000-crore dreamWho will build India-made microchips? In India’s quest for semiconductor independence, big boys of India Inc and MSMEs are two sides of the same coin.
How Budget 2022 can show the way to be atmanirbhar and reduce India’s dependence on ChinaIndia cannot develop capacities and expertise in critical areas overnight to cut imports. But Budget 2022 can fasten the process by giving a leg up to key sectors by way of schemes and incentives for R&D spends to help move us a step closer to self-reliance.
OnePlus 10R with MediaTek 9000 chipset in the works? Tech company might launch it in India this yearJust a few days ago, the tech company launched OnePlus 9RT in India.
It's curtains down! OnePlus officially ends software support for its 6 and 6T smartphonesThe OxygenOS 18.104.22.168 will be the final software update for both the smartphones
OnePlus Launch Event Winter Edition: Where and how to watch OnePlus 9RT and OnePlus Buds Z2 release liveIt is speculated that the Buds Z2 may come in Obsidian Black and Pearl White colours.
Friday release: OnePlus 9RT with Snapdragon 888 SoC, triple camera setup, Color OS 12. what we know so farThe brand will also be launching its premium earphones - the OnePlus Buds Z2.
OnePlus 10 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Which one has an edge when it comes to specs?While the 13 Pro Max is powered by Apple's A15 chip, OnePlus 10 Pro comes with Qualcomm's new flagship chipset.
One Plus 10 Pro arrives today: Hasselblad camera, OxygenOS 12, 50W fast wireless charging. What to expectThe official launch in China is also likely to reveal price and availability details of the smartphone.
Pete Lau reveals OnePlus 10 Pro key specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 80W fast charging, 32MP selfie cameraThe rear camera module will include a 48MP sensor, a 50MP sensor, and an 8MP sensor.
OnePlus 10 Pro features Hasselblad triple camera setup, co-founder Pete Lau teases slick new coloursThe new models come with a fusion of mirrored ceramic and matte frosted glass.
OnePlus teases OnePlus 9RT, Buds Z2 ahead of OnePlus 10 Pro launch: Here's what you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed the launch of 9RT and Buds Z2.
Chinese chambers in India urge Centre to change 'tax probe practice' after IT searchesEarlier in August, a Chinese government-controlled telecom vendor, ZTE was searched. Searches were conducted at a total of five premises of ZTE, including the corporate office, the residence of the foreign director, the residence of the company secretary, the account person and the cash handler of the company.Load More
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Cryptocurrency asset management startup Copper has today revealed the close of an $8m (£6.1m) funding round from a number of major investors.
Target Global, Localglobe and MMC Ventures all participated in the series A round, which have backed the likes of Transferwise, Delivery Hero, Interactive Investor and Gousto between them.
Copper, which designs and manages custodial products for institutions using digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, said it will use the funding to establish presences in North America and Asia.
Founder and chief executive Dmitry Tokarev said: “This venture funding round is a real vote of confidence from investors. Their support will allow us to accelerate our scale up, hiring teams in key regions and introducing new products and services to better meet their needs.”
It previously raised a seed round of $1.3m in 2018, and recently announced plans to provide prime brokerage services.
“Following some extensive blockchain research we are incredibly excited to back Dmitry and the Copper team as our first investment in this space,” said MMC partner Oliver Richards.
“Institutional interest in digital assets is growing and we believe Copper offers a compelling and unique solution to firms looking to invest.”
The firm’s Walled Garden product, which offers secure and instant trades across different exchanges, now covers 96 per cent of global crypto liquidity and manages over £500m in transactions each month.


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Why Are People Getting Fatter?
The World Health Organization reported last year that more than one billion people worldwide are overweight (300 million of them are obese and 22 million are children under the age of five). No wonder health professionals are concerned. Consider the following troubling statistics from the American Obesity Association Conference held in September.
In China, 12 percent of the men and 16 percent of the women are obese; in Malaysia, 3 out of 10 men are obese and in the Philippines, it's 1 in 10.
In Mexico, more than half the population is overweight and 23 percent are obese. In Egypt, 35 percent are obese; in Saudi Arabia, 16 percent of the men and 24 percent of the women are overweight.
Even Africa, which is usually associated with famine and starvation, is not spared. Obesity has caught up with the urban areas, too.
It looks like getting fat is a contagious disease that is being spread by a virus or bacteria. Well, in a sense, it is a disease because being overweight and obese is associated with so many life-threatening conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Health professionals have good reasons to be worried since they know it will take quite an effort to stop the escalating figures.
The reason for this obesity epidemic is not a simple one that can be traced to a single source. Here are several theories to explain why whole populations are gaining weight.
In rural areas, most of the livelihood opportunities involve being physically active. Rural folk eat mostly homegrown food.
There are no supermarkets or restaurants to buy from. Lifestyles change when the area becomes urbanized.
Factories and offices offer jobs that no longer require much physical movement. Groceries soon set up shop because the local people can now afford to buy their products. Fast food chains move into town. The urbanization effect on a rural lifestyle means increased incomes but it also means increased waistlines.
It is believed that many people have "thrifty" genes that cause them to store calories easily and burn calories at a slower rate.
The scientists who espouse this theory explain that these thrifty genes were helpful when people lived in an environment that involved doing hard physical labor and eating unprocessed food.
But the thrifty genes have become a health hazard because the world has changed and people now have access to highly processed calorie-rich foods and live a sedentary lifestyle.
The Pima Indians of Arizona and Mexico are often used as an example of this theory because they are genetically similar but live in different environments.
The Arizona Pima Indians live a typical American life and the result is 75 percent of them are obese by the time they are in their 20s.
Their Mexican cousins live in a world similar to their ancestors where the men average 40 hours a week of hard physical work and the women, 90 hours a week of backbreaking household chores. Their diet consist of tortillas, vegetables and little meat. Fat only makes 23 percent of their daily diet. Because of their lifestyle, they weigh 50 pounds less than their American relatives.
Fast food culture
Fast food is now available in malls, supermarkets, gas stations, airports and schools. Competing chains are located in regular intervals through every major city. This was not the situation 20 years ago. The fast food trend has been called the Americanization of the world's eating habits.
Fast food restaurants are necessary for a highly mobile society that needs cheap, clean and accessible food. Unfortunately, most of the food being served is high in fat, refined flour and sugar. A classic example is the combo of burger, fries and soft drink.
Addicting as heroin
Some scientists believe that the high sugar and fat contents of fast food and snack food may be as addicting as heroin. Right now, there is no proof of this in humans but it has been proven in rats.
A Princeton University study found that rats eating a diet composed of 25 percent sugar had withdrawal symptoms like chattering teeth and the "shakes," which are similar to symptoms experienced by people who stop taking nicotine or heroin.
Meanwhile, a University of Wisconsin study found that rats fed with sweet, salty and fatty food developed permanent brain changes similar to heroin addicts. The rats became so addicted that they ate six times more fat than they normally would.
I wonder what health officials are going to do if it can be proven in the future that humans can become addicted to food high in fat and sugar? It will surely be an explosive political and economic dilemma because an astronomic amount of money is at stake in the sale of fast food and junk food.
More restaurants are offering super-sized portions because it is popular with consumers who believe they are getting more value for their money since a supersized version of the regular-sized order can be had for just a slight increase in price.
If the supersized order is shared among friends or family members, money and calories are saved. However, many people end up finishing the whole thing by themselves.
In experiments conducted by consumer psychologist Brian Wansink, participants ate considerably more when they were given extra large portions.
People don't realize just how many more calories they are eating. A normal-sized order of a burger, fries and a 12-ounce softdrink has about 590 calories. A super-sized version of that same order has approximately 1,550 calories.
You can run but you cannot hide from food ads. They are everywhere. You see them on TV and you hear them on radio. They are in newspapers and magazines, and on billboards.
As obesity expert Theodore Vanitallie of Columbia University said in a United States News and World Report, "Man used to hunt for his food. Now food hunts man."
The food industry and their ad agencies are creating new markets for food products that are "wants" and not "needs" for our bodies.
Fruits and vegetables are things our bodies need to be healthy. Potato chips and doughnuts are things our tongues want but our bodies can do very well without.
In the US, the company that makes a popular snack called Twinkie has gone one step further to boost sales by offering a fried version. One nutritionist called it the height of decadence since a fried Twinkie has 160 percent more calories than the original version.
Food Pyramid Theory
The anti-carb diet gurus blame the US government's food pyramid for the increase in obesity. They say that the food pyramid's emphasis on eating more carbohydrates and less fat led people to believe that they could eat as many carbohydrates as they wanted because they are fat-free.
The creators of the food pyramid recommended eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as sources of carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the public did not read the fine print and interpreted this to mean unlimited servings of refined carbohydrates like white bread, bagels, pasta, etc.
Matters became worse when the food industry created thousands of non-fat and low-fat products that contained almost as many calories as the original versions due to the high sugar and refined flour content.
Dr. Barbara Rolls of Penn State proved in experiments that people will eat more when they are told that the food is low in fat because they think they are saving calories.
The cell phone, Internet, computer games, fax and other high-tech gadgets have changed our lives. If you were in college 20 years ago, you would have burned many calories going back and forth to the library to do research.
Today, all you have to do is sit at your computer and use a search engine website. You can literally let your fingers do the walking for you.
Lack of physical activity is one of the big reasons why people easily get fat.
Unfortunately, many people have no time to do formal exercise like going to a gym or even exercise at home because of their work. Their jobs don't require them to move much. Their surroundings are not conducive to even walk around because of pollution and security risks. When they get home, they are so tired all they want to do is flop down on the couch and watch TV.
Stopping the rise in obesity is a formidable task similar to the anti-smoking campaign, according to the US Surgeon General David Satcher. He says it is going to take a concerted effort among health professionals, educators and the food industry.
Suggested solutions are a higher tax on fast food and junk food, government subsidy to make fruits and vegetables cheaper, tighter controls on food ads aimed at children, banning fast food and junk food from schools, requiring restaurant menus to state how many calories their food contains, lower insurance rates for people who exercise, requiring companies to provide exercise opportunities for their employees, etc.
In short, it's going to take some drastic measures to stop the growing menace of obesity.
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A company that specializes in making “comfort foods” will be providing some more economic comfort to Elkhart County.
Monogram Foods plans on adding 74 new jobs by next year when it renovates its 104,000-square-foot facility at 605 Kesco Drive in Bristol, according to a press release.
The Memphis, Tennessee-based company is investing $5.3 million to renovate the facility so it can add a new mini corn dog production line, including installing new equipment for the making and packaging of the corn dogs.
Renovations are already underway, along with hiring for those new positions. You can apply here.
“As a national company with locations across the country, Monogram Foods had choices on where to locate these new jobs, and after considering its options this company keeps choosing Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Today’s news marks the second time in the last year that Monogram Foods has committed to adding new jobs in Indiana. Monogram Foods and companies across Indiana are thriving in our state’s affordable, low-tax business climate, which has helped us add nearly 150,000 new Hoosier jobs just since 2013.”
What Pence is referring to is a $13 million investment last summer at is Bristol location. 75 jobs are being dded as part of that expansion. The company employs over 350 Hoosiers.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has offered $200,000 in conditional tax credits to Monogram Foods, pending they fulfill their hiring promise. The town of Bristol also may extend tax credits.


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OnePlus 5 Berlin Startup – On June 20 the startup company OnePlus will officially present the OnePlus 5 including live streaming. Just one day later, the new flagship killer in Berlin and other major cities can be bought. Under the slogan “FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS” OnePlus announced on the launch site the event.
OnePlus 5 buy in Berlin from 21 June
OnePlus will present the new top smartphone OnePlus 5 on June 20 for the first time. Shortly before the event, a live stream for all who wish to follow the event at home is unlocked.
Just a day later, the startup company will offer its new flagship model in several major cities for sale to, among other things in Berlin. A launch website has already been published, on which are listed for different cities and the pop-up events.
“Be among the first to have the the OnePlus 5”
OnePlus offers the sale with the event motto “Be among the first to have the the OnePlus 5” on. Therefore, it is more than likely that the smartphone can also be purchased in Berlin on June 21, though probably in a limited edition. The sale will take place in “Bikini” in the Budapest street 44 including an event.
Already the predecessor, OnePlus 3T was offered shortly after its release in “Bikini” Berlin. As in 2015, interested parties must register for your visit on the OnePlus website. expected a smartphone with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835-Proezssor, a 5.5-inch full-HD display, dual camera and rich 6 gigabytes of memory.


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Ernst & Young IT security expert urges firms to consider BYOD as a way off Windows XP.
With the release date scheduled for later this year, Kyle Nazario wonders if the world is...
Ex-Microsoft CEO admits firm lost out to mobile rivals over past decade, and comments on...
Businesses and the economy stand to gain by attracting and retaining more female IT...
Chipmaker said to have splashed out over $100 million for wearable tech firm.
Windows Phone 8.1 digital assistant "exposed" in photos and video.
Ex-Microsoft CEO admits firm lost out to mobile rivals over past decade, and comments on Facebook's $19bn WhatsApp
Lawyer reports more than 400 people have signed up to proposed Mt. Gox suit.
Access to web services will be through Yahoo IDs only.
Long-serving finance guru wants to spend more time with family, and acquire his pilot's license.
Brain behind Scroogled campaign to help shape direction of Redmond giant.
Dell packs a beautiful 15in display (3,200 x 1,880) into a 19mm chassis.
HMRC sets out plans to treat virtual currencies in the same way as pounds and dollars.
Reports suggest Facebook is about to snap up Titan Aerospace for $60 million.
From a personal smartphone to a work laptop, Microsoft will ensure that business data remains secure on any device
Touchscreens aren’t just for games – they can help you get work done on a wide range of Windows devices, too
1&1 offers scalable cloud servers on demand with a flexible package that allows you keep operating costs under contr
Team Cymru researchers claim 300,000 routers may have had their DNS settings changed by cyber criminals.
PwC research highlights how security breaches take their toll on financial services firms.
Security experts warn the NSA spying scandal could have dire consequences for internet safety.
A top-heavy Windows 8 detachable with middling performance and battery life.
Flexible working has never been easier than with Windows 8.1.
Software giant plans to rollout desktop notifications to PC users still on XP later this week.
Microsoft co-founder sees wealth increase to $76 billion.
However, Apple still rules the roost when it comes to device sales.
Japanese academics building expression-controlled mini-computer.
Apple confirms names of first car manufacturers to support dashboard-based iOS features and iPhone integration.
"Weakness in system" blamed for downfall.
Departure of former Skype CEO and co-head of Windows to be formally announced on Tuesday.
After using Windows for 20 years, Khidr Suleman tells us what life is like after making the jump to Mac.
Tesco has teamed up with IBM to use an augmented reality mobile app to add product placement.
Barclays, RBS Group and Santander customers unable to log into their accounts.
Alleged NASA and FBI hacker faces additional charges.
Documents leaked by Edward Snowden reveal scope of Optic Nerve programme.
Boston’s new Quattro 1396-T uses an innovative design to take rack server density to the next level.
Virgin claims it now provides the fastest broadband connection in the UK.
University researchers awarded funds to support efforts in clamping down on mobile malware apps.
Global normalisation of standards the only way to avoid loopholes, country claims.
Judge to decide whether non-Gmail users can be included in class action.
Everything you need to know about Intel's 2014 Atom chips.
The consumer electronics giant explains how Touch ID keeps users' fingerprints safe.
Telco sets out plans to help tackle youth unemployment in the UK.
One in five Macs reportedly at risk of cyber attack as Apple stops supporting aged OS.
Security experts warn users to be on their guard against mobile malware threats.
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Last year was a watershed moment in the history of the internet. It was the first full year when more than half of the world’s population — 4.1 billion people — got online.
Reaching 4.1 billion people online is a monumental achievement, but now comes the hard part. More than 3.5 billion people remain unconnected to the internet and the opportunities it provides to strengthen communities, give people a voice and create economic impact.
The Inclusive Internet Index
The Inclusive Internet Index benchmarks countries on the internet’s availability, affordability, relevance and the readiness of people to use it. Now in its fourth year, the Index covers 100 countries, representing 91% of the world’s population and 96% of global GDP. The Index is accompanied by the 2020 Value of the Internet Survey, to understand how the internet is used and perceived.
Last year’s Index found that the rate of growth of internet access in low-income countries had slowed significantly. This troubling trend continued in this year’s Index with internet access in low-income countries increasing by only 3.8%. In addition, on average, only 9.9% of households in low-income countries have access to the internet, compared with 88.5% in rich countries.
Key Findings from the 2020 Index
Making progress in middle-income countries
Although connectivity growth has slowed in the lowest-income countries, performance in the world’s middle-income countries has continually improved. Encouragingly, household connectivity in lower-middle income countries grew by nearly 12% in the past year and has grown by 65% since 2014.
Mobile data provides a path to affordable connectivity
Mobile connectivity has become more affordable and more accessible. This is a strong indicator that mobile operators have established viable business models to invest in bringing connectivity to traditionally underserved communities. Across low-income countries, where mobile connectivity is the predominant means to internet access, prepaid mobile plans now cost the equivalent of 11.5% of monthly GNI per capita, considerably more affordable than fixed options (140.1% of income), but still higher than the benchmark of 1GB of data for no more than 2% of monthly income. Mobile connectivity has also become more accessible: 4G coverage grew in 54 countries and now covers 31.2% of low-income and 64.7% of lower-middle income countries.
The gender gap remains high
While progress has been made, women still have less access to the internet than men. Across Index countries, men are 13% more likely than women to have access to the internet (down 3% from last year), and the gender gap is a remarkable 34.5% in low-income countries. This is even more concerning as the survey found that women are more likely to use, and are more dependent on, the internet for engaging in the digital economy.
Access to the internet is transforming finance, particularly in areas of the world where traditional banking infrastructure has long excluded marginalized populations. The majority of survey respondents in Latin America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (57%, 55% and 53%, respectively) credit the internet with expanding their financial independence. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 62% of survey respondents use a mobile phone to check account balances, transfer money or make payments.
Work has increasingly gone online
The internet is no longer just a handy tool, it has improved career prospects and opened up more economic opportunities. 68% of respondents from low-income countries have seen their career prospects improve because of the internet.
Time for Action
The role the internet plays in the modern economy underscores the need to bring internet connectivity to those who live without it. However, the challenges that come with connecting the next 3.5 billion people are complex, and will require a continued evolution of policy, technology and business models.
Every stakeholder has a role to play. While the tech industry plays a significant role in closing the digital divide, innovation in government policy can have an equally significant impact. Many governments have started to think beyond legacy telecommunications regulation to allow for new and innovative business models, which in turn spur market entry by non-traditional players that bring investment and new solutions.
For example, the Peruvian Congress created the Rural Mobile Infrastructure Operator in the mobile services market that prompted new partnerships and investment from existing players like Telefonica, and newer players like Facebook. As a result, more than 6,000 rural communities have internet connectivity for the first time.
This is one example of how Facebook is working with partners around the world to find new ways to bring fast, reliable internet to those without it.
Written By Robert Pepper, Head of Global Connectivity Policy and Planning, Facebook
The Inclusive Internet Index is produced annually by The Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by Facebook.


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SpaceDSL brings the cost of broadband internet down across sub-Saharan Africa
SpaceDSL service from ‘Afrique Telecom’, enabling high-speed internet via satellite, was launched on 18th January, 2012 in Paris. It is available in 32 countries across Africa including Nigeria, Liberia and Ghana (see the full map here). The objective is to extend internet access especially in remote rural areas where there is no other broadband internet access alternatives, writes Sylvain Beletre.
The launch of SpaceDSL is a small revolution in the field of broadband internet access in Africa because it is more affordable than existing solutions and has no strings attached: its price structure is not based on a long term subscription but on pre-paid, pay-as-you-go options which can be stopped anytime and recharged via a dedicated and secured web portal from anywhere in the world.
It is "a mini-VSAT", said Philippe Tintignac - the CEO of Telecom Africa - during the press launch. In other words, SpaceDSL is a smaller satellite system with the qualities of larger models with "99% availability, high bandwidth, low cost, stand-alone DIY installation and no subscription" benefits.
The complete SpaceDSL kit includes a 1 meter diameter metallic antenna, a sophisticated modem, 30 meters of protected cable, a ‘Point & Play’ device for self-installation and a 1 year guarantee with onsite and phone/email service. The dedicated web portal (http://www.spacedsl.com) allows to purchase cards and refills.
Afrique Telecom has been established in Africa since 2005 and has set up around 700 V-sat stations in 22 countries across Africa. The company has a network of partners across Africa and is currently looking for more resellers.
Find out more here and here


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America has a strict set of rules when it comes to gambling and even more so when it comes to gambling online, so much so that each independent state require a set of bills to be passed before allowing such activities.
In recent weeks, New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware have had their online gambling bills passed by the appropriate sub committees and committees and many other states hope that their bills will be passed soon as well. Such is the positive effect of these bills online giants 888.com are preparing to launch their business to the American market.
888 have joined forces with Avenue Capital Investment Group and the pair have set up a joint partnership called The All American Network, and everything is in place and ready for when more bills are passed and given the go ahead in the American states.
A spokesperson for 888.com had the following to say when asked about the new venture. They said, “The company will be able to move rapidly into the huge consumer gambling market when it is given the green light.”
It seems as though the 888 Group are planning big business in America as they have already announced two other deals in recent weeks. The first sees 888 Poker joining forces with Treasure Island Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, an agreement that will see them launch online poker later this year, once they have been given the go ahead to do so. Also they recently announced a deal to provide their poker software to Caesars Interactive Entertainment as well.
It seems as though the 888 Group are going from strength to strength and it looks like online poker and online gambling will be returning to many American states sooner rather than later.


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Small, sweet victories
Image thanks to A Slice of Cherry Pie
ASDA is selling punnets of English strawberries in pounds and ounces for the first time in 16 years.
The supermarket has become the first major UK retailer to ignore a 1995 EU directive ordering shopkeepers to sell fruit and vegetables in metric grams and kilos or face the threat of prosecution.
Hooray. The weather in England is beautiful, too.


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As a torrent of bad press consumes Facebook — or whatever the company may soon be renamed — it’s worth remembering that to become an industry-dominating social-media Goliath, sometimes you need a little help from your friends. Perhaps they’re better described as co-conspirators.
Over the past year, a series of court filings by 15 state attorneys general have exposed what amounts to secret collusion between Google and Facebook to rig the online ad market in their favor and to keep out competitors. Details keep percolating up — last week, a New York judge unsealed yet more documents shining light on the arrangement — but we’ve already learned a great deal, revealing just how far two tech giants will go to preserve their lucrative hold over online advertising. (A Google spokesperson said the claims in the suit are “baseless” and riddled with inaccuracies.”)
Read the post on New York Magazine


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Comms vendor outlines plans for next year at partner event in Dubai
Avaya has outlined how it plans to help partners break into new markets and build a cloud strategy at its channel event in Dubai.
Strategies for Avaya's 2020 financial year were unveiled at the Avaya Partner Summit, where the company is hosting the EMEA and APAC region's leading channel executives.
At the summit, Avaya demonstrated the strong growth opportunities with detailed sessions on the solutions that are driving cloud growth, including Avaya IX Subscription programme, Avaya OneCloud ReadyNow, Avaya CPaaS, and Avaya IX Spaces.
The event also served as the launch of Avaya's latest customer experience applications, Avaya IX Onespace, and other solutions - all of which are being rolled out globally, Avaya said.
Fadi Moubarak, vice president of Avaya's international channel business, said: "Our message to partners this year is to embrace the new - new solutions, new customers, and new deployment models.
We've demonstrated our commitment to this idea with an impressive number of solutions, offerings and programmes, all of which will drive compelling opportunities for partners in the coming financial year.
"Nowhere is this more obvious than in the announcements we're making around cloud and the subscription-based model. This is where the industry is moving, and with programmes like Avaya IX Subscription, we're enabling our channel partners to support our joint customers at every stage of their cloud journey."
Among others, the Avaya Partner Summit included deep dives into the following solutions and programmes:
- Avaya IX Subscription, which offers a flexible new consumption-based alternative to traditional perpetual pricing models, and helps partners facilitate a transition to cloud for their customers.
- Avaya IX Spaces, a cloud-based collaboration solution that delivers audio and videoconferencing, file sharing and more through a lightweight web app, and promises to take the fight to a number of competitors that are both more expensive and less feature rich. Avaya IX Spaces is now available in 45 countries across the EMEA and APAC regions.
- Avaya OneCloud ReadyNow, which gives enterprise customers access to Avaya unified communications and contact centre solutions delivered in a secure private cloud environment, providing enterprises with a convenient and automated path to the benefits of cloud communications.
- Avaya communications platform as a service, which enables organisations to build apps with ease and integrate them into any application, workflow, or communications system.
- Avaya device as a service, which enables businesses to acquire Avaya's latest smart devices with the flexibility of a monthly subscription rather than an upfront purchase. Following a successful introduction in the US in 2018, this offering is now available to customers in a number of European countries.
"Partners will see us take a much more aggressive stance with our approach to innovation and opportunity this year, and we'll be encouraging and supporting them to join us as we take the prevailing market forces around digital transformation head on," Moubarak added.
"Between our new cloud offerings, vertical-specific solution sets, and advanced Contact Centre and unified communications applications, we have a compelling story to take to our joint customers as CX and EX leaders that will drive amazing business outcomes."
Avaya also said there are opportunities for partners to move existing customers to new use cases, with the latest updates to Avaya IX Contact Center, IX Workplace, and the range of IX Devices, which can be optioned as open SIP.


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You don’t have to be an Austin culinary arts program graduate to know that all across the country, consumers are voicing their discontent concerning the food industry’s use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It seems that banning them altogether is an unlikely solution – many farmers use GMOs to fend off erosion of fresh soil and to keep up with demand for crops. But many believe that GMOs have a detrimental effect on public health, which is why millions came together on March 24 for the March Against Monsanto to demand labeling of foods that contain genetically modified organisms.
The Monsanto Company is one of the biggest producers of genetically engineered seed, which farmers buy to produce the GMO crops that make their way to millions of Americans’ tables every day. These edibles aren’t just in the packaged foods you buy at the corner store – they’re in the fresh fruits and vegetables that you as a Texas culinary arts school graduate go on to work with in the professional field.
Around the globe, there were more than 400 activism events that made up the March Against Monsanto initiative. In Boston, for example, more than 1,000 activists protested at Copley Square. According to Open Media Boston, the MA Right to Know GMOs organization, which pushed for labeling of GMOs in the state of Massachusetts, was in attendance. Co-founder of the campaign Martin Dagoberto discussed the fact that, though it has never been proven that there are any negative effects of GMOs to one’s health, the safety of GMOS has never been properly tested.
“I got my degree in biology and biotechnology from Worcester Polytech in 2006, and it was there that I gained an appreciation for the magnitude of the risks that we’re taking with genetic engineering,” Dagoberto told the rally. “There’s a lot we have yet to figure out; I’m not against science, but I don’t want to be a science experiment.”
There were also many farmers in attendance at the Boston protest. Jessie Banhazl, an organic farmer and founder of Somerville’s Green City Growers, also talked to the crowd of activists. She noted that, since people began cultivating their own crops some 10,000 years ago, food has grown without any help from chemicals. It’s only in the past century or so that additives have been used.
More than 50 percent of Massachusetts’ legislators officially endorse the bill to label GMO foods, which is now making its way to the House floor for a vote. However, activists are skeptical of its ability to pass due to cooperation between Congress and the food industry. That’s precisely why March Against Monsanto organized these rallies – to inform the public of their right to choose what foods they eat.
“Monsanto may control the money, they may control Congress, they may control the farm from its source, but do you know what they can’t control, our ability to feed ourselves by growing our own food,” Banhazl said.


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The iconic French label has unveiled the Tambour Horizon, an Android-powered stylish smartwatch created in partnership with Google and wireless innovators Qualcomm.
Running on Android Wear 2.0, the watch is a reworking of Louis Vuitton’s classic Tambour silhouette and swaps the mechanical hardware for digital technology.
The 42mm case of the watch sports a 1.2-inch AMOLED 390×390 touchscreen that is surrounded by a 24-hour dial ring and it is powered by a Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor.
In addition to the standard Android Wear features, Louis Vuitton has added some custom watch faces based on its existing product line-up, along with some flight-tracking and city guide features.
The pricing for the Tambour Horizon watch starts at $2,450 for the regular stainless steel model, and $2,900 for the black variant.
Last month Louis Vuitton unveiled a new line of Tambour watches, each with a striking new case design called the Tambour Moon, to mark the 15th anniversary of the original version.
Founded in France in 1854, Louis Vuitton has grown to become one of the world’s most renowned luxury brands.


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DoT, in its notification in May 2019, had said “e-commerce websites are equally responsible for facilitating such illegal transactions and must ensure that the sellers and buyers engaging in such transactions are in possession of the necessary licences and approval as mandated by the Department”.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) has been flagging the rampant sale of mobile signal boosters and repeaters on e-commerce sites, despite restrictions.
On Friday, the industry body had urged DoT to take strict measures to ensure complete ban on sale of illegal repeaters and boosters, offline or online via e-commerce websites, as it sought the government’s urgent intervention to “curb this menace”.
COAI in its latest letter to DoT has said that though some e-commerce companies have terminated sale of such equipment from their website/ platform after the association’s detailed assertions on the issue, others continue to sell them.
Notably, the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination (WPC) Wing under DoT has earlier too issued explicit communication on the issue – in May 2016, April 2017 and and May 2019. In each of these instances, it had come down heavily on online sale and purchase of wireless equipment through e-commerce platforms and asked companies to comply.
It has repeatedly asserted that where there is licensing or statutory requirements on telecom equipment being sold or purchased, it will be the responsibility of those selling or purchasing it, as well as of the online intermediaries facilitating such sale and purchase to ensure that the relevant statutes of the government are not violated.
In its notification in May 2019, WPC had mentioned that the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act strictly forbids the possession, establishing, maintaining or working of unauthorised telegraph.
“In addition to the above the WPC Wing, vide its order dated May 15, 2015 had informed the e-commerce sites that as per the Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Possession) Rules 1965, no person or dealer shall sell or hire a wireless set/equipment to any person, unless such person/dealers hold a valid dealers possession licence (DPL).
“The DPL holder can also sell wireless set/equipment only to such persons/entity that hold an authorisation issued by this Ministry to establish a wireless telegraph under the Indian Telegraph Act 1885,” it had said.
Brushing off arguments that role of e-commerce websites is that of an intermediary only, it had reminded that clarification was issued previously too making it unequivocally clear that e-commerce portals are operating as “online marketplace” and hence covered under IT Act as intermediaries.
It is the responsibility of the intermediaries to follow certain due diligence guidelines as stated in the norms. Citing the DPL requirement by the seller and the licence and permit requirements for the purchaser, WPC had said that online intermediaries need to ensure that these statutory requirements are fulfilled.
Drawing attention to provision of existing acts, subordinate rules and, orders and relevant facts, WPC had at that time asked companies to take immediate corrective measures to remove the display and the sale of unauthorized boosters from respective websites and ensure compliance with the stated rules.
The telecom industry has been voicing concerns over how illegal repeaters have “become a major nuisance” and “one of the biggest cause” for customers facing mobile network issues like call drops and low data speeds.
Boosters or repeaters, as they are commonly called, are being increasingly installed over the last few years. The equipment works by drawing in available mobile tower signals in low connectivity areas and amplifying and distributing it in small, concentrated locations, such as a building or a cluster of buildings.
In the past, boosters have been used by the operators in areas where mobile towers cannot be installed easily.
The telecom service providers make sure that installing a repeater doesn’t hamper the network coverage for people outside the distribution area and does not interfere with other operators’ allotted spectrum frequency, COAI said in its recent letter to DoT.
Highlighting the industry’s painpoint, COAI had said that grey market outlets and online e-commerce stores are making illegal low cost repeaters available for anyone to buy and install illegally. These repeaters are installed by unauthorised agencies at homes, offices, hostels and guest houses to boost mobile signal strengths.
The industry rues that such wide band devices draw in network signals to provide connectivity to a particular building or area in an unregulated manner, thereby depleting the network strength in other surrounding areas and results in call drops and depleted network quality.


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Toshiba’s board of directors has approved a JPY2 trillion (US$15.3 billion) offer from a consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) to buy the company, according to local media reports in Japan.
In a discussion with the famed AI scientist Fei-Fei Li at a forum on March 23, Pegratron chairman T.H. Tung remarked that the current stage of AI development is still not mature enough to replace humans, though AI will strengthen human judgment. Notably, Tung observed that in the new wave of AI arms race, the IC design industry has started to develop “small AI” chips.
While AI-generated content has driven NVIDIA’s price up more than 100% for the past six months, China-based GPU providers are not benefiting from the hype, with investment dropping both in fundraising rounds and amount.
The latest survey report showed that in 2022, China’s cloud market only grew by 10%, reaching US$30.3 billion. The fourth quarter of 2022 was especially rough, reporting only 4% growth and performing way under market expectations. This highlighted that as the economic situation deteriorates, corporations are less willing to shift IT resources to the cloud and instead focus more on operational cost-effectiveness.
Navigate on Autopilot (NoA) has become the standard feature of an intelligent car in recent years. China-based AI chip maker Horizon Robotics launched the Journey 5 chip, boasting high computing power and performance. It has formed partnerships with OEMs to speed up the adoption of automotive AI chips locally.
Samsung Electronics’ smartphone business has hit the rocks. In 2022, Apple captured eight spots in the list of top 10 best-selling smartphones, while Samsung managed to occupy only 2 spots with 2 entry-level models. Its premium, models such as the Galaxy S series, were nowhere to be seen. Samsung is urgently looking for a strategy to boost profits through high-end phones.
So far in 2023, cleanroom contractor L&K Engineering has secured orders totaling NT$18.62 billion (US$613.7 million) from United Microelectronics (UMC) for the pure-play foundry’s new fab in Singapore.
Leading Indian battery manufacturer Amara Raja Batteries has said they intend to establish a new manufacturing plant operating at a giga-scale capacity, with a primary focus on producing Li-ion cells and battery packs that are optimized for the unique conditions found in India. The move is part of the company’s efforts to transition from being just a lead-acid battery maker to an energy and mobility player.


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San Diego The Gold
This week, the happy egg co. will give Southern Californians something to cluck about as they expand distribution of their Free Range eggs into select Gelson’s grocery stores throughout Southern California. By adding 17 Gelson’s locations, the happy egg co. will make Free Range eggs conveniently available and affordably priced at a total of more […]
Leo Hamel Jewelry Buyers buys gold, silver, platinum, old and broken jewelry, watches, diamonds and gemstones, coins, antiques, and more. Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers opened a new jewelry buying location in the San Diego, CA community of La Mesa this month. They have inhabited a storefront in La Mesa since December 2009, but the recent […]
Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale in 12 ounce bottle A longtime staple in Hawaii will soon make its way ashore, courtesy of Hawaii-born Kona Brewing Company. Big Wave Golden Ale will join Kona’s portfolio on the mainland that includes flagship Longboard Island Lager, Fire Rock Pale Ale, and the trio of Aloha Series seasonals […]
Mental rehearsal, also known as “sports visualization,” is the secret to Olympic success according to gymnast Gabby Douglas, who last week became the first African-American to win the women’s all-around gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. “Someone mentioned that I was the first black American (to win the all-around gold), and I said, […]
Mann Middle School seventh and eighth grade theater students performed in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, with Annielene Contreras taking home the Gold Medal for Festival Outstanding Actor, as the students participated in the annual Student Shakespeare Festival. The annual Balboa Park event brings together kids from all over San Diego to celebrate “The Bard.” In addition […]
New Studies Confirm Value of Given Imagings Advanced Esophageal Diagnostics Products in Diagnosing and Monitoring Esophageal Disorders
Given Imaging ( NASDAQ : GIVN), a world leader in specialty GI products and pioneer of capsule endoscopy, today announced that new studies confirm the value of its PillCam® ESO as a tool to help triage patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and show that PillCam ESO can detect lesions that traditional gastroscopy has missed. […]
NuVasive, Inc. ( NASDAQ : NUVA), a medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and procedures for the spine, announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement for the purchase of Impulse Monitoring, Inc., a leading Intra-Operative Monitoring (IOM) provider in the United States. Intra-Operative Monitoring is a long standing service […]
While our friends to the north call them snowmachines, most of us know them as snowmobiles, and the hipper folks simply call them sleds. No matter what you call this mode of transportation, history will be made by Levi LaVallee on New Year’s Eve at Red Bull: New Year. No Limits., airing live on Friday, […]
San Diego Spirits Festival and Chefs de Cuisine Association Partner for the Ultimate Shakedown Series Organizers of the San Diego Spirits Festival have created a new series of competitions entitled Taste de Mixology Food & Cocktail Shakedown that pair local bartenders and chefs in a team challenge to create a food and drink combination worthy […]
Organizers of the San Diego Spirits Festival have created a new series of competitions entitled Taste de Mixology that pair local bartenders and chefs in a team challenge to create a food and drink combination worthy of “The Gold.” The roof-top venue at the Hard Rock Hotel in the historic Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San […]
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The Evolution Kit, which slots into the back of your existing Samsung Smart TV, is designed to enable the TV you bought in 2012 to evolve into the company’s newer Smart TVs.
The device boosts an older TV’s CPU, memory and GPU resulting in enhanced performance and features (such as faster Internet, better multitasking functionality, and improved voice and gesture control) identical to those offered by Samsung’s latest Smart TV models.
“The Evolution Kit is the optimal solution for users as it allows them to always experience the latest service of Samsung Smart TVs with their existing 2012 Smart TV even though hardware or software specifications continue to improve in the future,” the Korean tech company said in a release announcing its appearance at next week’s CES.
Samsung’s Sunny Lee said the Evolution Kit opens “a new era” of Smart TV that fits in with rapidly changing IT trends. “Consumers can enjoy the latest features and services every year without having to purchase a brand new set,” he said. That sounds great for consumers but we’re not sure it’s going to help Samsung sell more TVs in the long term.
The Korean company has plenty lined up for tech fans at this year’s CES. On the TV front, it’s promising to take the wraps off a Smart TV “unlike anything the world has ever seen,” while a new-look Smart Hub is set to be unveiled as well. Its award-winning 85-inch 4K Ultra HD TV will also be on display at the Las Vegas tech extravaganza.
Digital Trends will be on hand to bring you all the latest from the show, so stay tuned.


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After a whirlwind whistle-stop tour of Europe, we had reached our final stop of the PES 2018 World Tour. Milan was the venue,
The Italian Press and community members were present for a presentation outlining new features of PES 2018, led by Adam Bhatti, PES Global Product and Brand Manager and Assistant Producer of the game Masuda-San. Five new in-game faces were also revealed during the presentation, check them out below.
Among the press at the event was Alessandro Scarano of GQ Italy, who stated that “many aspects have been improved: the appearance and physical players and that of the ball”. Scarano also noted how defending and set pieces are now more realistic compared to previous iterations.
Alessandro Scrugli from Hdblog.it had decidedly more to say about PES 2018, starting with ball physics and realism. “The greater responsiveness allows the user to quickly choose whether to keep possession or create spaces (to) adopt a particular strategy”, said Scrugli, also mentioning the effect of physicality on collisions and contests.
Not for the first time, PES 2018’s graphics have been subject to rave reviews. “The highlight of PES 2018 is undoubtedly the Fox Engine graphics engine technology that guarantees the presence of polygonal models incredibly close to reality. The same goes for animations specific to each player”, Srugli commented. Scrugli goes on to praise the “completely free” gameplay and “freedom of movement”.
Yuri Polverino of Spaziogames also provided some feedback on PES 2018. They had some kind words to say about the PC edition of PES 2018 saying ‘We can say with certainty that the PC version goes beyond the console, thanks to more refined textures and an enviable fluency’. You can read Spaziogames’ full write up HERE.
IGN Italia had a presence at the event too. Andrea Boscarino gave his thoughts on the game in his impressions article which you can read HERE.
As members of the Italian press and PES community filtered out of the event in Milan, this signalled the end of a successful PES 2018 World Tour. As the build up to the game’s release on September 14th continues, expect to see more content and news releasing as we get closer and closer to the big day!


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May 8—Catie Serio was exploring career options in New York City when her mother, Natalia Nastovici, called and asked if she wanted to take over her business, Pretzel and Pizza Creations, while Natalia dealt with health issues.
Serio had helped her mom with the business in the past but never considered going into the family business full time. After considering her options, she and her boyfriend moved to Frederick to run the North Market Street eatery with the help of her cousins. Now, 11 years later, they've opened another location in Hagerstown and bought a food truck, and Catie is also a mother herself.
"I think [my mom] was kind of was just like, 'OK, this is temporary, and she's going to maybe go off and do something else,'" Serio said. "But no, I ended up staying."
Serio acknowledges it took a lot of trust for her mother to hand the business over, considering she had owned it since 1991. While the two often have different approaches to the business, Serio said she tries her best to honor her mother's original ideas and the legacy of Pretzel and Pizza before making any decisions.
"I think that was really important for my mom to kind of see that I'm not trying to take away anything that she's done, and I'm just trying to expand it and modernize it a little bit," she said.
Serio is one of many mothers who own businesses in Frederick, many of whom are working with their mothers or their children. Now that she has two kids, aged 4 and 10 months, Serio understands the balancing act that Nastovici had to go through when she opened the shop's doors 30 years ago. Serio was just 5 at the time. Her mother still helps with the business and often watches her grandchildren when Serio does work in the shop.
"I definitely have a lot more respect now that I have my own kids. It's such a balancing act, and I have such respect for my mom," she said. "... It's definitely such a challenge trying to balance children and their needs and work."
Kayla Slusher, who recently opened Worthy Waves Boutique in downtown Frederick, said part of her juggling act as a mother is to actually involve her 4-year-old daughter in her business. When she was picking products to sell in her store, her daughter Riley asked if she, too, could pick some items to sell. The result was Riley's Rack, which features some handmade items by Slusher in addition to kids' backpacks and accessories.
Riley has also contributed by making her own art that Slusher sells in the store. The proceeds go toward Each One Teach One, a nonprofit that teaches yoga to youth in Frederick County.
"I try to make it a learning process that she's completely involved in. So she can see what mommy's working on, and she can feel like she has her own thing too, and she can then pursue her own passions," Slusher said.
During times that she has to focus fully on work, Slusher gets help from her mother and father.
"My parents are a huge help and watching her whenever. They watched her when I had my pop-up [with Soul Street market], they watch her when we're open on weekends, they're just a really big help in that aspect," Slusher said.
Marcia and Maria DeVore also know what it's like to collaborate as a mother and daughter. The co-owners of Momma Lumpia first had the idea to make and sell lumpia — Filipino egg rolls — last summer. Marcia said she and her mother were sitting around with family talking about future plans and goals when one of Marcia's brothers asked why they had never sold lumpia before.
Maria DeVore has owned two restaurants in Hagerstown for the past 30 years but had never considered selling lumpia, which she makes for her family on a regular basis.
"We grew up eating [lumpia], so we have them all the time. So my mom literally stood up and started cooking them," Marcia said. "And we were taking pictures of them, deciding on how we were going to advertise ourselves. In December, we started selling to family and friends, and then it definitely blew up."
Maryland Bakes, a shared kitchen space in Frederick, reached out to the DeVores after seeing their success on social media. They recently started cooking out of the kitchen and are still working on how many days to make and sell their product.
One thing's for sure for the DeVores: They love working together. Marcia said she hasn't worked with her mom since she was 15, when she trained her to be a line cook at one of their restaurants. Now, they're able to work together on a new project and make their own hours.
"It's definitely fun. I feel like my mom and I make a great team," Marcia said. "... Mostly it's just me trying to learn what [my mom and dad] used to do when I was younger."
Serio went through a similar learning phase at Pretzel and Pizza Creations when she took over in 2010. Now, she mainly works away from the shop, managing her team, payroll and marketing. She's also been working all year to get a food truck up and running in the future, all while raising her toddler and newborn.
"I'm sure a lot of women, a lot of mothers feel similarly to me where they're trying to do their work, but their kids are all over them," she said. "So it's definitely a challenge, and I definitely think about my mom a lot ... there's just a lot of sacrifices that working moms have to make so they can provide for their families."
Follow Erika Riley on Twitter: @ej_riley


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SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom is a very celebrated game, which prompted THQ Nordic to take this surprisingly okay licensed cash grab and give it some sprucing up. Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated has been in the works for some time now, and fans won’t be waiting too much longer to get it. THQ Nordic finally announced a launch date for SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated alongside a fresh new trailer.
THQ Nordic showed off the new trailer for SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated and its launch date on the THQ Nordic YouTube channel on April 16, 2020. Launching on June 23, 2020, on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, players and fans will be able to re-explore the zany adventures of SpongeBob and his friends as they seek to outwit or simply ruin the schemes of the evil genius Plankton. You can catch the new trailer out just below.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated aims to take the original fan favorite game and up the quality of it, making it worthy of the legendary SpongeBob. Visuals and gameplay have been polished and tweaked, a new horde mode gives two players a way to enjoy the game in a gauntlet of never-ending enemies, and content that was cut from the original game due to time or technical constraints has been restored to give even players familiar with Battle for Bikini Bottom something interesting to discover.
From top to bottom, Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated is meant to be everything a fan might want from a SpongeBob SquarePants game. If you want to see exactly what we mean, check out our developer interview and gameplay video with the Battle for Bikini Bottom devs just below.
With SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated officially landing on the 2020 video game calendar in June, stay tuned to Shacknews for any new and final announcements leading up to the launch date.
TJ Denzer posted a new article, Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated gets June 2020 launch date
I cannot wait for this goodness to hit my Xbox.


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ChoicePoint ( CPS) added $250 million to its buyback plan. Shares rose 74 cents, or 2.3%, to $33.47 Tuesday.
Stocks are mostly higher on Friday, with the Dow trading higher for the first time in nine days. Oil prices jump after OPEC reaches an agreement to boost oil production.
The heart-implant manufacturer is down some 3% over two days, but is up about 15% so far this month.
The high court's decision that Web retailers must collect state sales tax doesn't change AMZN's great-looking chart.


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Huobi, the world’s third largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a partnership deal with DigitalX100, a Washington D.C.-based blockchain incubator to support start-ups worldwide.
Huobi Labs, the incubator arm of Huobi, will partners with DigitalX100 to identify promising blockchain companies and collaborate to accelerate their development.
The partnership comes a week after SBI Holdings, the investment arm of Japanese financial giant SBI Group, canceled plans to partner with Huobi to launch two cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan. Instead, the bank decided to build its own system with "robust security and sufficient processing capacity."
After China banned cryptocurrency exchanges last September, Huobi China ceased operations as an onshore cryptocurrency exchange. Instead, it launched a Singapore-based professional portal offering peer-to-peer trading services.
It also launched Huobi Labs, a blockchain incubator with operations in Beijing and Shenzhen that provides services to blockchain start-ups, including designing business models, project development, providing digital monetary funds and technical support.
"Blockchain is an innovative technology that will affect all aspects of the economy and society," said Ted Que, founder of Huobi Labs. "We are very excited to work together with DigitalX100 to support the start-up of blockchains all over the world, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses bigger, faster and hopefully more successfully."
DigitalX100 was founded by FinTech4Good, a global FinTech and Blockchain acceleration network.


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For most of the past decade, Vietnam has been experiencing a tourism boom. Pre-covid, international arrivals stood at over 15 million visitors annually (compared to only 4 million a decade ago), alongside roughly 80 million domestic trips.
As Vietnam’s economy is gradually recovering from the impact of the pandemic, the tourism sector is expected to pull its weight, even with a ban on foreign visitors still in place. The tourism promotion campaign "Vietnamese People Travel in Vietnam" that debuted in early May has seen airlines, hotels and tour operators offer attractively-priced products to coax domestic travelers back onto the beaches of Danang and to Dalat’s strawberry farms.
The incentives seem to be working. Pieter van der Hoeven, Minor Hotels' regional general manager for IndoChina, notes that Anantara and Avani hotels in Vietnam have seen a surge in domestic demand, “showing that there is no shortage of travelers who are keen to escape and enjoy good food, beautiful beaches and some time away from home.” Usually catering to the international traveler, the properties are now offering attractive packages for all residents of Vietnam, as well as specific food and beverage promotions and events in each respective hotel location.
For Kendall Nguyen, Managing Director of Luxstay, a Vietnam-based vacation rental platform, the country’s efforts to boost domestic tourism chime with his own (even before the pandemic, 80-90% of Luxstay's clients were Vietnamese). And the way the locals travel is rapidly changing too.
“Vietnamese tourists look for suburban villas for family or friends that can be reached in just a few hours by car, such as Ba Vi, Tam Dao, Soc Son in the north and Vung Tau or Ho Tram in the south. And the booking window is shortening.” Many still avoid flying, so Luxcar car rentals have surged after the company introduced a number of promotions.
Kendall expects domestic tourism demand to increase during the summer vacation. Pieter is banking on the summer holiday season too. “Our hotels and resorts throughout Vietnam have already been seeing a strong demand for domestic business over the last two months, particularly since local restrictions were lifted, domestic flights started taking off again and kids went back to school.”
As for the ‘travel bubbles’ and ‘air bridges’ between the countries with low transmission rates, Pieter says Minor hotels in Vietnam are “prepared for selected regional markets to be the first to recover.” “We have strategies in place per market to capitalize on these travel restrictions being lifted, but until anything is concrete, we will wait and see what transpires in reality.”
Looking at international arrivals, Kendall believes that a 'travel bubble' between Vietnam and Korea is on the cards. “In 2018, there were 15.5 million international visitors to Vietnam, of which Korean visitors accounted for more than 20% (3.5 million).”
Traveling with peace of mind
With tourists slowly returning to the sun-loungers and massage beds, hospitality players are going out of their way to reassure guests of their high health and safety standards.
Luxstay has rolled out an education campaign to remind homeowners of the importance of thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting rental properties between each stay. There are also hand sanitizing products for the guests to use, and they are free. “Lately, people have received a lot of information from the authorities and the media about the importance of good hygiene and how to be safe when going out,” says Kendall. “Travel safety is no different.”
Anantara has implemented a new program to enhance hygiene measures at its properties worldwide, as well as appointing a dedicated ‘Guest Guardian’ responsible for internal audits based on a series of rigid brand guidelines.
“We are operating our properties in line with local government requirements, as well as measures that both Anantara and Avani have implemented across all hotels. We adhere to all social distancing guidelines in our restaurants, bars and swimming pool areas, as per local regulations,” says Pieter. “We have been extremely fortunate in Vietnam that, while international travel is not yet permitted, our strong presence and trusted brand in the domestic market has given us an advantage that guests are reassured in the knowledge of staying in a safe environment.”
A balancing act
As travel and hospitality businesses restructure, there is an opportunity to make tourism work better, from reducing overcrowding to improving customer satisfaction, and companies are looking to implement systemic, lasting changes.
Luxstay used the forced downtime to upgrade its platforms (websites, apps for travelers and hosts) as well as improving customer experience. Kendall’s ambition is to see Vietnam’s homestay market regulated in a similar way to hotels’.
“The reason why the homestay market is not booming here is the lack of regulation. Where hotels have a star rating system, the only way to evaluate a homestay is to experience it firsthand or through word of mouth.” Luxstay aims to change that and is building a system to standardize homestays.
There are reasons to be wary of mass tourism and the risks it poses to the environment. But even in the era of all-inclusive packages and heavy discounts to drum up numbers there is a market for tailored, luxury products. In July, Anantara is launching a new luxury product, The Vietage, a luxury railway carriage linking Da Nang and Quy Nhon. A custom-designed 12-seater carriage will take guests on a journey through the Vietnamese countryside, with amenities on board to include a fully-serviced bar and massage area.
“Future demand for the summer holiday period is looking solid," says Pieter. “The train is generating huge interest and bookings, as well as knock-on accommodation bookings at both Anantara Hoi An and Anantara Quy Nhon Villas.”
Buckle up for a wild ride
After a slow start to the year, Vietnam’s travel industry appears to be on track to capitalize on domestic tourism, with summer bookings looking healthy and public confidence in travel taking less time to rebuild than feared. The fact that Vietnam’s tourism industry is bullish can largely be attributed to the country’s early success in containing the spread of covid-19 and in being able to reassure the population that traveling is safe again. Whether international borders reopen in the next few months or not, Vietnam’s travel sector seems to have found a silver lining even in these difficult times.


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Local show brings out admirers, collectors of antique bottles and pottery
People from all over the state made their way to Aiken on Saturday to share their common interest in antiques and pottery at the 11th annual Horse Creek Antique Bottle and Pottery Club Show and Sale.
The free event, put on by the Horse Creek Bottle Club, was held at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center and included more than 60 exhibitors, some local and some from out of state.
Geneva Greene, club president and show organizer, has said the event has gotten bigger and better each year, making it one of the more popular events held in Aiken.
Exhibitors ranged from collectors to the artists themselves.
People could come in and buy items, trade or bring in antiques of their own to find out what they may be worth.
Jason Rockwinn, of Myrtle Beach, said he’s been coming up to Aiken for the show for the last four years.
“I love old glass bottles, always have since I was kid,” Rockwinn said. “I’ve been to other trade events like this one over the years, but I’d say this one in Aiken is one of the better ones to go to. I’ve never left empty-handed either. Always have to buy something.
There was an array of Edgefield pottery and local old pottery from Aiken and Augusta, as well as South Carolina dispensary bottles and antique Coca-Cola and Pepsi bottles.
Jimmy Timms was there Saturday showcasing his massive bottle collection, which he has been putting together for nearly 20 years. He’s been showcasing his collection, which consists mainly of antique Coca-Cola bottles, at the Horse Creek Antique Bottle and Pottery Club Show and Sale every year since it began.
Timms explained how, over the years, he learned what bottles to collect by determining which were rarer and which were not.
“It’s really just a learning process,” Timms said. “Just because a bottle is 100 years old doesn’t mean it’s rare.”
Timms said bottles made in small towns are always rarer.
“They literally have done the research and found out that companies in small towns, when Coke was big back in the early 1900s, would order two cases of bottles, bottle them, sell them, then go out of business,” he said. “So, there might be only 48 bottles from that one town that were made.”


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Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) announced the new weekly intra-Asia service IA7 by Maersk.
Hutchison Ports MITT is Myanmar's first purpose-built international container terminal at Thilawa near the mouth of the Yangon River.
The maiden voyage of MV MAERSK KWANGYANG berthed at MITT on February 22.
Source: Hutchison's MITT
MV MAERSK KWANGYANG has a deadweight of 37,851 tons and LOA of 186 meters with 2,806 TEU in capacity.
The service is operated with four vessels of similar size and follows the Shantou — Nansha — Yantian — Hong Kong — Tanjung Pelepas — Port Klang(North) — Chittagong — Yangon(MITT) — Kuching — Da Nang-Shantou port of calls.
IA7 is estimated to load and unload around 800 TEU per sailing at MITT.
Boost to Myanmar-Asia trade
Min Kyi, general manager of MITT, said the start of this new service is an indicator of robust trade growth between Myanmar and neighbouring Asian countries.
"Today, about 60% of MITT's services are direct South China-Yangon and using Singapore and Port Klang as transhipment hubs, we foresee that intra-Asian volumes will continue to grow," Kyi noted.
The new service will support the import of raw materials, including CMP-Textile, fertilizers, construction materials and the export of agricultural products, such as rice, yellow corn, rubber and minerals to China, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.
"In anticipation of this growth, MITT will provide its highest standards of productivity and efficiency to customers to enable faster ship turnaround time, saving line’s inventory cost for empties repositions too," Kyi further said.
Hutchison noted that MITT is the leading international terminal operator in Myanmar and has been successfully providing integrated port services to customers with downstream support of Hutchison Logistics Myanmar.
As the largest container terminal in Myanmar, MITT has been awarded and recognized as a US-CTPAT terminal in Myanmar.
In order to reduce the shipper's logistics cost and upgrade the logistics index of Myanmar, MITT and Hutchison Logistics Myanmar introduced container barging service and train connections to streamline the delivery of containers and reduce road traffic and carbon emissions.
MITT also provides cargo consolidation and CFS to facilitate shippers' need for warehousing and intermodal services via MITT with multimodal transport modes.


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Karachi, December 12, 2019 (PPI-OT): Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hailed the visit of 64 member’s Russian delegation to Pakistan under the leadership of Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov. He indicated that the visit of Russian delegation on the occasion of Inter Government Commission meeting on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation will open new vistas of bilateral relations between two countries. He also appreciated the effort of Pakistan and Russian government on the settlement of mutual trade dispute of Soviet Union era.
Historically, Russia contributed a lot towards Pakistan’s progress as it built the Pakistan Steel Mills, OGDCL, Guddu and Mazzafargarh power plants, installed a lot of hydel turbines, and repaired the Jamshoro power plant etc. While commenting on the bilateral trade, the President FPCCI added that the present volume of bilateral US$ 732.4 million is not indicating the true reflection of bilateral relations.
He underscored the need of enhancement of bilateral trade and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. He said that there is a great scope of Pakistani textile and textile made ups, agro-based products, fruit particularly kinoos and mangoes, food processing and packaging, livestock and dairy farming, leather and leather products, surgical equipments and sports goods etc. in Russian markets which need to exploiting through aggressive marketing and participation of exhibitions in Russia.
He also underlined the need of Russian assistance for the rehabilitation of Pakistan Steel Mills which were established in 1973 with the assistance of Russia. He also emphasized on establishing of banking channels and simplification of visa for the enhancement of commercial activities between both nations. He stated that the Russia is a lucrative market for Pakistan and there is need of joint venture investment in various field particularly in the field of power sector projects, exploration of coal and other mineral resources, hydroelectric power, ship-building, high-tech machinery, infrastructure, transport, iron and steel, railways, construction etc.
For more information, contact:
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
Federation House, Main Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
Category: General Business News