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After being ousted as CEO, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey considered taking a job at Facebook.
That’s one of several tweetable revelations from New York Times columnist Nick Bilton’s upcoming book, “Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal,” which recounts the startup’s sometimes contentious and surprisingly turbulent beginnings.
Some of the others were culled from a lengthy book excerpt slated to be published in Sunday’s New York Times magazine:
• Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and former Vice President Al Gore all tried to buy Twitter.
• Gore’s bid to buy the company came “one night over copious amounts of wine and Patron tequila at his St. Regis suite in San Francisco.”
• Among the early names considered for the microblogging service before it settled on Twitter: Friendstalker, Vibrate, Twitch.
• Dorsey initially decided to limit tweets to 160 characters, or the maximum length of a text message on a mobile phone. It was later lowered to 140.
• In 2005, Dorsey was a 29-year-old New York University dropout “who sometimes wore a T-shirt with his phone number.” He was living in a tiny San Francisco apartment and had recently been turned down for a job at Camper, the shoe store.
• Shortly before Twitter launched in 2006, Dorsey threatened to ditch Silicon Valley altogether. “I’m going to quit tech and become a fashion designer,” he reportedly said.
• Employees complained that Dorsey “habitually left around 6 p.m. for drawing classes, hot yoga sessions and a course at a local fashion school.”
• His interest in fashion led to clashes with other Twitter employees. “You can either be a dressmaker or the CEO of Twitter,” co-founder Evan Williams once said to Dorsey. “But you can’t be both.”
• Dorsey’s ouster as Twitter CEO was rather unceremonious. At a breakfast, he “sat before a bowl of uneaten yogurt and granola as he was offered stock, a $200,000 severance and a face-saving role as the company’s ‘silent’ chairman.”
• Not much love in the book for Dorsey, who Bilton claims has spent years trying to rewrite history. As one former Twitter employee told Bilton: “The greatest product Jack Dorsey ever made was Jack Dorsey.”
• Don’t feel too bad for him, though. Twitter is valued at more than $16 billion, and Dorsey stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars in the company’s upcoming IPO.
Bilton’s book is due to hit bookshelves on Nov. 5.


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Has AMD itself leaked the existence of a new family of GPUs? By fiddling with URL addresses and figuring out what search terms to use, apparently, visitors to AMD’s website can see that search terms for the Radeon RX 500X series of GPUs are not simply sent to a 404 result, possibly confirming previous rumours that the RX 500X family was real.
According to 3DCenter.org, fiddling with the URLs and the search terms allowed their forum members to comb AMD’s website and reveal the new graphics card landing pages (although there is nothing more than the name to go on for now). By viewing the source code of the main search page, it was easy to go from there and find the search terms for the individual GPUs. They are:
The search URL also shows that these belong to the desktop graphics segment and not mobile graphics, which means it’s very likely that these are destined for launch fairly soon. Given the naming scheme, it’s also likely that they’re still based off the Polaris architecture with minor changes to the GPU die. There are also correct search results for the Radeon 540X and Radeon 550X, suggesting that these could be based on older GCN architectures.
Global Foundries, AMD’s production partner, did start spinning up 12nm FinFet production late last year, so it would be an opportune time for AMD to use that new inventory to produce a refresh of GPUs that are slightly faster and slightly more power efficient. With the mining craze subsiding, GPUs are coming back into stock, but on AMD’s side stocks do seem to be a bit more limited.
Further validating the rumours, a benchmark of a mobile version of the Radeon RX 560X appeared on the 3DMark database, with the GPU paired up to a Ryzen 5 2500U. AMD’s previous mobile products used the “DX” moniker to denote when the GPU was both mobile and a discrete version of the product. The 3DMark SkyDiver run might have been completed on an Acer Nitro 5, which has similar specifications. The Nitro 5 with Raven Ridge is still unreleased, so that may have given AMD time to update the GPU before it finally launched.
AMD is set to launch a new family of processors and motherboards this month, and has long been rumoured to also be planning a GPU launch in late April 2018. We don’t have to wait long to confirm the validity of these rumours.

domain: news


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Over on Google+, the Google Wallet team has announced that the service will be made available via the Android 4.1.1 update that's currently being pushed to the Nexus 7 tablet. With this app, owners will be able to whip out the gadget, and tap it against a compatible Google Wallet device to make a payment. The drawback (outside using a 7-inch device) is that users will need a stored MasterCard, Google Prepaid card, or a gift card. Sorry, no Visa for you.
To make a purchase, Nexus 7 owners simply wake the device -- actually loading the Google Wallet app is not necessary. If prompted at checkout, select the "pay with credit" option on the terminal. To tap and pay, hold the back of the device against the terminal. The default card will be used unless another card is manually selected. If necessary, enter the Google Wallet pin on the device and tap the terminal again.
As to where this new feature can be used, locations are currently minimal until most retailers jump on board. Here locally, outlets like CVS, Rite Aid, Whole Foods, BP, Petco, and a few others support the new feature. The ratio is undoubtedly larger in the larger metropolitan areas, but don't get too overly excited about paying with a tablet just yet.
NFC technology on a whole is just now getting started, so minimal support is expected. Intel, Google and MasterCard have been huge proponents in the NFC sector, seemingly pushing the smartphone and ultrabook industry to become tap-and-pay capable. On the smartphone side, the general consensus is that users have their smartphone in hand when checking out at the register, making it easier to use than having to dig through a wallet or purse to find the credit card.
Is this method more secure? Only if the user secures the device with a PIN, pattern or face-based lock. Yet even if a thief managed to steal an NFC device and slip past the secured point of entry, Google will lock the account if there are signs of foul play. The only way to unlock the account and make additional purchases -- and this is based on personal experience after someone hacked the Google account and used a stored credit card to make Google Voice calls -- is to supply government-issued identification (driver's license) and billing address information (utility bill, etc).
That said, whipping out a credit card may be the simplest route. Still, with checks a thing of the past and cash now rarely used, NFC devices may eventually replace those plastic cards we've come to know and love for decades.


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With a name like Harley-Davidson Cafe, it sounds like one of the last places you'd find a Manhattan business person having lunch, much less even walking by. Frankly, it sounds more like a Hell's Angels' biker bar.
Yet on a recent Thursday, there were no "road hogs" lined up at the curb outside. Nor were black-leather-jacketed bikers perched on stools inside.
Instead, like every day since Oct. 19 when the new Harley-Davidson Cafe opened, hundreds of businessmen and women were packed inside the restaurant. Some even stood in line for 20 minutes or more, waiting to get a taste of Manhattan's latest dining experience.
The only one wearing a black leather jacket was a hostess, properly attired to suit the room's decor.
And the only motorcycles in sight were those on display inside the restaurant --everything from an original 1903 Harley to streamlined Harleys of the future.
This is not to say hard-core "bikers" have not been in the new restaurant.
"They came and went. They come and go. We have no problems with that and we welcome them," said Harley-Davidson Cafe president Marc Packer, the only restaurateur to be granted use of the Harley-Davidson name.
"In the '50s, only a certain type of individual rode a Harley. Today, it's everybody. It has gone mainstream," said Packer, proudly pointing to photographs of various Harley owners displayed throughout his restaurant, including lots of celebrities.
You might expect some of those celebrities to be Harley enthusiasts, such as Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, Steve McQueen and Cher. But others might catch you by surprise, like Goldie Hawn or Kirstie Alley. Or, can you picture Roy Rogers hopping off Trigger's saddle and onto the seat of his Harley?
Harley Davidson has become a piece of Americana, said Packer, a successful New York City restaurateur, whose three-year love affair with his own Harley inspired his latest restaurant venture. He also owns Wolf's Sixth Avenue Delicatessen and Canastel's, two popular Manhattan dining spots.
Harley Davidson Cafe is billed as "the world's first interactive restaurant devoted to immortalizing 90 years of Harley Davidson history."
It's the latest in pop-culture theme restaurants across the nation intended to attract clientele by offering more than food.
"I just saw that theme restaurants are very, very hot. I looked at the success of places like Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe," said Packer, explaining his interest in such a venture.
And, unlike some theme restaurants, said Packer, Harley-Davidson Cafe is "not just a museum, but an interactive environment where patrons can touch, play and ride the wave of dining's future."
Packer's goal at the cafe is to "create a midtown 'playground' where the worlds of sports, music, movies, business and politics come together in their love for 'the Hog.' "
He illustrated the Harley camaraderie by pointing to a poster on the wall that reads: "It's not something you own. It's something you become a member of."
Located at 56th Street and Avenue of the Americas, Harley Davidson Cafe is in the same upscale neighborhood as some pretty stiff competition -- Planet Hollywood, with its movie and television focus, and Hard Rock Cafe, with its rock 'n' roll theme.
"I wanted a location that would reach the world," said Packer, assessing the busy Manhattan intersection location. He spent more than a year planning and working on the restaurant, hoping to turn a former bank building into a gold mine.
The theme restaurant concept has been around for decades. Hard Rock Cafe has been attracting patrons around the world with its "museum" of rock 'n' roll since 1971, when its first location opened in London.
Ironically, its founders, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, Americans living in London, had no intention of opening a theme restaurant, according to Norena Barbella, spokesman for Hard Rock Cafe. They just wanted a Southern truckstop-type place where they could eat a decent hamburger, get a cold beer and meet some girls. Their museum of rock 'n' roll memorabilia began when Eric Clapton, a frequent visitor to their restaurant, gave them a guitar. They hung it on the wall and before long, the first rock-star guitar led to dozens more, along with gold records, autographs, leather jackets and sequined suits.
Today, 36 Hard Rock Cafes worldwide yield annual profits of $300 million.
When asked how Hard Rock Cafe feels about newcomer Harley-Davidson Cafe moving into the neighborhood, Barbella responded, "I think it's great. It brings more business into the area."
Apparently, not everyone at Hard Rock is singing the same tune. Two years ago, when Planet Hollywood launched its first location in New York next to Carnegie Hall, Hard Rock Cafe filed suit against the new restaurant, alleging it was a restaurant with a too similar theme in the same neighborhood.
Planet Hollywood's concept originated in 1989, when Keith Barish, producer of "Sophie's Choice" and, more recently, "The Fugitive," and successful concept restaurateur Robert Earl (a former Hard Rock Cafe owner) formed a partnership. Not long afterward, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis joined the partnership.
The restaurant, which now has locations in London, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Santa Ana and Cancun, houses some of the most famous film and television memorabilia, including Billy Crystal's "City Slickers" saddle, the "Home Alone" sled and the "I Dream of Jeannie" genie bottle.
Thousands of fans patronize the Planet Hollywood restaurants, hoping to get a glimpse of the three celebrity owners or some of Hollywood's biggest stars, who frequent the restaurants. Patrons visiting the New York location on Oct. 4 were treated to a visit by Don Johnson, who presented the restaurant with the gun he used on "Miami Vice."
Recent visits to Harley-Davidson Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood at lunchtime apparently revealed enough business to keep everyone happy. People stood in lines waiting to get inside all three restaurants.
There's little doubt theme restaurants are popular, said Wendy Webster, spokesman for the National Restaurant Association. "Just because the restaurant industry is so competitive right now, with so many restaurateurs vying for your business, it's to your advantage to offer more than just food."
For many people, theme restaurants appeal to the need to "escape," Webster said. "It's almost like a mini-vacation, even if that vacation is just a one-hour lunch."
Entertainment-themed restaurants also can be found at places like the Disney-MGM Studios and Universal Studios, both near Orlando, Fla.
In his Harley-Davidson Cafe, Packer attempts to take you "on the road" with everything from music videos of motorcycle movies to the opportunity to sit on and "rev" up the engine of full-sized Harley right in the restaurant.
Movie screens magically roll down in several spots in the restaurant, displaying videos choreographed to songs like Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild." Smokeless "smoke" emits from the exhaust pipes of various Harleys on display. A life-sized replica of Peter Fonda sits on the motorcycle Captain America rode in the movie, "Easy Rider." It's one of many bikes on display.
Patrons can experience the "feel" of a Harley by sitting on a real one bolted to the floor. They activate the "roar" of the engine by sitting on the seat. And to capture the moment forever, a camera attendant stands nearby, offering them the opportunity to take home a 5-by-7-inch full-color snapshot for $9.
In addition to restaurant designers, Packer hired Allen Bank Associates, effects specialists who have worked with Walt Disney Productions, Radio City Music Hall and Studio 54, to help create the interactive atmosphere.
Lighting fixtures throughout the restaurant are made with Harley parts, including fenders, gear shifts and brake liners.
Like Hard Rock Cafe's and Planet Hollywood's memorabilia, Packer's collection of Harley "art" displayed throughout the restaurant is growing steadily. Although much of the material hanging on walls and displayed in cases has been painstakingly researched, some has been generously donated or loaned by Harley enthusiasts.
Billy Joel's 1981 Electroglide, for example, is one of several bikes displayed on a catwalk which hangs above the two-tiered restaurant's upper level.
Planet Hollywood also gets into the act. To further enhance the movie-dining experience, patrons view preview trailers of soon-to-be-released movies or film-montage videos on screens throughout the restaurant, with music from movie soundtracks playing in the background.
But it takes more than props and entertainment to make a restaurant work. The success of theme restaurants like Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood also can be attributed to good food at moderate prices.
Harley-Davidson Cafe prices are competitive. On a recent visit, the food was good and the portions generous. An 8-ounce grilled turkey burger, served with a pickle and a mountain of shoestring fries, was $7.50. Service was amazingly fast. We were served less than 10 minutes after placing our order.
Referred to as "gourmet road food" by Packer, the cafe's menu consists of down-to-earth food prepared under the supervision of restaurateur Drew Nieporent, of Tribeca Grill in New York, and chef Jay Lippin. A kitchen on each of the restaurant's two levels facilitates service.
More in demand than either the food or atmosphere at any of these restaurants, however, seem to be logo-emblazoned items like T-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball-type caps and jackets sold in their merchandise shops.
To proudly wear the logos of Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood or Harley Davidson on their chests, patrons are willing to shell out $14 for a T-shirt, $12.50 for a cotton cap, $22 for a sweatshirt and $110 or more for a jacket, depending on material and embellishment.
Theme restaurants generally go over well with the public because they supply wholesome family fun, said Webster of the NRA. "Forty percent of parents with preteen children never go out to eat without their children. So if a restaurant attracts children, the whole family will patronize it."
In the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney-MGM Studios at Disney World, for example, children and their parents are wholesomely entertained during their meal. They sit in shiny '50s vintage convertibles that double as tables as they watch sci-fi movie trailers and pseudo-documentaries on a giant screen.
Even Packer is surprised by the attraction children have to Harley-Davidson Cafe.
"The kids go crazy for this. We have more kids' birthday parties than I ever dreamed of," said Packer, who has a 10-year-old daughter who thinks his new restaurant is "really cool."
Packer's not the only restaurateur banking on the impact of a well-developed theme. D.R. Finley, who owns three horror-theme restaurants in New York -- Jack the Ripper Pub, Jekyll & Hyde and the Slaughtered Lamb Pub -- is planning to open early next year on Avenue of the Americas near 57th Street. Called Jekyll & Hyde Pub, it will feature a Frankenstein who descends from the ceiling, a butler and an Igor character who will talk to children.
And plans are under way for a May 1994 opening of Television City, a restaurant with a television theme, at Avenue of the Americas and 50th Street.
"The only risk to opening a theme restaurant is that something that is fun or hot right now could be very dated five years from now," said Webster.


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Consumer habits continue to evolve as new trends encroach on traditional bagged snacks turf.
The global food and drink market was reportedly worth $6111.1billion in 2020, a growth from $5943.8 billion in 2019. However, the products that drive increases in market value are constantly changing and former popular food and beverage products are up against strong emerging competition, particularly in the wholesale bagged snacks category.
Trends come and go in all categories and industries, with some sticking around for a while. However, this isn’t to say we shouldn’t pay attention to how they emerge, whether they’re here to stay or not and the impact they have on their respective industries. At Smylies, we have noticed the increase in demand first hand, with brands such as Brave, Chikas, Corners and more, launching competitive and innovative healthier bagged snacks into the market. This is not to say that staple savoury snack brands have vanished totally; they’re still very much alive and well on the worldwide market, but it’s safe to say that the boat is “rocking.”
How is the bagged snack market being impacted?
There is a growing popularity for sustainable healthier snacks and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Potato snacks in particular are up against tough competition from the likes of rice crisps, chickpeas, vegetable crisps, and quinoa chips. It would be fair to suggest that the Covid-19 global pandemic has played a significant role in the disruption of the status quo, as it has changed the lifestyles of so many consumers and also further propelled an already growing health conscious market.
The changes in attitude we are witnessing, raise two important questions;
- is the shift in attitude significant enough for long-standing brands to provide competitive alternatives?
- And if so, what are wholesalers doing to accommodate the growing demands for healthier products?
Well, neither questions have a short and simple answer. When looking at the former question, we can see that well-established brands such as Tyrells and Kettle have for some time now provided a vegetable crisp option as well as big brands like Walkers, offering potato snack ranges that are lower in calories such as French Fries. However, it would appear that the trend isn’t just affected by how many calories a bag of potato chips, (or their veggie alternatives) contains. Evidence suggests consumers are heavily influenced by the nutritional value of food items and therefore, this signals brands will have to look further into their bagged snack products to compete with emerging healthier substitutes.
How is market demand being met?
In terms of how wholesalers are working to meet the demand – As wholesale exporters, Smylies are aware of the increased demand surrounding bagged snacks and therefore have been determined to provide access to these brands on our online Smylies Shop. It is important to Smylies that we offer a diverse range of brands to meet the needs of our buyers across the globe. Ultimately, competition is good for the global market as it encourages well-established brands to up their game and allows emerging brands make their mark as trends evolve.
Browse the Smylies Wholesale Shop today
The Smylies Shop is accessible to wholesalers all over the world with buyers from over 170 countries – ensuring British brands have access to overseas markets through increased exposure.
Have you explored the Smylies Shop yet?


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TAG Heuer aims to dominate luxury smartwatch sector
Luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has unveiled the second generation of its connected watch, which it expects to grow its marketshare among the high...read more
Wearables are just getting exciting
Wearables have been going through a rough patch recently. Let’s face it, people are bored of the promise of engaging and relevant wearable tec...read more
Where does the future of AR & VR lie ?
AR and VR have dominated the tech headlines for the last few years but, now the hardware is out and the hype has plateaued, what next for the indust...read more


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Pelham police looking for burglary suspects
Published 1:50 pm Thursday, August 18, 2011
By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor
The Pelham Police Department is on the lookout for a pair of suspects officers said stole “several hundred dollars” worth of electronics from the Pelham Walmart on July 25.
Security cameras captured the suspects exiting the grocery side of the store, which is in the 2100 block of U.S. 31, at about 11:10 p.m.
One suspect was a female, and was seen leaving the store in a navy Auburn University T-shirt and denim shorts and a brown and white purse.
The second suspect, who had a shaved head, was seen exiting the store wearing a blue DC Shoes T-shirt and black gym shorts.
Pelham Police Lt. Pete Folmar said the suspects were last seen leaving the scene driving a pewter or silver GMC Sierra extended-cab pickup truck.
Anyone with information related to the burglary or the suspects should call Folmar at 620-6550.


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NUREMBERG, Germany — Nativity scenes carved of wood, ornaments, candles, children’s toys, gingerbread cookies in myriad shapes, sausages and mulled wine sipped in painted glass mugs.
Few places in Germany feel as Christmassy this time of year as the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most storied festive markets in the country.
After the Covid pandemic stole two holiday seasons, the red-and-white-roofed booths, rich and spicy odors of treats, and mulled wine-enhanced cheer are back to entice Nurembergers and tourists to a central square in the city again this year. According to city historians, the market has formed annually since at least 1628 (with breaks for the pandemic and for several years right after World War II).
“It’s not really a normal Christmas without the market,” said Ursula Köbl, 73, a local who claims that she never missed the market until 2020, when it was first shut down to prevent the spread of Covid.
But even before this market closes on Christmas Eve at 2 p.m. — as tradition demands — vendors predict that they will not make out as well as they did in 2019. And for the first time in modern history, more than a dozen vendors gave up their prized spots because of high costs and staff shortages, leaving gaps in the lineup of stalls that looked like missing teeth in an otherwise cheerful smile.
Long an integral part of the social calendar, Germany’s roughly 500 Christmas markets have renewed importance as weather vanes of the national mood. Many of them are opening again without any Covid restrictions, but until they opened at the end of November, it remained uncertain whether the economic situation and a looming energy crisis would sour the mood.
Towns and cities across Germany have been darkened because of new energy-saving rules that prohibit the exterior lighting of advertisements, public buildings and even landmarks. Amid the cuts, the markets — tiny temporary villages made up of cloth, wood and strings of (energy-efficient LED) lights — face a challenge to encourage commerce to thrive. First indications suggest, with qualifications, that they are succeeding: While people tend to be spending less at the stalls, the crowds are as big and enthusiastic as ever.
“Many of us missed this market,” said Marcus König, Nuremberg’s mayor. “It’s just a balm for our dented souls after two and a half years of pandemic during which there was very little cultural life.”
The coronavirus has had a detrimental effect on city coffers, which rely on the market, tourism and business travelers who come to the city for trade fairs and congresses, Mr. König explained, adding: “The Christkindlesmarkt is part of Nuremberg’s DNA.”
Read More on the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Boosters: Americans who received updated shots for Covid-19 saw their risk of hospitalization reduced by roughly 50 percent this fall compared with certain groups inoculated with the original vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
- Seniors Forgo Boosters: Nearly all Americans over 65 got their initial Covid vaccines. But only 36 percent have received the bivalent booster, according to C.D.C. data.
- Free at-Home Tests: With cases on the rise, the Biden administration restarted a program that has provided hundreds of millions of tests through the Postal Service.
- Contagion: Like a zombie in a horror film, the coronavirus can persist in the bodies of infected patients well after death, even spreading to others, according to two startling studies.
In 2019, the market had 2.2 million visitors who brought in an estimated 180 million euros, about $191 million. The haul is likely to be smaller this year. But despite the fact that the traditional live music stage has been left out this Christmas, the market has been well visited by a mix of enthusiastic Nurembergers and tourists, mostly other Germans and Americans.
“We’ve seen people are really keen to go out and socialize in groups again after the break forced on us by Covid” said Patrick Arens, vice president of a trade association representing vendors at Christmas markets across Germany. Mr. Arens runs a mulled wine stall at the Christmas market in Dortmund.
Ms. Köbl, who was out with friends, cheerfully agreed. “Even when it is this cold, you come out and you mingle and you forget about cold feet,” she said. She noted that she was planning on at least one glass of mulled wine to warm up, even though the price had risen to €4, from €3.50 in 2019.
Kurt Leithner, 80, who helps his daughter run a booth selling dollhouse furniture, said, “I notice people have changed how and what they buy.” Where customers used to pay €30 for a meticulously crafted dollhouse wardrobe, they are now more likely to riffle through smaller items — such as cast-iron typewriters or lamps — that cost less than €5. “There are enough people here, it’s just that one has become more thrifty,” he said.
Ingrid Kiel, who together with her husband helps out at a booth that sells ornate wood decorations, said, “You always need mulled wine and sausage.” Pointing to intricately crafted Nativity scenes that can put discerning customers back nearly €1,000 (most businesses at the market accept credit and debit cards), she said, “But this stuff you don’t actually need to live.”
Two-thirds of Germans told pollsters at the McKinsey consulting firm that they expected inflation to drive consumer goods prices higher, and nearly 60 percent said that increasing prices were currently their main worry. More than half — 53 percent — said that they were planning to save by buying fewer Christmas presents, the survey found, and a minority — 13 percent — said that they would forgo gifts altogether.
But to many Nurembergers, the rising cost of living does not diminish the joy of getting together, of exchanging news and gossip and of living their normal lives.
Even with the electricity crunch brought on by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Mr. König and other city administrators decided not to pare down this year’s festivities — that is not the case at all the Christmas markets in Germany — leaving the opening hours as 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The city has been using LED lighting for years, he said, and outdoor heating had been mostly banned since 2008.
A number of rules give the Nuremberg market an old-fashioned vibe. No recorded music is played on the main market, for example, and no items made outside of the Nuremberg region are supposed to be sold (the city acknowledges some leniency on that point). Vendors have to apply in February for a spot. The city’s wait list is usually in the triple digits. (Because vendors are carefully chosen by what goods they sell to maintain a balance, none of those on the list could be used to fill the last-minute gaps this year.) Since 1999, there has been a separate Children’s Christmas market with lower counters and an elaborate merry-go-round.
This year, 20 vendors canceled because of high costs, staff shortages and coronavirus fears, a first in the modern market’s history, according to Marco von Dobschütz-Dietl, who runs the market.
Klaus Schrödel, 59, has been a fixture at the market for three decades, selling traditional zwetschgemännla, good-luck avatars made out of thin wire and prunes. Like many Nurembergers who spend four to five weeks running a stall at the square, he sees the market as his hobby. He and his wife spend the year preparing the odd little keepsakes, and they take time off from their regular jobs to work at the market in December.
“It’s a hobby for me; others travel,” he said. Because his product costs less than €10, he’s doing well, but prices for the fruit he uses as a raw material has doubled, bringing down his margin.
One steady source of sales, even for more expensive goods, has been American tourists, many of whom visit the market on a stopover from river cruises.
On a recent chilly night, Paul Bullock, 50, his wife, Carrie, and friends were in from Austin, Texas, straight off the plane and delighted with the sights and smells. Asked whether they planned to make any major purchases, they conceded that they were ready to be tempted.
“We weren’t planning on buying anything, but I guess we’ll find out if we stick to the plan,” he said, laughing.


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Plastic pollution in our oceans and lakes is a big problem, with discarded plastics forming gyres bigger than states. But tiny plastics can be a problem too.
Researchers have found that the plastic balls used as exfoliants in body scrubs are polluting the Great Lakes. Scientific American reports:
"They are too tiny for water treatment plants to filter, so they wash down the drain and into the Great Lakes. The biggest worry: fish such as yellow perch or turtles and seagulls think of them as dinner. If fish or birds eat the inert beads, the material can deprive them of nutrients from real food or get lodged in their stomachs or intestines, blocking digestive systems."
Read the full story here.
What can you do? Consider switching to a body wash that uses natural ingredients or try one of our DIY salt and sugar scrub recipes.


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It’s no secret that social media channels are extremely useful for acquiring new users or convincing existing players to return. However, with new user acquisition channels and methods regularly popping up, the benefits of social media advertising have been a topic of discussion lately.
After all, not too long ago social channels were new and were considered “experimental” for gaining new users, and nowadays, they’re taken as a traditional approach. Having said all that, social media channels are still extremely beneficial for mobile game publishers, and Sensor Tower backs this up with a recent study on advertiser spending in the UK. Of course, the UK alone isn’t a convincing case, but it’s factual and thorough.
Per Sensor Tower’s reliable data, gaming advertisers in the UK expended nearly 53% of their total ad spending on social media channels between May to August. The data provider makes a convincing case by sharing Voodoo’s ad spending —with approximate numbers, of course— during this four-month period.
Sensor Tower says Voodoo’s ad spending was focused mainly on TikTok and Snapchat, and paying little attention to Instagram. The data provider acknowledges Voodoo as a top-tier hyper-casual publisher (rightly so, if Mobidictum may add), and believes that other hyper-casual publishers can find more success if they base their ad spending strategy on these two social channels.
Keep in mind that this is a region-specific study and user behavior can change drastically depending on a high number of variables.


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The discontinuation of NCAA football video game in 2014 disappointed several online soccer players. While online gamers enjoyed playing poker games like judi online, the NCAA football video game was a refreshing change. It is good news now that the popular online soccer game is soon to return to its fans on this website here.
What is the NCAA Football Video Game?
NCAA or National Collegiate Athletic Association is an online soccer video game developed by EA Sports. This is an American game inspired by the real-life NCAA football matches. In the video game version of NCAA football, players compete against the current Division I Football Bowl Subdivision colleges. It could be played on Playstation, Xbox, Windows, iOS and GameCube. The game found a massive following, ranking just behind EA Sports’ famous titles – the FIFA Soccer and NFL Madden games.
Why was NCAA Football Video Game discontinued?
The popular football video game was discontinued in July 2014 by NCAA who refused to renew its licensing contract with Electronic Arts. The discord happened over legal disputes regarding the use of player likenesses in the games.
Is NCAA Football Video Game likely to return?
The major reason that the game went out was because the players were not paid for using their likenesses in the game. However they were compensated by EA Sports on applying for a settlement. EA Sports still has no qualms in compensating the athletes whose avatars were used in the game. They only want NCAA to soften its rules on using the same in its games. In fact, those at EA Sports are aware that a comeback of the video game would be met with a lot of cheer. Nothing is clear till now. Rumor has it that the NCAA might want to connect the video-game payments to education. Whatever be the case, EA Sports is more than eager to be back with the game.


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Big Blue Details Big Plans -- And Big Money -- In Open Source Strategy
IBM Linux and Open Source VP Scott Handy lays out a sweeping game plan in his LinuxWorld keynote Tuesday, including major investments in open source client-side middleware, development tools, Web application servers, data servers, and numerous other technology categories.
IBM plans a major expansion beyond Linux into the open source technology and services business.
At the LinuxWorld Conference here, IBM Linux and Open Source Vice President Scott Handy said the company will invest more heavily in open source client-side middleware, development tools, Web application servers, data servers, systems management, open hardware architecture, grid computing and technology services businesses.
For example, IBM Global Services plans to offer both business consulting and technology services to enable customers to benefit from open source solutions and open source models, he said.
"We plan a major expansion beyond Linux into open source. ... It's poised to be a more disruptive force in the industry in the next three years than Linux has been in the last 15 years," Handy said. "With open source beyond Linux, we'll be as aggressive and leapfrog right to the injection stage."
IBM did not discuss Red Hat's purchase of open source application server giant JBoss. But the Armonk, N.Y. company emphasized during its press conference Monday that its software, hardware and services organizations will push hard on open source business models to drive new revenue.
The company will push the Eclipse Rich Client Platform for hosting cross platform applications, Eclipse frameworks for development, Web application servers based on Geronimo, open source database Apache Derby and license-free IBM DB2 Express-C, the Aperi open source management project, open hardware organizations, Open Grid Services Architecture and Globus Alliance.
Handy said IBM will parlay its success with large open source projects such as Linux, Apache and Eclipse to drive growth in these eight disciplines, including the IBM Global Services business. Linux has ballooned into a $7 billion business since IBM began investing in it seven years ago.
IBM currently has 15,000 customer engagements with Linux and more than 7,000 Linux Global Services consultants available to help customers build Linux solutions. The company has also pledged to make its Lotus Notes and SameTime IM corporate applications available on Linux natively.
IBM will also continue to drive advancements in the Linux kernel. To that end, IBM plans to integrate its Cell BE processor technologies into the Linux kernel and will work with Red Hat to extend Security-Enhanced Linux.
The Business of Going DigitalDigital business isn't about changing code; it's about changing what legacy sales, distribution, customer service, and product groups do in the new digital age. It's about bringing big data analytics, mobile, social, marketing automation, cloud computing, and the app economy together to launch new products and services. We're seeing new titles in this digital revolution, new responsibilities, new business models, and major shifts in technology spending.
What The Business Really Thinks Of IT: 3 Hard TruthsThey say perception is reality. If so, many in-house IT departments have reason to worry. InformationWeek's IT Perception Survey seeks to quantify how IT thinks it's doing versus how the business views IT's performance in delivering services - and, more important, powering innovation. The news isn't great.


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- It acquired Mobileye, an Israeli autonomous driving firm, in 2017 for $15.3 billion.
- Intel’s stock price has fallen from $68 in April to less than $50 in December.
- Founded in Jerusalem in 1999, Mobileye is one of Israel’s biggest success stories in technology.
Intel has announced that it plans to list Israeli autonomous driving firm Mobileye, which it acquired in 2017 for $15.3 billion as part of an effort to branch into new markets.
Santa Clara Chip Maker said on monday that it plans to take Mobileye public in the US through an initial public offering of newly issued Mobileye stock in mid-2022.
Intel, whose share price fell from $68 in April to less than $50 in December, said the listing would create value for Intel shareholders. It said it would remain a majority shareholder of Mobileye.
Founded in Jerusalem in 1999 by Amnon Shashua and Jiv Aviram, Mobileye is one of Israel’s biggest success stories in technology. The company develops self-driving cars and advanced driver-assistance systems for other manufacturers.
Over the years, it has partnered with Tesla, BMW, Volvo and General Motors. Last July, it signed a deal with Ford to support its next generation of advanced driving and safety features in the automaker’s global product lineup. The deal involves Ford using Mobileye’s “IQ” Camera-based detection technologies for features such as forward collision warning and vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection.
In a statement, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger acknowledged the acquisition of Mobileye as a success, adding that Mobileye revenues will be 40% higher in 2021 than in 2020.
Gelsinger, who took over as Intel’s CEO in January, said, “Amnon and I have determined that an IPO provides the best opportunity to build on Mobileye’s track record for innovation and unlock value for shareholders. “
The Mobileye listing marks a return to the stock market for the company, which listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014 after receiving a $130 million investment from Goldman Sachs in 2007.
At the time of the Mobileye acquisition, the deal was considered expensive, especially considering that Intel had recently reported annual revenue of only $400 million. But the valuation of self-driving car companies has increased after the acquisition of Mobileye. Waymo and Cruise are both valued at over $30 billion.
Mobileye had a market value of $10.6 billion when Intel acquired it. It’s unclear what kind of valuation Intel would like to gain for Mobileye next summer.
Following the news, Intel stock rose nearly 8% in after-market trading on Monday, with shares climbing from about $49 to $51.
Overall, Intel’s stock price has struggled this year, while other chip firms, including Taiwan’s TSMC and graphics chip designer Nvidia, have seen their stocks rally.


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The percentage of consumers who are seriously behind on their credit card bills is expected to hit a decade-long high next year, according to a new report from credit reporting agency TransUnion.
While 90-day delinquency rates have been rising for the last five years, the predicted 2.01% increase next year is still significantly below the 2.97% in 2009, according to TransUnion. The delinquency rate is currently 1.99%.
The rising rates suggest credit card companies are working with higher-risk borrowers.
“This is really reflective of an expanding credit card market,” said Matt Komos, vice president of research and consulting at TransUnion. “This is just a natural progression in that uptick in delinquency as that access continues to grow.”
Households are also taking on more unsecured loan debt, like consolidating credit card bills into a single fixed-term loan. Data from Equifax shows personal loans are up more than 10% compared to last year.
Those factors, combined with a sudden downturn, could leave overburdened credit card borrowers vulnerable, said Brian Riley, a credit industry analyst for the Mercator Advisory Group.
“It’s definitely a yellow light,” he said about the latest forecast from TransUnion, suggesting that credit card companies and consumers “maybe tap the breaks a little bit.”
But Riley doesn’t think there’s immediate cause for alarm, because the unemployment rate remains at its lowest in decades at 3.5%.
Another positive indicator is that while delinquencies are on the rise, the pace of that increase is low compared to 10 years ago, according to Christopher Thornberg, founder of the research consultancy Beacon Economics.
“I look at things like, for example, debt to income,” Thornberg said. “And debt-to-income ratios today are lower than they were back in 2012.”
There also is not a dangerous rise in low-credit-score borrowers, Thornberg said.
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Heinz History Center unveils new Heinz exhibit
New company CEO excited to see display expand
Heinz products are among the most know exports from Pittsburgh, and the Heinz Company has a long-standing history in the city.
VIDEO: Watch Ray Petelin's report
"People know about Heinz all over the world. It's one of the most recognizable brands in the world,” said Heinz History Center President Andy Masich. "People come to the Heinz History Center expecting to learn about Heinz."
While the Heinz History Center has had a Heinz exhibit for a while, it wasn't until the current CEO of Heinz, Bernardo Hees, took the helm of the company that talks to expand the exhibit started.
"Bernardo Hess, the new CEO of Heinz, and I talked soon after he arrived in town, and he believed we needed a new and improved Heinz History Exhibit," Masich said.
As for Hees, he is excited to see the expanded Heinz display. "This new exhibition we are unveiling today is a gift to the city, a reminder of our commitment to Pittsburgh,” Hees told Pittsburgh's Action News 4.
The new Heinz exhibit boasts 570 Heinz artifacts, commercials from the last 75 years and a look back to products from a time long gone, like Heinz Tomato Fish Sauce. You can also see in the timeline of Heinz products, where the company switched the spelling from "catsup" to "ketchup,” the common spelling of the product used today.
For the first 57 days of the exhibit, which starts Saturday, everyone who visits will get a pickle pin that resembles the same pins handed out after a Heinz plant tour.


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Stay on Top of Enterprise Technology Trends
Get updates impacting your industry from our GigaOm Research Community
We reported here on Tuesday that AT&T (s t) had announced plans to make VoIP services available on its 3G network, great news for iPhone (s aapl) users who previously could only use applications like Skype and Vonage via a Wi-Fi network. So, AT&T sorted out MMS and now it’s sorted out VoIP. That just leaves tethering, right? Now that it’s upgrading its network and fixing everything that was wrong for iPhone customers, tethering has to be just around the corner, yes?
No. According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, an AT&T spokesperson says it needs more time to work on that functionality:
Whenever we offer new features, we want to offer the best possible customer experience. For tethering, we need to do some additional fine tuning to our systems and networks so that we do deliver a great experience.
So I won’t mention how, late last year at the Web 2.0 Summit, AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega told Michael Arrington that tethering would be available “soon.”
Clearly AT&T is struggling to cope with the data demands made by modern smartphones on its creaky old network. Speaking this week at the annual CTIA Conference in San Diego, and reported by PC World, de la Vega hinted at possible future steps the telecom giant may take to lessen the load. “We have to manage the network to make sure that the few cannot crowd out the many,” he said.
PC World’s Mark Sullivan thinks this can only mean one thing: placing hard limits on the total amount of data iPhone (and other bandwidth-hungry smartphone) owners can consume.
In the face of exploding data service demand and scarce wireless spectrum, does AT&T intend to quietly begin rationing the data usage of bandwidth hogs like the iPhone? Will AT&T begin to quietly “manage” the duration and speed of my 3G connection based on how much data I’ve used in a given day, or on the type of content or services I’m using the bandwidth to access?
AT&T announced in September that it was working on upgrading its network, but the process will take time. Is throttling data a necessary solution in the short term, until the network can more adequately meet the demands of the (growing) smartphone market?
In an article yesterday on All Things Digital, John Paczkowski reported that a staggering 4.1 billion text messages are sent every single day in the U.S. (740 billion in the first half of 2009 alone). That’s double the number in the same period last year.
According to the CTIA, there are more than 246 million wireless data-capable devices at large in the U.S. today. Of these, 40 million are smart phones or PDAs, and more than 10 million are laptops. Little wonder that wireless data service revenue rose 31 percent to more than $19.4 billion in the first six months of 2009.
It’s not hard to see that AT&T is behind the curve when it comes to bolstering its data network to meet the demand of its customers. So far behind the curve, in fact, that its competitors can afford to take legitimate shots at the company in television commercials.
So what’s the solution for long-suffering iPhone customers? Jumping ship and moving to Verizon (s vz)? Or remaining loyal to AT&T, avoiding the hassle of changing contracts and giving the company time to improve its network and expand its services? It’s already had the better part of three years. How much more patience will customers have?


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| Jan 30, 2013
| 1:25 PM
Margaret and Louis Chatey are turning pears and apples from Ledyard and Middlefield into award-winning brandy in a barn off an Ashford country lane.
Over in East Hartford, Adam von Gootkin is hunting for Connecticut corn he can transform into what he...
| Jan 29, 2013
| 9:24 PM
Beer lovers will appreciate that the first ever Lehigh Valley Beer Week, Feb. 11-17, encompasses Valentine’s Day. Is there a better way to express abiding affection for craft brews than enjoying a special beer dinner on Feb. 14 at Allentown or...
| Feb 1, 2013
| 8:42 PM
A building is not, of course, a living thing, and so, unless it's the one you work in, live in or visit with some regularity, you probably take most of the city's thousands of other buildings for granted.
There are, of course, the stars, those...
| Jan 9, 2013
| 4:00 PM
Less than two years old, 5 Rabbit Cerveceria has found success that many young craft breweries would envy.
Its founders — Mexican and Costa Rican nationals — found a fresh niche in the industry: the first Latin-themed craft brewery in the...
| Jan 14, 2013
| 7:48 AM
ATLANTA - "It won't be too long until there's a coffee roaster, brew pub, distillery and maybe a cacao artisan in every town," said Bill Owens, president of the American Distilling Institute.
That prediction is about to come true for metro Atlanta. The...
| Jan 15, 2013
Q:I have eaten at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery several times and LOVE their Tuscan Chicken. Is there a recipe that you could get for this delicious dish?
—Patricia Korns, Westmont
A: Yes! Here's the recipe for Rock Bottom's Tuscan Chicken...
| Jan 16, 2013
| 1:34 PM
Bella Vista Suites
Bella Vista Suites, downtown Lake Geneva's stunning all-suite boutique hotel, features a four-story atrium, well-appointed one- and two-bedroom suites and elegant private function areas. The suites offer brilliant lake views or...
| May 14, 2013
| 3:43 PM
How much does Chicago love its beer? Our craft beer week is 11 days long, if that's any indication. The fourth annual Chicago Craft Beer Week (May 16-26) is busier than past years, with 21 new breweries joining the lineup of tastings, tap takeovers and $4...
| May 8, 2013
| 9:50 AM
Shebeen Brewing Co. just opened its doors in Wolcott this past Sunday. Firefly Hollow Brewing Co. is shooting for its Bristol kickoff in June. That's also the target date for Broad Brook Brewing Co. up in East Windsor.
In fact, new craft breweries...
| May 8, 2013
| 9:45 AM
Landmark Biergarten at Station Eats
3 Landmark Square, Stamford, stationeats.com
The Beer Garden @ Harbor Point
15 Harbor Point Road, Stamford, (203) 316-9044, beeratthepoint.com
The Old Heidelberg
55 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, (203) 797-1860,...
| May 7, 2013
| 1:10 PM
The two flagship beers from Woodberry's Union Craft Brewing Company — Duckpin Pale Ale and Balt Altbier — will be sold in 12-ounce cans in Baltimore city retailers by Friday, according to co-founder Jon Zerivitz. The cans will be sold in other...


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Today, we are getting more details on the highly-anticipated Spider-Man Miles Morales. First unveiled during Sony’s big PlayStation 5 celebration showcase and initially assumed to be a full-on sequel to Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man game, we now have more information on what to expect from the Miles Morales spin-off when it releases during holiday season 2020. Plus a new PS5 screenshot of his costume. Head below for more details.
Spider-Man Miles Morales:
Spider-Man Miles Morales is based on the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. Morales was a side character that was occasionally playable in Insomniac’s 2018 Marvel’s Spider-Man. Near the tail end of the experience, Miles is bit by a radioactive spider, imbuing him with abilities and powers not unlike Peter Parker’s, while the City that Never Sleeps DLC put him to work for the first time. The upcoming Spider-Man Miles Morales game will seemingly continue right where the DLC left off and further flesh out the story of Miles.
Not quite a sequel:
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, game direct Brian Horton divulged some additional details about the way Insomniac is treating this not-quite-sequel spin-off game. But not to worry, while it will be a smaller experience, Horton seems confident this more bite-sized game will allow the team to tell a more intimate story that will hold fans over until the proper Marvel’s Spider-Man sequel is ready:
This is a full arc for Miles Morales that started in Spider-Man. We really are completing this hero’s coming of age in our game. It is a complete story. When we started crafting it, we realized that, with a little bit more of a compact storytelling style, we could tell a very emotionally impactful story that would fit really well as an experience that would take Spider-Man 1 and Miles Morales and do justice to this character.
Insomniac has previously hinted at the existence of a proper Spider-Man 2 game, so it would appear it hasn’t left Peter Parker behind for good. The team said it has lots more of Peter Parker’s story to tell but feels as though it can establish Miles in his own right as well.
We already know the game will feature new set-pieces, villains, and quests and possibly take place largely in Harlem. It kicks-off just before Christmas — timely considering the holiday 2020 release date — as a war in the streets between an energy corporation and high-tech crime gangs ensue. But if you’re looking for some kind of comparison as to how “compact” of an experience this might be, look no further than the Lost Legacy Uncharted title. In the new EW interview, Horton doubled down on this comparison saying the game is a “shorter spin-off, likened in scope to the Lost Legacy game in the Uncharted series.”
The Entertainment Weekly piece also featured a new screenshot via PlayStation 5. Much like the more hand-drawn style of the box art Sony revealed last month, it combines the classic comic-book style with the more modern approach Insomniac has been taking:
The now Sony-exclusive Insomniac development team was likely inspired by Naughty Dog’s success with its spin-off. Or maybe it just needed to have an exclusive Spider-Man game Microsoft can’t get their hands on for the PlayStation 5 launch. While it’s not overly likely considering this is Insomniac and that it has had over two years (at least) to create Spider-Man Miles Morales, let’s just hope the game isn’t rushed to hit the November/holiday 2020 launch window.
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Oct 11, 2020 – Tawang, India
In a throat grabbing study published by the unscientific group ‘Evolution World Wide’ (aka Eww), it was noted that the next version of Humans will have longer necks, as long as evolution stays as a fact.
The group noticed that due to the 2020 pandemic, masks have become commonplace and it can impact the neck length in long term. Although most of the literate people do wear masks where they should be worn, i.e. covering mouths and nose, there is a large group of humans who wear masks on their necks, just below the chins. That tricks the mind to assume that the neck is the most dangerously exposed place from which infections could enter the human body. Hence, there is a chance that necks would be given due importance and they would grow much longer. Eww says that the species of humans in the future would be named Homo Giraffus. It is not known what impact would it make on the overall spinal cord and the stability of the skull but it seems that is the price humans have to pay if they keep wearing masks on their necks in place of the mouth and nose.
Eww also observed that Adam’s Apple would grow bigger and womenfolk might also fashion the same if they also wear masks on their necks and if evolution keeps itself on tracks.
FU News is as Fake a news is, as the landing of Martians on the Earth (as per records as on today). Take it with a pinch of salt and try to avoid taking it too seriously. And, please wear the mask properly.
Header Pic: https://unsplash.com/photos/_whop2XD0Mk


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ICC Sydney strikes a pose
14 April 2015
Sneak peek at new uniforms revealed ahead of December Opening
Hot on the heels of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has today unveiled a preview of its sleek new uniforms – another key milestone ahead of the venue’s launch this December.
Designed to support ICC Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, the modern look features clean lines, quality finishes and the venue’s signature colour-blocked triangular motif.
CEO of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy, said that the uniform’s design was undertaken in line with the venue’s philosophy of working with superior local suppliers to deliver world class results.
“In true Sydney spirit, the front of house uniforms are stylish, fresh and sophisticated. They have been designed by Sydney-based and internationally recognised uniform designer, Dallen, the new uniforms reflect a perfect mix of form, function and fashion to support our expert teams.
“From serving gala dinners in the Grand Ballroom to running major international conventions that seek to solve the world’s challenges, our specialist teams will surpass expectations from the minute visitors walk through the door.”
Around 14,000 garments are set to be delivered to dress the 300 full time staff and 1,500 part time staff at ICC Sydney.
Donaghy said that along with uniform development, the team is currently gearing up to support a raft of intensive activity designed to prepare ICC Sydney for its debut.
“The size and scale of activity at ICC Sydney is truly spectacular with our team currently finalising operational activity and event plans as we move into a concentrated period of testing and commission the venue and our staff in situ from 20 September to 19 December 2016. In addition to the processes and protocols being finalised, our ordering schedule is immense. For example, we are on track to receive 166,000 pieces of chinaware and 132,000 pieces of glassware in preparation for the 20 plus events that will help us test every centimetre of the venue. It’s a truly exciting time as the countdown to launch advances.”
Opening in December, ICC Sydney will mark a paradigm shift in the way entertainment and business events are delivered in Sydney.


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McDonald’s has added a cult favourite milk aka oat milk on the McCafé drinks menu!
The fast-food giant made the announcement on its official social media pages.
Macca’s has partnered with MILKLAB to offer the new-dairy free option for coffees, smoothies, and frappes, although additional charges will apply and oat milk will only be available at participating restaurants.
‘Together, at last. MILKLAB Oat Milk has officially joined the McCafé line-up,’ the caption read on Facebook and Instagram.
While most people were excited about the news, some Aussies had mixed feelings.
“Participating only? That part is disappointing. Should be standard,” one user said.
“Stop charging additional costs for those with dietary requirements or don’t wish to fund the horrific dairy industry,” another person said.
“It is not milk! It’s closer to a juice… you cannot ‘milk’ an oat,” one commenter wrote.


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UPDATE March 15: After viewing this story, a good Samaritan offered to repair Mica Wenzel’s car for free.
Frank Nunez owns CARSTAR Color Build in Garland.READ MORE: 2 Tigers At Pittsburgh Zoo Test Positive For COVID-19
Nunez said he saw The Ones for Justice investigation and felt badly about what happened to Wenzel.
“When someone in this industry does something like that it makes everyone look bad,” Nunez said.
Wenzel accepted Nunez’s offer and scheduled to get his car fixed next week.
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – Not all auto body shops are created equal, especially in the eyes of insurance providers.
Some drivers say they trusted a Fort Worth body shop to fix their cars, only to find their vehicles unfinished and the funds from their insurance claims depleted.
Now they’re sharing what they wish they knew before handing over those insurance checks.
Out of frustration, Sarah Pinedo recorded her interactions at Forge’s Auto Body after she discovered the condition of her car. She provided the recording to The Ones for Justice after the fact.
“This is absolutely ridiculous,” Pinedo can be heard saying on the cell phone recording, inspecting the interior of her vehicle. She also noticed workers replaced a new battery she had previously purchased with an older battery.
“You guys don’t have our car ready like you told us,” Pinedo said to the owner, Bud Lad.
“Because you didn’t have car rental insurance,” Lad replied, raising his voice and approaching the camera.
“Why are you yelling at us?” Pinedo asked.
Pinedo wasn’t the only angry patron that day.
Mica Wenzel was also there to see the state of his car.
Wenzel crashed his car in December, but he said the real damage happened afterward.
“We’re missing the radiator, radiator condenser, bumper,” said Wenzel as he looked over his car.
Wenzel took his Nissan Maxima to Forge’s in December.
Six weeks later, he said he found his car an undriveable mess.
“I think they got in over their head,” Wenzel said.READ MORE: "Reading Rainbow" To Return After 15-Year Hiatus
Wenzel chose Forge’s after an employee approached him in public, offering to pay his deductible.
State Farm paid more than $11,000 repairs, but now that money is gone.
Wenzel said a job he was told could take two weeks turned into nearly two months.
“State Farm paid these guys to do a job that wasn’t done,” Wenzel said.
But State Farm likely won’t be able to help Wenzel. That’s because he chose a shop outside the company’s network.
Rule #1: Choose a company on your provider’s list of preferred vendors.
Your provider can vouch for the service
Rule #2: Avoid shops that offer to waive your deductible.
Even though it seems like consumers are saving money, body shops could really be skimping on parts or cutting corners.
While it did not appear Forge’s cut corners on the repairs it did finish, Lad said he offered to pay customers’ deductibles in order to help them save money.
“Sadly, people see this as a way to save a little money and their allured into participating in this,” said Fred Lohmann, the director of field operations for the southwest region of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Rule #3: Compare estimates from several shops.
Wenzell said he learned those lessons the hard way.
“I just want the money back,” Wenzel said. “I want them to send the money back to State Farm so they can repay a claim to me.”
But it does not appear State Farm can help Wenzel.
Public Affairs Specialist Angie Harrier issued the following statement on behalf of State Farm:
“State Farm works with our customers to pay covered losses, however it’s the customer’s choice to choose their repair facility and authorize payment for completed work. Payments are typically issued to our customers unless a customer approves direct payment to the repair facility. The role of insurance is to pay for the covered portion of the loss. If a customer feels that the work done by the repair facility does not meet their expectations, they need to have these conversations with the repair facility.”
However, Geico, which covered Pinedo’s claim, is currently investigating the matter. A lead investigator said he could not elaborate further, indicating “the investigations are ongoing.”
Lad did not want to do an interview, but he told CBS 11 he blamed the delays on missing parts and personal family matters.
Lad said he plans to send Wenzel’s claim money back to State Farm, but so far there is no indication that’s happened.MORE NEWS: Look Up To See Bright Comet Leonard In December Before It Vanishes Forever


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Washington Insider-- Wednesday
Other Developments of Interest, Including Hemp
Here's a quick monitor of Washington farm and trade policy issues from DTN's well-placed observer.
CFAP 2 Payments Rise To More Than $6 Billion
Payments under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) have reached $6.1 billion as of October 18, with 349,747 applications approved.
Acreage-based payments total $3.2 billion, livestock payments are at $1.7 billion, dairy at $626 million, sales commodities are at $599 million and eggs/broilers are at $13.0 million.
By commodity, the payouts have reached $1.8 billion for corn, $1.4 billion for cattle, $688 million for soybeans, $626 million for milk, $559 million for sales commodities, $315 million for hogs/pigs and $303 million for wheat.
Iowa leads all states with $604 million, followed by Illinois at $433 million, Nebraska at $428 million, Minnesota at $428 million, Wisconsin at $331 million and Kansas at $311 million.
Payments under the CFAP 1 program are at $10.3 billion as of October 18, including $5.0 billion for livestock, $2.6 billion for non-specialty crops, $1.8 billion for dairy, $784 million for specialty crops and $111 million for aqua/nursery/ flora crops.
As with CFAP 2, Iowa leads all states with a total of $969.7 million.
Potential US Corn, Soybean Exports to Brazil Unlikely
The Brazilian import tariff waiver for corn and soybeans is not expected to result in major purchases of either commodity from the U.S., according to a report from the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Brazil.
A report from the office outlines “several hurdles” for the imports, including that “U.S. soybeans may remain too expensive to make sense for Brazilian importers given the U.S. FOB price and ocean freight costs” despite a $20 to $25 discount to Brazilian prices.
Plus, there are some nine GMO corn and soybean varieties approved in the U.S. that have not been approved in Brazil. For importers to bring those in, the attaché said they would have to submit a special approval request to the National Technical Commission on Biosecurity (CTNBio) and there are only two more scheduled meetings of that body the rest of 2020.
The FAS also pointed out that Brazilian ports are geared for exports, “and reverse engineering the setup is time and resource-intensive.”
However, the report said there is “potential for the tariff-free time frames to be extended” beyond the January 15 for soybeans and oy products and March 31 for corn.
Politico is reporting this week that it's been nearly two years since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, legalizing industrial hemp production nationwide and fueling hopes of a hemp farming boom. However, the report says “that hasn't panned out yet, with growers around the country still struggling to reap the benefits of the burgeoning crop sector.”
USDA has approved hemp programs for 29 states and is negotiating with another 12. That means a patchwork of inconsistent state regulations and unclear federal guidance for the industry, Politico thinks. And, after millions of acres of hemp were planted in 2019, production is way down this year; many growers gave up because of a steep drop in prices and the lack of a market for their crops.
Some state agricultural officials were so unsatisfied with the regulatory framework that USDA proposed last year that they decided not to move forward with hemp initiatives. Among the biggest complaints are the strict limits on THC that can be present in hemp crops and the stringent testing requirements to certify those levels of the psychoactive chemical.
Another major hurdle: The FDA has yet to put forth regulations on cannabidiol, the widely popular compound derived from hemp that's increasingly found in products from pills to pet foods. The agency's CBD guidance has been awaiting approval from the White House since July.
As a result, while hemp was expected to breathe new life into the industry, after a steady agricultural downturn since farm earnings peaked in 2013 compared to other corners of agriculture, hemp growers held up relatively well early in the pandemic. But even then, advocates worried that the slow-moving regulatory process would stifle what was promised to be a bountiful new frontier in farming — a warning that's increasingly proving true with harvesting now underway.
In another controversial area, Politico says that the North American Meat Institute and the Alliance for Meat, Poultry and Seafood Innovation, the trade group representing the burgeoning cell-based protein industry, joined forces today to back a mandatory labeling requirement for cell-based meat and poultry products.
“Although these products have not yet come to market in the U.S., market entry is fast approaching, and there is significant interest in the regulation of these products, particularly regarding applicable labeling requirements,” the groups wrote in a letter to USDA.
The groups emphasized that they are “committed to supporting and complying with principles that ensure labeling is truthful and not misleading, does not disparage cell-based/cultured or conventional products, enables consumers to distinguish between such products, and is consistent with the safety and nutritional qualities of the product.”
The groups also recommended that USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to get more info and data on the products to help the agency work on the labeling issue.
Also this week in yet another development below the radar of most agricultural groups, the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told the International Monetary Fund meeting last week that the Fed hasn't made a decision to issue a digital currency, citing the need for further work and “extensive” public consultation with stakeholders before doing so.
“It's more important for the United States to get it right than to be first,” Powell said Monday on a panel during the IMF annual meeting. “We are committed to carefully and thoughtfully evaluating the potential costs and benefits of a central bank digital currency for the U.S. economy and payments system. We have not made a decision to issue a CBDC.”
Fed officials have swerved sharply from their previous approach to digital currencies, embracing a full-scale study on whether one might be suitable for the U.S. Powell said about 80% of central banks around the world are exploring the idea.
“There are a number of ways that a CBDC might improve the payments system, and it is mainly this area that motivates our interest,” Powell said.
The central bank announced in August that it was expanding experimentation with technologies related to digital currencies. In addition, the Boston Fed is working with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to build a hypothetical digital currency oriented for central bank use. Many of the policy questions are unresolved, but those efforts are indicative of how seriously the Fed now regards the project.
U.S. central bankers were slow to warm to the idea of a digital currency, but their interest picked up after Facebook proposed its own unit of exchange for its users. Digital money could change the way monetary policy works in the economy, as well as speed up a payment system that remains slow and taxing for consumers and behind many other nations.
Central banks from Sweden to Canada and China are studying whether their money should have a digital counterpart. Sweden began an e-krona project in 2017 and has issued two reports on the topic. The Bank of Canada has launched a formal research project that has partnered with other monetary authorities. The Bank of Japan said earlier this month that it aims to start early phase experiments next year.
So, we will see. Certainly, neither the ag sector nor the banking sector is the same as it was a few decades ago, and not only are pressures from new threats growing but new approaches to consumers and the sector are changing quickly as well. These are developments producers should watch closely as they emerge, Washington Insider believes.
Want to keep up with events in Washington and elsewhere throughout the day? See DTN Top Stories, our frequently updated summary of news developments of interest to producers. You can find DTN Top Stories in DTN Ag News, which is on the Main Menu on classic DTN products and on the News and Analysis Menu of DTN's Professional and Producer products. DTN Top Stories is also on the home page and news home page of online.dtn.com. Subscribers of MyDTN.com should check out the US Ag Policy, US Farm Bill and DTN Ag News sections on their News Homepage.
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Plein Sport on Friday will open its first-ever retail pop-up. The shop, at 199 Spring Street in New York’s SoHo, will remain open until September, and marks the kickoff of Plein Sport’s global retail expansion.
The 2,000-square-foot shops builds and evolves upon the Plein Sport Truck roving pop-up which began traveling around Europe last year selling the spring/summer 2023 collection.
“SoHo gives you the opportunity to do things differently. When you look around SoHo, there’s rarely a brand that uses the same store concept that it uses around the world. It’s a place to be different,” said Philipp Plein in a telephone interview.
Plein said the company is in the process of opening 300 Plein Sport stores around the globe over the next three years. “We have about 20 leases signed around the world,” he said. Another Plein Sport store will open in the Beverly Center in Beverly Hills next month.
“The concept was put together freestyle, so I put together my friends in New York. We didn’t do it with an architect, which I really like because it was really fun. We have graffiti on the walls,” he said. He hired an artist who’s painting the walls with different artwork, black and white, and sport themes. “We have created very futuristic towers, that are seven, eight feet and they hold the shoes,” explained Plein.
“It’s all about the shoes. We have a strong focus on shoes,” said Plein.
The shop also features skateboards as seating areas and other Plein design codes, creating an urban, underground feeling reflecting Plein’s connection to street and gym culture. He said he is next door to Adidas, and Alo is down the street.
The store features both women’s and men’s footwear and apparel, but Plein said it’s a completely different concept from Philipp Plein, his designer collection.
“It has nothing to do with Philipp Plein, so no skulls, no embroideries, no stones, no rhinestones, it’s an active sportswear brand. It’s not a second line, it’s completely active sportswear. It’s a gym brand. We are not fashion, we’re sport,” he added.
Technical materials, waterproof zips, and materials that make the wearer sweat and don’t ruin their skin when they work out are among the offerings. It’s also a vegan brand, so no leather. “We call it design follows function,” he said.
The pop-up will open with Season Zero, and Season One is coming. “It’s not seasonal. We’ll always have puffer jackets. We don’t have winter or summer collections,” he said.
The store will project non-fungible tokens on the walls.
Plein said it’s a crypto store so everything can be purchased with cryptocurrency. “We accept over 24 different cryptocurrencies,” he said. Every product has a QR code and a shopper can choose what cryptocurrency they want to pay with. “Cryptocurrencies are changing every minute so we’ll tell you exactly the right price at the right time,” he said.
Asked what he plans to do with all that crypto, he said, “We normally keep crypto so we’re not speculating with it. I believe that crypto has a big future and I keep all my crypto in bitcoin.”
The store also takes credit cards. “We really want to make people pay in crypto. We accept crypto in all our other stores as well. I’m disappointed that in the U.S., it’s not such a big thing as I thought. We have more [crypto] transactions in Spain and Europe than the U.S., and I don’t understand why,” he said.
Apparel comprises 20 to 30 percent of the offerings and the rest is footwear. The footwear comes in a black shoe box that, when opened, plays a video with sound and there’s a digital piece of art. The shoe box artist is Antoni Tudisco. The box also contains a charging cable.
Sneakers go from $200 to $600, T-shirts are $100 to $170, tracksuits are $400 to $600, and down jackets are $600.
“We’re the upper end of premium. The plan is to lower the prices in the near future to become more accessible. We will start where Nike and Adidas stop,” said Plein. “We’re the upper end.”


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Robert Kenedy's speech at Fiji Fashion Week 2016 Launch
Bula Vinaka ladies and gentlemen,
My name is Robert Kennedy and I would like to welcome you to the launch of Fiji Fashion Week 2016! It’s hard to believe we are here celebrating nine years of Fiji Fashion Week. Where has all that time gone?
In fact even before Ellen asked me to speak tonight, I was reminded about how long it’s been, when a journalist described me as a veteran designer in a recent newspaper article.
“Veteran”, I thought!!!! How rude!! But then I quickly realized that nearly a decade has passed since I had started out in Fashion and I have participated in every single FJFW, save the first one. In fact that first FJFW at Denarau was the inspiration to get me into fashion design.
It was like nothing I had seen in Fiji since moving back in 2002. The show was spectacular, the clothes were gorgeous and the models beautiful. I was instantly hooked and I remember talking to Ellen after the show and asking if there was going to be one on again the following year, and that I would love to participate in it. Sure enough the following year it was on and I showed my first ever collection.
I can honestly say without any qualms that my Fashion career in Fiji has been inextricably connected with FJFW. FJFW was the genesis of what is today’s fashion industry in Fiji. When I started out in those early years we didn’t have fashion photographers, we didn’t have stylists, we didn’t have fashion bloggers, or models of any professional capacity.
It is extraordinary to think how one event a year like FJFW has changed an entire industry and the lives of so many. Over the years I have seen so many different people come to FJFW, watch the show and leave with that exact same look in their eyes that I had when I first saw it, that spark of inspiration, that excitement that there was another world of creative possibilities right here in Fiji.
I know so many people in this industry that have had their careers kick-started by FJFW. I remember different photographers over the years that have come to FJFW as complete novices and shot the shows for free so that they would get experience. In doing so they met other industry people and overseas professionals that Ellen had invited and they now have successful businesses of their own.
Coincidently, with the advent of FJFW, Fiji’s burgeoning tourist wedding market started to develop and that created further opportunities for the new creatives involved in FJFW.
This is particularly so for a lot of today’s successful hair and make up artists that have all had their talent and creativity on show at FJFW. It also hasn’t just been within Fiji that that the impact of FJFW has been felt.
It is now an internationally recognized event and is the role model for many of our neighboring Pacific Island nations. In 2012 I was invited to participate in the Festival of Pacific Arts in the Solomon Islands. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I was so surprised that the organizers of the Fashion Show all knew about FJFW and wanted to present a show of a similar caliber.
This influence in the region has also spread to Papua New Guinea and now this year Samoa will be having its first Fashion Week too. It’s no coincidence that these things are happening. There is no denying that Fiji Fashion Week is a shining beacon of creative inspiration in the South Pacific and is now being viewed as a legitimate form of creative expression.
It is also now being seen as a new way to express our culture, save our culture and show our culture to the world. In a region that has lost such a lot of its creative culture, it’s vital that platforms like FJFW are around, so that our talented youth can express themselves to their fullest ability. It’s imperative that the governments of the region wake up to the value of art and design and realize that if we had art in our education curriculums, from Kindergarten to University, we would be creating whole new economies and opportunities for our youth.
FJFW has also created other opportunities to show overseas where 10 fiji Designers participated in LA Fashion Week last year where 2 of use were picked up by LA agets and 5 Fiji Designers including myself showed at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia in May this year and what an experience that was with the fashion worlds top buyers and international media attending. Most exciting is now we have a permanent spot called the Pacific Resort Show.
These have been massive undertakings and would be nearly impossible to do without the collective power and influence of FJFW. These shows open us designers up to new markets and are beginning to create an awareness out there that we exist!
Yes Fiji on the global map of fashion! I can’t put into words how these experiences have changed and educated me and the other designers I have travelled with. We are all the wiser, motivated and encouraged by these experiences. Back home and today, the fashion industry has further expanded and evolved.
We now have two other major Fashion platforms each year with Style Fiji and Project Jejemon. We have the Fashion Council of Fiji, which is delivering further support and awareness for our industry. We also have several new boutiques that have opened in the past year all designing and making their fashion here in Fiji. We are in an era of fashion in Fiji that has never been seen before.
I know we all hark back to a golden period in Fiji when Tiki Togs was the epitome of island style, but when you look around us today, we have never had so much talent and creativity on show. We should be proud of what we are achieving and be ever grateful that Fiji Fashion Week has been around to nurture and provide us with opportunities that were never here before hand. This years FJFW is looking to be as exciting as ever. I am amazed how far we have come in what seems to be such a short time.
However, we still have so far to go. I feel that it is imperative that FJFW goes on into further decades so as to inspire and motivate new generations of designers, bloggers, photographers, hair and make up artists, models, machinists, DJ’s, stylists, event managers etc. etc. It is an essential platform for Fiji. We need all the support we can get from government and businesses in Fiji to keep this amazing event happening.
It’s very easy to be blasé about what has been accomplished by FJFW and it’s not until we look back at what has been created out of nothing that we realize how much we have achieved and how much more we need to achieve. I urge everyone here to support FJFW by coming to the shows whether as a participant or observer. I urge business and government to sponsor the event and contribute towards an industry that has huge potential for Fiji.
Why can’t Fiji be the creative hub of the South Pacific? Hasn’t FJFW already shown what enormous potential the fashion industry has to improve the lives of so many in our country?
Hasn’t it proved that creativity in all its many forms can change young peoples lives for the better? I look forward to seeing you all in September and wish all my fellow creatives the best, as they gear up for the event of the year.


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PSA may let Opel expand into China
Opel's global export push could mean production of its vehicles in PSA Peugeot Citroen’s assembly plants in China, Russia and Iran -- and even sales in the U.S. home market of its former owner, General Motors.
As GM’s German division, Opel was not allowed to have a big presence in key growth markets such as China because GM feared Opel would compete with sibling vehicles from Chevrolet and Buick.
Now under PSA’s ownership, Opel has more freedom to pursue sales in non-European markets. "Opel will go global, finally," CEO Michael Lohscheller said last week here while presenting his turnaround plan.
PSA appears unconcerned that Opel might cannibalize sales from Peugeot and Citroen. That’s because PSA has struggled to establish a niche in China.
The French automaker’s joint venture, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Co., produces an array of Citroen and Peugeot models in China. But sales have collapsed. In the first 10 months of the year, sales of Dongfeng Peugeot plunged 40 percent to 276,300 vehicles.
Opel has dipped its toes into China. It sold 5,000 cars annually in China early in the decade, but sales were hurt because its imported vehicles were subject to China’s 25 percent tariff.
PSA is counting on Opel to establish a presence in new markets around the world. Lohscheller said Opel will enter more than 20 new markets by 2022, with Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan among countries identified as potential export targets.
Opel also is exploring whether to sell cars in China and Brazil, he said.


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Mmo2 links up with Japanese
MOBILE group mmO2 is expected to link up with Japanese giant NTT DoCoMo to strengthen its hand in the rush to win high-spending phone users.
The former BT Wireless is tipped to become the first British operator to license DoCoMo's advanced i-mode mobile internet service. The technology is used for receiving video and data by phone.
An mmO2 team is in Tokyo for meetings this week. DoCoMo has been searching for a British partner for a year after signing up operators elsewhere in Europe.
It has 40m subscribers in Japan, where i-mode has kept it ahead of Vodafone.
DoCoMo sold its 20% stake in 3 back to owner Hutchison Whampoa after 3 refused to take i-mode. It has also had tentative discussions with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Mobile, which is soon to float.
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Sony has said in the past that it has no desire to build a car, but it does seem like that could change. Back in 2020, Sony unveiled the Vision-S concept at the CES Show in Las Vegas. Now it’s followed up that concept, which is now called the Vision-S 01, with a new electric crossover called Vision-S 02.
The Vision-S 02 is a seven-seater EV that measures 192.7 inches long, 65 inches tall and 76 inches wide. It’s based on the same platform as the Vision-S 01. It has two 268 horsepower electric motors, one on each axle to give it all-wheel drive.
Sony is using the Vision-S 02 to showcase a long list of technologies. It features LiDAR sensors to provide a 360-degree view of what’s around it. The concept isn’t an autonomous vehicle, since Sony says that it’s waiting for the government to approve Level 2+ driver assistance tech in Europe.
Since Sony specializes in audio and gaming systems, it’s no surprise that the speakers can create a three-dimensional sound effect. Drivers can also customize the sounds that the Vision S-02 makes when its accelerating or decelerating. The concept also has a fully-integrated digital video service called Bravia Core that displays images on a panoramic screen in the front and individual screens in the back. The infotainment system can also connect to a PlayStation device remotely to let passengers play their Playstation games on the go.
Sony hasn’t announced any production plans for either concept, but it has announced that it will launch a division called Sony Mobility in March 2022, which will look at a possible Sony electric car.


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- Food and Beverage Operations
- Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds
- Beverage Development
Business briefs – Oterra – Louis Dreyfus Co.– Cargill – Sunkist – IngredionBusiness briefs – Oterra – Louis Dreyfus Co.– Cargill – Sunkist – Ingredion
Who said business is boring? Food & Beverage Insider has the 411 on key industry moves affecting innovation and product development.
September 10, 2021
Oterra to acquire Symrise natural color business
Oterra is acquiring Diana Food’s natural food coloring business, which is currently owned by Symrise AG, a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, food, nutrition and cosmetic ingredients. The acquisition comes on the heels of Oterra’s acquisition of SECNA Natural Ingredients Group S.L in June 2021, which helped cement Oterra’s footprint in the natural colors market.
“Consumers these days know what they want, and all research shows that the demand for natural food colors continues to grow strongly,” said Odd Erik Hansen, CEO, Oterra. “The market is expected to reach $3.2 billion by 2027—and adding companies with complementary strengths and offering to our business will enable us to best help our customers on their journey towards natural.”
Louis Dreyfus Co. forms JV to bring specialty coffee to Japan
Louis Dreyfus Co. Asia Pte. Ltd. signed a joint venture agreement with Zephyr Japan, a specialty coffee merchant, to provide premium coffees to Japanese consumers. The partnership with Zephyr Japan represents LDC’s first venture in Japan, a fast-growing market for specialty coffees.
The global specialty coffee market is expected to exceed US$83 billion by 2025, with significant opportunities in Asia as coffee companies focus on offering customized, taste-based coffees to specific consumers in the region.
“We are excited to further extend our presence in Asia and enter the key consumer market for specialty coffees that is Japan, combining Zephyr Japan’s strong market knowledge and LDC’s expertise in sourcing top-quality, sustainably produced coffee beans,” said Ross Hawkins, LDC’s global head of Coffee Partnerships.
Cargill opens $150 million pectin processing plant in Brazil
Cargill opened a new, state-of-the-art $150 million pectin production facility in Bebedouro, Brazil that significantly expands the company’s ability to meet growing global demand for the label-friendly texturizing ingredient. The new facility prioritizes sustainable production with advanced CO2 emission reductions and biomass reuse.
The new plant culminates a three-year plan to expand Cargill’s global pectin production, which also included improvements to its existing pectin facilities in France, Germany and Italy. Built in the heart of Brazil's citrus-growing region, the new plant’s proximity to citrus fields ensures an abundant supply of fresh fruit peels, the raw material required for premium pectin production. It will produce a full range of Cargill’s HM pectins, significantly increasing the company’s pectin supply and expanding production presence in South America and Europe.
The new plant leverages advanced technology to reduce its environmental footprint and includes sustainability certification of raw materials. This starts with the plant's proximity to its citrus suppliers and their Rainforest Alliance certified farms, which helps minimize CO2 emissions from raw material transport, promotes regenerative agriculture practices and extends to its state-of-the-art design. The plant is powered by thermal energy generated from biomass and biogas, using sustainability practices already proven at other company facilities.
Sokol, Sunkist to develop line of fruit-driven products
Sokol Custom Food Ingredients, a family-owned company that has been developing custom food formulations for 125 years, has partnered with Sunkist Growers Inc. to develop and produce a line of better-for-you Sunkist branded dressings and sauces in a variety of vibrant and fruit-driven flavors.
Created to complement everything from salads to tacos, dipping sauces and more, the range will include gluten-free and nut-free offerings with no GMOs or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The products are expected to available nationwide by early 2022. It is the first time Sunkist has launched licensed products within the sauces and dressings category.
“Industry trends indicate interest in overall wellness continues to be on the rise, and that more people have learned how to create healthy meals at home this past year,” said Mark Madden, vice president, Marketing and Global Licensing at Sunkist. “These trends have informed us as we look for new ways to educate consumers on the many nutritional benefits of citrus and inspire them to incorporate fresh ingredients in their meals and snacks. It was great to collaborate with our partners at Sokol and create this new line of dressings and sauces that will bring vibrant flavor to our consumers' homemade creations.”
Ingredion, S&W enter U.S. stevia pilot production supply agreement
Ingredion Inc. and S&W Seed Co., a global integrated agricultural seed technology company, have entered into an exclusive U.S. stevia pilot production supply agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, S&W will leverage its proprietary stevia plant portfolio and production techniques to supply Ingredion and its PureCircle by Ingredion subsidiary with high-quality, U.S.-sourced stevia plants.
“This agreement strengthens our ability to provide sugar reduction solutions for our customers by diversifying our supply of sustainably sourced stevia in the U.S.,” said Jeremy Xu, Ingredion’s senior vice president and chief innovation officer. “This agreement with S&W will allow us to evaluate the long-term opportunity to produce large quantities of stevia in the U.S. effectively.”
The agreement represents the third major development to Ingredion’s stevia business in the last 14 months. Last July, Ingredion acquired a controlling stake in PureCircle (now PureCircle by Ingredion). Earlier this year, Ingredion announced a joint venture with Amyris to exclusively offer fermented sugarcane Reb M as part of its expanded stevia portfolio. PureCircle by Ingredion is the only stevia ingredient supplier to offer all major stevia production technologies (stevia from extraction, fermentation and bioconversion). Ingredion continues to invest in the future of sugar reduction innovation, inclusive of its stevia sweeteners and flavor modifiers.
S&W has developed unique, non-GMO, all-natural stevia varieties over the past 10 years utilizing its proprietary plant breeding program. “Recently, we have made what we believe is a significant leap forward by validating efficacy of stevia production in the southeastern U.S.,” said Mark Wong, CEO of S&W Seed Co. “By leveraging a unique seed-to-plant process and mechanical harvesting system, we expect to dramatically reduce overall production costs. Importantly, this method is intended to allow the stevia to function as a green cover crop, helping to sequester carbon.”
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You can save big bucks with phones from Samsung, Google, Motorola and more.
They're scheduled to roll out over the next few months.
Amazon is discounting V-Moda's original over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphone to $100 for a limited time.
Don't fall for the hype. Instead, vet those deals using this simple method.
AT&T showed us our most astounding 5G speeds yet, but isn't the overall champion.
Desktop-level Safari, better multitasking and mouse support? The iPadOS beta is out today -- these are features Apple is bringing to the iPad.
Dark Mode, of course. Also, camera tools, Memoji stickers and a new-sounding Siri.
We also break down a new plan by Verizon's Visible and more standardized security for internet of things devices.
Here's how to make robocalls and solicitations a thing of the past.
Its next VR headset is almost 90% higher res than its original.
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Galaxy Fold delay be damned, another Samsung foldable is reportedly in the wings.
Sublime suburban chariot
High on style and technology, the 2019 Volvo XC90 is an incredibly satisfying everyday crossover.