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Henkel recently announced it will mark the 50th anniversary of its Pritt glue stick this year. In 1969, the company reportedly revolutionized the market for consumer adhesives with a new category: the first-ever glue stick. The company has reportedly sold billions of glue sticks and has continuously expanded its product range under the brand.
In 1967, former Henkel engineer Wolfgang Dietrichs, Ph.D., saw a woman applying lipstick while traveling. The simple twist-up mechanism gave him a revolutionary idea: “Why not make an adhesive in the shape of a lipstick, that’s quick, clean and accurate?” After two years of development and testing, the company launched the first Pritt glue stick in 1969. According to Henkel, the product became a success worldwide, as well as a synonym for the glue stick category in many countries.
Over the decades, Henkel reportedly has continuously improved the quality and formulation of its glue sticks. In 2000, the company launched the first solvent-free Pritt generation, meeting modern demands for safety and sustainability.
In 2001, Pritt was awarded the exclusive seal of Space-Proof Quality. A rocket ferried a cargo of Pritt products to the International Space Station, where the glue sticks were successfully tested under extreme space conditions. In 2003, the company went even further and launched the product with 90% natural ingredients.
50 Years of Memories
Since its creation, according to Henkel, the Pritt glue stick has supported children’s development of motor and creative skills through glue crafting related activities in school and at home. Every year, the glue stick inspires children all over the world with its back-to-school campaigns and exciting themes featuring the Mr. Pritt character, supported by new products such as the first neon and glitter glue sticks. To celebrate the anniversary, this year’s back-to-school campaign will be focused on 50 years of magic moments and will include the introduction of a glow-in-the-dark version of the glue stick.
Henkel reportedly produces more than 100 million Pritt sticks in different colors and sizes per year. The complementary Pritt portfolio ranges from liquid all-purpose glues and glue pens to glue rollers and correction rollers.
“For the last 50 years, Pritt has enabled children to turn their creativity and imagination to reality through the magic of crafting,” says Xavier Martin, head of global marketing and digital for Henkel’s consumer adhesives business. “In 2019, we will celebrate all those magical moments Pritt has inspired ever since with our employees, consumers and customers through different activities. Therefore, we will lay the focus on our back-to-school campaign in summer and a special fundraising initiative for children.” ASI
For more information, visit www.henkel.com.


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On Sunday, the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase encountered a problem. It prevented it from processing transactions originating from user accounts that were located in the United States.
The firm has indicated that it is working on a solution and has pinpointed the issue. As being related to unsuccessful ACH withdrawals, deposits, and purchases. The Automated Clearing House Network, more often known as ACH, is a system that allows for the electronic movement of cash between bank accounts in the United States.
After some time had passed, the official support page for Coinbase on Twitter issued a message in which it reassured users that the money in their accounts were secure and said that further details will be provided once functionality was restored.
According to CoinGecko’s research, in the preceding twenty-four hours, Coinbase’s trading volume on its exchange totaled approximately five hundred sixty nine million dollars. Following after at 4%, or $23 million, was SOL, which was the third most traded cryptocurrency after BTC and ETH.
The business determined that the problem was caused by a glitch in the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. It is an electronic network that allows for the facilitation of internet transactions between banks in the United States.
Because of a technical issue, Coinbase was forced to temporarily block payments and withdrawals involving U.S. bank accounts. However, this issue has already been rectified. According to the system status page of the cryptocurrency exchange, which was updated on Sunday, the exchange said that the situation had been fixed.
This particular issue was not the only one plaguing the larger crypto ecosystem during the course of the weekend. According to the information provided on the company’s website, Solana had what it referred to as a severe outage. It lasted for more than six hours.
Tobias Lütke, the Chief Executive Officer of Shopify, has been quite active throughout the previous two months. He has bought roughly $3 million worth of shares of Coinbase when the stock price dropped.
The multibillionaire entrepreneur in the technology sector joined the board of Coinbase in February and presently has the position of director, both of which require him to report any transactions he makes to the SEC. Since August 11, the purchase data reveal that he has spent an average of around $369 thousand each week purchasing COIN shares.
Shares of Coinbase Global Inc. (Nasdaq: COIN) have seen better days, as seen by the fact that throughout the last year, COIN has experienced a loss of 73.47% in value. This is equivalent to a loss of 184 nominal United States dollars. On Monday, October 3, 2022, the price of COIN increased by 2.11% over the course of the previous twenty-four hours. And 0.93% over the course of the previous five days.
Moving ahead, all of Coinbase’s stockholders will need to have a firm belief in the company’s potential. The corporation is moving into the fourth quarter of this year facing a number of chronic challenges that extend well beyond the poor overall forecast for the macroeconomic environment.
© 2015-2023 Coinposters. All rights reserved!

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The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is taking out Instagram ads exposing six rule-breaking influencers who have consistently failed to disclose ads on their own accounts, despite explicit warnings.
The regulatory body’s rules state that any advertising on social media must be clearly signposted and labelled as such to protect consumers. This can be achieved with a label such as ‘#ad’ within the image or caption.
In June 2021, the ASA set up a webpage naming and shaming influencers who were failing to abide by the rules. Francesca Allen, Jess Gale, Eve Gale, Belle Hassan, Jodie Marsh and Anna Vakili were among those influencers added to the site.
As all six have failed the improve disclosure of their ads, the ASA is now escalating its sanctions against them.
The ASA’s ads read: “[Name] has been sanctioned by the UK’s ad regulator for not declaring ads on this platform. Be aware that products and services recommended or featured by this influencer may have been paid for by those brands. Our non-compliant social media influencer page at asa.org.uk is regularly updated to inform consumers of those who break these rules.”
Further sanctions are also being considered, including working with social media platforms to have the content of non-compliant influencers removed, or referring influencers to statutory bodies such as Trading Standards for consideration of statutory action, including possible fines.
“For the minority of influencers that repeatedly fail to disclose their paid-for posts, it’s important their social media followers are told,” explains the ASA’s director of advertising policy and practice, Shahriar Coupal.
“In a new front of enforcement activity, we’re using targeted ads to highlight the breaches of six social media personalities to the very same audience they’re seeking to influence. When we see the necessary changes to their disclosure practices, we’ll call off the ads. But, where non-compliance persists, we’ll look to more direct forms of enforcement.”ASA threatens action against rule-breaking brands as it names and shames influencers
Collectively, the six influencers – five of whom are former Love Island contestants – have almost 5 million followers on Instagram. They have worked with brands including Amazon, Jack Wills, Dorothy Perkins, Boohoo, Boux Avenue and Fashion Nova, though there is nothing yet to suggest these brands are guilty themselves of any rule-breaking.
The ASA has elected not to flag any brands at this time, however in future brands could face similar sanctions. Last year the ASA promised to “take action” against brands which also repeatedly fail to disclose ads.
The ASA first put brands and influencers “on notice” in March 2021, after finding that only 35% of ads in Instagram stories were clearly labelled and identifiable as such. At the time, it described the level of non-compliance with the rules as “unacceptable”.
In 2020, the ASA recorded a 55% increase in complaints received about influencers across platforms compared to 2019, from 1,979 to 3,144 individual complaints. Almost two-thirds of those complaints in 2020 were about ad disclosure on Instagram.
Aside from influencers, the regulator is also currently cracking down on “misleading” environmental claims and greenwashing in advertising, banning an ad from Alpro in October over unsubstantiated claims that its oat milk product was “good for the planet”.


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Is bibigo an American company?
Bibigo is the only Korean food brand for restaurants and consumer packaged goods that makes it deliciously simple for American consumers to share the excitement of creating, enjoying and falling in love with the uniquely modern flavors of Korea by tapping into the immersive sensory quality of the Korean dining
How much did Bibigo pay Lakers?
Who owns Bibigo?
Who is the main sponsor for the LA Lakers?
Nike. Sportswear giant Nike has been a corporate sponsor of the Lakers since 2003.2021-12-17
What is the company Bibigo?
bibigo is the global representative of Korean cuisine that creates a new lifestyle by adding modern values to Korean traditional cuisine.
Who bought out schwans?
CJ CheilJedang Corp
Is tvN under CJ?
TVN (Stylized as tvN) is a South Korean nationwide pay television network owned by CJ E&M, entertainment division of CJ ENM.
How do I get tvN channel?
Apart from the latest Korean dramas, tvN also offers lifestyle and variety shows featuring some of our favorite Korean celebrities. Enjoy access to the tvN Premium Channel 24/7 only on the GigaPlay App. The GigaPlay App also houses local pay-per-view (PPV) content.2021-12-14
What companies does CJ Foods own?
Notable CJ subsidiaries include CJ CheilJedang (Food and Beverage), CJ Korea Express (Logistics), CJ Olive Networks (Health & Beauty Stores & IT), CJ ENM (Entertainment and Retail), and CJ CGV (Cinema Chain). The group is chaired by Lee Jay-hyun, eldest grandson of Samsung’s founder.
How much is Bibigo worth?
Bibigo will be the new Lakers’ jersey sponsor. It has been reported that the deal with Bibigo is set for five years and is worth $100 million USD with the Korean food company paying at least $6 million USD per year.2021-09-21
Where are Bibigo foods made?
Did Schwan’s get bought out?
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea’s CJ CheilJedang Corp 097950. KS said on Thursday it bought privately held U.S. frozen foods firm Schwan’s Co for $1.84 billion, the South Korean food-to-entertainment conglomerate’s biggest-ever acquisition. The acquisition builds on CJ’s push into the United States.2018-11-14
Is tvN paid channel?
tvN (formerly known as Channel M) is a Southeast Asian pay television channel managed by CJ E&M.
Is bibigo made in China?
Rooted in Korean We make all of our products using the philosophies of Korean cuisine. We believe that’s what makes them so good.
Did schwans sell the company?
MARSHALL — The sale of Schwan’s Company to South Korean food business CJ CheilJedang is now complete. The companies announced earlier last week that CJCJ has closed on the acquisition of Schwan’s and several of its subsidiaries. Schwan’s is now operating as a subsidiary of CJCJ, the announcement said.2019-03-04
Is tvN and MNET the same?
History. The channel was launched on as tvN and was later rebranded as Channel M on . It reverted to tvN on June 3, 2016.


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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) revealed on a recent Friday its intention to initiate groundwork for deploying an e-HKD retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). The news of this proactive shift in the city’s monetary policy comes after an insightful study and considerable market feedback gathered over two consecutive consultation rounds.
Towards a Digital Future: The Emergence of e-HKD
In the works since 2017, the electronic counterpart of the Hong Kong dollar, affectionately termed the “e-HKD,” has moved from being a subject of theoretical analysis to a practical policy priority for the HKMA. The financial regulator affirmed in its latest report the pressing need to “begin trailblazing a path towards the likely eventuality of a retail CBDC.” This strategy marks a pivotal point in the digital transformation of Hong Kong’s financial landscape.
Even with the initial exploratory phase, the HKMA announced its commitment to undertaking intensive research, rigorous tests, and pilot projects to understand this innovative digital currency’s intricacies and potential applications.
The Global Trend: Central Banks and Digital Currencies
The announcement from the HKMA is in line with a global shift among central banks that are fervently investigating the feasibility of digitized sovereign currencies. The Bank for International Settlements, an organization that consolidates monetary authorities, underscored the need to probe into the digitalization of financial systems to maintain equilibrium in this ever-changing economic environment.
Despite the e-HKD not immediately transforming the prevailing retail payment landscape, the HKMA’s report echoes the conviction that the digital currency could have potential applications that could materialize swiftly, thanks to the relentless progress and potential upheaval in the digital economy.
Private Banks and Permissioned Blockchain: A Potential Pathway for e-HKD
The HKMA seems inclined to develop the e-HKD on a permissioned blockchain platform, potentially assigning private banks the responsibility for the implementation process. This decision comes from market consultation responses advocating blockchain-based e-HKD solutions.
In its most recent publication, the regulator addressed the numerous aspects it would be contemplating—from the alignment of the initiative with policy objectives to the approaches adopted by other international jurisdictions. The HKMA remains committed to delving further into this venture by exploring feasible technological solutions.
In-depth Studies and Pilots: The Next Steps for HKMA
As the regulator embarks on this digital journey, the report elucidated that HKMA will carry out in-depth studies and execute pilots for the eventual roll-out of the e-HKD. This clear direction set by the HKMA reiterates Hong Kong’s readiness to adapt to the emerging global trend of digitizing monetary systems.
This forward-looking stance by the HKMA holds the promise of catapulting Hong Kong’s financial landscape into a new era of digital currency. As the world closely watches this development, the successful implementation of the e-HKD will undeniably place Hong Kong at the forefront of digital monetary innovation.
None of the information on this website is investment or financial advice. CryptoMode is not responsible for any financial losses sustained by acting on information provided on this website.


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Car innovation does not keep up with the rapidity we expect from mobile or PC developments. What has largely been plaguing the auto space has been a lack of cooperation as each car manufacturer creates their proprietary technology, not to mention their 3+ year development cycles. Take Ford Sync for example, which has a custom app platform where developers can only create apps for new Ford vehicles. If that developer tries to iterate for another manufacturer, they have to start over. For real innovation to take place, their needs to be a standard operating system in the car.
Enter Android Auto, announced this week at Googe I/O which looks to power the infotainment systems across 40 car manufacturers including Honda, Hyundai, Volvo and more. Similar to Apple’s Carplay it works by plugging your phone into the car console which then displays it on the center display. Interestingly enough, the apps are all voice-controlled and glanceable to address safety concerns. The result brings more media into the car and improves utility like better navigation, location recommendations and more. The mobile component makes Android Auto current as app updates will be reflected in the car.


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The eighth edition of India’s first Bengali literary festival, Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsob (ABSU) curated by the Oxford Bookstores was inaugurated by linguist, literary critic, academician, and actor Pabitra Sarkar.
The launch of Bengali Little Magazine Corner at the iconic Oxford Bookstore on Park Street was announced during the inauguration of the eighth edition of ABSU to commemorate the Oxford Bookstore’s centennial celebration. There are approximately 2000 little magazines published in Bengali throughout India. Oxford Bookstore’s online store is also considering selling these Bengali Little Magazines online in order to reach a wider audience. It will be a free platform with a modest revenue-sharing model.
Currently, the Bengali Little Magazine segment lacks a platform to display its extensive body of written work. “The goal of ABSU is to introduce Bengali literature to a global audience. And, despite producing excellent literary work, Bengali Little magazines have struggled to reach a wider audience. This is part of our effort as a 100-year bookstore to promote Bengali literature all over the world,” said Swagat Sengupta, ABSU Director, and CEO, of Oxford Bookstores.
Welcoming the move by the Oxford Bookstore, Pabitra Sarkar while inaugurating the eighth edition of ABSU said, “The Oxford Bookstore has launched a fantastic initiative. Once upon a time, there were some stalls on the streets of Kolkata selling Bengali Little Magazines. They are becoming extinct. There can be no better news for the Bengali Little Magazine segment than the Oxford Bookstore dedicating a space to them. Little magazines have a dedicated readership; the literature they publish is distinctive and not typically found in popular culture. This initiative will do this little magazine community, its authors, and its readers a world of good.”
Due to COVID, the sixth edition of ABSU was held virtually, while the seventh edition of ABSU was conducted in a hybrid format. The final day of the event was a physical event, as opposed to the prior two days when it was conducted online. ABSU has made a comeback this year in its typical offline guise. The century-old iconic Oxford Bookstore on Park Street is once again serving as the venue for ABSU, as it did in the years prior to COVID.
Speaking about the eighth edition of the Sahitya Utsob, Swagat Sengupta, ABSU Director and CEO, of Oxford Bookstores said, “India’s first Bangla Literary Festival, Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsob curated by the centenary old Oxford Bookstores in 2015 is in its 8th year. Celebrating 100 years of Oxford Bookstore, we have suitably chosen the iconic Oxford Bookstore, Park Street, Kolkata to celebrate books, music, art, film, and more with the finest creative minds of Bengal. After the unprecedented two years of Covid-19, this year the festival will be held completely on-ground in its best physical format. The eighth edition of ABSU will continue to support, promote and strengthen Bangla language through 27 specially curated sessions that delve deep into topics such as poetry, little magazines, illustrations, use of dialects, politics, youth literature, thriller, book publishing and editing, journalism and cinema in Bangla literature.”
ABSU has grown over the last seven years and is now celebrated and eagerly awaited among fans of Bengali literature and culture both in India and abroad. Keeping its global popularity in mind, ABSU 2022 is being streamed LIVE on the official Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsob Facebook Page and YouTube channel on all three days – November 25, 26, and 27. This will ensure that Bengali literary enthusiasts from all over the world can immerse themselves in this literary and cultural extravaganza transcending time and geography. “We are also keeping in mind the ease of access, active participation, flexibility of viewing the sessions at convenience and interacting with the delegates at the same time through social media LIVE streaming,” Swagat Sengupta, ABSU Director and CEO of Oxford Bookstores added.
The eighth edition of ABSU is hosting eminent personalities like Pabitra Sarkar, Himadrikishore Dasgupta, Ashoke Viswanathan, Anik Dutta, Samik Bandyopadhyay, Abul Bashar, Rupam Islam, Sujog Bandyopadhyay, Binod Ghosal, Kheyali Dastidar, Rahul Banerjee Arunoday, Biswanath Basu, Jayanta Ghosal, Snehasis Sur, Tilottama Majumdar, Debasish Deb, Mandakranta Sen, Ullas Mallick, Krishnendu Mukhopadhyay, Raja Bhattacharya, Dipanwita Ray to name a few. This eclectic curation has been done under the stewardship of former radio jockey Roy Choudhury and as advised by Himadri kishore Dasgupta.


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Consumers typically have fast connections to online gaming servers over home broadband connections, with NSW and ACT gamers enjoying the best experience, according to the ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report which for the first time measured Australians’ online experience for gaming services.
The report found that latency to Australian servers for popular online games like Fortnite and League of Legends averaged 15 to 30 milliseconds per test on different NBN fixed-line technologies.
This means users generally have a good gaming experience, with minimal stuttering or lag.
Latency refers to the time it takes to send data from a user’s device to a server and back.
Higher latency means there are delays in sending and receiving data, which can be disruptive to a consumers gaming experience.
The report found that a key influence on gaming experience is the distance to gaming servers, with latency increasing when the server is further away.
Australians playing online games where the server is located overseas may notice a lag or have a poor gaming experience.
In comparison, when a gaming server is located in Australia the latency is lower.
Gamers in NSW and the ACT enjoyed the lowest latency for gaming servers located in Australia, averaging between 10 and 20 milliseconds across various games, due to most Australian gaming servers being in Sydney.
The average latency increased for these games when measured from states further away from Sydney, reaching over 50 milliseconds in WA.
“While fibre to the premises and fibre to the curb connections generally had the lowest latency, all fixed-line access technologies had relatively low latency for games hosted in Australia. Consumers on fixed wireless connections experienced higher latency than those using fixed-line technologies. This is expected given the nature of fixed wireless technology,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.
Intermittent disconnections, or ‘outages’, may also disrupt online gaming experience. Consumers looking to improve their gaming experience should talk to their broadband provider about options to improve the stability of their connection.
The report has also shown that latency does not depend on the selected speed tier, which means that upgrading to a faster plan will not necessarily improve a consumer’s gaming experience.
“We encourage consumers to consider the cost and quality of the various retail plans available and choose the plan that represents the best value to them,” Brakey said.
Welcome to dailystraits.com. Please send all interview requests and press releases to email@example.com.


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Ladbrokes owner Entain sees double-digit online revenue growth for 22nd successive quarter as return of live sport helps fuel a 27% rise
- Entain's digital revenues in the first six months of this year were 27% higher
- Shop closures caused its retail sales to decline by 42% in the first half of 2021
- The bwin operator expects Euro 2020 to be its biggest sport betting event ever
Betting company Entain has recorded its 22nd straight quarter of double-digit growth in digital sales following a huge rise in sports betting this year.
Online net gaming revenues between April and late June at the Ladbrokes owner surged by 23 per cent on the same time last year, when the postponement of sports competitions such as Euro 2020 and the Olympics hit bookmakers' trade.
Digital revenues in the first six months of 2021 were also 27 per cent higher, as sales in Italy climbed by 76 per cent, while they rose by almost double that percentage in Brazil.
Flying: Ladbrokes owner Entain saw its online revenues rise 23 per cent in the second quarter
Entain further benefited from having its stores open for most of the second quarter, unlike last year when the first national lockdown was in force. As a consequence, retail revenues climbed by 363 per cent.
However, the enforced closure of all its outlets in the first three months of this year - and the first half of April - and other restrictions meant the group's total net gaming revenues from January to June ended just 11 per cent above their levels last year.
Twenty-four shops remain closed in Italy, but the overwhelming majority of its outlets are now open, and trading volumes in the UK have recovered to around 90 per cent of their pre-pandemic levels since restrictions have eased.
The company also stated that its BetMGM joint venture continued 'to perform strongly,' earning about $350million in gaming revenues and holding the second-highest market share for sports betting and iGaming in the United States.
On account of the impressive results, the bwin operator now expects its full-year underlying pre-tax profits for 2021 to be at the higher estimate of between £850million to £900million.
Its chief executive Jette Nygaard-Andersen said the firm's 'diversified business model has enabled us to grow our business in all key markets while navigating channel and product mix changes as retail re-opens and we annualise last year's restricted sports calendar.'
Racing ahead: On account of its impressive results, Entain has upgraded its expected full-year underlying pre-tax profits to between £850million and £900million
Entain further declared today that it would be doubling investment and the number of employees at its three in-house games studios in Italy, the UK and India over the coming year.
Later this year, it is also aiming to launch its first virtual reality product, and give customers access to new Formula One-themed content following a sponsorship deal that its PartyCasino and PartyPoker brands struck with Mclaren Racing.
At the moment, though, it is benefiting substantially from the England football team's performance in the European Championships and is anticipating the tournament to be its biggest sports betting event ever.
Ladbrokes owner Entain said it is expecting the European Championships tournament to be its biggest sports betting event ever. Above: England football manager Gareth Southgate
Sophie Lund-Yates, an equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said England's victory yesterday 'will be a double cause for celebration in the Entain offices. An appearance in the final is an open goal for the group and will be a boon for sports wagers.
'England's long run in the tournament may well have been a contributing factor to the news that underlying cash profits are expected to beat consensus at the full year.'
Entain's expansion plans took a knock this week, though, when Australian betting firm Tabcorp rejected a £1.9billion takeover offer of its wagering and gaming unit from the FTSE 100 firm, who were formerly known as GVC Holdings.
Tabcorp instead announced that it would conduct a demerger of its lotteries and Keno business. Entain stated that it was 'disappointed' by the Melbourne-based group's decision.
Analysts at Jefferies said some investors had feared Entain was trying to swallow a poison pill by acquiring Tabcorp. By making the firm too big, it might have put off a new bid from casino giant MGM, which approached Entain in January about a possible multibillion-pound deal.
After the deal fell through, MGM was banned under takeover rules from making another approach for six months. That period will come to an end later in July, leaving it free to make a fresh offer if it wants.
Shares in Entain closed trading 0.7 per cent higher at 1,820.5p on Thursday.
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When it comes to crime and depravity, nowhere in America tops the San Francisco Bay Area.
Businesses and residents are becoming overwhelmed with the violence and chaos that dictates their lives thanks to decades of Democrats control.
And Bay Area business owners are at a breaking point as this new scheme makes headlines.
Businesses and residents cannot leave the Bay Area any faster
For quite some time now, Democrats have had an iron grip on the Bay Area.
Cities like San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose have been run exclusively by radical Democrats and the results have been nothing short of catastrophic.
Now shoppers in the tri-valley have reasons to be concerned after it was announced by the Livermore Police Department that a new criminal scheme has ravaged the area.
More specifically, thieves are targeting shoppers at upscale establishments, particularly Trader Joe’s, waiting for shoppers to turn their backs and then stealing their purses and pocket bags.
Per the Livermore Police Department on Facebook, “Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or if you notice any suspicious behavior, don’t hesitate to notify store staff or security immediately.”
The post added, “Remember, staying alert and taking proactive measures can go a long way in protecting your belongings and ensuring a worry-free shopping experience. Let’s work together to keep all stores a safe haven for shoppers!”
The city of Danville’s police department issued a similar warning on Facebook, telling shoppers, “Don’t assume your belongings are safe in a shopping cart without taking precautions. Always be mindful of your surroundings.”
Crime has skyrocketed all across the Bay Area, especially in Oakland, where restaurant giants In n Out Burger and Dennys have announced their complete abandonment of the city.
A number of other retail businesses have fled the Bay Area including Walgreens, CVS, Target, and even San Francisco’s own Nordstroms.
As a result, localities are losing millions in tax revenue, businesses small and large are suffering, and thousands of residents are losing their jobs.
Despite these mass closures, and the general exodus of people fleeing California, elected officials in the Bay Area and California seem unbothered.
Just last week California Governor Gavin Newsom shared an experience in which he visited a Target, and witnessed somebody stealing hundreds of dollars of merchandise.
When he asked the worker whether they were going to do anything about it, they shrugged and blamed the governor, not realizing they were talking to him.
Despite this awkward interaction, Newsom and other elected officials in the Golden State continue to blame conservatives and the media for their business woes.
California’s future is at grave risk as crime continues to surge
As Californian elected officials continue to ignore crime, millions of Californians are fleeing from the Golden state.
Meanwhile, illegal aliens flood across the border unchecked, and criminals rule the roost in most major cities across the state.
Many experts warn that if California does not act soon, then the state could face irreparable harm.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.


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The company donated $1 for every oil change completed at Alabama locations throughout the month of April.
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers says it launched a new website that meets customers when and where they want to access service. Customers can conveniently browse services, shop and compare tires, estimate financing, print quotes, or schedule an appointment. “We’re excited to roll out this new, enhanced website that operates across all devices. Our
Savannah Tire has sold all of its assets to Birmingham, Ala.-based Express Oil Change & Tire Service Center. The family-owned dealership opened in 1951 as Savannah Tire & Rubber Co. Today, the business has nine stores in Georgia. Express Oil Change & Tire Service Center is a quick lube chain and franchiser. The company acquired


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But despite new advances in TV tech, one of the biggest things holding back the adoption of both 4K and HDR is a real lack of dedicated content available.
On the 4K side it's all relatively straightforward; you shoot everything in ultra high definition and then for the folk still watching on their 1080p sets they can have it downsampled without losing anything but the extra sharpness of 4K.
High dynamic range content is different.
When something is created with HDR effects in mind you get a very different proposition when it's downscaled to SDR, losing the lighting, the shadowy details and the creative vision behind it. That is leading industry experts to believe that it will be years before we see the full power of HDR as a creative force in our TV shows.
Netflix is bringing HDR to our screens this year, and has been bullish about its appeal, and shooting the Netflix Original, Marco Polo, in HDR has enthused its Director of Photography, Vanja Cernjul, A.S.C. about the technology. But he readily admits he had to hold back and compromise his vision for the show because most people will only ever watch it in standard dynamic range.
"That was the main thing that was on my mind," Cernjul told techradar. "For the next year or so, only a limited amount of people will be viewing this in HDR, so we had to make sure that it looks good in SDR still. That was a balance we had to think about that maybe a couple of years we won't have to think about."
High dynamic demand
But with so many of this year's televisions coming out with HDR as a focus, such as Panasonic's new DX900 series, Sony's 2016 TVs and LG's full OLED range, there will be far more viewers out there desperate for some great HDR content to harness the power of their new panels.
And that's when we'll start to see the potential of HDR as a creative force come to the fore without the compromises needing to scale things back for SDR brings.
"Ultimately what's going to be interesting is once the film-makers start to create content specifically for HDR screens," said Cernjul.
But not only will we benefit from having TV shows created with HDR in mind from the get-go, Cernjul also believes that the new technology will entice even more Hollywood talent to the small screen as the place to really stretch their creative muscles.
We've already seen big name talent looking to TV as a place to tell more in-depth stories, especially with the likes of Netflix and Amazon less beholden to the budgetary constraints of network television. And having almost a new medium in HDR will only exacerbate the trend.
"It will attract even more talent from the people who traditionally work in theatrical release; they will be more interested in creating more content for TV," explains Cernjul. "The audience will benefit from even better creative power behind the programmes."
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Breakthrough Breast Cancer Month is celebrated every year in October and this year was no exception. Even though we’re now in November, fundraising is still ongoing for the charity.
Every year, high street store Warehouse fundraises for the charity and this year the stores in Lincoln wanted to try something a little bit different. Staff from the two franchises in Debenhams and House of Fraser pulled together and set up a vintage fashion stall on Tuesday evening in Kind Bar.
Raising around £600 in total, the event was obviously a success. Carmen Shillam spoke to Ellie Ransom, a part-time sales assistant at the House of Fraser Warehouse, about Breakthrough Breast Cancer Month and why it’s so important even after October.


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New grants, know-how enhancements and partnerships are helping grocers and consumers who count on the Supplemental Nutrition Help System (SNAP) to get extra entry to a lot more spots for on the net grocery searching.
The U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) opened purposes earlier this thirty day period for grants to an group that will offer know-how and devices assist for new merchants to present SNAP online browsing.
The receiver of the $5 million SNAP EBT Modernization Technological Guidance Center grant funded by the American Rescue Program, will be declared this slide and go towards generating a a lot more varied established of grocery retailers over and above the greater chains with proven on the net searching courses.
Stacy Dean, the agency’s deputy undersecretary for meals, nutrition and buyer products and services, referred to as on line grocery purchasing “a essential source that improves accessibility and benefit for all, which include lower-cash flow people.” She extra that this grant has the likely to “enhance customer company for SNAP members, particularly these that experience barriers in touring to a bodily keep.”
In additional recent initiatives to bolster guidance and enlargement for EBT-SNAP payment integration, Instacart introduced a new partnership with Albertsons to include a lot more on the internet grocery browsing positive aspects, such as supply and pickup, to give more family members access to cost-effective foodstuff.
The company claimed it will incorporate 10 new states to the SNAP payment integration, which will now include 49 states additionally Washington, D.C., to provide just about 30 million people enduring food insecurity.
Delivery and pickup service fees will be waived on the 1st three EBT SNAP orders for each client with a valid EBT card connected with their Instacart account, in accordance to a consultant for the enterprise. Normal fees implement soon after the very first 3 orders.
Just above 3 million households applying SNAP shopped on line in May possibly 2022, which was a considerable raise from the just about 35,000 homes in March 2020. The USDA explained this was due in huge section to its enlargement of the pilot program at the onset of the COVID pandemic, which included almost 130 retailers in two yrs.
“At Instacart, our purpose is to proceed unlocking obtain to healthy foodstuff for individuals who have to have it most. We have prolonged advocated to develop on the internet EBT SNAP acceptance, and we are very pleased to provide this crucial provider to persons,” Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president of obtain to foodstuff and nutrition, explained in a assertion. “Our associates supply a wide assortment of refreshing food stuff and pantry staples, and with this expansion, we’re giving far more people entry to nourishment, paired with the benefit of identical-day delivery and pickup.”
SNAP is approved for on the net grocery purchasing with Meijer, Cost Chopper/Marketplace 32, Tops Helpful Markets and Albertsons, which incorporates Pavilions, Safeway and Vons.
With these expansions, the brand explained it now powers EBT SNAP payments for about 60 merchants that span more than 8,000 retailers.
The blended endeavours to modernize the SNAP program are set to help much more Americans who take part to have the same browsing accessibility as foods-secure families. The USDA is at this time acquiring a pilot method that will let SNAP shoppers to use their telephones to invest in groceries at checkout and will shortly seek out states to participate in the pilot.
As a complete, the USDA Food stuff and Nourishment Support (FNS) leverages 15 diet aid applications to assure that small children, minimal-income persons and family members have options for a superior long run by way of equitable entry to risk-free, wholesome and wholesome food stuff while building a more resilient foodstuff technique.
SNAP gains expanded to aid with on the net grocery shopping originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com


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Database and Storage Markets Keep Growing
Oracle maintained a healthy lead over rivals IBM and Microsoft in the market for relational database management system (RDBMS) software, but Microsoft posted faster sales growth in 2006, according to a report from IDC. The report, which IDC said is based on preliminary data, found that the RDBMS software market grew 14.3 percent last year to $16.5 billion--impressive for a market many industry pundits once considered to be slow growing.
Oracle's RDBMS software license sales grew 14.7 percent in 2006 to more than $7.3 billion, giving it a 44.4 percent share of the total market. IBM retained second place with 21 percent of the market, as its DB2 database license sales increased 11.9 percent to $3.5 billion in 2006. Microsoft, nipping at IBM's heels, again grew the most. The software giant, which now commands 18.6 percent of the market, saw license sales of its database products increase 25 percent to nearly $3.1 billion, and gained strength with its SQL Server 2005 offering in the enterprise segment. By growing slower than the market average, IBM's market share actually dipped last year, while Oracle and Microsoft captured bigger slices of the database market pie.
IDC analyst and report author Carl Olofson attributed Oracle's solid sales to strong acceptance of its 10g R2 database release, certain software features in R2, and new penetration into the SMB segment. Oracle has been making a big push into enterprise applications in recent years, especially with its acquisitions of PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems; Hardie said application sales are a big driver for the Oracle 10g database software. He also said Oracle has accelerated sales of its database products to small and midsize businesses. IDC noted that increased license fees tied to processor-related upgrades also boosted Oracle's revenue.
Sybase and NCR Teradata came in fourth and fifth, with 3.2 and 2.8 percent of the total database market, respectively. Small vendors, including open source provider MySQL AB, accounted for almost 10 percent of the market in 2006.
Olofson attributes the $2 billion license revenue growth from 2005 to 2006 to large vendors exploiting new markets in the Asia-Pacific region in addition to selling their hardware and add-on features to smaller businesses. Olofson says that while Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft command more than 80 percent of the market, Sybase, NCR Teradata, MySQL, and others should continue to develop "indirect strategies to sell in a market dominated by these three."
IDC does not include nonrelational database sales in its market numbers, which diminishes IBM's numbers given that it does a healthy business in selling legacy database software for its mainframes. Gartner, which has not released its accounting of the 2006 database market yet, includes those sales, giving IBM bigger sales numbers and a market share much closer to Oracle. The IDC report said IBM reported "substantial net increases in new DB2 sites and users across the board."
In a related study, IDC found that the worldwide storage software market experienced its fourteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2007, according to its "Worldwide Quarterly Storage Software Tracker" report. Total storage software revenues in the quarter were $2.7 billion, an 11.4 percent increase over the same quarter a year ago, IDC said on Wednesday.
Storage software continues to exhibit positive year-over-year performance, driven by growth in the archiving, replication, and file system software markets, and a surge in demand for storage management software, according to the report. Businesses continue to implement solutions that can improve availability, recovery, and information access across heterogeneous environments, such as those IT environments with multiple delivery models, the report says.
EMC has led the overall market this quarter with 25.1 percent revenue share in the first quarter of 2007, IDC said. Symantec has taken the second position with 17.7 percent revenue share, while IBM finished in the third position with 12.3 percent revenue share, IDC said. Network Appliance finished in the fourth position with 10.0 percent share, while CA and Hewlett-Packard rounded out the top five in a statistical tie both with 4.4 percent revenue share.
Dirty Little Data Secrets
Partner Day at Oracle OpenWorld


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New vegan bakery, L’Artisane Creative Bakery, is due to open in Miami Beach this week.
Founded by chef Carolina Molea and inspired by her many trips to France, the new bakery will offer a wide selection of traditional French treats made vegan. Croissants, pain au chocolat, petits gateaux as well as an assortment of muffins and cookies are just some of the delights Molea and her team plan to offer their new customers.
With her previous training in French cuisine, Molea plans on “surprising and conquering even the most selective palates.” Writing on their brand-new website, the team at L’Artisane state they intend to “blend traditional techniques with science to achieve the highest standards, using only the finest ingredients to offer a wide selection of sweet delights.”
A variety of savory options will also be available such as sandwiches, salad bowls, and quiches. Each dish, sweet or savory, will be made fresh each day and 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
“With every trip to France, my love grew fonder and my dream started to take shape. I realized that there was a demand in Miami that was not being satisfied, and L’Artisane was born,” Molea said in an interview with VegNews. She added, “I believe that we all have a chance to make an impact, and be active in saving animal lives, helping the planet and improving our health. This is the way I do activism, through my recipes, through my flavors and creations.”
Miami Beach and the surrounding area is quickly becoming a vegan hotspot, with the city of Miami reaching the number nine position on Harris Poll’s list of most vegan-friendly cities in the U.S. last year. Renowned vegan chef and founder of the popular vegan chain by CHLOE, Chloe Coscarelli, has recently opened up a new venture in St Roch Market, Miami. The new plant-based eatery will be named Chef Chloe and the Vegan Café.
Image Credit: L’Artisane Creative Bakery


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Bloomberg report said.” data-reactid=”19″>What happened: Jack Ma’s Ant Group Ant Group intends to file for dual listings in Hong Kong and Shanghai targeting a valuation of about $225 billion, a Bloomberg report said.
BABA) fintech arm and one of China’s dominant mobile payments company and it intends to pull off one of the largest IPOs in recent history.
Reuters, the company is being advised on a domestic listing by CICC and CSC Financial.” data-reactid=”22″>Back in July, the company revealed that they have initiated the process of a dual listing in Hong Kong and on Shanghai’s STAR market. According to Reuters, the company is being advised on a domestic listing by CICC and CSC Financial.
report says, at a valuation of $225 billion, Ant Group would be bigger than Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) combined.” data-reactid=”27″>What Next: Experts believe that share sales can raise about $30 billion for the group and if it is successful, it can easily top Saudi Aramco’s $29.4 billion debut, according to a data compiled by Bloomberg. The report says, at a valuation of $225 billion, Ant Group would be bigger than Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) combined.
It is interesting to note that on Thursday Alibaba reported adjusted EPS of $2.14 billion on revenue of $21.76 billion. Both numbers topped analyst expectations of $2 and $21.3 billion, respectively.
Revenue for the quarter was up 34% from a year ago and now with the dual listing in the upcoming weeks, Jack Ma can boast of a very healthy portfolio.
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Fashion retailer H&M has announced the launch of its majority-owned Swedish online second-hand shop Sellpy in Germany.
The platform manages all the activities in the sales process right from items picked up from sellers to selling and shipping.
Customers can either shop from a broad range of second-hand goods or re-sell their loved articles.
Sellpy launched in 2014 and Germany is the first destination on its international expansion.
H&M Group CO:LAB head Nanna Andersen said: “We’re excited about Sellpy’s first step on their international journey which we support with our investment and strategic partnership.
“We truly believe in the entrepreneurs and team behind Sellpy and their unique circular business model, which perfectly aligns with our vision to become fully circular.”
H&M Group, which initially invested in Sellpy in 2015, holds nearly 70% stake in the e-commerce platform.
H&M Germany country manager Thorsten Mindermann said: “We see that the awareness and demand from our customers for sustainable fashion is constantly growing and is now probably greater than ever. That’s why we’re particularly pleased to be able to offer a new sustainable way of buying and selling fashion, in collaboration with Sellpy.”
Last month, H&M Group announced the rollout of e-commerce for COS, Weekday, Monki, & Other Stories and ARKET in nine additional European markets.
The new markets are Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus.


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South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics will relinquish its top semiconductor supplier rank to US chipmaker Intel this year due to the weak memory chip market, an industry report showed Nov. 19.
The top-15 semiconductor companies’ sales are forecast to drop by 15 percent this year to $314.9 billion compared to 2018, and memory suppliers were poised for deeper declines this year, according to the market researcher IC Insights.
Korean chipmaker Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor sales were expected to tumble 29 percent on-year to $55.6 billion in 2019, falling behind US chip giant Intel’s $69.8 billion annual revenue estimate, IC Insights said.
Samsung’s semiconductor sales heavily rely on memory devices, such as DRAM and NAND flash, which had an industry downturn following a two-year boom, while Intel is a leader in computer chips. Intel held the No. 1 semiconductor maker title from 1993 through 2016.
“With a forecasted 34 percent drop in the memory market this year, Intel is once again expected to rank as the largest semiconductor supplier and have sales that are 26 percent larger than Samsung in 2019,” IC Insights said in a report.
SK hynix, the world’s second-largest memory chipmaker, was set to move down one notch to fourth place in the semiconductor rankings following Taiwanese foundry leader TSMC, it noted.
By Ram Garikipati and newswires (email@example.com)


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The Ontario provincial government has announced a new outreach and education pilot project, aimed at small business, Labour Minister Steve Peters announced Friday.
“We are on the side of small business owners in Ontario,” said Peters at Park Lane Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd. “That is why we have introduced a pilot project to provide small business owners with one-stop shopping for information on regulatory requirements in the auto body sector.”
The Auto Body Repair Compliance Information Centre (CIC) is a new, free website designed to make it easier for auto body shop owners to find information about legislation governing their industry.
This will save business owners time and effort and will better protect workers and the public.
The pilot will also include outreach and education in order to increase awareness and understanding.
“Helping small businesses to grow and succeed is part of our overall strategy to build a stronger and more vibrant Ontario,” said Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Harinder Takhar.
“Because when they succeed, Ontario prospers.”
The information centre was developed through the combined work of the auto body repair industry, shop owners, regulatory ministries and ServiceOntario. ServiceOntario is a government website dedicated to making it easier for Ontarians to do business with the province by providing information and services online, in person and over the phone.
The CIC site launched today at www.serviceontario.ca/autobody.
“This truly is a business-friendly approach,” said Rosanna Armata, executive vice-president of the Collision Industry Action Group (CIAG), a provincial trade association for Ontario’s collision repairers.
“By working with the government, we have created a product that addresses the needs of the small business owner, in ways they can understand, while still meeting the regulatory requirements of the province. Everybody wins.”
The Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) expressed similar support. “The CIC is definitely a step in the right direction,” said John Norris, executive director of HARA.
“It presents a user-friendly navigation path for small business owners to be able to
find provincial regulatory information in one place. That’s the real value of the project, and our members look forward to using the site and providing feedback to add to future developments.”
Have your say:


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Edmunds and Consumer Reports: The 2021 Kia Niro is Pretty Average
In the past several years, Kia has taken the stage as the up-and-coming manufacturer among sporty sedans and SUVs. With new options like the Kia Telluride and Kia Stinger taking over headlines with high ratings and even higher reviewers from new owners, it is easy to see how the manufacturer has made quite a name for itself. But, they offer more than just higher-priced borderline luxury options, Kia also offers more affordable choices, like the 2021 Kia Niro.
How much does the 2021 Kia Niro cost?
The 2021 Kia Niro starts at the more affordable price range of the brand, with an MSRP for the base model Niro starting at $25,865. There are several trim-level options available, which can bring the sticker price up as high as $34,125. For the higher price, you can get features like heated and ventilated front seats and wireless charging, but that does bring the vehicle up in cost to a different market with more options for the same price.
How does it rank with Consumer Reports?
With an overall score of 62 out of a possible 100, the 2021 Kia Niro doesn’t make the list of recommended vehicles on the Consumer Reports website. According to the site, the Niro does well to balance what it has to offer for the price. This includes responsible fuel economy, reported at 43 mpg overall, and a surprising amount of space and cargo capacity. But, it doesn’t come without its own downfalls, such as its less than thrilling acceleration and its underwhelming options and features for the lower, more affordable trim level options.
On some occasions, major reviewers like Consumer Reports and Edmunds disagree over how a car should be ranked, but that isn’t the case for the 2021 Kia Niro. It isn’t as highly ranked as several other options for the same price, but it does receive a slightly more favorable rating on this platform than the other, with an overall score of 7.7 out of 10. Reviewers agree with the same points made over the lackluster acceleration but give the vehicle the benefit of the doubt, highlighting the nimble handling and some key features many buyers are looking for:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Keyless entry
- Dual-zone climate control
The 2021 Kia Niro might not be the most exciting option on the market, but it offers plenty for the price, making it a good deal if you’re looking to keep things simple and affordable. According to these two major reviewers, the vehicle offers what some buyers are looking for and balances that out with options that some buyers are willing to sacrifice for the price.


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Investors flock to Netflix and other ‘stay at home’ lifestyle stocks
Netflix has seen a 900% increase in purchase activity compared to this time last year and other core ‘stay at home’ lifestyle stocks have also surged in popularity, an investment platform reveals.
Coronavirus has sent shockwaves across global stockmarkets, but there are select companies that are booming as a result of people adjusting to life on lockdown.
Popularity of ‘stay at home’ lifestyle stocks has surged and analysis of The Share Centre’s trading data reveals Netflix has seen a nine-fold increase in purchase activity compared to this time last year.
Video communication company Zoom has seen a 550% increase in purchase activity, while grocery delivery firm Ocado has seen a 336% increase.
Amazon has seen a 200% increase in buying activity with Microsoft at 143%, ahead of Facebook’s 43% rise.
Stay at home’ businesses emerge as winners of the coronavirus crisis
The investment platform said with consumer spending on these companies likely to be increasing, many are looking to match this pattern with their investment strategy.
This is a common strategy among investors and it can prove lucrative as these ‘stay at home’ stocks have enjoyed considerable returns over the period.
Zoom investors have witnessed total returns of 80.7%, while Netflix (17.4%), Amazon (8.1%), Ocado (5.9%) and Microsoft (5%) have all enjoyed growth.
Joe Healey, investment research analyst at The Share Centre said: “Matching your investment strategy with your spending habits can be a sensible approach and sticking to companies you’re familiar with, and you know are performing well, makes a lot of sense in times of uncertainty.
“‘Stay at home’ businesses are fast emerging as the winners of the coronavirus crisis and are acting as a strong addition for many investors’ portfolios as a result.”
However, Healey added that as with all investment decisions, investors should have a long-term outlook.
“The lockdown will eventually lift so investors should consider whether this is a company that will continue to deliver returns. The flurry of interest in these stocks does also leave them at risk of becoming over-valued, so investors should avoid getting caught up in any excitement and objectively consider the price before purchasing.”


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Saudi Arabia based dairy firm Almarai has recently announced the purchase of a 48% stake in International Dairy and Juice from FMCG giant PepsiCo to become the 100% owner of the business
According to a report in The National, International Dairy and Juice was formed as a joint venture in 2009 via a partnership between Almarai and PepsiCo to produce and distribute food and beverages in Egypt and Jordan.
The 255 million SAR ($68 million) deal was reportedly funded by internal cash flows and concluded through Almarai subsidiary Almarai Investment Holding.
Almarai recently reported a 24% profit rise in Q4 2022, largely driven by an increase in sales in its poultry and bakery businesses. Sales in the dairy and juice businesses were also up but the value was offset by cost inflation in those sectors.
Source: The National


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Greenville, S.C. — Bojangles’ has unveiled a new restaurant design, and is set to open the first updated location in Greenville, South Carolina.
Construction is underway on the new 3,900-square-foot store, which is replacing an existing Bojangles’ location on Laurens Road. The new design features a “Biscuit Theater” where guests will be able to watch biscuits being made fresh every 20 minutes. The upgraded concept will also feature wi-fi, multi-device charging stations, high-top community tables, and a contemporary exterior with bold graphics, soft lighting and landscaped planters. The Greenville location is expected to open in early 2017.


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Cuscal, which provides payment services to mutual banks and fintechs, has acquired Basiq, a Sydney-based start-up backed by powerful investors including Westpac and National Australia Bank, in a deal that points to the looming consolidation of payments, data systems and digital identity.
The deal provides an exit for Basiq’s shareholders which include US card giant Visa, Westpac’s venture capital fund Reinventure Group, NAB Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, AP Ventures (backed by Afterpay) and Plaid, a large US-based banking data company.
Cuscal has bought out the six shareholders and will use the acquisition to provide its clients access to “open banking”, part of the government’s regulated data sharing regime known as the “consumer data right” (CDR).
Basiq has developed technology to capture data through the open banking regime. It sits between more than 100 banks and around 150 fintechs, helping them to analyse data and improve digital services. It will use the deal to provide Cuscal’s payments services to some of these customers.
The deal amount was not disclosed. The Australian Financial Review understands Cuscal paid around $80 million for Basiq, at a higher valuation than its Series A round in 2021. Both Cuscal and Basiq declined to confirm the pricetag, valuation or any other financial details relating to the deal.
Basiq chief executive and founder, Damir Cuca, will remain a shareholder and Basiq will continue to operate under its own brand and maintain its existing engineering team.
Cuscal managing director Craig Kennedy described Basiq as the “leading CDR platform in Australia”.
‘All the ingredients’
He said Cuscal would seek to “put all the ingredients together” as payments, banking data and digital identify converge. “Between us, we have all the licensing, credentials and platforms, and we will now work with clients to determine how they want those capabilities packaged behind the scenes,” he said.
“This will empower consumers with better experiences, and create efficiencies and better security for businesses.”
In a separate example of the convergence of payments and data, Coles and Australian Payments Plus (AP+) this week announced a strategic partnership that will see the supermarket giant use eftpos QR code technology, which combines payments with customer identity and data on products being purchased in its stores.
The deal comes as the federal government considers new legislation that would add “action initiation” powers to the consumer data right that could allow it to be used to make payments.
This could see the CDR compete with existing payment infrastructure, including the debit card networks run by Visa, Mastercard and eftpos. PayTo, new functionality being rolled out on the real-time payments system known as the “new payments platform” (NPP) also allows for payment initiation.
Last month, Mastercard received accreditation from the ACCC to participate in open banking. When that was announced, Richard Wormald, Mastercard’s boss in Australia, said open banking would “transform the way consumers can connect with and control their data, in everything from budgeting and payments to investing and lending”.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the game that has charmed a locked-down world, is back at the top of the UK video games sales charts.
Not only is back in at the number one spot, just overtaking Ghost of Tsushima; Nintendo currently has six games that are ranked in the top ten for physical sales. Careening out from the leftfield that is 2017 and slipping into third place is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The chart rankings come courtesy of Ukie, and the top ten is as follows:
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
2. Ghost of Tsushima
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
4. FIFA 20
6. F1 2020
7. Paper Mario: The Origami King
8. Grand Theft Auto 5
9. Ring Fit Adventure
10. 51 Worldwide Games
It’s a prosperous time indeed for Nintendo, and the steady stream of updates Animal Crossing: New Horizons can’t hurt its longevity.
The most recent update for the game, patch 1.4.1, has gotten rid of hacked trees—mana from heaven for those who were hacked off with the idea of trees that could be modded to grow items other than fruit. Wonderful!


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Consumers hate packaging-related waste and will switch brands to avoid it, according to a survey from LiquiGlide.
The worst offenders? Shampoo, lotion and toothpaste.
Consumers in the survey were overwhelmingly concerned with wasting product, wasting money and feeling taking advantage of.
Consumers self-estimated they lost as much as $50 each year from product waste related to uncooperative packaging. The survey noted, "Beyond money concerns, 20% of respondents said it’s the principle of the matter that they should get everything they paid for, and 16% cited environmental concerns."
The report continued, "More than two-thirds (69%) say they hesitate to open a new package when there’s still a tiny bit left in the previous one."
Most respondents, it turns out, will switch brands to access more efficient packaging:
- body lotion, 74%
- toothpaste, 71%
- laundry detergent, 69%
- shampoo, 68%
- conditioner, 67%


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When the once-notorious computer hacker Marcus Hutchins was arrested by FBI agents in August 2017, he was staying in a Las Vegas mansion. Years earlier, as a precocious 16-year-old, Hutchins had accepted thousands of dollars in bitcoin to develop what eventually became the Kronos banking trojan. His dark secret was unknown to anyone except a single dark web contact who led agents to his arrest.
Today, society is full of people like Hutchins who are just a little better at hiding. They might be the elusive rich guy living on your street. They might be the sandal-wearing hipster who sits in the corner of your local coffee shop. No matter how they appear, they are the mafiosos and kingpins of our time, and their victims are global businesses and consumers.
As the cybercriminal underclass grows, so, too, does the black market for malware, exploits and sensitive data harvested from major organizations. And although it’s comforting to think that holding a Fortune 500 banking institution for ransom requires God-like powers, it doesn’t — all it requires is a lack of moral scruples and the basic know-how to exploit backdoor channels hidden across all modern websites and apps.
In the first half of 2021, the frequency of ransomware attacks increased by nearly 100% from the year before, with an average cost (including payout and recovery) of $2 million. One of these incidents stands apart for a surprising twist in the story: The parties responsible apologized for their actions.
DarkSide, the Russian-based hacking group behind the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, operates on a ransomware-as-a-service model, “renting” their code out to anonymous clients in exchange for payment. Following the attack, DarkSide claimed ignorance that its victim was a public utility, providing oil and gas across the eastern United States.
Dubious as that claim may be, it is far from impossible. The number of professional cybercriminals acting on a rental model has exploded, accounting for two out of every three data breaches in 2020. These ventures can achieve high levels of automation, offering everything from control of large botnets to zero-day attacks and “trusted insiders.”
With these shadow markets in place, hacking skills aren’t needed to target a business or its customers: nation-states, terrorist groups and profit-seekers can infiltrate a business by simply paying someone else to do it for them. But where do professional cybercriminals get the resources to offer their services consistently, at scale? The answer is buried in nearly every website you visit.
The Backdoor Channels To Your Website
Despite the amount of news coverage devoted to cyberattacks, no amount of awareness seems to stunt their growth. Approximately 50% of CEOs plan to increase their cybersecurity investment in the near future, and the government pours billions into it every year. Yet, the number and scale of data breaches continue to climb, barely fettered by any counter-efforts.
Although the reasons for this phenomenon are multifaceted, some are relatively straightforward: Major channels for malicious activity against businesses, consumers and government organizations are left almost completely unmonitored and unprotected. Take third-party code, for instance.
Today, nearly every website and mobile application depend heavily on third-party code to provide rich features like shopping cart and payment features, media rendering, advertising and customer support (including live and AI-based chat). In fact, up to 98% of websites are vulnerable to “client-side” attacks due to third-party vulnerabilities.
Not only can these backdoor channels be used to form botnets of user devices, skim credit card information and target delivery of ransomware to specific organizations, they can also be bought and sold like any other exploit, turning otherwise upstanding websites into pawns of the organized cybercriminal game.
The Web: The Next Frontier For Cybersecurity
Today, most CEOs have some level of cybersecurity consciousness. They are wary of phishing attacks via email. They ensure that antivirus software is deployed throughout their organization. Meanwhile, CSOs and CISOs encourage secure coding practices and strong passwords, and — following the attack on SolarWinds — they may even vet third-party software vendors.
But all of them have blind spots. The cybersecurity landscape is always changing, and email is no longer the most dangerous channel for phishing attacks or malware delivery — the web is. Proprietary code is no longer the greatest factor in customer safety or experience across websites and apps — third-party code is. That’s how ransomware as a service works.
Ultimately, today’s organizations have a wealth of tools at their disposal to handle traditional sources of risk, but few have looked for solutions to handle the risk emanating from their own digital ecosystems. Going forward, security-conscious executives must familiarize themselves with the vast infrastructure of digital third parties their business depends on and invest in solutions to detect malicious code before it executes. The safety of their customers depends on it.


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Travis Scott’s McDonald’s partnership went so well that the fast food giant had to alter the ordering process because they were continuously running out of ingredients. Following the collaboration’s immense success, McDonald’s decided to tap another superstar. J Balvin announced his McDonald’s partnership earlier this month and has now unveiled an exclusive line of McDonald’s merch, and it boasts some unusual items.
Balvin’s retro-inspired merch has some classic items like bucket hats and sweatshirts in the collection’s signature neon colorway. The line also features a handful of head-turning items such as sunglasses in the form of McDonald’s recognizable arches, a $90 water bottle, neon burger slippers, and a temporary tattoo that is just a receipt of Balvin’s go-to order.
weird flex, but ok.
yes merch includes a @JBALVIN receipt tattoo pic.twitter.com/cQaztI94Wi
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) October 15, 2020
Explaining the McDonald’s partnership in an interview with Complex, Balvin said: “I grew up with McDonald’s. I wasn’t born in the States, but since I was a kid, I was eating McDonald’s meals. When I had my very first chance to go to the States, it was like a dream to me, coming from Colombia to my first time having a McDonald’s meal. It’s those types of moments that connect with me as a child. And when they called me saying that they wanted to work with me, I immediately said yes because it connects with me and my childhood. I’ve always been a big fan. It’s crazy to have your own meal.”
Check out items from J Balvin’s McDonald’s merch collection below.


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A weekly presentation of downloadable charts and short analyses designed to graphically illustrate important economic issues. Updated every Wednesday.
Snapshot for February 6, 2002.
Consumption and economic growth
The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently reported that economic growth in the fourth quarter was positive at 0.2%. An important reason why economic growth was not negative, as many observers had believed it would be, was that consumption increased at an annualized rate of 5.4% (it had only increased by 1.0% in the third quarter).
However, consumers are slowly reaching the limit of their ability to shop. In fact, consumption relative to personal disposable income reached a record high of 96.3% last quarter. It was not a surge in personal income that gave rise to the consumption boost in the fourth quarter — the consumption increase was fuelled instead by a rapid increase in consumer borrowing. Consumer borrowing relative to personal disposable income (PDI) also reached a record high of more than 22%.
These trends have important implications for the future. Record household debt is also reflected in near record levels of interest payments, debt service burden, and personal default rates. As a consequence, banks will become more careful and stop lending to protect their assets. Also, given that households reached record highs both in terms of their relative consumption and debt levels, it seems unlikely that they will go out and increase their borrowing and spending at the same rate as they did in the fourth quarter. Without solid income growth, consumption growth is likely to be slow in the near future.
This week’s Snapshot by EPI economist Christian E. Weller.
Check out the archive for past Economic Snapshots.


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Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood has called on the judiciary to prepare for possible litigations associated with Ghana’s increasing maritime trade business.
According to her, the significant increase has also led to intense business activities among key players in the shipping industry.
“Indeed this growth has produced a bursting activity among key players such as shippers, ship owners, terminal operators, sea boring companies, freight forwarders and bankers in our ports to mention but a few. The judiciary therefore needs to prepare for the challenges of litigation that might be associated with this thriving sector,” she stated.
Official figures indicate Ghana’s maritime trade has more than doubled from the year 2000 to 2015.
The figures increased from 8 million metric tonnes to over 17 million metric tonnes within the fifteen year period.
Some observers say this will increase further in subsequent years.
The Chief Justice made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 11th Maritime Law Seminar for judges of the superior courts of Ghana.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Transport, Fiifi Kwetey stated that the last decade has witnessed major growth in the import and export traffic through the various sea ports.
According to him, the development has brought in its wake the need for the expansion of the infrastructure of the two sea ports and other supporting logistic facilities.
The seminar is to build the requisite judicial capacity that would imbue the Justices with the needed expert knowledge and skills.
The training would also equip the judges to determine maritime cases as well as other trade related transactions fairly, impartially and in a more fashion when they are laid before them for adjudication.
By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana


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For helping overseas Indians send money to their relatives back home, the State Bank of India (SBI) has opened its first remittance outlet in Singapore.
Christened ‘Ezy Remit’, the centre is conveniently located at a worker’s dormitory at PPT Lodge in Punggol towards the North East part of Singapore.
The outlet offers remittance services to India and Bangladesh available to all registered remittance customers of SBI. The customer can choose to debit his SBI account or pay via NETS or cash to send money to India and Bangladesh.
The core objective of opening a remittance outlet at a dormitory is to reach out to the migrant workers and help them remit their money through banking channel.
Jawed Ashraf, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, inaugurated the remittance centre. He observed that the opening of the centre will reduce the worker’s time to travel to main banks and branches in city areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Soma Sankara Prasad, SBI's Country Head of Singapore, said, “The opening of the remittance centre is in line with the Singapore government's initiative of providing doorstep facilities for the workers living in dormitories.”
“Construction and marine industry workers can remit to their homes in India and Bangladesh in rupee and taka, respectively,” he added.
India has topped the list with USD68 billion of remittance inflows last year, followed closely by China with USD63.93 billion. Now, the rupee remittances have become easier with online transactions and the spread of remittance points in Singapore.
There are multiple modes of money transfers in Singapore including Rupee Remittance App for Rupay-NETS which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 31 during his visit to Singapore this year.
About 35 per cent of the 285,000 construction workers in Singapore are from India.
Notably, SBI was awarded the qualifying full bank license in 2008 and has 6 branches in Singapore. It has 25 ATMs across the island.
SBI is India’s premier banking group with assets of USD500 billion. It has been expanding its foothold in both Indian and foreign operations with a network of over 22500 branches in India and 205 offices worldwide spread across 35 geographies.


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Microgaming and Rootz Renew Partnership
Microgaming, the leading provider of gaming content in the iGaming industry, has renewed its partnership with Rootz Limited, the leading online casino operator.
The renewed partnership sees the leading developer taking its content live with Rootz’s recently launched brand, Wheelz. The two companies first joined forces back in 2019, when Rootz launched its casino, Wildz. In 2020, the operator launched Caxino.
The recently launched brand, Wheelz, will be able to run on the same top-performing technology and to offer the supplier’s vast portfolio of content from its exclusive independent studios. Titles such as Golden Stallion and Diamond King Jackpots from Northern Lights Gaming and SpinPlay Games will be available on Wheelz.
A Continued Successful Partnership
Representatives from Microgaming, which released content with Deadmau5 this past fall, say that they are delighted about working with Rootz and that they are looking forward to continuing their successful partnership.
“We are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with Rootz, an operator which has found the formula when it comes to delivering a top-rated casino experience for its players. Its state-of-the-art technology combined with Microgaming’s vast content offering makes for a winning partnership. Wheelz has what it takes to become a firm player favourite, and with David Hasselhoff as the face of the brand, it will do so with added glitz and a little Hollywood glamour.” said Neil Bancroft, Microgaming Head of Partnerships.
Officials from Rootz, which recently also added iSoftBet content to its platform, say that the partnership with Microgaming has been instrumental in the success they’ve enjoyed and that they are confident that their brand will be as successful as their other brands.
“Microgaming has been instrumental in the success we have enjoyed with our first two online casino brands, Wildz and Caxino. Given our rapid growth, expectations are high for Wheelz, and with the support of Microgaming and its market leading content, we are confident the brand will be as successful as its sister sites. I’d like to thank Microgaming for the support and assistance its team has provided Rootz to date and look forward to even greater success now that Wheelz is live to players in markets around the world.” – said Lasse Rantala, Rootz Limited CEO.
More About the Provider
Microgaming is one of the pioneers in the iGaming industry. The company developed the world’s first online casino back in 1994 and the first mobile casino software in 2004. It has headquarters on the Isle of Man, which opened in 2017. Its team genuinely cares about iGaming, its operators and players. Its products include casino, poker, bingo, sportsbook, land-based and live dealer games.
Source: “Microgaming goes back to its Rootz”. Microgaming. February 10, 2021.


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Lao netizens are now contending with a surge in scams perpetrated through social media platforms, giving rise to what’s being termed a “scamdemic.” This troubling trend involves victims paying in advance for products advertised online but never receiving them.
The “scamdemic” poses an increasing challenge in Laos, particularly on social media platforms where vendors showcase products for sale online. Unfortunately, once victims make payments, the promised products fail to reach them. A quick scroll through Facebook reveals numerous such scams occurring daily, with affected individuals seeking help either to secure delivery or obtain refunds.
The allure of scamming is heightened by easier access to international markets, including China and Thailand. Unscrupulous individuals usually take product information on e-commerce platforms like Lazada from Thailand, Shopee from Singapore, or Taobao from China to repackage and promote them as their own.
Some unscrupulous actors market these products at inflated prices, falsely claiming superiority over existing market offerings, while others adopt a tactic of selling at rock-bottom prices under the pretense of sales or promotions. However, the common denominator in all these schemes is the absence of actual products, robbing victims of their hard-earned money.
One Facebook user, for instance, took to Facebook to caution others about a scammer named Souvanan Soudthavilay. According to the post, this individual tricks people into paying for products and promptly disappears.
Another recent incident involved Tamany Lachini Shop, which alerted users about Thip Mala, a fraudulent Facebook account posting the shop’s products. Their warning stated, “This is a scammer’s Facebook account; don’t fall for their trap.”
These incidents are just a glimpse into a much larger issue, underscoring the alarming repercussions of the current state of the Lao economy, where some people are going to extreme ends to fraudulently earn a living.
So far, none of these perpetrators have been held accountable by the government to demonstrate some degree of control over the problem. At present, there are no established channels for victims to seek compensation as well.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is responsible for overseeing customer protection against scams and deceptive advertisements. According to the Ministry, consumers can call their hotline, 1510, to file complaints or charges. For non-Lao consumers, complaints can be sent to the Lao Consumer Protection Facebook Page.
Nevertheless, prior steps can be taken by residents to avoid falling victim to scams, as Laos lacks an independent entity to aid consumers in making informed decisions.
First and foremost, it’s imperative to scrutinize the seller’s track record when making online purchases in Laos. Check their sales history and assess their reliability by reviewing comments and reviews about their shop on social media platforms.
Secondly, investigate whether the seller has a history of involvement in scams. This can be done by searching their name on Facebook and reviewing their previous posts.
Lastly, if you have any doubts about a seller, refrain from making a purchase from them. Chances are, there are other sellers offering the same product who are more trustworthy and reliable.


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- François Dupuis, Vice-President and Chief Economist • Yves St-Maurice, Senior Director and Deputy Chief Economist • Joëlle Noreau, Senior Economist
B2C e-commerce catching up to a moving train
Now well under way, the 21st century is known as the Internet Age given the major role this technology plays in our daily lives. Online shopping for goods and services is a perfect example. Some retailers view e-commerce as a springboard to higher sales. For those who have yet to go virtual, the media’s reports of failed attempts make the prospect frightening indeed. While it’s true that there are risks, changing consumer behaviour and growing competition are leaving retailers with no choice but to establish an online presence.
See the full publication in PDF.
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Veuve Clicquot Partners with Belmond for Unique Travel Experience
Veuve Clicquot is creating a unique travel experience aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a train owned by Belmond. The trip, which will go from Vienna to Reims, the home of the iconic champagne house, will take place in July 2024 and will be centered around culture and gastronomy with multiple dinners prepared by starred chefs. Similar experiences organized by the two brands are set to be unveiled in Peru and from Singapore to Malaysia.
Rolex Raises Prices in the UK
Despite a pause in price hikes in the US, Rolex has raised its prices in the UK by an average of about 4% to start the year. In the UK, the watchmaker usually raises its prices once a year; however, Rolex introduced two separate price hikes in 2022 to follow currency moves as the pound, at the time, reached its lowest level against the dollar in decades. According to Morgan Stanley, Rolex produces over a million timepieces annually, generating 9 billion Swiss Francs in revenues.
Loewe Releases Exclusive Jade Collection for Lunar New Year
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Loewe is collaborating with master jade carvers Lei Cheng, Qijing Qiu, and Xiaojin Yin to handcraft five exclusive jade pendants. By avoiding the use of zodiac imagery and opting for jade, a historically significant stone in China and a symbol of purity, wisdom, elegance, and good fortune, Loewe opted for a unique approach to the Chinese New Year. Users on Weibo and Xiaohongshu praised the campaign for consistently honoring Chinese traditions. While remaining committed to craftsmanship, Loewe shows its ability to adapt to local culture and build a genuine and humble brand image in China.
Dior Further Expands into Hospitality
Following the opening of its first Café Dior in its flagship store in Paris two years ago, Dior recently announced the opening of several Café Dior venues in the US and Asia, further expanding into hospitality and gastronomy. Dior opened a café in December with chef Anne-Sophie Pic in Osaka, Japan. This cafe featured pastries inspired by the archives of Christian Dior. In addition to cafés, Dior has confirmed that it will launch its second Monsieur Dior restaurant in 2025 in Japan with the same chef. For Dior, this is a way to tap into the growing demand for immersive experiences that allow consumers to connect with a brand’s identity and heritage.
Frédéric Arnault Named CEO of LVMH Watches
Frédéric Arnault has been named the CEO of LVMH Watches, effective January 1st. In this capacity, the second-youngest of LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault’s sons will oversee the conglomerate’s Tag Heuer, Hublot, and Zenith brands, with an aggregate turnover of around 1.6 billion Swiss Francs ($1.9 billion). Prior to this role, Frédéric ran the Tag Heuer brand, where he was responsible for pushing the brand into a more upmarket positioning.
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Darkfall Unholy Wars: Darkball Event
Darkfall Unholy Wars is injecting a little sports flavor in August.
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It’s official, the Department of Justice has filed an Antitrust Lawsuit against Apple and other publishers over e-book price fixing.
Apple and Macmillan, which have refused to engage in settlement talks with the Justice Department, deny they colluded to raise prices for digital books, according to people familiar with the matter … The government is seeking a settlement that would let Amazon and other retailers return to a wholesale model, where retailers decide what to charge customers, the people said. A settlement could also void so-called most-favored nation clauses in Apple’s contracts that require book sellers to provide the maker of the iPad with the lowest prices they offer competitors, the people said.
Like we said earlier, this one is bound to get interesting. Apple’s going to argue that they’ve offered publishers an additional model, thereby increasing alternatives in the market. Amazon’s going to argue that Apple’s strong-arming publishers into giving Apple preferential treatment, making it difficult for them to continue to sell e-books to customers at cheap prices.
The Department of Justice may be gearing up to filing an antitrust suit against Apple and a couple of other e-book publishing companies for price fixing. According to reports the department could file the suit as early as today.
The Justice Department is investigating alleged price-fixing by Apple and five major publishers: CBS Corp’s Simon & Schuster Inc, HarperCollins Publishers Inc, Lagardere SCA’s Hachette Book Group, Pearson and Macmillan, a unit of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH. A lawsuit against Apple, one of the parties not in negotiations with the Justice Department for a potential settlement, could come as early as Wednesday but no final decision has been made, the people said.
What the DoJ is trying to determine is whether or not Apple colluded with publishers to change the pricing model from the wholesale Amazon model to an angency model where publishers set prices for books on the iBookstore. The e-book model is similar to Apple’s App Store, and iTunes model. This whole suit seems to be based off words spoken by Steve Jobs in his bio about how the publishers disliked Amazon’s model of selling books below price, and how the Apple model put the power back in publishers hands. Amazon purchases ebooks in such bulk that it then offers the books up to consumers at a highly discounted rate.
Reuters is hinting that settlement may be an option, and reports over the last couple of weeks have certainly put Apple in negotiations with the DoJ, but recently the talks seem to have broken down with Apple refusing to accept the terms of the settlement in the US and EU.
It certainly seems like this antitrust case may be heading to a court sooner than later.


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Sony has come under fire for delisting Driveclub a day before it said it would.
Sony said it would stop selling Driveclub, Driveclub VR, Driveclub Bikes and all DLC and season passes related to those games from 31st August 2019 at 23.59 BST. In fact, Sony is still saying that on the PlayStation website.
But Sony delisted Driveclub around 5pm yesterday, 30th August - over 24 hours earlier than announced.
Eurogamer was contacted by a raft of upset people who had intended to buy the PS4-exclusive racing game today, but logged on to find it unavailable. (We've asked Sony for an explanation.)
One prospective customer said via email: "A lot of people were waiting for the final sale as it's very common in such cases (DuckTales Remastered, Forza Horizon 6, etc.) but now they can't buy anything.
"I'm a big fan of PlayStation but I suppose that Sony crossed all the borders in this case. People must know that it can happen to any game published by Sony."
It's a similar sentiment online.
@AskPS_UK— ernest gal (@ernestgal87) August 30, 2019
driveclub is not available on the uk psn store anymore.
i actually wanted to buy it today.
the official close down date was the 31st aug.
Driveclub goes out in controversial circumstances, then, but perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. Driveclub suffered a number of setbacks during its life before nailing redemption.
Driveclub, from Motorstorm developer Evolution, was supposed to be a PS4 launch title but it was delayed. When it did come out it suffered devastating online issues. Sony would eventually shut Evo down before announcing the closure of Driveclub's servers in March 2020.


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Twitter CEO talked about watching Twitter during an important hearing
in the United States House of Representatives on March 25, 2021, was often tired of hearing and watching Twitter.
It has been pointed out that Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who attended a five-hour online hearing
Disinformation Nation: Social Media's Role in Promoting Extremism and Misinformation --YouTube
Twitter's Dorsey called out for trolling Congress during hearing | Reuters
Jack Dorsey wants the entire world to know he's got a bitcoin clock --The Verge
On March 25, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Commission held a hearing on 'The role of social media in promoting extremism and the spread of hoaxes,' Dorsey CEO, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. CEO Pichai participated.
2021 attack on the United States Capitol?'
At the hearing, lawmakers asked the three questions, such as 'Did social media take responsibility for the
Some of the questions asked for answers with 'yes' or 'no,' but CEOs often disliked clear answers and were often confused. For example, when asked, 'Is the YouTube algorithm designed to keep users on the site for a long time?', Pichai replies, 'Taking responsibility for content is our number one goal.'
In response to these answers, lawmakers asked, 'Please answer'yes'or'no'. Do you know the difference between'yes' and'no'?' When the CEOs try to continue saying 'yes, but ...', the legislators block the words, 'it's okay.'
Zuckerberg and Pichai appear to be seriously attending the hearing, but Dorsey may have been disappointed, voting 'yes' or 'no' on Twitter during a 15-minute break in between. Post a mysterious tweet calling for.
??— Jack (@jack) March 25, 2021
After this tweet, Dorsey often looks down after talking, perhaps to see the notification.
Kathleen Rice, who noticed this, asked, 'Mr. Dorsey, which of your tweets is predominant,'yes' or'no'?'
In response to this question, CEO Dorsey just answered 'yes' with a friendly laugh.
'Your multitasking skills are pretty impressive,' Rice replied. That concludes my question to Congressman Dorsey.
It has also been pointed out that a strange clock is placed on the right hand side of CEO Dorsey.
Bitcoin will become the world's single currency within 10 years, ' and made it possible to buy and sell Bitcoin from smartphones with the mobile payment application 'Square Cash' that he created. Known for being obsessed with Bitcoin. This watch can be purchased from the official website for $ 399 (about 43,000 yen).
This watch is a Wi-Fi compatible device that can display the time and the current Bitcoin rate. Dorsey said, '
in Posted by log1p_kr