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4 States Show Record-Breaking Monthly Cannabis Sales In 2021
The growth of the cannabis sector has been one that the world can not ignore. Currently, in the U.S. many states are generating large amounts of revenue from the sale of legal cannabis. This past month was a busy and progressive time for the cannabis industry. In the month of July, some marijuana dispensaries and retailers saw record sales in 4 separate states.
This seems to be a reoccurring pattern that’s been happening in various places around the U.S. Especially as some cannabis markets have grown and come online. This increase in sales is astounding considering how the cannabis industry has thrived even amid the coronavirus pandemic. In Illinois, Maine, and Michigan, sales of adult-use marijuana products reached new highs in July. The same goes for Missouri’s medical cannabis market.
The state of Illinois grossed close to $128 in recreational cannabis sales for the month of July. This made for more than twice the total amount of monthly sales from back in 2020. Cannabis users purchased 2,802,124 individual cannabis products in July. Which exemplifies yet another monthly record.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation documented that in-state residents purchased $85 million in marijuana. This makes for a 69 percent increase from residents, while out-of-state visitors accounted for $42 million in sales.
July made for the fifth continuous month that sales in Illinois’s adult-use market have exceeded $100 million. If the pattern continues, Illinois is on a path to make more than $1 billion in adult-use marijuana sales in 2021. This would indicate a major boost in revenue for the state. Illinois sold about $670 million in cannabis back in 2020. At that time the state took in $205.4 million in tax revenue.
Illinois took in more tax dollars from marijuana than alcohol for the first time last quarter. Which was documented by officials back in May. From January to March, Illinois generated about $86,537,000 in adult-use marijuana tax revenue, compared to $72,281,000 from liquor sales.
Recreational marijuana sales in Maine have reached an impressive $9.4 for the month of July. What some may not know is this current record is a 45 percent increase from the record that was held in June. Many marijuana operators and establishments attribute this increase in sales to the 4th of July holiday. Around the U.S. the Fourth of July is a time where Maine sees a spike in tourism said The Portland Press Herald.
The retail market for recreational cannabis launched in October of back in 2020. Since that time the market has steadily grown in popularity. July makes for the first time that recreational cannabis sales challenged those of the state’s older medical marijuana market. And of course, this increasing amount of marijuana sales are adding to tax revenue for the state. The Maine Office of Marijuana Policy reported $943,500 in cannabis sales tax revenue for July.
Michigan marijuana sales hit another record during July. Marijuana sales for the state came in with more than $171 million in cannabis transactions. Which was documented by a state regulatory body that was recently released and made public. The numbers came in as such recreational sales accounted for $128 million. Next, you have medical purchases which reached $43 million in cannabis sales in July alone.
Back in June Michigan brought in $107 million in recreational marijuana sales and $42 million for medical cannabis. In July $23 million was made in tax revenue from the combined sales. Some of that tax money will go to infrastructure projects, public education, and individual jurisdictions.
Just this past week state officials also awarded $20 million in marijuana tax revenue to fund a pair of research projects. The goal of the research is to investigate the therapeutic potential of cannabis for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Much of the recreational sales back in June were made of cannabis flowers. Following that are vape cartridges and edibles.
For the first time, Missouri medical cannabis sales surpassed $20 million during July. Analysts say the record-breaking sales are mainly attributable to a mixture of new dispensaries opening. In addition to an increased number of patient enrollment in the state’s medical-marijuana program. With July’s $21 million in cannabis sales, that increases the total medical marijuana purchases in the state. Which now accounts for $91 million for 2021.
Furthermore, a group of Missouri marijuana activists is working on more efficient cannabis legislation. Recently the group filed four separate initiatives to put marijuana reform on the state’s 2022 ballot. This came as additional advocacy groups are out to collect signatures for cannabis ballot petitions of their own. Nevertheless, other activists are concentrating on getting the legislature to pass. This could be a resolution by putting the question of cannabis legalization before voters in 2022.
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Earlier in the week VRFocus reported on the news that indie developer IRIS VR was bringing its TECHNOLUST franchise to PlayStation 4 and the HTC Vive head-mounted display (HMD) in TECHNOLUST Scanlines. At the time the developer didn’t have any more details to share, including if the console version would support the Project Morpheus HMD. IRIS VR has since confirmed that its upcoming spin-off will indeed support Sony Computer Entertainment’s (SCE) device, and has revealed the first details about the title itself.
Set in the cyberpunk future that was first seen in the original TECHNOLUST, which itself is coming to the Oculus Rift, TECHNOLUST Scanlines casts players as a security professional placed in charge of a checkpoint known as a scanline. With the help of a modified AI known as IRIS players will scan and interrogate people as they decide who to let pass and who to turn away. It sounds similar to 2013’s Papers, Please and the developer hopes to get players wrestling with their own morality as they make important decisions.
The title aims to be a standing experience and will utilise the PlayStation Move motion controllers on PlayStation 4, while obviously relying on SteamVR’s motion tracked controllers on the HTC Vive. Players will ask each newcomer some standard questions using a terminal in the room as well as utilising black lights, x-rays and pheromone scanners to try and determine any possible issues. It will be possible to upset characters that you scan but, at the same time, players may let those breaking the law slip through.
TECHNOLUST Scanlines utilises Quantum Capture photoscanning and performance capture for photorealistic visuals, and its being developed using Unity 5. A release date for title is yet to be revealed. VRFocus will continue to follow its progress, reporting back with any further updates on it.

domain: news


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“We’re extremely encouraged that the administration is making it clear to Congress that it’s time to finally move forward on this critical trade deal,” said Steve Foglesong, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (N.C.B.A.) president. “The K.O.R.U.S. F.T.A. could potentially be one of the most significant bilateral agreements in our history.”
The K.O.R.U.S. F.T.A. would reduce South Korea’s current tariff from 40% to zero over 15 years if implemented. The U.S. beef industry would see $15 million in new tariff benefits in the first year alone, with about $325 million in tariff reductions annually once fully implemented. In 2003, U.S. beef producers sold $815 million in beef, beef variety meats and processed beef products to Korea. If K.O.R.U.S. enters into force, South Korea could eventually be a $1 billion market for U.S. beef producers.
With other countries like Australia moving forward on trade agreements with South Korea, it’s more important than ever that Congress take immediate action on K.O.R.U.S. “If Australia were to successfully ratify a similar bilateral trade agreement with South Korea a year before we do, it would give the Australians a 2.67% tariff advantage over U.S. beef for the next 15 years,” Mr. Foglesong said. “This would be devastating to the U.S. beef industry, and sadly, the losses would be of our own doing.
“As demonstrated by the recent agreement allowing China to resume imports of Canadian beef, we can't afford to sit on the sidelines while other countries move forward on trade negotiations,” he added. “China represents one of the largest potential growth markets for our industry, worth in excess of $200 million. “The China-Canada beef deal is evidence of the United States’ lack of engagement on trade issues over the past six years. There’s no reason why American beef producers shouldn’t have the same access to China that Canadians now have.
“[Today], 10%, or approximately 12 million American jobs, depend on exports,” he said. “With 96% of the world’s consumers living outside U.S. borders, it’s critical that we expand our opportunities to sell beef in the international marketplace if we want to keep American family farms in business.
“With the U.S. economy continuing to suffer, and with other countries outpacing us in the race to ratify new trade agreements, it's time for Congress to move forward and take action,” said Foglesong. “Every day that passes without progress puts American jobs and market share at risk.”
In addition to K.O.R.U.S., N.C.B.A. is also calling on Congress to move forward on F.T.A.s with Colombia and Panama. For each day Congress delays in approving the Colombia F.T.A., American exporters overall pay $2 million in unnecessary tariffs.”


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Unilever has agreed to buy cosmetics firm Carver Korea for 2.27 billion euros ($2.71 billion) from Goldman Sachs, Bain Capital and the company's founder as it expands its beauty and personal care business.
The Anglo-Dutch company announced the deal on Monday, saying Carver was the fastest-growing skincare business in South Korea, through sales of its A.H.C brand.
Unilever said the range includes "Eye Cream for Face", along with essences, toners, moisturizers, masks, and sun protection.
Bain and Goldman Sachs jointly bought a roughly 60 percent majority stake in Carver for around $500 million last year, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Carver Korea, Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs were not available for immediate comment.


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During a legislative hearing held in the middle of the largest indoor agricultural expo in the nation, experts appropriately sounded alarms about troubling signs and trends within the dairy industry.
Meeting at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, state officials noted that two of the nation’s largest dairy processors — Borden Dairy and Dean Foods — have made moves toward bankruptcy.
“It’s a clear sign dairy is struggling across the nation and here in Pennsylvania,” said Brett Reinford, the owner of Reinford Farms near Mifflintown and chairman of the Pennsylvania Dairy Future Commission, created as part of the state’s PA Farm Bill.
“We really need to figure some things out,” Reinford said, adding that he expects his 23-member commission to hand down “unique” and “bold” recommendations later this year about what should be done to help the dairy industry in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania ranks seventh nationally in total milk production, with nearly 520,000 cows producing more than 10.6 billion pounds of milk annually, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
However, the amount of milk that Americans drink each year has fallen 40 percent since 1975. In 1996, annual milk consumption was about 24 gallons per person. That amount dropped to 17 gallons per person by 2018, according to The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, sales of goat milk increased by 636 percent between 2018 and 2019 while cow’s milk sales fell by 2.4 percent during the same 12 months.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding told lawmakers that the implications of the Dean Food bankruptcy raise immediate concerns in Pennsylvania because the company processes about 50 percent of the milk produced across the commonwealth.
Reinford said the Dairy Future Commission will likely issue a minimum of 15 recommendations focusing on four general areas — farm, market, state and consumer. Discussions include ideas to reduce production costs, promote exports, amend tax policy and improve consumer marketing.
The commission’s report is due by Aug. 1. When it arrives on lawmakers’ desks, the recommendations it offers in support of this vital agricultural industry and its products should receive immediate attention and consideration.
NOTE: Opinions expressed in The Daily Item’s editrials are the consensus of the publisher and top newsroom executives. Today’s was written by Digital Editor Dave Hilliard.


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- Owner of Mary Jane Burgers & Brew in Perryville to open new culinary concept in Cape (9/15/17)2
- Man accused of setting fire to Delta bar; posted photos of it burning on Facebook (9/17/17)5
- McClure man accused of leaving children in hot truck while gambling in casino (9/19/17)1
- How the story of one dog is helping others (9/14/17)1
- Eyewitnesses testify about fatal shooting; men were using drugs, alcohol (9/14/17)
- Jury finds Harris guilty of murder, 3 other counts (9/15/17)4
- Retailer may come to Jackson; rezoning needed first (9/17/17)2
- New boutique store advocates for special-needs people (9/19/17)
- Planet Fitness to anchor Town Plaza shopping center (9/18/17)1
- Mo. conservation agents help fight fires in western U.S. (9/15/17)
Busch Pet Products
1720 Kingsway Drive, Suite 105, Cape Girardeau
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What delightful items will shoppers find at your store this holiday season?
Besides our full lines of healthy dog and cat food and treats, we carry a lot of unique items not found anywhere else. We have some fabulous pet beds made right here in Cape by Campbell Mattress. A bed, coupled with a duvet by Molly Mutt, is the perfect gift!
What was the inspiration for your business?
My true love of animals was the inspiration for my business. I literally grew up with dogs -- my parents were professional dog showers -- so trying to find a career path away from animals just didn't work.
What may shoppers be surprised by when they visit your store?
Some people assume that our dog food is expensive because it's all natural. They are pleasantly surprised to find out that just isn't the case, and that our food is much healthier than what they have been feeding their pets.
Why do you enjoy doing business in a small town?
I was born and raised in Cape and chose to stay. I'm proud of my upbringing and background and enjoy the size of Cape -- not too big, not too small.
How long have you been in business?
I opened my online store in 2008, expanded into a 750-square-foot store in 2010 and moved into our current 1,800-square-foot location in 2011.


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Tigo Tanzania leads SMS market share
TELECOMS| July 30, 2012, 5:33 p.m.
By Hudson Kazonta, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tigo Tanzania is leading the national SMS operator’s market share, well ahead of other telecommunication operators in the country.
According to quarterly report of January – March 2012 issued by Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Tigo has 57% of the market share compared to other companies.
The report shows that Vodacom is the second company with 24% of the SMS market share and Airtel has 16%. Zantel is fourth, with 3% of the market share.
TTCL, Benson and Sasatel they have 0.00% in the SMS market share in the country.
The report also shows that Vodacom Tanzania continues to lead the operator’s subscriptions market share, having 12,633,507 subscribers which is equal to 47% ahead other companies.
The statistics shows that the second company is Airtel with 7,105,650 subscribers which is equal to 26% and Tigo with 5,497,833 subsribers which is equal to 20%. Zantel has 1,496,102 subscribers which is equal to 6%,
The state owned company TTCL has 128,919 subscribers, which is equal to 1%, Sasatel has 1,221 subscribers. which is equal to 0.02% and Benson has 4,810 subscribers or 0.005% of the total market share.
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How NCC will tackle service quality: Prof DanbattaThe Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta, says the Commission will take steps to address issues of such as multiple taxation, vandalism and others to ensure that the quality of service (QoS) headache becomes a thing of the past in the country. Read More
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FEATURED STORYAlcatel-Lucent VP calls for collaboration to achieve Data Revolution in Africa
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Today Ripple announced a collaboration with Finastra which could significantly extend the footprint of RippleNet. The deal will allow Finastra clients to use RippleNet blockchain technology for cross border payments. Finastra is a major technology provider to financial institutions. It has more than 9,000 clients, including 90 of the 100 largest banks. Only a fraction of the clients work with Finastra for payments.
Finastra’s revenues are $1.9 billion, and the firm provides a wide array of solutions to financial institutions, some of which relate to payments.
The deal relates to RippleNet, not XRP.
The collaboration is to help extend the RippleNet network, which is cryptographically secure payment messaging system. The platform’s main benefits are end-to-end tracking and visibility into fees, delivery time and status. By leveraging distributed ledger technology, RippleNet enables real-time settlement.
“Finastra is an established fintech player and works with a majority of the world’s top banks,” said Marcus Treacher, SVP of Customer Success at Ripple. “This partnership will enable Ripple to expand the reach and solutions for our partners, and the footprint of RippleNet while allowing customers to transact directly with each other.”
RippleNet already has 200 financial institutions connected, but that is tiny compared to the 11,000 that use SWIFT. The deal could benefit both Finastra’s and Ripple’s existing clients.
“Collaborating with a company like Ripple that harnesses innovative blockchain technology to provide fast and reliable cross-border payments is particularly beneficial for our customers in geographies where cost of correspondent banking is high,” said Riteesh Singh, SVP, FMS, Finastra.
Both companies have relationships with enterprise technology company R3. Finastra was the first to launch a dApp or application based on Corda with its Fusion Lendercomm blockchain solution for syndicated loans. The platform boasts big clients including BNP Paribas, Natixis, Societe Generale and Natwest.


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.... However, recent uncertain economic figures for the world’s largest economy, including retail sales, as well as the possible impact of the recent two storms means this is by no means certain. Meanwhile the Bank of England last week hinted it may increase rates in November, but while this gave an immediate boost to the pound, it only reverses the rise the Bank sanction
ed in the immediate wake of the Brexit vote. ...
[Read full article on Guardian
Monday 18th of September 2017 11:10:43 AM


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Yikes! China paying U.S. unemployment checks
The states are so broke they’re borrowing from the federal government to make burgeoning unemployment insurance benefits – prompting the federal government to borrow the funds from communist China, Jerome Corsi’s Red Alert reports.
“It is a job crisis that was created in the first place because Democratic and Republican administrations alike have sent millions of American jobs to China under the illusion ‘free-trade’ agreements would create U.S. job prosperity,” Corsi wrote.
He added, “The only possible winner is China.”
China got the jobs, which will be worth something provided the U.S. consumer has at least enough money left to buy some retail consumer goods, most likely made in China, Corsi noted.
“China also gets the loans, which may be paid off, provided the Obama administration does not run such deficits that the U.S. debt crisis begins to implode on the model of the Greek debt crisis,” Corsi wrote.
Meanwhile, many of the 10 million Americans unemployed since the recession began in 2008 are coming up against the current 99-week limit on the maximum unemployment insurance benefits they are allowed to collect.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party-controlled Congress in Washington is debating the extension of unemployment benefits beyond the current 99-week limit as part of a much larger spending bill.
To learn more about the U.S. unemployment crisis, read Jerome Corsi’s Red Alert, the premium, online intelligence news source by the WND staff writer, columnist and author of the New York Times No. 1 best-seller, “The Obama Nation.“
Red Alert’s author, whose books “The Obama Nation” and “Unfit for Command” have topped the New York Times best-sellers list, received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in political science in 1972. For nearly 25 years, beginning in 1981, he worked with banks throughout the U.S. and around the world to develop financial services marketing companies to assist banks in establishing broker/dealers and insurance subsidiaries to provide financial planning products and services to their retail customers. In this career, Corsi developed three different third-party financial services marketing firms that reached gross sales levels of $1 billion in annuities and equal volume in mutual funds. In 1999, he began developing Internet-based financial marketing firms, also adapted to work in conjunction with banks.
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Casino Deposit Cap in Sweden May Remain Until November
Sweden’s government has proposed extending the restrictions that were placed on the country’s online gambling industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The restrictions, which include an SEK5,000 monthly deposit cap, were put in place in July 2020 and were intended to last until the end of the year. However, they have been extended a number of times, most recently until June 2021, and there are now plans to extend this once again to 14 November.
We see that the spread of Covid-19 is still high in Sweden, the current situation entails great risks for consumers in the gaming market. We therefore need to act to reduce the risks for the most vulnerable consumers.
The proposals also include measures that would require players to set limits on playing time at online casinos and on gaming machines. Furthermore, operators will only be able to offer bonuses of up to SEK100 at both online casino and for gaming machines. The proposed memorandum will remain open for consultation until 3 May.
Unsurprisingly, the proposals have been attacked by the Swedish online industry association Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS). Its chair, Gustaf Hoffstedt, believes that an extension will send more players to the black-market, a belief that is backed up by a recent report from Sweden’s State Treasury.
The government seems unaware that their own expert authority, the Swedish Agency for Public Management, just over a week ago stated that the leakage from the Swedish gaming market to the unregulated gaming market is alarmingly high. The leakage for online casinos is particularly high, where as much as every fourth gaming krona is played outside the Swedish licensed market. To extend restrictions that are disapproved by gaming consumers is to ask for continued problems for the channeling into the licensed market when it comes to online casinos.


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The creators of Halo Infinte in a fresh video shared the sad news – on release, the game does not provide for the opportunity to go through a co-op campaign. In addition, there will be no Forge, where players create and create their own maps and modes. Also on PC in Infinite there is no split screen.
According to the developers’ plan, the co-op will appear in the campaign only in the second season of the shooter (after three months), and Forge – in the third (about three months later).
We will remind, the release of Halo Infinite will take place at the end of this year on Xbox Series, Xbox One and PC. Plus, the game will go straight to Xbox Game Pass. The exact release date should be announced soon.
Recently, the developers also confirmed that Halo Infinite will not have back-melee kill animations at launch.


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Post Office to reprint poster that excluded Eid stamp
“The U.S. Postal Service today is reproducing its Holiday Stamp promotional posters in local post offices in response to recent concerns raised by the American Muslim community.
“Due to an oversight, an image of the Eid stamp, which commemorates two important Islamic festivals, was left off the promotional posters.
“The Postal Service deeply regrets the oversight and is reprinting the holiday posters depicting the Eid stamp image in local post offices. Eid stamps will be available for sale at post offices nationwide this Holiday season. These historic stamps are featured prominently on the Postal Service’s web site and are available for purchase online at the Postal Store www.usps.com, or by calling toll free 1-800 STAMP-24.”


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RTCC takes a look at some of the innovative ideas which have gone into making the 2012 Games arenas some of the most sustainable ever seen at an Olympic event.
In the second of a three-part series on RTCC, we explore how we redesign the system, create new business models and discover new resources in what we see as waste.
Carpet roofs, extreme weather, greens going blue and money growing on trees – what’s gone on in the world of climate change this week?
We’ve been to the New Designers show in London to find some of the top young innovators of the future – and we are very impressed!
RTCC explores the world of sustainable design and the Cradle to Cradle philosophy.


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Tivo, the name that's synonymous with the DVR, has something new in the works. The company will take the wraps off of its newest product March 2 in New York, saying in the invite: "Inventing the…
Activision Blizzard, the videogame industry's largest publisher, posted a loss of $286 million during the pivotal holiday sales season, despite having the bestselling game of the year with "Call of…
MySpace has deleted its top executive.
Fresh from directing "The Book of Eli," Allen and Albert Hughes are in talks with Warner Bros. to direct its live-action "Akira," based on Katsuhiro Otomo's graphic novel.
Spider-Man is the latest tentpole to get the 3D treatment.
Berlin Forum entry "The Mouth of the Wolf" will preem on the Internet in Italy before going out theatrically.
Though the WGA strike and the dramas among SAG and AFTRA leadership found their way into mainstream media, post-production labor issues rarely enter the consumer press.
Already well established as an astute observer of TV news, Jon Stewart turned a satirical eye toward various Internet sites last week -- catching them with their hyperbole up and their pants down.
Google Inc. opened a new social hub in its e-mail service on Tuesday, leaving little doubt that the Internet search leader is girding for a face-off with Facebook.
No one ever thought the first wave of 3D HD TVs was going to be cheap. Turns out we were right. Panasonic, which ran circles around the competition at CES when it came to 3D picture quality, has…
Now that "Cleveland" rocks for Fox, series co-creator Rich Appel has inked a new overall deal at 20th Century Fox TV.
2016-2017 Oscar Predictions


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Clipped from: https://www.business-standard.com/podcast/current-affairs/should-there-be-charges-on-upi-fund-transfers-122081900071_1.html
Will you be comfortable paying for your daily UPI transactions? This is one of the many questions that the RBI has asked from the public as it wants to help make this digital ecosystem sustainable.
The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday sought views from the public on fees and charges in digital payment systems. It stressed that such charges should be reasonable and competitively determined for the users, to ensure wider acceptance of digital payment modes.
The payment systems include IMPS, NEFT, UPI and debit cards, among others.
In just six years of launch, payments made using UPI have become commonplace, with the platform boasting over 26 crore unique users and 5 crore merchants.
According to a report by payments company Worldline, UPI person-to-merchant transactions have become the most popular payment method among consumers, holding a market share of 64% in terms of volume and 50% in terms of value in the first quarter of 2022.
One of the key reasons for UPI’s popularity is the zero Merchant Discount Rate. It is a fee levied on merchants for processing payments.
The government has mandated a zero-charge framework for UPI transactions
The government has mandated a zero-charge framework for UPI transactions with effect from January 1, 2020. As such, charges in UPI are nil for users and merchants alike.
But the RBI explained that different stakeholders collectively incur a cost of 2 rupees to process a UPI person-to-merchant transaction with an average value of Rs 800. Also Read: RBI moots ‘tiered’ charge on payments through UPI, seeks public feedback
The RBI acknowledged that in any payment system, the Payment System Providers or PSPs should earn income for continued operations of the system to facilitate investments in new technologies, systems and processes.
The various participants in the UPI include the remitter and beneficiary banks, payer and the receiver’s UPI app providers, their PSP banks, and the National Payments Corporation of India.
The system facilitates the settlement of transactions using a combination of these participants.
While reiterating that the RBI has neither taken any view nor has any specific opinion on the issues raised in the discussion paper, it posed several questions for feedback.
Can a tiered charge structure be imposed for UPI based on different amount bands?
In the context of zero charges, is subsidising costs a more effective alternative?
If UPI transactions are charged, then should the merchant discount rate be imposed based on the transaction value or should a fixed amount be charged irrespective of the transaction value?
Further, it has sought feedback on whether the RBI should decide on the charges or the market be allowed to determine if any such charges are introduced.
Siddharth Dani, Chief Financial Officer, Easebuzz says, charges can be introduced in a gradual manner on the merchant. Fee should be a percentage of transaction value. There can be a cap for large value payments.
Bhaskar Chatterjee, VP, Product Management, Ezetap, small merchant deserves to have a zero MDR, merchant size can be categorised using value and volume of payments, flat fee becomes prohibitive for low value payments.
The industry says the days of free UPI transactions cannot continue forever, but at the same time it is not in favour of the government subsidising it through budget every year. Experts say P2P payments should be kept free while the charges can be recovered from the merchants for P2M transactions.
Though there is a difference of opinion on what could be the ideal pricing structure, protecting smaller merchants and encouraging small-ticket transactions remains the priority.
Industry executives believe pricing should be market-determined through competition, with the RBI only stepping in if monopolistic tendencies are seen.
Despite its meteoric rise, UPI still has a long way to go in terms of adoption. Therefore, settling on any pricing mechanism will be a balancing act between growth of digital payments and incentivising the system.


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Deadly gunfight in Eastern Ukraine shakes fragile Easter truce
At least two people were killed on Easter Sunday in a gunfight near a Ukrainian city controlled by pro-Russian separatists, shaking an already fragile international accord designed to avert a wider conflict. Mana Rabiee reports.
Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare is a multi-million pound brand sold in more than 100 countries around the world, at a rate of more than one a minute. Here we speak to Liz about how it became such a success - and discover her top insider beauty tips.
Nicky Hambleton-Jones meets the winner of the MSN Exclusives & Capital One competition to win a £2,000 spending spree and makeover, and takes her on a shopping tour of London's fashionable King's Road.


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GAPO ALL SET FOR 21st PHILIPPINE ADVERTISING CONGRESS (PAC)
The City of Olongapo and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority have shifted to high gear in preparations for the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) in November 18-21, 2009 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC)
of the Subic Bay Freeport.
“We have to prepare for this event. November is a very important month. Magiging bisita natin ang iba’t-ibang sector ng advertising upang tingnan ang epekto ng recession at mag-focus sa iba’t-iba at maraming paraan ng pagsupil nito, we enjoin all members of the industry to be an active part of this endeavor,” Mayor Gordon said.
Meanwhile, the City Council has approved a Resolution encouraging the Olongapo City Tourism Industry to prepare for the upcoming Advertising Congress in the Freeport and to participate in the weeklong citywide sale on November 16-22, 2009.
The theme, “Perspectives: Ano sa tingin mo?” encourages all sectors of advertising to look beyond the effects of recession and share their very own take on advertising in the present times.
“Part of the proceeds would be donated to the Red Cross for rehabilitation efforts in Northern Luzon. The Ad Congress is one with a heart and a cause,” Charmaine Canillas, AdBoard chairman said during the press conference.
The 21st PAC shall examine distinctive perspectives coming from different sectors of advertising: marketing, creative and media/digital.
Four Marketing gurus are set to speak at the ad congress: Jeremy Carr, Turner Entertainment Network Asia, Inc. (TENA) vice president; Andrew Kingham, The Marketing Store managing director; Linda Kovarik, Coca-Cola Asia Pacific regional creative director and Mike Schalit, Network BBDO-South Africa chief creative officer.
Speakers of the creative sessions include some of the brightest creatives in advertising’s local and international circuit.
For more information on the 21st PAC, visit www.adcon.com.ph.
The key persons of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) during a press conference at the Lighthouse & Marina Subic Bay Freeport Zone. From left: Raul Marcelo, SBMA D.A. for Tourism; Armand Arreza, SBMA Administrator & CEO; Feliciano Salonga, SBMA Chairman; Charmaine Canillas, AdBoard Chairman and Margot Torres, 21st PAC Chairman. The 21st PAC will be on November 18-21, 2009 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).


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The news comes following Twitter’s open testing of its version of Clubhouse, Spaces. Bloomberg reported that the social networking giant had talked with Clubhouse officials regarding a possible acquisition that would cost about $4 billion.
The Situation For Twitter
The conversations have however stalled, reportedly. The reason behind it is not clear. Details regarding which company approached first are also unclear. This should have signaled how each platform felt about the audio-only social networking space.
The newspaper further reported that $4B is being raised by Clubhouse as its valuation. The Twitter discussions may have been the cause behind this number or it might be advertising for potential buyers from Clubhouse.
The social audio app launched in 2020 and brought fame to the concept of being able to host audio sessions live. Regular folks, tech CEOs, and celebrities have all hosted rooms as well as tuned in since. Reportedly, the app has more than 10 million downloads even though it is invite-only and exclusively on iOS.
Clubhouse is also facing many potential rival versions from Slack, LinkedIn, Discord, Twitter, and Facebook. The other platforms have the advantage of large existing user bases as well as completely developed apps for Android and iOS.
Yet, Clubhouse is racing to keep its lead. The platform recruited heavily in the past months including an engineer specifically for the Android version. This week, the app has also launched tipping so that creators can earn on the platform.
Twitter Spaces, on the other hand, has already been released for Android and iOS. Twitter also has a version for PCs in the plans reportedly. The company is expected to make the app available for all later by the end of this month.
As such, there is little sense behind Twitter making the acquisition unless it planned to get rid of the competition altogether and bring in the user base of the trending app.


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California: Tech giant Apple on Tuesday unveiled the much-awaited iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 at its ‘Wonderlust’ event in Apple Park, Cupertino headquarters. The event was attended by notable figures including India’s ace shuttler PV Sindhu.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, PV Sindhu shared pictures of her with Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook from the event.
Sharing the pictures, she wrote, “An unforgettable moment meeting Tim Cook on keynote day at Apple Cupertino! Thank you for having me, Tim. It was a pleasure to see the stunning Apple Park and meeting you! I will gladly take you up on the offer to play badminton when you visit India next.”
She also expressed her excitement about the Apple keynote event and having a conversation with Tim Cook.
“I find myself immersed in an #apple keynote event that promises innovation, excitement, surprises and of course a great conversation. Thank you @tim_cook,” the Indian Olympic medallist shuttler added.


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In celebration of National Rum Day, Aug. 16, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum released a limited-edition summer bottle that featured iconic artwork from the father of old-school tattooing, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, for whom the rum is inspired, the company says. The 92-proof Caribbean Rum is blended with 100 percent natural spices and flavors and features notes of vanilla, cinnamon and toffee, it adds. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is available nationwide for $15.99 for a 750-ml bottle.
Corona Extra unveiled limited-edition bottles featuring Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) fighters prior to the “PBC on Showtime Championship Boxing” world title fight, which took place July 30 in Brooklyn, N.Y. The specially wrapped, collectible bottles are available in Corona Extra 18-packs nationwide through Oct. 31. The fourth set of limited-edition bottles released for consumers, the bottles feature an image as well as stats and the signature of each PBC boxer. Consumers had the chance to vote for their favorite boxers on social media earlier in the year, and the following were chosen to be featured on the bottles: Deontay Wilder, WBC World Heavyweight Champion; Keith Thurman, WBA World Welterweight Champion; Leo Santa Cruz, former three-division World Champion; Daniel Jacobs, WBA World Middleweight Champion; Abner Mares, former three-division World Champion; and Danny Garcia, WBC World Welterweight Champion.


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At a recent “cyber business conference”
sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, conference
chairman Mr. Takeshi Ichiriki announced the introduction of “cyber cash” as
an experiment to be conducted in the country from September of this year through February of 1999.
Through this experiment they hope to better understand how “cyber cash” is
to work as a circulated currency, and how the anonymity of the user in
question is to be handled and protected.
Those involved include Tokai and Daiwa banks, Gifu Shinyo-kinko–a
prefectural credit union–and the Federation of Credit Unions. Along with
these financial institutions, sixteen selected companies have also agreed
to participate. Among them: Asahi Shimbun (newspaper publisher), Dai Nippon
Insatsu (paper products), and Obunsha (book publisher). The employees of
these various companies have been registered as the participants.
Each participant will be given an “IC” card or internet debit card with
which to purchase goods on the internet. A “card reader” will then be
connected to their personal computer and the said user will have a bank
account opened at one of the participating banks or credit unions.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, overseeing the experiment, is
asking that no one spend more than 30,000 yen ($220), and that purchases be
limited to digital information such as photos, news articles, and software.
Questions surrounding the anonymity of the buyer will be secure in the
intial purchasing phase, but once the selected companies call on the banks
to collect funds, the buyer’s name will be disclosed.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications is hoping that with the
introduction of “cyber cash” as a workable currency, growth of e-commerce
Upon the successful completion of this experiment next year, an additional ten thousand people will be invited to continue the “cyber cash” study.


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Tealeaf will give Thomson two systems to display traffic movements across the site in real time and highlight any problems which are preventing customers from completing a booking.
The monitoring of web performance comes as Thomson continues to increase the complexity of its website with extra functionality, interactivity and more products from different sources.
George Nolan, ecommerce manager for holidays at TUI UK, said: “Despite the size and complexity of our website, Tealeaf was up and running in only a few days and quickly providing us with invaluable insights that help us turn more ‘lookers into bookers’.”
Tealeaf tools are also currently being used by a number of US clients including Priceline, Wyndham Resorts & Hotels and Best Western. Haven Holidays in the UK is also working with the California-based company.
Tealeaf UK country manager John Lillie said: “As the market leader, TUI UK has recognised the importance of understanding online customer behaviour at every step of the search and booking process and is using Tealeaf to ensure that every visitor to their website receives the optimal customer experience.”


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Chip-maker Qualcomm has captured the smartphone functions processor (AP) market with a forty five per cent income share within the first quarter (Q1) this yr, adopted by MediaTek with 25 per cent and Apple with 22 per cent share, in accordance with a brand new report.
The worldwide smartphone AP market grew 35 per cent to achieve $8.9 billion in Q1.
5G-attached AP shipments accounted for 53 per cent of complete smartphone APs shipped within the January-March interval, in accordance with Technique Analytics.
Regardless of momentum with Snapdragon flagship chips, Samsung Foundry misplaced share resulting from weak Exynos shipments.
“Qualcomm’s 4 nm-based flagship AP Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 gained sturdy traction in Q1 2022. The corporate’s elevated share in Samsung’s Galaxy S gadgets drove its smartphone apps processor (AP) income to an all-time excessive,” stated Sravan Kundojjala, Director of Handset Element Applied sciences service.
Qualcomm has been capable of navigate China and macro considerations effectively with its premium and high-tier 5G APs, that are seeing excessive demand from Android smartphone producers.
“Samsung’s Exynos AP shipments fell 40 per cent in Q1 resulting from elevated competitors from Qualcomm at Samsung Cellular. Nonetheless, the corporate confirmed indicators of restoration with mid-range APs akin to Exynos 1280, featured in high-volume Galaxy A-series gadgets,” Kundojjala stated.
Smartphone APs manufactured in 7 nm and beneath course of nodes accounted for 48 p.c of complete smartphone AP shipments in Q1.
“The low-end smartphone market demand is at the moment weak. We expect stock digestion will occur within the second-half of 2022 as distributors proceed to destock their provides,” stated the report.
New entrants Google and JLQ Applied sciences (a JV of Leadcore and Qualcomm) collectively shipped lower than 1,000,000 APs in Q1 2022. Alternatively, HiSilicon’s shipments declined to close zero.
“MediaTek and Unisoc each posted a powerful efficiency in Q1 2022. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 premium tier AP was off to a promising begin however shipments amounted to barely lower than 1 million throughout the quarter,” stated Kundojjala.


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Amazon Prime Video’s package of games to be made available in pubs through BT Sport
Amazon Prime Video is to make its Premier League football games available in pubs through a partnership with BT Sport.
Amazon has a package of 20 Premier League games a year, which it will start airing in December.
However, it has no linear broadcast channel to show matches and has no relationship with pubs.
According to a report in The Telegraph, the “Amazon Premier League Pass” will be marketed by BT Sport and pubs and clubs will use existing set-top equipment to access it.
The partnership suggests a level of cooperation between the two smaller stake rights holder against Sky Sports, which still dominates live coverage in the UK.
The Telegraph said the fee for an Amazon Premier League Pass is expected to be between £100 to £600 depending on the size of the licensed premises.
Pubs and clubs spent between £10,000 and £30,000 per year depending on their size for the rights to broadcast live Premier League football in the UK in the previous three-year rights cycle when Sky Sports and BT Sport divided the live games between them.
For the next three seasons, starting next month, Sky has the rights to 128 games and BT Sport a further 52 while Amazon Prime has 20.


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Daily Briefing November 8 2019 :: Lloyd's List
Good morning. Here’s our quick view of everything you need to know today.
The Lloyd’s List Daily Briefing is brought to you by the Lloyd’s List News Desk.
Print this briefing
Lower refinery runs on the US east coast alongside middle distillate stocks at 18-month lows are expected to result in winter gasoil price spikes in New York, opening up so-called reverse-arb trades for medium range tankers in the transatlantic region.
Shipowners are not placing new orders or selling and leasing back secondhand ships. This situation has led leasing companies in China to use additional operating leases by ordering ships directly with yards in a bid to maintain growth, says ICBC Leasing executive manager Bill Guo.
The Lloyd’s List Podcast is in Shanghai this week where President Xi Jinping has been leading the discussions around trade policy and Chinese shipping giant Cosco has been talking up the value of a multi-lateral, value-added approach to supply chains. Joining Lloyd’s List Editor Richard Meade to discuss everything from trade policy and Trump bashing to Chinese leasing and why cargo interests are leapfrogging shipowners in news deals are China Editor Cichen Shen and special guest Bill Guo, executive director of leasing giant ICBC.
Shipping must take a leaf out of the automotive industry’s book as it maps out a path to a low/zero emission future, Kamuran Yazganoglu, managing director of marine and energy at Castrol, tells Lloyd’s List.
Cleaves Securities is downbeat about the dry bulk se....


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What you need to know
- Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon has said that Apple Card is "the most successful credit-card launch ever".
- News was announced during an investor call today.
- Apple Card was released in August of this year.
CEO of Goldman Sachs David Solomon has suggested that the launch of Apple Card is "the most successful credit-card launch ever."
According to CNBC, Solomon gave the news during a conference call with investors on Tuesday:
"In three short years, we have raised $55 billion in deposits on the Marcus platform, generated $5 billion in loans, and built a new credit-card platform and launched Apple Card," Solomon said, adding "which we believe is the most successful credit-card launch ever... since August, we've been pleased to see a high level of consumer demand for the product. From an operational and risk perspective, we've handled the inflows smoothly and without comprising our credit underwriting standards."
There are no details to speak of when it comes to how successful the launch has actually been, whilst it's possible that Apple may have something to say about the launch at its earnings call in a couple of weeks, it's probably too early at this stage to expect figures on the updates. Apple may even decide to go the Apple Watch route and withhold uptake figures altogether, choosing instead to focus on different metrics such as user satisfaction, or the positive impact the card might have on credit ratings.
The news will likely come as strong encourgament to those sat around the table at both Apple and GS, who have partnered to launch the Apple Card. Back in August, we reviewed the Apple Card, here's what we had to say about it.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Apple adds iPod shuffle (4th gen) and iPod nano (7th gen) to vintage list
Apple has added a couple of iPods to the vintage list and one to the obsolete list.
'South of the Circle,' a narrative adventure, coming soon to Apple Arcade
The game, a "narrative adventure game about memory, survival, and the consequences of not dealing with the past," launches soon.
Apple Card users can see their annual spending with iOS 14.2 beta 2
Apple Card users with iOS 14.2 beta 2 installed have noticed that they can now see their annual spending for the first time.
Automate your home with the best HomeKit smart plugs around
If you're new to home automation, a smart plug is a great first step in building out your connected home with its simple plug and play design. Here's our guide to the best smart plugs for HomeKit that you can buy.


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Broad Arrow Auctions held their inaugural West Palm Beach Auction Nov. 18-19 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The two-day sale totaled nearly $10.2 million, led by the sale of a 2016 Porsche 911 R at $500,000. Individual lot results are available here.
Sales were led by a 2016 Porsche 911 R – $500,000 (pictured above), followed by a 1981 BMW M1 at $450,500 and 1965 Shelby GT350 at $410,000.
See the full top 10 in sales, with photos, at VintageMotorsport.com.


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Golf Courses in Japan Will Soon Have AI Drone Umbrellas Floating Over People
A Japanese company will soon release a hands-free umbrella powered by drone technology and controlled by Artificial Intelligence by 2019.
This new piece of amazing tech, called Free Parasol, is being developed by Japanese company Asashi Power Services, according to SoraNews24.
The company initially plans to release the AI-controlled Parasol first that’s marketed for people who love to spend most of their time outdoors or those who do a lot of outdoor activities that require both hands, such as golf.
The 59-inch (150 centimeters) wide machine is operated by a AI software that tracks the top of the user’s head to follow them around during hot sunny days. However, the prototype version, which weighs at five kilograms (11 pounds), can only fly for about 20 minutes on a single charge.
Asashi Power Services, luckily, plans to slash the Free Parasol’s weight down to one kilo (two pounds) and give it a much longer battery life of about one hour when it officially comes out to the market next year.
Aside from giving the user a hands-free shade while outdoors, the Free Parasol can also provide soothing breeze using the drone’s propellers that are caged to prevent injuries.
There is also another plan that Asashi Power Services is setting its eyes on. The company is eyeing to create a waterproof version of the device that can be used as a hands-free umbrella during rainy days. However, it could pose a few problems — one in particular is when strong wind blows the drone away from the user.
So far, Asashi Power Services has not revealed any other plans on where to sell the Free Parasols, which cost about 30,000 yen ($275), but they are aiming to make this available in private areas such as golf courses.
Featured image via YouTube / hiti0253
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Rumored to be in 2021. Victoria Beckham received a package from Crocs, it was a model lavender color created by Justin Bieber in collaboration with the brand. The businesswoman and fashion designer reportedly said, “I think I’d rather die first.”
This may have been the last time Bieber sent him Victoria Beckham a gift from her fashion line with Drew House. However, in recent years, even the most strict figures in the fashion world have succumbed to provocations. plastic clogs the most comfortable in the world.
As we know, Crocs it is a cult shoe among gardeners and nursing assistants; but fashion designers like Demna have been hard at work reshaping the look of these shoes for years, to the point where even Victoria Beckham seems to have forgotten her own fashion rules.
Victoria Beckham Finally Wears Crocs With These Yellow MSCHF Boots
Last night, Victoria Beckham she donned a version of the giant knee-high yellow plastic boots that went viral all over the internet. In recent days, even Colombian singer Maluma and businesswoman Paris Hilton have worn this model.
The giant “Croot”, as they’ve been dubbed (a play on words between the famous plastic clogs and the word “boot” in English), is the creation of the MSCHF brand, which took ideas that could be considered memes and brought to real life.
So far, they have created micro bags, Birkenstock clogs in collaboration with Hermés, and Nike x Lil Nas. All of these exclusive limited edition garments were sold for thousands of dollars.
These fashion rarities also join the so-called “wrong shoes” theory, an aesthetic formula that advocates wearing the most ridiculous shoes in the closet to break the formalities and look more avant-garde. These boots are a continuation of the VB look with peep toe boots and mesh panty shoes, even in the heat of summer.
Perhaps the former Spice Girl has decided to break her strict rules when it comes to fashion. Although one thing is for sure, no matter what she wears, Victoria Beckham manages to give her the look of incredible elegance. Her tailored black dresses and dark sunglasses are the only elements that won’t change.
Although years before Victoria Beckham the phrase “I never smile, I have a very big responsibility in the fashion industry” was attributed to him, this image (enjoying a summer night to the fullest) helps us confirm that the rumors are not true.
Victoria Beckham He has a sharp sense of humor and a cheerful disposition, which allows him to always enjoy every moment (even the simplest ones).
Article originally published in Vogue UK, vogue.co.uk.


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Activision Blizzard pulls all games from GeForce Now a week after launch
UPDATE: Nvidia clarifies that initial inclusion of publisher's titles was due to a "misunderstanding"
Original Story, February 12, 2020: GeForce Now users will no longer be able to play their Activision Blizzard titles through Nvidia's newly-launched streaming service.
Emerging out of beta last week, GeForce Now enables players to stream games they have purchased through digital stores, allowing them to enjoy titles that may not run on their own hardware.
However, support for all Activision Blizzard titles -- including World of Warcraft, Overwatch and the Call of Duty series -- has been removed. Nvidia explained the change on its forums, emphasising that this was the publisher's decision, but was unable to give a reason.
"As we take GeForce Now to the next step in its evolution, we've worked with publishers to onboard a robust catalog of your PC games," community manager Cory Banks wrote. "This means continually adding new games, and on occasion, having to remove games - similar to other digital service providers.
"Per their request, please be advised Activision Blizzard games will be removed from the service. While unfortunate, we hope to work together with Activision Blizzard to reenable these games and more in the future."
Banks emphasised that the service still supports hundreds of games, with more than 1,000 others on the way. A casual search through the GeForce Now site shows the streaming service supports titles from Ubisoft, Bethesda, 2K Games, Koch/Deep Silver, Paradox Interactive and more.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Activision Blizzard for more information.
Update: Nvidia has clarified why Activision Blizzard's games have been removed, attributing their initial inclusion to a "misunderstanding."
Bloomberg reports the Call of Duty publisher was involved in an initial beta test of GeForce Now and because of this, Nvidia believed the partnership included the trial period after the streaming service's launch.
In a statement, a Nvidia spokesperon said Activision Blizzard was a "fantastic partner" during the beta, adding: "Recognising the misunderstanding, we removed their games from our service, with hope we can work with them to re-enable these, and more, in the future."


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The founders of TrioCup are on a mission to design a better cup of coffee—literally. What started as a project for a student competition is may be in a coffee shop near you soon.
We’re excited about the four investments we made in 2014, and hope that over time, these companies contribute to improving life for all of us. In keeping with our overall mission, our investments were made in companies that seek to reduce oil used in transportation, repurpose food waste and strengthen local agriculture. Here’s a rundown of these four sustainable startups poised for growth.
If you’ve been keeping up with Sustainable America, you know that we’re on a mission to divert food waste from landfills and repurpose it into sustainable, value-added products like compost. We’re happy to report that we’ve closed our first compost-related investment in an exciting young company that does just that: EcoScraps. The Utah-based business collects fruit and vegetable scraps from grocery stores and wholesale produce providers and turns it into nutrient-rich, organic garden products like compost, potting mix and natural fertilizer. The EcoScraps line is sold in some of the same stores that supply the scraps, creating a tidy, full-circle process.
How often do you check your car’s tire pressure? Do you even know how often you should check your tire pressure? It’s not a difficult task, but it’s not convenient, either. You have to find your gauge, keep track of four tiny caps, get your hands dirty, wrestle with an air hose. Is it all worth it? Well, yes. And a new product called RightPSI will make the task much easier.
If you’ve been following Sustainable America’s evolution over the last two years, you know that part of our philosophy is that investing in entrepreneurs and startups is an effective way to help increase the sustainability of our food and fuel systems. What you might not know is how we do it, and what some of our criteria are for making these investments.
Our global oil system is operating at near capacity—97 percent—which just isn’t sustainable. Because 70% of oil consumption in the U.S. is used for ground transportation, reducing the amount of gas used by vehicles is key to heading off an impending crisis. Boston-based Vecarius, which recently won the 2013 Sustainable America/Greentown Labs Fellowship, is working to tackle this problem by turning vehicles’ exhaust waste heat into energy, technology that can reduce fuel usage in vehicles by 5 to 10 percent. We talked to CEO Steven Casey to learn more about his innovative product.
We’re thrilled to announce the winner of the 2013 Sustainable America/Greentown Labs Fellowship. Vecarius, a vehicle waste-heat recovery company based in Boston, was chosen from a field of nine finalists who pitched their business ideas to a room of 60 entrepreneurs, investors, engineers, and students at a networking event Thursday at Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass.
The applications are in for our new fellowship program, and we’re excited by all the innovative startups that applied. We’ve narrowed the applicant pool down to nine exciting ventures engaged in trying to solve a number of problems in agriculture and transportation via sustainable solutions.
Here’s a head-scratching statistic: In 2010, crop growers in the United States lost $20 billion a year due to insect damage despite spending $4.5 billion on pesticide applications. It turns out that agricultural pest management is a surprisingly inefficient system that involves sticky traps, updating spreadsheets, and a lot of legwork.
An Indiana-based startup, has come up with a way to save growers legwork, hassle, and money—and reduce the amount of pesticides sprayed on crops—by automating the insect-tracking process. We spoke with Kim Nicholson, Spensa Technologies’ vice president of business development, to learn more about the product and the company.


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Google Launches Group Buying Search Service In China
The world’s search engine giant Google has launched the group buying search service in China, marking its formal entry into the saturated Chinese e-commerce market.
The new service can search and list deals provided by Chinese group buying websites, including Lashou.com, Meituan.com, and 55tuan.com. According to the company, the new service is only a search tool and Google does not assume responsibilities for the group buying contents. The contents and their positions on the web pages are generated in accordance to a computer algorithm. The new service is currently undergoing a testing stage.
At present, there are dozens of major websites in China providing group buying search services, including Jutao.com and Tuan800.com.
On April 21, 2011, Google launched its own group buying service in North America named Offers to compete with Groupon and LivingSocial. In January this year, Yahoo launched its group buying service in collaboration with more than 20 group buying websites.


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Panera Bread Co. shares rose Thursday after a Goldman Sachs analyst upgraded his rating on the restaurant chain's stock based on improving consumer demand.
THE SPARK: Analyst Michael Kelter said that based on his firm's survey, consumers are more optimistic and willing to spend, especially those in high-income households. He upgraded his rating on Panera to "Buy" from "Neutral," noting that the company's margins are improving, its number of stores is growing and sales are solid. The stock was also added to Goldman's "Americas Conviction List," of top picks.
THE BIG PICTURE: The St. Louis-based chain owns and franchises more than 1,600 bakery-cafes nationwide. Panera reported in February that its fourth-quarter profit increased 34 percent. Revenue in restaurants open at least a year, a key retail metric that strips out the skewing effect of new and closed stores, rose 5.1 percent in locations Panera owns and 4.7 percent in franchised cafes.
Thursday's upgrade follows an upgrade by a Raymond James analyst on Wednesday, which pointed to falling prices for ingredients and a return to more normal consumer demand levels in recent weeks after a slump in February.
THE ANALYSIS: Kelter said a new ad campaign and new products may serve as a catalyst for growth after a period of underperformance. He also expects traffic in stores will improve in the spring and will benefit by comparison to a slower prior year. He raised his price target on the stock to $215 from $185.
SHARE ACTION: Panera's stock price increased $6.36, or nearly 4 percent, to $175.86 in midday trading. Its stock value has increased about 11 percent in the year to date.
- Investment & Company Information
- Goldman Sachs


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Ovation Graphics Acquires the Assets of Branch-Smith PrintingJanuary 5, 2012
As part of its purchase, Ovation Graphics obtained the rights to the Branch-Smith name, continuing a 102 year-old tradition while concluding over 100 years of Branch family ownership.
“We believe there is significant inherent goodwill in the Branch-Smith name, and Ovation is honored to continue to use the Branch-Smith trade name while serving a growing field of clients locally and nationally from our Fort Worth headquarters,” said Hanson, who was also with Branch-Smith Printing for more than 14 years prior to the acquisition of its assets by Ovation Graphics.
Branch-Smith, the oldest printer in Tarrant County and the third oldest in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, had 2010 gross sales of $15.3 million and currently has 80 employees. The company specializes in providing high quality creative, commercial printing, binding and mailing services to a broad range of national publishers of association journals, catalogs, city magazines, business-to-business magazines, corporate newsletters, special-interest periodicals, and academic publications and books, as well as producing large-format packaging and retail marketing products.
Ovation is remodeling its 63,000-square-foot office and plant facilities at 120 St. Louis Ave. just south of downtown Fort Worth. Soon to grace the walls will be replicas of the Branch-Smith company timeline, historic photos that recognize the remarkable heritage, and documents reflecting accolades, awards, and honors bestowed on Branch-Smith over the years.
Well respected in the national printing industry, Branch-Smith boasts tenure as the longest-running continuously ISO-certified commercial printer in the United States, as well as being the only commercial printer in America (and one of only 92 companies nationwide) to have ever been awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award by the President of the United States.
In addition, the company holds the Forest Stewardship Council Certification that assures consumers that the company uses environmentally-conscious printing standards to support well managed forests, controlled sources, and reclaimed materials use.
In the North Texas area, Ussery Printing, an Ovation Graphics affiliated company based in Irving, and Branch-Smith are among the most respected commercial printers in the market. Both rank in the top 20 commercial printing companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area according to the Dallas Business Journal’s annually published “Book of Lists.”


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Well lads and gentlewomen, the time has come. Details of the Magic Mike sequel have unofficially surfaced and there's some major news according to Indiewire. First off, VICTORY: Channing Tatum will definitely return to franchise. (Well it's a franchise now, isn't it? Fingers crossed, it will soon be complete with limited edition figurines, paperback expansions, and official installable pole-dancing poles for the gents. Maybe even a board game…more like a washboard game. Like washboard abs. Okay I'm done.)
Kinja is in read-only mode. We are working to restore service.


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Online shopping platform launched as Jeffrey Obaro aims to transform sector
Entrepreneur Jeffrey Obaro said he and his team aim to transform online shopping with Meet 1TimeShop, a new shopping platform.
In the ever-evolving world of online shopping, Obaro who described the platform as groundbreaking, said it will shake up the e-commerce landscape and setting new standards for convenience and empowerment.
Obaro said Meet 1TimeShop is a visionary marketplace that he founded that goes beyond ordinary online shopping, transforming the lives of both customers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“At the core of 1TimeShop’s meteoric rise lies its commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem where everyone involved plays an integral role. Unlike traditional marketplaces, 1TimeShop embraces a unique community-driven philosophy, treating drivers and vendors as key partners in its success, along with the customers themselves,” Obaro said.
Speaking at a recent conference, Jeffrey Obaro, shared his perspective on the platform’s core philosophy, emphasizing its commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership with drivers and vendors. “1TimeShop is more than a marketplace; it’s a community of dreamers and achievers,” he said . His vision has propelled 1TimeShop to become a transformative force in the industry.
Adding on the company’s service, the he stated, “1TimeShop opens up unparalleled opportunities for vendors, providing a digital storefront to showcase their products and services to a vast and diverse customer base. Small-scale vendors and established businesses alike have witnessed their sales soar and their brands gain national recognition under the 1TimeShop spotlight”.
He said the proof of 1TimeShop’s revolution lies in the success stories pouring in from both drivers and vendors. With drivers expressing gratitude for the flexibility that allows them to strike a work-life balance and vendors witnessing unparalleled growth, the platform’s impact is palpable.
“I started my business as a small-scale vendor, but with 1TimeShop’s support, my sales have skyrocketed, and my brand is now recognized nationally,” raved Lucy, a thriving vendor who found her big break on the platform.
Another user Mr John, a local driver from Asaba also said, “I never thought I could earn on my terms while also taking care of my family’s needs. 1TimeShop made it possible”.
As the user base of 1TimeShop continues to grow, Obaro said the platform’s reputation as an industry trailblazer will be strengthened.
“It has become the go-to destination for those seeking a remarkable online shopping experience and the chance to support a community-driven initiative.”
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Jacques Vert shop closures: Over 1,000 high street jobs at risk
Jacques Vert is the latest high street store facing closure following the collapse of it’s owner, Calvetron, a source told Sky News. Express.co.uk has contacted the company about these claims.
Over 1,000 jobs could br at risk as the womenswear shop has had to reportedly call in administrators.
It comes less than a year after it was rescued from insolvency.
According to Sky News, weak sales at House of Fraser and Debenhams, where the clothing brand is stocked, have contributed to the finanical difficulties.
House of Fraser recently announced they were closing a number of stores across the UK.
The clothing line is stocked in a number of high street department stores
Calvetron, which also owns Precis and Vertex, is thought to be appointing Duff & Phelps to take over later this week.
Last June, the rescue deal saved over 1,700 jobs after the chain struggled financially.
Will Wright, KPMG partner and joint administrator, commented at the time: “The deal rescues one of the UK’s leading concession retailers and will see the continued trading of four high street brands, preserving a large number of jobs.
“It is a positive outcome given the challenging economic pressures faced by retailers across the UK.”
Shaun Wills, the CEO of Calvetron, left last October just four months after being bought out of administration.
Jacques Vert: The high street store was bailed out last June
The clothing line is stocked in a number of high street department stores, which are also struggling on the high street.
A number of high street chains have announced store closures in recent months, including New Look, Poundworld and RBS.
The rise in online shopping has also been blamed for lower sales on the high street.
Bad weather, with two recent snow storms to have plagued the country, resulted in a much lower footfall on the high streets also.
Jacques Vert: Online shopping has harmed high street shopping
Just under 6,000 shops closed in 2017, the most since 2010 thanks to falling sales.
British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) issued a stark warning regarding the high street closures.
Chief executive Alan Hawkins, explained: "If I could give one message I'd say 'sort out the rates - it's not fair'.
"It's not as though the high street is finished, but we need some help quickly to make sure we have a rosier future."
"If we don't find a way out of the current situation the Government is going to be left with the problem of what to do with these high streets that have nothing there."


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On Saturday, July 23rd, Armarium, a premier destination for luxury fashion and accessories on loan, celebrated the launch of Missoni Pre-Fall 2016 and kicked off a 10 day pop-up at Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor. Visitors to the pop-up shop had the chance to rent the latest look from Missoni as well as vintage pieces and swim accessories from Missoni Mare.
Hosted by Armarium co-founders, Alexandra Lind Rose and Trisha Gregory, at the house of Marigay McKee in Southampton, the event was attended by special guest, Ottavio Missoni Jr (who flew in from Milan) as well as Ansel Elgort, Arthur Elgort, Alina Cho, Andrew Warren, Annelise Peterson Winter, Candice Miller, Caroline Rush, Cathie Black, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Eleanor Lambert, Fiona Drunkenmiller, Gigi Grimstad, Gretchen Gunlocke Fenton, Jenna Crespi, June Ambrose, Helen Lee Schifter, Jennifer Creel, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Laura de Gunzburg, Maria Papathanasiou, Reya Benitez, Sophie Auster, Sophie Elgort, Susan Shin, Tatiana & Campion Platt, Violetta Komyshan, and Warren Elgort.
As well as being a Manhattan showroom, Armarium is also mobile app whose members can rent a curated selection of current ready-to-wear and accessories from top designers. Items from Missoni Pre-Fall 2016 have are currently featured in an Armarium campaign shot by Sophie Elgort and starring Alessandra Brawn and Maria Papathanasiou. Check out the campaign and then head over to the Armarium app or showroom to get the latest Missoni looks.
Images courtesy of BFA/Armarium


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The recent implementation of a Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive in China has has very different results than a similar directive implemented in the EU, according to AMR Research analysts, Eric Karofsky, Qin Deng and Bill Swanton.
In a March 29 article, the authors explained that "while EU member states have been oddly vague about how they will test and prosecute and what constitutes due diligence, the Chinese are enacting a stringent law that raises the bar to comply, especially for foreign companies." In China, products need specific marking, beginning March 1, 2007.
Companies who import products into China are at a disadvantage with regard to compliance for the following reasons:
All enlisted products need a 3C (China Compulsory Certification) label before they can be sold in China. However, a number of electronic manufacturers in China have this certification already.
Testing for the ultimate certification will likely be allowed only at state-owned, approved laboratories. Time to market will be a problem because the amount of products needing certification will greatly outweigh the capacity available.
Neither the law, nor supplemental material, is translated into other languages. Officials decided to only publish information in Chinese. This creates significant time and information barriers for small and midsize businesses, though some third-party "unofficial" translations can be found on the web.
To view the full article visit: http://www.amrresearch.com/Content/View.asp?pmillid=19321
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Enercon Industries’ world leading cap sealing range will be on display across Europe throughout 2024, including at the CFIA (France), Hispack (Spain) and Fachpack (Germany).
Enercon Industries Ltd has become a certified member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network, providing packaging expertise for UK and European businesses selling via ecommerce.
Enercon Industries has launched the latest generation of the world’s best-selling induction cap sealers - Super Seal™ 300, 400 and 600 - designed to bring new features and benefits to packagers and manufacturers.
Induction foil sealing was traditionally for round caps under 120mm, but thanks to Enercon Industries' advances in induction sealing technology, this is no longer the case. In this article we explore four unusual containers that we've successfully sealed for our customers.


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2 Shipping Stocks Thriving Despite Market Volatility
Even though the resurgence of COVID-19 cases is hindering the shipping sector’s rebound, the demand for shipping has been rising rapidly with reopening industries worldwide. So, we think it could...
Even though the resurgence of COVID-19 cases is hindering the shipping sector’s rebound, the demand for shipping has been rising rapidly with reopening industries worldwide. So, we think it could be wise to scoop up soaring shipping stocks Costamare Inc. (CMRE) and Danaos (DAC). Read on.
Despite the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, a severe supply-demand imbalance that is being exacerbated by continuing global supply chain disruptions, has been beneficial for most shipping operators. Investors’ interest in shipping stocks is evident in the Breakwave Dry Bulk Shipping ETF’s (BDRY) 90.22% gains over the past year versus the SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF’s (SPY) 21.5% returns.
Furthermore, record freight rates due to a shortage of containerships, congestion in ports, and international post-pandemic demand for manufactured goods are helping shipping companies increase their profit margins. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global shipping container market is expected to grow at a 12% CAGR through 2028.
Given this backdrop, it could be wise to bet on fundamentally sound shipping companies Costamare Inc. (CMRE) and Danaos Corporation (DAC), whose stocks are already rallying in price. They are rated ‘Buy’ in our proprietary POWR Ratings system and we think have plenty of upside to deliver.
Costamare Inc. (CMRE)
Based in Monaco, Costamare Inc. owns and charters containerships to liner companies worldwide. It has a fleet of 81 containerships with a total capacity of approximately 581,000 twenty-foot equivalent units and 16 dry bulk vessels with a full capacity of roughly 932,000 DWT.
On Dec. 9, 2021, CMRE announced the execution of two shipbuilding contracts for containerships, the exercise of options for six additional containership new buildings, long-term charters for all eight new buildings with a leading liner company, and the acquisition of seven dry bulk vessels.
CMRE’s voyage revenue increased 100.4% year-over-year to $216.23 million for its fiscal third quarter, ended Sept. 30, 2021. The company’s adjusted net income grew 204.9% year-over-year to $81.54 million. And its adjusted EPS came in at $0.66, up 200% year-over-year.
For the quarter ending March 31, 2022, analysts expect CMRE’s EPS and revenue to increase 196.8% and 122.8%, respectively, year-over-year to $0.92 and $282.39 million. It surpassed the Street’s EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. The stock has gained 47.2% in price over the past year to close yesterday’s trading session at $13.19.
CMRE’s POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. The company has an overall B rating, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 distinct factors, each with its own weighting.
The stock has an A grade for Momentum and a B grade for Growth and Sentiment. Within the Shipping industry, CMRE is ranked #14 of 46 stocks. Click here to see the additional POWR Ratings for CMRE (Stability, Value, and Quality).
Note that CMRE is one of the few stocks handpicked by our Chief Growth Strategist, Jaimini Desai, currently in the POWR Growth portfolio. Learn more here.
Danaos Corporation (DAC)
Based in Piraeus, Greece, DAC owns and operates 65 containerships that aggregate 403,793 twenty-foot equivalent units in capacity across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States. The company offers seaborne transportation services that include chartering its vessels to liner companies.
On Nov. 9, 2021, DAC’s CEO, Dr. John Coustas, said, “The continued strong performance of Danaos is ensured by existing charters with an average charter duration of 3.3 years and new charters that lock in current rates for several years. We expect strong market conditions to persist in the near term, which will support a strong re-chartering environment into next year and should ensure our stellar performance for the next three years."
DAC’s operating revenues increased 64.7% year-over-year to $195.92 million for its fiscal third quarter, ended Sept. 30, 2021. The company’s adjusted net income grew 131.6% year-over-year to $109.55 million. And its adjusted EPS came in at $5.32, up 178.5% year-over-year.
Analysts expect DAC’s EPS and revenue to increase 54.6% and 27.4%, respectively, year-over-year to $22.41 and $846.15 million in its fiscal 2022. It surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 177.1% in price to close yesterday’s trading session at $79.87.
DAC’s POWR Ratings reflect solid prospects. The company has an overall B rating, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. In addition, it has an A grade for Momentum and a B grade for Growth.
CMRE shares were unchanged in premarket trading Wednesday. Year-to-date, CMRE has gained 4.27%, versus a -3.89% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.
About the Author: Nimesh Jaiswal
Nimesh Jaiswal's fervent interest in analyzing and interpreting financial data led him to a career as a financial analyst and journalist. The importance of financial statements in driving a stock’s price is the key approach that he follows while advising investors in his articles.
The post 2 Shipping Stocks Thriving Despite Market Volatility appeared first on StockNews.com
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DoubleClick, one of the Net's biggest ad firms, said on Monday it agreed to buy consumer data marketer Abacus Direct in a US$1 billion stock swap.
The combination would create a powerful online direct-marketer armed with a rich offline database -- complete with names, addresses, and phone numbers -- on millions of Americans. While that might sound like a boon to advertisers, it has some privacy advocates crying foul.
If you've ever bought something from a catalog, chances are Abacus Direct knows all about it and has a pretty good guess what you'll buy next.
The Broomfield, Colorado company runs America's largest database of catalog buying behavior, collecting all the purchase data from 1,100 catalogs. That data piles up fast -- Abacus (ABDR) has built five-year buying profiles on 88 million American households. It sells the profiles to catalogers wanting to pinpoint a target audience.
DoubleClick (DCLK) hopes to bring Abacus' data-driven targeted marketing to the Internet.
"It's about delivering the right message to the right consumer at the right time," said Kevin O'Connor, DoubleClick's CEO. DoubleClick will swap about $1 billion of its stock for Abacus, which translates to about $93.25 for each Abacus share -- a 25 percent premium for the company's shareholders.
DoubleClick manages the advertising inventory on hundreds of Web sites in its DoubleClick Network. The company's DART technology lets it target banner ads to surfers who visit those sites. Until now, though, it only has been able to target based on general information gleaned from a surfer's online behavior.
"The final piece of the [targeting] puzzle is data," said O'Connor, "No one knows more about the data business than Abacus Direct."
The plan is to connect surfers with their profiles in Abacus's offline database so that DoubleClick can serve up an exquisitely tailored ad in real-time.


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Technology giant Apple Computers announced on Wednesday that it will re-invest over $350 billion in the United States following the recently passed GOP tax cuts; pledging to create 20,000 new jobs throughout the country and pay over $40 billion in repatriation taxes.
According to CNBC, Apple confirmed its new plan to commit $350 billion to the US economy over the next five years, saying it will create tens of thousands of new jobs and at least one new campus.
The computer and smart-phone manufacturer expects to pay nearly $40 billion in taxes when it repatriates the large sums of money held overseas, citing the recently passed tax legislation as a key motivator in re-patriating offshore accounts.
“Apple also said it would spend over $30 billion in capital expenditures over the next five years. About $10 billion in capital expenditures will be investments in U.S. data centers,” writes CNBC.
“Apple today announced a new set of investments to build on its commitment to support the American economy and its workforce,” said the official statement. “Apple’s direct contribution to the US economy will be more than $350 billion over the next five years, not including Apple’s ongoing tax payments, the tax revenues generated from employees’ wages and the sale of Apple products.”
“We have a deep sense of responsibility to give back to our country and the people who help make our success possible,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.


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The QR conundrum (sorry for putting this eyesore on our homepage)
Look at this thing. It's goddamn gorgeous isn't it? Staring at you like a crossword puzzle full of short words, or an impossible maze on a children's placemat at a reasonably-priced restaurant. The same reason we're apologizing for putting that QR, or quick response, image on our homepage is the same reason businesses don't want them on their billboards or magazine pages. Yes, some designers try to pretty them up, but a spade is a spade, and an ugly QR code is an ugly QR code.
As soon as QR codes -- which deliver digital information to a user, when he snaps a picture of the black and white square -- first became popular, people were already talking about how quickly they'd be gone. And when NFC -- or near field communication, which brings information to your phone when it is near another NFC chip -- entered the fray, people just as quickly started wondering how long it would take for it to kill the QR code. And now, excitement around image recognition may have settled the argument: even for someone with a horse in the QR race.
The QR code got a shot of life yesterday when the startup Scan released a well-received version 2.0 of its service. But Scan chief executive Garrett Gee doesn't seem to be paralyzed by the innovator's dilemma. He tells me he named his company "Scan," because he didn't want to be beholden to that technology forever. “It’s like in the new Batman movie. I either want to perfect the QR code, or destroy it,” he says. When asked if he's waiting for something better to come along, he says, "That's not only the hope, but the plan."
Being noncommittal to a certain type of technology is nothing new. Square has been called a transitional technology -- a placeholder until the ecosystem is ready to support a more effective method of payment. For its part, Scan has been doing quite well as one of the flag-bearers for QR codes: 25 million downloads and better integration with Facebook and Twitter. And Gee says he is not willing to jump on the NFC bandwagon so quickly. “NFC is just a baby-step better than QR. For us, we're starting to come of the opinion that, maybe we’ll just skip that altogether,” says Gee. For him, the next jump is to image recognition.
It's a space that some companies have occupied for years. And Google has advanced it with Project Glass. Toronto-based image recognition company Idee Inc. has been at it for years, and licenses its technology to companies like eBay and Priceline.com-owned Kayak through a product called TinEye. The secret sauce behind image recognition is having a database of images, so when a user snaps a picture, it matches up with a database image and feeds the user the right information.
So when will image recognition supposedly be ubiquitous? She's obviously got a bias, but Idee Inc. chief executive Leila Boujnane says "within a year or two." The key is creating a large enough database, she says. "Everyone is taking pictures and uploading them everywhere now. We'll have enough assets soon," says Boujnane. She said another future task is integrating image recognition into video in a way that isn't clumsy.
For Gee, a foray into image recognition from QR codes means working to make the technology more meaningful, like adding social media options when your phone recognizes a product. "Sure, your phone can tell you that you're holding a can of Coca-Cola, but now what?" he says.
NFC will likely live on because it it's found a niche in the payment space, and not all image recognition companies -- like TinEye -- believe their technology can tackle that problem, though Gee thinks it might. But once the infrastructure catches up, image recognition could be the best way to bridge the real and digital world, especially for startups who will already have that database to work with. If so, then chalk it up as a loss for little black and white squares.
[Image courtesy Fabrice de Nola]


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Long Awaited Fuji 70-200mm F/2.8 Equivalent Next In line According To Updated Roadmap
As I mentioned in my latest Fuji reviews, the biggest hole in the Fuji system currently is fast telephoto lenses, and at the top of that list is a 70-200mm lens. Fuji just released an updated version of their lens roadmap, and the next available lens, to be released in the end of 2014, is the long awaited 50-140mm F/2.8 – a 70-200mm equivalent lens.
This is HUGE news for Fuji users and anyone who has been looking into the Fuji system, but has been waiting for some quality telephoto zooms. This could make the Fuji system much more attractive to wedding shooters and sports shooters who pretty much need the fast telephoto zooms in order to do their jobs.
In addition to the 50-140mm staying on track for the late 2014 release, Fuji added a couple of new additions to the list including new XF 90mm f/2.0R lens scheduled for mid-2015, as well as a XF 16mm f/1.4 R in early 2015. The updated road map also includes mention of a new “Super Telephoto Zoom” lens slated for late 2015, which could likely be something similar to the Tamron 150-600mm that I just got my hands on.
I love that Fuji has a roadmap like this. It makes knowing what to expect really simple. That said, it also makes the waiting process that much more irritating because you then know what is coming and how long its going to take to get here. There is a reason why you should never watch the clock while cooking…
What are your thoughts on this updated Fuji Roadmap? Do you think that Fuji is making good choices in regards to what lenses they are prioritizing? Leave a comment below!
[via Photo Rumors]