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AMG Named to Inc. Magazine 5000 for Fifth Time
CHARLESTON, S.C. (August 21, 2017) – Advantage Media Group|ForbesBooks was named to the 2017 Inc. Magazine 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America for the fifth time, joining an exclusive group of America’s most successful businesses. Inc. Magazine, one of the top business magazines in the world, is celebrating its tenth year of acknowledging the country’s best and brightest businesses.
“As a fifth time honoree, [Advantage is] part of a very select group of companies,” notes Eric Schurenberg, President and Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Magazine. “We call it the Honor Roll and fewer than a tenth of Inc. 5000 honorees ever achieve this milestone. [Advantage’s] repeat Inc. 5000 honors truly puts [them] in rarefied company.”
“We are extremely proud to be cited by Inc. Magazine,” says Adam Witty, Founder and CEO of Advantage Media Group/ForbesBooks. “And to be recognized for the fifth time and join the prestigious Inc. Honor Roll is both humbling and extremely encouraging.”
Advantage was noted for its 129% growth over the last three years. The Charleston-based authority marketing company has been helping entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals grow their brand and their business through book publishing since 2005.
In November 2016, Advantage announced its partnership with Forbes Media, the global media, branding and technology company, to form ForbesBooks, Forbes’ first-ever book publishing imprint.
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A hacker from Tel Aviv was indicted for his alleged involvement in the theft of $1.75 million in cryptocurrency. The hacker is facing charges of theft, fraud, aggravated counterfeiting, use of a forged document, perjury, money laundering, as well as other computer law and tax code violations.
Fidelity’s crypto arm Fidelity Digital Assets Services has reportedly filed with the NYDFS for a New York trust license
Crypto analyst Nik Patel has compiled an overview of the amount of cash flowing into and out of eight leading cryptocurrency exchanges. The figures, which are pulled from an analysis by Token Analyst, show Binance brought in $907 million in cash in the last month. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao says traders began returning to the […]The post Bullish Crypto Traders Pour Nearly $907 Million Into Crypto Exchange Binance appeared first on The Daily Hodl.
The research arm of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, has published a report that analyzes the results of a survey completed by institutional digital asset investors. According to the report, Binance’s surveyed over 100 institutional and VIP clients. Survey results cannot be generalized due to the small sample size The Binance team […]The post Binance Research: most large Bitcoin and Ethereum investors hold stablecoins, use cold wallets appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Bitcoin the best shot at holding sound money, says Indian crypto-exchange CEO as he announces UAE launch
Bitcoin would be your best shot, if you want to hold sound money, noted the CEO of India’s Bitbns exchange, Gaurav Dahake. In an interview with CoinCrunch India, Dahake spoke about the importance Bitcoin holds in the world. Despite having 6,000 fiat currencies, most of them have not been successes. And while people believe that […]The post Bitcoin the best shot at holding sound money, says Indian crypto-exchange CEO as he announces UAE launch appeared first on AMBCrypto.
Since the dawn of Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency landscape has seen a lot of digital currency gaming websites where users can wager their coins in games like poker, dice, blackjack and slots. Because public blockchains are transparent, the protocols have made online gaming provably fair. However, throughout most states in the U.S., residents cannot participate in […]The post Why You Can’t Bet With Bitcoin at Online Casinos in the US appeared first on Bitcoin News.
Drug dealers active on the darknet will get caught sooner or later. In the case of Hugh Brian Haney, his arrested occurred just a few days ago. It seems he was arrested for selling drugs on Silk Road, a platform which has been defunct for many years now. This goes to show the investigation regarding […]The post From Silk Road Drug Lord to Potentially Dying in Prison appeared first on NullTX.
Despite global concerns on Bitcoin and the exploitation of the power that comes with anonymous money transfer, the fact remains that Bitcoin can survive exchange ban situation. On the other hand, an absolute global ban on the currency is now impossible. It seems as if no one is willing to let go of the opportunity to dish it out to Facebook for what they are doing. The United States Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, termed Libra a national security issue. Meanwhile, analysts have been trying to know, what does the future hold for Bitcoin (BTC). Steven Mnuchin is in favor of
In the coming week, Bakkt is expected to test-launch its Bitcoin (BTC) futures product. While many have begun to doubt its viability as a medium for institutional adoption, especially due to the countless delays it faced, this may not be the case. Related Reading: BitMEX May Be the First Target of the U.S.; Which Crypto...The post Bakkt Bitcoin Futures Has Reached “Critical Mass”, Expected to Launch in Q3: appeared first on NewsBTC.
Vitalik Buterin’s idea to use Bitcoin Cash for scaling the Ethereum blockchain has received a mixed reaction from the community

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It’s not Black Friday; it’s the other widely celebrated shopping holiday.
Friday morning starts Oklahoma’s eighth annual tax-free weekend.
Like Black Friday targets shoppers for Christmas, tax-free weekend is for shoppers for the school year — specifically those seeking back-to-school clothes.
Various clothing items will be tax exempt throughout the weekend. The exemption doesn’t apply to school supplies or any individual items priced more than $100.
During the three-day reprieve, shoppers won’t pay local, county or state sales tax. Throughout the metro, sales tax amounts to a little more than 8 percent.
Last year, Oklahomans saved about $7.3 million during the holiday, according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
The Legislature established the holiday in 2007. It was a measure to keep shoppers in state, said Paula Ross, a representative of the commission. People were driving to Texas to save money on sales tax.
In a win-win situation, retailers see more business, customers save money and government doesn’t lose revenue, Ross said. The bill that created the holiday also created a fund to reimburse lost tax dollars.
To encourage tax-free shoppers, retailers throughout the metro are supplementing savings with sales and promotions during the weekend.
Various merchants in Quail Springs Mall will have sales, said Jeanette Smith, who oversees the mall’s marketing.
Throughout the mall, people will distribute fliers listing many of the sales.
Quail Springs is giving out $15 in gift cards to every shopper who spends $115 throughout the weekend from noon until 4 p.m.
Hours will be extended during the holiday. Friday and Saturday, the mall will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, it will be open 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City also will extend its hours and feature promotions.
It will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
The weekend also marks the opening of the Shoppes’ “Phase III;” various new stores are opening. These include Forever 21, Lids Locker Room and Toys ‘R’ US Express.
The retailer is providing free valet parking and a few celebrity appearances, including one by Dora the Explorer and a “Pretty Little Liars” cast member.


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CBD Daily News Headlines
- Biodegradable plastic 'false solution' for ocean waste problem
- Down with guilt! There are much better ways to get people to act on climate change.
- Biodiversity conservation policies in tropical forests threaten the livelihood of indigenous peoples
- Rubber Plantations Contribute To Reduced Ant Biodiversity
- ESF lists top 10 new species for 2016
CBD News (What's new at the CBD)
- Montreal, 27 May 2016 - Braulio Dias, the Executive Secretary to the Convention on Biological Diversity, welcomes a new UNEP report on environment and health which links a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems as the basis for the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
- Montreal/Paris, 26 May 2016 - More and more people are aware of biodiversity. If credible information and reputable brands are available, consumers are ready to purchase biodiversity-friendly products and contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. These are among the latest insights of the Biodiversity Barometer, an annual survey of the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) on biodiversity awareness among consumers and leading beauty, food and beverage companies around the world.
- The twentieth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-20) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) came to a close on 30 April 2016 with the adoption of a number of key recommendations that provide the scientific basis for enhanced implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and achievement of its Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
- As a vital part of biodiversity, migratory birds play key functions in the interconnected systems that keep nature healthy, including seed dispersal of plants for human and livestock consumption, ecosystem restoration and pest regulation, in addition to the important cultural, aesthetic and economic roles they play in the lives of people worldwide.
- The first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 1) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) came to a close on 6 May 2016 in Montreal, Canada. Delegates from around the world advanced attention on national action by recommending tools and approaches for implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and a more effective operation of the decision-making bodies of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Tekst van het Verdrag


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Sir Shifty milked BHS to build 'incredible wealth' for his family, MPs find as damning report is set to leave Philip Green's knighthood hanging by a thread
- Sir Philip Green set to be savaged by MPs in report into collapse of BHS
- He's accused of using BHS for 'personal gain' while the store 'crumbled around him'
- Report claims he sought 'hurried' deal with 'unsuitable' Dominic Chappell
Sir Philip Green is set to be accused of using his ownership of BHS to build 'incredible wealth' for his family but failed to protect the retailer's burgeoning pension black hole.
In a damning report on the former BHS owner that will intensify moves to strip Sir Philip of his knighthood, MPs will accuse the Arcadia tycoon of neglecting staff and former workers at the department store in favour of 'hurriedly' selling the beleaguered firm.
He sold the 88-year-old high street chain to the 'manifestly unsuitable purchaser' Dominic Chappell – who had been bankrupt three times before buying BHS for just £1 last year.
Sir Philip Green (pictured) is set to be accused of using his ownership of BHS to build 'incredible wealth' for his family but failed to protect the retailer's burgeoning pension black hole
Sir Philip is savaged by the report, which will accuse his 'shambolic' team of having 'used BHS for personal gain as it crumbled around them'.
The report by the Commons Business and Pensions committees, published tomorrow, comes after months of investigating into the collapse of BHS, which was forced to close earlier this year after administrators failed to find a buyer.
The closure left 11,000 BHS staff jobless and a £571million pension deficit, which affects up to 20,000 former workers who have been placed into the emergency Pension Protection Fund.
Sir Philip has so far refused to guarantee to step in to save the pensions despite threats from MPs that failure to do so could lead to his knighthood being stripped.
An extract of tomorrow's report seen by the Sunday Times gives a preview of how deep the criticism of Sir Philip will be.
One extract says: 'The reputation of business, the engine of prosperity, has been damaged, to the dismay of responsible investors, owners and business leaders.'
Last week the Cabinet Office appeared to confirm that it is looking at whether Sir Philip should be stripped of his knighthood.
Labour MP Jim McMahon received the information from the department after demanding action against the mogul.
The letter spelled out the process for removing an honour, with civil servants producing a recommendation before the Honours Forfeiture Committee considers a case.
The Prime Minister and the Queen would then be asked to rubber-stamp the decision.
'I hope you will understand that I cannot comment on the particular circumstances of Sir Philip, but I can assure you that the case is being reviewed.'
Mr McMahon said: 'It is important that we continue to campaign to get justice for everyone affected by the collapse of BHS.
'There are a lot of unanswered questions about Philip Green's judgement. He was given his knighthood for services to retail, and if it turns out he acted to undermine BHS, that would undermine the honour.
'The question is: if he was nominated for an honour today, would it be approved? I believe the answer is ''no''.'
The Labour MP posted an extract from the Cabinet Office letter on Twitter today, revealing that Sir Philip's 'case is being reviewed'
The billionaire Topshop tycoon is set to be savaged by the business and pensions select committees when they release their findings into why the famous retailer was allowed to run into financial ruin.
He has faced calls for his knighthood to be stripped if he fails to step in to help plug the £571 million pensions black hole, which threatens the pensions of 20,000 former workers.
But in a lengthy letter to the committee Sir Philip, dubbed Sir Shifty by his critics, defended his ownership of the department store chain and his decision to sell the chain to three-times bankrupt retailer Dominic Chappell for just £1 last year.
It was immediately dismissed as a 'last-minute' attempt to save his reputation by Frank Field, the Labour MP heading up the investigation into the demise of BHS.
Sir Philip's letter was the latest instalment in his attempts to save his reputation after giving evidence in front of MPs in a marathon six-hour session in Parliament last month, when MPs laid into the billionaire.
In the letter, Sir Philip outlines more than £400 million of investment into BHS and claims that he pushed for a 'sustainable solution' for the firm's troubled pension scheme.
BHS TO SHUT AFTER 88 YEARS
The 88-year-old department store closed after administrators failed to find a buyer earlier this year, leading to the loss of around 11,000 jobs and creating a £571million pensions black hole
1928: British Home Stores is set up in a store in Brixton, south London. Nothing costs more than a shilling.
1929: Prices rise to a five shilling maximum as home furnishings are introduced.
1970: Expansion since the Second World War means the brand now has 94 UK stores and around 12,000 workers.
2000: Sir Philip Green buys British Home Stores for £200 million. It is rebranded as BHS.
2002: BHS becomes part of the Arcadia retail empire after Sir Philip pays £840 million for the clothing chain which includes Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burton.
2005: The shop is beginning to lose pace as it is pitched against cheaper rivals such Primark.
2014: BHS department stores start selling food with the aim for it to be about 10% cheaper on branded goods than the big four supermarkets which are already involved in a price war.
2014: BHS makes a cash loss of £21 million in the year to August 2014, compared with £19.3 million in the year earlier.
2015: Sir Philip sells BHS to Retail Acquisitions, led by former bankrupt Dominic Chappell, for £1. Work begins on a turnaround plan to try to bring it back into profitability.
2016: The store is thrown a lifeline in March when creditors back two company voluntary arrangements (CVA) designed to cut costs and prevent widespread store closures.
2016: BHS collapses into administration in April, sparking an investigation by MPs into Sir Philip and Mr Chappell.
2016: Administrators fail to find a buyer for the firm and decide to wind the company down. Attention now turns to an MPs' inquiry into its demise.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - First chicken now gravy. KFC in the U.K. says it is facing a shortage of gravy.
The restaurant chain says the issue is because of its new distributor, DHL.
Last week KFC apologized to customers for the chicken shortage with a lighthearted ad.
To read the full Fortune.com story on the KFC gravy shortage click here.
Copyright 2018 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.


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Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google… oh, my! Coming out of Super Bowl weekend, we can truly see that the complexity of modern marketing is only going to keep increasing. The world of marketers and marketing today has changed drastically from what it was ten years ago – and this is chiefly due to The Four Horsemen. Apple, Amazon, Facebook & Google are scaling at fantastical rates, and have gone in 2015 from having a combined market capitalization equaling the GDP of Spain (at $1,306,180,000,000), to a market cap of $1,728,100,000,000 (equivalent to Canada’s GDP and just under the GDP of Russia). To give you a sense of the outside value creation – that’s the economic value of Canada spread across the population of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. And… each company individually is not only aspiring but tracking, to attain trillion dollar market caps of their very own – that’s right, a trillion dollars!
Facebook and Google are growing at 40% and 12% respectively, against traditional media and advertising companies… and ad agencies are fueling this immense upward trajectory. WPP spent $4 billion with Google and $1 Billion with Facebook on behalf of their clients in 2015. Combine that with the staggering fact that Google at 34% and Facebook at 17% own mobile Internet ad revenue – that’s 51% versus everyone else (which means this duopoly controls ground zero for innovation and harnesses the largest growing connected platform in the world).
Birthday boy, Facebook, is now a feisty, gravity-defying 12-year old. In his birthday remarks, Mr. Zuckerberg posited that he envisions a time and place, in the very near-to-soon future, where Facebook connects 5 billion people… there is nothing on the planet that connects 5 billion people! And, they have only just begun to monetize Messenger, WhatsApp, and their fastest growing acquisition, Instagram.
In the retail world it’s hard to find companies that can match the breakneck growth of Apple and Amazon – combined, they produced about $65 billion dollars in 2015. So, just to put this number into retail context – Nike had its best year in history in 2015 and grew $2.8 billion dollars. Last year Amazon accounted for 51 cents of increased spend online, and is now responsible for 25% of ALL retail growth in the US.
And with the ubiquitous smartphone – the product that defines our age – holding 92% of all global profits in this category, Apple is the dominant technology player by far. And talk about “halo effect,” Apple is the only company that has positive growth in the PC market. Let’s not forget their little “failing” watch, which now represents half of all worldwide watch sales at around $10 billion – is this what we now call failing???
In an always-on world with changing consumer expectations rippling through the ether and disrupting even the biggest bellwethers, the nature of marketing itself is shifting – data, digital, social, mobile, analytics, real-time agility – these have all become part of our lexicon. The Four Horseman are responding, engaging and surpassing consumer expectations and are being rewarded for doing so. The key is figuring out how your pony plays in this brave new world…
Michael Chase, CMO
St. Joseph Communications
RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES – TAKEN FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES, INCLUDING L2 – GANG OF FOUR (SCOTT GALLOWAY) 2016


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ToursByLocals has been busy this November meeting with travel agents, media contacts and industry partners at major travel networking events. The World Travel Market in London and this week’s PhocusWright Convention in Fort Lauderdale provide excellent opportunities to generate conversations that help us understand and meet our market’s needs.
Sara Cooke, our Director of Communications, was in London from November 4th to 7th for the 16th annual World Travel Market. Held at the ExCel Centre in East London's Docklands, this massive travel event played host to over 50,000 industry members from every corner of the world. The highlight of the conference was attending a talk led by Xavier Font and Justin Francis, noted industry experts in responsible tourism. Their insights on how to communicate the benefits of local, sustainable models of tourism resonated with the way we do business at ToursByLocals.
Today company president Paul Melhus has flown to Fort Lauderdale to meet with the movers and shakers at PhoCusWright Conference 2013. PhocusWright are the acknowledged leaders in market intelligence and trend-forecasting for the travel industry, and the next few days will provide Paul with a look at the impact that technology is having on traveler expectations. It will also be the perfect place to exchange ideas with other leaders and visionaries in the travel industry who are keen to push boundaries and exceed those expectations. (Are you there too? Let Paul know! Tweet @pmelhus.)
And after that, what’s next for us? A return to Florida for cruise3Sixty in June, and maybe the L.A. Times Travel Show in January or New York Times Travel Show in March ...we haven’t picked our favourite yet! Once our 2014 conference and trade show schedule is finalised, we’ll let you know, so that if you’re there too, you can find us and say “hello.”


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International Décor Outlet (IDO) announced the official launch and business plan of Asian Town Jacksonville, a 100,000 square-foot Asian themed shopping center. The western side of the Regency Square Mall will be converted to house the new businesses in an attempt to bring new economic growth to the Regency area.
Asian Town, which is a project by IDO, along with other Jacksonville based retailers and restaurateurs, will include various restaurants, boutiques, and salons. It will also have businesses selling products and foods from the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and India. The complex also has plans to hold various Asian themed cultural events that will celebrations of different Asian countries.
Peter Qiu, the owner of the local restaurant Fuji Ultimate Sushi Grill, is a co-developer of Asian Town. Qiu had taken notice of the growth of the Asian population in Jacksonville since he moved here in 1998. He believes that Asian Town will help Jacksonville better acclimate to the growing diversity.
“Asian Town will be a place for all of us,” Qiu said during the announcement.
There has not been an official announcement on the exact date that AsianTown will have its grand opening, however, the first shops from IDO will open on April 6th. This will include a seafood restaurant called Captain’s Catch, as well as five new home décor outlets.
William Connerly, Chief Operating Officer for IDO, said that the outlets will allow Jacksonville shoppers to have access to high-end, international products at outlet prices, including items such as kitchen appliances, textiles, and bathroom fixtures. Despite the international branding, IDO is looking for business partnerships with home decor and materials businesses in the general regions of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.


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Posted on February 21, 2022
Credit cards is what we’re discussing today, in an effort to help you pay down yours.
Have it your way, Mr. Toad.
The trade is speculative and has a wild profit potential of 1900%!
But before we get there, cast your beadies on the following two charts.
They’re the latest revolving credit reports from the Fed, and they show some interesting developments (revolving credit is credit card debt).
And the takeaway is as follows –
In November, U.S. consumers reached for the plastic faster and with greater frequency than at any time in history (top chart).
Then, with a deke that would have made Jean Beliveau blush, that same crowd reined in their spending in December – when they should have let the hogs run free!
Those numbers are damning enough in the economic sphere, but how they relate to our trade today will become crystal clear as we look at American Express’ (NYSE:AXP) chart, below.
We’re going to look at AXP’s raw numbers now, because they also portend ill for the stock.
So why would YOU buy…?
Now look at the chart – the daily for the last year.
It’ll give you a better perspective of where we’re coming from –
Technically, AXP is now doing a standup routine –
And that leads us to propose the following SPECULATIVE trade on the plastic dealers at AXP –
A Jew and His Money heartily recommends you consider selling the AXP March 18th 185/190 CALL spread* for a credit of $3.15 (12.90/9.75) and buying the AXP March 18th 195/185 PUT spread** for $3.65 (6.80/3.15). Total debit on the affair is $0.50.
Rationale: for a $0.50 throw-down, we earn the possibility of pulling in a max $9.50, thanks to some very tight spreads. That’s a gain of 1900%, if we can pull it off.
Max loss on the trade is just $5.50, (difference between the CALL strikes plus the initial debit).
And best of all, AXP has to decline just 5.0% to pay us in full.
Dangers: the trade expires in a month, so the need for some relatively quick downside action is paramount.
That’s why we’ve labeled this one SPECULATIVE.
We’ll consider closing as AXP makes contact with its rising short-term MA, now at 180.
However, if it gets there quickly, we’ll likely hold for more potential downside.
And may G-d avenge the blood of all those the innocents slain and tortured by Erev Rav reshaim.
With kind regards,
High L. O’Haynew


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If there is one annoying side-effect with many apps being free to use, it’s that it means you’re likely to be inundated with ads. Something which is annoying, but understandable from a business perspective where companies need to monetise the things they build. It appears that there is at least one widely used fee app which won’t be getting ads in the immediate future: WhatsApp.
While Facebook has been looking for ways to monetise the platform after they acquired it for $22 billion in 2014, it appears they are backing off on the idea according to The Wall Street Journal, who reports that the team that had been working on building ads into WhatsApp was disbanded in recent months, with their work subsequently “deleted from WhatsApp’s code.”
It’s not clear exactly why Facebook backtracked on the feature, though the report suggests it might be down to the ads feature requiring a weakening of the end-to-end encryption in WhatsApp. An important feature that has made the instant messaging platform so popular and which will no doubt move people to leave it should that get changed
According to the report though, it appears the company is focusing instead on features that will “allow businesses to communicate with customers and organize those contacts.” They will also look to integrate ads into WhatsApp’s Status feature, which allows people to share messages that will disappear after 24 hours. Targeting business features makes sense and fair if it allows for companies to interact with their customers better. Whether it will generate enough money to warrant the cost the remarkable spend the company has thrown at the app though remains to be seen.
Last Updated: January 17, 2020


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Speaking on how blockchain technolgy has positively impacted the financial institution, an HSBC executive— Mark Williamson, has recently made it known that the bank’s blockchain-based FX system has helped it cut the costs of settling foreign exchange trades.
HSBC FX Everywhere Platform
Williamson, the chief operating officer of FX cash trading and risk management who is also in-charge of the bank’s blockchain project—HSBC FX Everywhere, stated that: “the HSBC FX Everywhere platform saved it 25 percent as compared with traditional methods.”
Going by an announced from HSBC last month, a total of more than 350 billion in transactions has been completed using the HSBC FX Everywhere platform. This equates to about 3 million forex transactions. Additionally, about 150,000 payments were made over the last year using the digital ledger system.
According to Williamson, between 3,500 to 5,000 trades are being processed every day on the FX Everywhere platform. He also stated that: “We’re able to demonstrate that this is not a one-off proof of concept or just one or two trades, ” The exec also confirmed that a “significant” amount of internal money flows are likely to be settled on the DLT system.
Blockchain Partnership and Experimentation
HSBC which joined the blockchain consortium startup R3 in 2015, has since then made some major contribution to the blockchain space. The bank has also formed several partnerships targeted at increasing its grasp on the market. One of this partnership is the recent collaboration with Bank of America and the Singapore government on a blockchain supply chain trial. The bank also joined the Utility Settlement Coin (USC) project. A project developed to make it convenient for global banks to conduct a variety of transactions with each other using collateralised assets on a custom-built blockchain.
With this recent revelation from Williamson, it is clear that major financial institutions are already capitalising on the numerous benefits DLT has to offer.


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New Staunton brewery; giant potato coming to Draft — The buzz
Staunton is getting another brewery and there's a giant potato coming to Stuarts Draft. Here's the buzz.
Another brewery coming to Staunton
Staunton is set to get another brewery — making its brewery count five.
The new spot, Mossy Creek Brewing Company, is expected to be located at the former Dixon Studio on Central Avenue in Staunton. Dixon Studio put the building up for sale last year, but still continues its operation at the owners' home in Staunton.
According to brewery owner Jason McCall, he is currently under contract to buy the building and should close on it by August.
More beer news here:Being beercentric in the Valley
"It took us awhile to find a good spot," he said. "We wanted to be close to downtown. It's a great, wonderful building."
What McCall plans to do is bring the first large-scale microbrewery to the city.
Mossy Creek will have a taproom and a full production and wholesale distribution setup for bottling and packaging. He will be using a 20 hectoliter German system, which equates to about 17.2 barrels. To put in perspective, Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company in Staunton does about five barrels.
Mossy Creek will also have four 40 barrel fermenters and one 40 barrel brite tank.
McCall is remaining tight-lipped on the new head brewer he's bringing from out-of-state, but did tell the News Leader the brewer is a national award winning brewmaster. He's won gold at the Great American Beer Festival and focuses on traditional ales and lagers.
McCall's brewery will also feature pilsners and a variety of IPAs to name a few types of beers. He hopes his spot will draw in the craft beer lovers in the area.
"I've always been a dreamer in nature," he said. The idea for the brewery started two years ago on a napkin.
"Some of the best relationships have centered around beer and local business," he said.
McCall first moved down to Harrisonburg in 1994 and has called the Shenandoah Valley his home every since. He's previously worked as a police officer in Waynesboro and currently owns his own woodworking business and works with the Holy Cross Presbyterian Church in Staunton.
He lives in Bridgewater with his family on a family farm — which has Mossy Creek running through it and is the inspiration to his brewery's name.
"It just has a beautiful connection," he said. "Life should be worry less and live more."
The brewery's tagline will be "join us creekside."
"It's just the beautiful essence we want to bring," he said.
The new brewery is not to be confused with Mossy Creek Café that was in Fishersville many years ago and also not connected to Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.
McCall hopes to have music, partner with local food trucks and have an outdoor beer garden. He's using financing and private investors to back the project. The brewery is set to open sometime between November and December.
Big Idaho Potato arriving in Draft
There is a giant potato coming to DAPs in Stuarts Draft on May 24 at 11 a.m. on a 72 foot tractor trailer. No, we're not kidding.
The world’s largest potato on wheels is traveling across the country promoting Idaho’s most famous agricultural product, the Idaho potato, a release said. During its seven-month tour, the truck will travel approximately 28,000 miles, the release said.
“The Big Idaho Potato Truck has become the cornerstone of the Idaho Potato Commission’s marketing program,” said Frank Muir, president & CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, in a release. “By promoting the truck in our national advertising campaign, participating in events with hundreds of thousands of attendees and making stops at key retail and foodservice operations, we’ve been able to engage millions of consumers of all ages across the country.”
It's not really certain if the traveling potato is real ... but one thing it is, is real big. The Big Idaho Potato weighs more than six tons (12,000 pounds), which is the equivalent of 32,346 medium-sized Idaho potatoes, a release said.
According to the Idaho Potato Commission, the Big Idaho Potato:
- Would make 30,325 servings of mashed potatoes.
- Could make more than 1.4 million (1,455,570) French fries.
- Would weigh 1,102 times more than the largest potato ever grown, which clocked in at 11 pounds.
Since its 2012 launch, the truck has visited 48 states and traveled through more than 3,000 towns and cities, the release said.
While on its journey, the Big Idaho Potato Truck will help dozens of charities better serve their communities through its charitable program called A Big Helping. During its seven-month tour, the truck’s management team will identify local charities to receive a $500 donation via a signature board that’s set up at the events the truck visits, a release said. Past recipients have included food banks, children’s hospitals and animal shelters. According to DAPs cowner Phil Witry, the Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry will be supported through the effort.
More buzz news here:Olive Garden opening; Rue 21 closing; beer trail awards; tree project — The buzz


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Electric chopsticks aim to eradicate high sodium diets
Researchers in Japan have invented a set of electrical chopsticks that recreate the taste of salt in a hope to lower those with a high sodium intake.
Researchers from Meiki University and beverage maker Kirin Holdings have made a set of unique chopsticks that use electrical currents to mimic the taste of salt. The hope is that the invention can be used to help reduce sodium levels in diets.
The chopsticks, which the researchers say are a world first, work through a wearable computer, which straps to a user’s wrist and connects to the chopsticks via a wire. A faint electrical current then transmits sodium ions to the mouth in order to recreate salty flavours, enhancing the salty taste of low-sodium food by about 1.5 times, according to the inventors.
Many people are consuming far more salt than the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended daily amount, with an average Japanese person consuming more than 10 grams of salt a day. That is almost twice WHO’s recommendation for daily salt intake. A high salt diet can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and lead to other health problems.
“To prevent these diseases, we need to reduce the amount of salt we take,” Kirin researcher and co-creator of the chopsticks, Ai Sato, told The Guardian. “If we try to avoid taking less salt in a conventional way, we would need to endure the pain of cutting our favourite food from our diet, or endure eating bland food.”
This isn’t the first time that Professor Miyashita, one of the co-creators of the chopsticks, has explored ways that technology and taste can meet. Last year, he developed a one-of-a-kind lickable TV screen (Taste The TV) that can imitate various food flavours. It is currently in an experimental stage, like the chopsticks, but has a high predicted market value.
The team behind the electric chopsticks are hoping to have the product on shelves and available to consumers as early as next year, after they enhance the current prototype.


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Finastra is inviting developers to step forward and build the next wave of innovative apps in its global fintech hackathon.
Hack to the Future blends virtual hacking around the globe with in-person ‘City Hack’ locations, bringing together hundreds of students, data scientists, developers and fintechs, to collaborate, innovate and build.
Eli Rosner, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Finastra said, “This is a momentous occasion for our FusionFabric.cloud platform for open innovation and our growing API set. We truly believe that the future of finance is open and now we’re able to embody that in what we hope will be our largest fintech hackathon yet. With developers hacking around the clock, around the world, using APIs connected to our core systems, we’re sparking innovation and paving the way for some potentially amazing apps to be created. This is the future of finance!”
Between now and December 5, 2019, teams of up to five people are invited to register to build apps, integrating at least one Finastra API, across the following areas:
• Retail Banking
• Corporate Banking
• Capital Markets
With the chance to scoop a trip to Atlanta* to compete for the ultimate title at the FusionONE USA DevCon in February 2020, judges will be looking for the standout apps, critiqued on technology innovation, prototype execution and potential business value. They will also have an eye on the extent to which the app makes a positive impact on communities, with a bonus prize for the app which best embodies ‘banking for a better future’.
In the true spirit of open, Hack to the Future is delivered alongside Finastra’s global technology partner, Microsoft.
The City Hacks include a range of local host partners, spanning countries such as the US, Tunisia, Morocco, France, India and the Philippines, with more to be announced. Finastra customer, Texas Capital Bank will host in America. ING, and partner Cognizant, will host in The Netherlands.


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The Royal Netherlands Army is in the process of rolling out an additive manufacturing roadmap and embedding AM in day-to-day operations. Together with DiManEx, parts have been selected for 3D printing and the first steps are being taken towards digital warehousing. The real change, however, lies in the way of thinking, the cultural shift.Continue reading “Digital Warehouse: Defence Supply Chain of the Future?”
A presentation by Michel Honoré, Project Manager R&D Laser AM and Safety at Force Technology, DenmarkContinue reading “Manufacturing F35 part with AM and CNC machining”
On April 16 and 17, 2019, Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands, hosted a two-day 3D Printing Event covering the entire Additive Manufacturing value chain, from 3D Printing design to factory integration and post-processing.
The event included five dedicated conferences, where over 30 speakers from reputed companies and research institutions shared their views, and a two day-expo. Read more
On December 4, 2018, Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen hosted two half-day conferences focused on Additive Manufacturing.
In the morning, during 3D Printing Post-Processing Conference, speakers from ION, AMT, Quintus Technologies, PostProcess Technologies and Fraunhofer IPT talked about various aspects related to the often overlooked third step in 3D printing: post-processing. Read more
Today’s automotive manufacturers are faced with the ever-increasing demand of improving vehicle efficiency. Manufacturers have tackled the problem from all angles: reducing weight, creating more efficient internal combustion engines, improving powertrains, and reducing noise. But to achieve a more efficient performing vehicle, the automotive market has started using a new process.
Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) brings a natural competitive advantage for time to-market contraction of new ideas and for the development of innovative solutions. AM is used for prototyping parts with quality fit and function. The process has also been used to mass manufacture parts that require a unique shape, typically impossible to achieve via traditional machining. Continue reading “New steel material for additive manufacturing used by GKN Sinter Metals and Porsche Engineering”
Renishaw, Identify3D to offer an end-to-end, secure digital manufacturing process
Renishaw, a world leader in metrology and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, and Identify3D, a leader in software for the digital supply chain, are pleased to announce a collaboration to offer an end-to-end, secure digital manufacturing process.
Identify3D will provide data protection coupled with contractual and manufacturing licensing from design to production on Renishaw AM systems. By choosing to secure all digital data in the engineering phase, the technology enables users of Renishaw systems to protect their digital intellectual property (IP), enforce production rules and provide traceability in the digital supply chain at the industry’s highest standard.
“Renishaw understands how important it is to have an efficient and reliable control of data flow all the way to its machines,” said Stephan Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer at Identify3D. “We are pleased that Renishaw, one of the world’s leading engineering and scientific technology companies, has selected Identify3D as a strategic partner to provide such a solution to the market place — from design to distribution and production.” Continue reading “Renishaw, Identify3D to offer an end-to-end, secure digital manufacturing process”
Integrating AM into digital production workflow could bring level of automation to new heights
SmarTech Publishing just released my latest AM market report, this time on AM workflow automation, that is automation of the AM production line. In this report, I tried to assess what the overall business volume could around the establishment, within tomorrow’s automated factories, of the fully digital production line which use AM as the core production process in an end-to-end production cycle.
For this report, I only considered automation of the mechanical processes involved. In other words that part of digital manufacturing that takes the product from a digital file ready to be 3D printed (so after it underwent CAD, CAE and CAM software processes) and before the distribution and retail phase (which is managed by CRM and ERP software). Continue reading “Integrating AM into digital production workflow could bring level of automation to new heights”
It is believed that 3D printing – or AM – will bring a new industrial revolution on a global scale, with a great number of applications for manufacturing, healthcare, transport, defense, education or entertainment. An integral part of the process is the use of materials… Continue reading “3D printing revolution set to challenge EU policymakers”
LPW POWDERSOLVE is a fully searchable powder characterization management system that processes and analyzes data required to assess the performance of AM metal powders. The software allows users to track the changing properties of AM powders “from the virgin state through repeated use and blending.” Continue reading “New Metal AM Powder Management Software”
Bentley Motors has been at the forefront of using 3D printing and additive manufacturing as key parts of their design and engineering process. Bentley takes elements from their standard manufacturing processes, scales them down to models and now, they’re building parts for full-scale concept cars. Continue reading “Bentley Motors EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept Car Is the Future of Auto Manufacturing & 3D Printing (VIDEO)”
It’s only a matter of time before we begin seeing just about every man-made object on this planet 3D printed in some form or another. Researchers at Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia have teamed with individuals from Deakin University and CSIRO to 3D print two proof of concept jet engines. Continue reading “Monash University 3D Prints Two Entire Metal Jet Engines”


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The first of Qantas' overhauled double-decker Airbus A380s has touched down on Sydney soil this morning.
The London to Sydney via Singapore service will be the first of 12 long-haul superjumbo jet A380 Qantas aircrafts to get the multi-million-dollar upgrade.
Responding to increasing market demand for premium seat offerings on long-haul services, the airline has made the decision to scrap 30 Economy seats (down to 341) and up their Premium Economy seats by 25 (bringing total to 60), and increase their Business Suites by six (rounding up to 70).
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said customers in all cabin classes would reap the benefits of the overhaul.
"Australians are used to flying long haul and we know it's important to make the journey comfortable," Mr Joyce said.
"We're very proud to showcase the best of Australian design, wine and food on these services which will provide a step change in comfort."
Forget about turning left — this superjumbo jet is all about ascending the stairs, with an expanded Upper Deck Lounge area amongst the most significant of the upgrades.
Featuring stylish green leather couches and wood panelled walls courtesy of Australian designer David Caon, this exclusive retreat is available to Qantas first and business class passengers and includes bespoke snacks and light meals.
The lounge also features a self-service bar, and a range of signature cocktails available to order including an Aussie twist on a negroni (with native mountain pepper and river mint) and a gin and tonic with pink grapefruit.
The same Caon-designed Premium Economy seats that debuted on the airline's Dreamline fleet has also made the cut, allowing for an increase in seats from 35 to 60 thanks to smarter use of space.
The Premium Economy cabin will also feature a larger dedicated self-service bar.
The iconic Skybed has also been scrapped for a swish new Business Suite, also dubbed "mini First" by the carrier's frequent flyers. All suites feature direct aisle access.
Passengers travelling in the pointy end in a First Suite were treated to new contoured cushioning, higher resolution screens, new amenity kits by LaGaia Unedited, and resigned Martin Grant pajamas.
Qantas expects to complete the refurbishment on the remaining 11 aircrafts by the end of 2020.
It's not the only big news from the national carrier this week. Yesterday the airline announced an overhaul to their partnership points scheme with Woolworths, with customers able to earn 15 per cent more Qantas points when they shop from October 1. Watch the 9News clip above for all the details.


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Roostercat Coffeehouse will soon open as a fair-trade, farm-to-table coffee shop in a funky space at 1045 Lincoln Street.
"I like the social aspect of the coffee shop," says co-owner Colin James Floom. "You can bring your laptop, grab a cup of coffee and just hang out." And Roostercat will offer three -- count 'em, three -- patios for relaxation and java; one out front equipped with a fire pit, one out back, and one on the rooftop with a 360-degree view of the city. And you'll be able to hang out until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
All of Roostercat's fair-trade brew, including an exclusive Roostercat blend, will come from local roaster Coda. And all of Roostercat's salads, sandwiches and even waffles can be ordered gluten-free or otherwise "allergen-friendly," Floom says. "All of our coffee comes from a local roaster; all of our food is local," explains Floom, who by day works as a filmmaker for MTV. "We're trying to support local farms and coffee."
If all goes according to plan, expect Roostercat to be open by the end of July.


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DULUTH – At Duluth Children’s Museum's 6th annual Bubble Festival kids got to make small and huge bubbles, stand inside a bubble and even create a bubble wall.
SUPERIOR - The spirit of equality and acceptance marched down Tower Avenue in Superior.
HERMANTOWN- Fourteen years ago, trooper Ted Foss from Winona, Minnesota was killed when a driver struck him as he was making a traffic stop.
PRESS RELEASE- Due to the High Risk of Rip Currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning for dangerous swimming conditions for Park Point beaches effective immediately and continuing until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Superior - At the first annual Small Business Soiree more than 10 small and home based vendors sold anything from cupcakes to candles and health and beauty products.
DULUTH - Congressman Rick Nolan made a stop at the Duluth Farmers Market to talk to about bringing farmers and consumers together.


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Reliance Jio on Tuesday said it will increase mobile phone tariffs in next few weeks.
The announcement comes a day after its rivals Airtel and Vodafone Idea said they will be raising tariffs from 1 December.
Jio said telecom regulator TRAI is likely to initiate consultation process for revision in telecom tariffs.
"Like other operators, we will also work with the government and comply with the regulatory regime to strengthen the industry to benefit Indian consumers and take measures including appropriate increase in tariffs in next few weeks in a manner that does not adversely impact data consumption or growth in digital adoption and sustains investments," it said in a statement.
Shares of Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel were in heavy demand on Tuesday, with the former rising sharply by up to 35 per cent after both the companies announced a hike in mobile phone call and data charges from December.
The company's scrip zoomed 34.68 per cent to close at ₹6.02 on the BSE. During the day, it advanced 42.95 per cent to ₹6.39.
Bharti Airtel shares also rallied 7.36 per cent to ₹439.25 at close of trade. In intra-day, it climbed 8.87 per cent to ₹445.45 -- its 52-week high.
Faced with intense competition and unprecedented statutory dues, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea on Monday announced a hike in mobile phone call and data charges from December saying the increase was warranted for viability of their business.
With inputs from PTI


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The brand wanted to come up with an idea that was different from regular toothpaste ads.
Products that provide nourishment to the body, skin and hair, have been popular for quite some time. But what’s new, is nourishment for teeth.
The oral care market in India has witnessed tremendous growth over the last few years. According to ‘India Oral Care Market Outlook, 2027’ published by Bonafide Research, the overall market is expected to grow by over 10% by the end of the forecasted period (2027).
The oral care market is categorised into five major categories - toothpaste, toothbrush, toothpowder, mouthwash and others. Toothpaste dominates the space, with more than 60% share.
Adding a new dimension is Colgate-Palmolive, a leading oral care brand in India which, to promote teeth nourishment, has relaunched ‘Colgate Strong Teeth’ toothpaste, with cutting-edge arginine technology.
To showcase this, the brand has rolled out a film, titled ‘DaantonkaPoshan’, on its social media platforms. What’s interesting about the ad, is that it features a toothless grandmother.
The brand wanted to come up with an idea that broke away from regular toothpaste ads.
Anaswar Rajagopal, marketing (Dentifrice), Colgate-Palmolive, shares, “The idea of using a toothless granny, talking about the benefits of toothpaste, is clutter-breaking. The brand wanted to create a narrative in the category, which was disruptive. We have tried to grab the attention of our audience, because this creative idea is unusual.”
“The whole disruption here is that the world’s largest toothpaste brand, is using a toothless lady. Because of its disruption value, people want to know what this granny has to say,” comments Harshad Rajadhyaksha from WPP@CP team.
In the ad, the grandmother’s daily tasks are performed by her ‘cutting machine’, i.e., her granddaughter. As per the brand, the idea of the enduring grandmother-granddaughter relationship, is quite powerful and unusual.
Speaking about the idea behind the campaign, Rajagopal says, “There’s been no narrative around nourishment and benefits of teeth. When we spoke to our consumers about this, they were quite excited.”
As per the brand, the idea behind this campaign was to create a new narrative - create something refreshing, while landing a preparation that is truly relevant.
The ad’s target audience is the mother of a child, who’s in the 6-12 age bracket.
“When it comes to mothers, they are always aware of their children’s health. But they usually don’t know about teeth nourishment. We felt that we had an opportunity to educate the country around how teeth can also be nourished.”
Kainaz Karmakar, WPP@CP, mentions, “You never realise your lack of nutrition until your set of nature provided tools (teeth), isn’t the best.”
The film is conceptualised by WPP@CP. It’s directed by Amit Sharma and produced by Abhishek Notani.
The campaign will be shown mostly on television, followed by YouTube, print and outdoor.
Speaking on the media mix, Rajagopal says that the brand is spending 65% of its media budget on television.
Is it becoming difficult to stand out in the dental care category, since all the ads look so similar?
Karmakar points out, “All you need to do is have an intention to stand out. We decided to step out of the comfort zone that this category has. We decided to stay close to our engaging message - nutrition of teeth.”
The film was released on May 15. “The initial response on social media, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc., has been pretty encouraging,” says Rajagopal.


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How Spell & The Gypsy raised $1 million for bushfire appeal
BYRON fashion brand Spell and the Gypsy Collective has raised almost $1 million for support bushfire-related charities with Unicorn Tears.
The Byron brand came up with the idea to release the special pre-sale of the preferred styles from previous years as voted by Spell's customers.
It was the company's first ever pre-sale.
Spell had already made a $20,000 contribution towards the fire relief efforts, but sibling founders Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather decided that more could be done.
During the pre-sale weekend, Spell generated $967,833 in profits.
The funds will be donated across bushfire relief charities NSW RFS, VIC CFA, SA CFS, WIRES, St Vincent De Paul and Wildlife Victoria.
In a social media post, the brand said they were overwhelmed by the pre-sale's success.
"We had no idea how much you guys would get behind us," the post said.
"We'd never done a pre-sale before, only ever offering pieces in very limited edition units - so we just had no idea …! To say we have been completely overwhelmed by your support is a vast understatement."
The post also confirmed that Unicorn Tears was an existing project that the sisters decided to use to boost the chances of fundraising success.
"From a personal perspective, I'd like to share with you that we had a Unicorn Tears collection planned to launch over the next 12 months, but we decided to bring it forward as an urgent means of raising funds for those providing urgent relief on the front line.
"So, a similar collection would have always been made - we just decided to make it earlier and give away the profits."
The company is also part of the fundraising online auction at Make It Rain 2020, which closes tomorrow, Friday, January 17.
Isabella Pennefather is auctioning the chance to win a personal stying session at Spell & The Gypsy Collective boutique, champagne and a $500 tab at the shop, with a current bid of $3500.
Spell are also working on further initiatives, the details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.


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You know how the volume/do-not-disturb combination of things in Lollipop drove almost all of you nuts? Google heard you loud and clear and have attempted to fix the volume situation with Android M. We now have simplified volume controls that actually make sense and work like they used to.
As you will see in the video below, you can once again press the volume down button on your phone to take you all the way to vibrate, but another tap then jumps into silent mode, which really is now Do Not Disturb mode (again). That mode makes everything quiet, outside of alarms, which is exactly how it should be and should have been. (more…)
If you happen to change phones a lot or wipe your device often enough, you probably know that the backup and setup process on Android has been pretty brutal for, well, ever. That should change a bit in Android M thanks to auto backups of all apps installed on your phone. Because Google wants to “ensure a good experience” for those who do setup phones more regularly than others, all of this behind-the-scenes magic will happen without any work from users or developers. (more…)
If you have used a tablet running stock Lollipop, then you probably know that the notification shade situation isn’t exactly ideal. Before Lollipop, Google was using two separate pulldowns for the notification shade on tablets, one that would show notifications and another that gave you access to quick toggles. Since those were combined into a multi-layered single notification shade in Android 5.0+, they decided to center it on tablets, no matter where you swiped from. (more…)
We have now been running the Android M developer preview on a Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 for the better part of the last couple of hours and are now ready to share some of our findings. While there aren’t a lot of big, forward-facing UI changes, there are all sorts of little tweaks everywhere, some that we like, others that we may need to sleep on before we make any bold claims about. (more…)
During the Google I/O keynote this morning, alongside the introduction of Android Pay, Google detailed native fingerprint management inside of Android M, a new feature for the OS. (more…)
We have had the Android M developer previewed flashed on a Nexus 5 for all of five minutes, but we are already noticing fun little tweaks that Google has made since Lollipop. For one, the bright white settings menu on stock Android has been given a “dark” theme, for those not wanting to be blinded at night when doing some dirty work on their phones. (more…)
Without a doubt, one of the biggest announcements out of today’s Google I/O keynote from a device charging standpoint was the introduction of USB Type-C support for phones and tablets with Android M. (more…)
After looking through the Project Fi sign-up process that was posted to reddit earlier today, we came away feeling more knowledgable about a majority of the service’s features, but also left feeling a bit worried about how it would play with Google Voice. Because certain features were noted as being left out, we were wondering if Project Fi would even be an option for some of us long-time GV users. Thanks to a great find by one of our readers, we now think we know exactly how Google Voice will transfer over to Project Fi.
The biggest thing to understand here is that when you transfer over from Google Voice to Project Fi, you are essentially leaving your Google Voice life behind. Because of that, you get to keep some of the features and lose others. (more…)


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CNET breaks out the most important things to know when shopping for a new television.
Apple will switch to the TLS encryption standard after disclosure of vulnerability that could expose encrypted data.
The ZTE Source offers Cricket customers inexpensive LTE, but if you can spare a bit more money, pass it over for better devices.
3D Robotics and other drone makers have joined Intel and Qualcomm in an effort to formalize the creation of open-source hardware and software for the unmanned aerial vehicles.
Pioneer's flagship AVIC 8000NEX navigation receiver is the first to bring Apple CarPlay to the aftermarket, and it also boasts nearly every audio/video source we could think of.
This year's Grand Prize winners were a trio of bright young women from Ireland who presented a project that uses soil bacteria to speed up cereal seed germination. But that's not the only incredible project at Google's annual science fair, and we discuss a few of our favorites on today's show.
On today's show, we praise the amazing finalists of this year's Google Science Fair, check out a "hack" that allows you to use IKEA products and your iPhone as a game controller and give our blessing to a custom, open-source robot named Jimmy.
A video posted by blog site TechSmartt shows how to "trick" Apple Pay into working on NFC terminals outside the US.
According to oft-accurate blog SamMobile, the Galaxy S5 could see its Lollipop update before the year ends.
A cache of recently acquired video games at the Library of Congress turned up a true find: the source code for unreleased PSP game Duke Nukem: Critical Mass.


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Click For Photo: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/08/09/19/17103896-0-image-a-97_1565373703430.jpgClick For Video: https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2019/08/09/279466967658221074/1024x576_MP4_279466967658221074.mp4
Just days after a mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton killed 31 people and injured dozens more, a man walked into a Florida Walmart and asked a cashier for a gun that would ‘kill 200 people’.
The culprit, later identified to be Philip Attey, 55, admitted walking into the sporting goods section of a Port St. Lucie Walmart on Wednesday and posing the question - but says he wasn’t being serious, rather staging a protest.
Walmart - Days - El - Paso - Guy
‘I’m in a Walmart a few days after El Paso and I’m seeing a white nationalist-looking guy purchase a gun and I got mad,’ Attey told WPTV of the inspiration for his actions, which he went on to describe as being in ‘poor taste’.
Assistant Police Chief Richard Del Toro said that Attey interrupted the clerk as he was serving another customer and asked for something that could kill 200 people.
Cashier - Attey - Sentiment
‘That’s not funny,’ the cashier told him, before Attey repeated the sentiment again.
The Walmart employee alerted his manager, who in turn called authorities. However, by the time they’d arrived Attey had left the store.
Del - Toro - Appeal - Online - Culprit
Del Toro launched an appeal online to find the culprit, and the department quickly received a tip pointing them in the direction of Attey.
On arrival, police determined Attey to ‘not be a credible threat to anybody’, confirming he is ‘anti-gun, and that he is ‘trying to further his platform’.
Think - Day - Age
‘I think we’re in a day and age now...
Wake Up To Breaking News!


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Cane toads, soaring temperatures and a giant crocodile -- one Star Wars fan is braving it all on a 15,000-kilometre hike around Australia in full Imperial Sandtrooper armour, all to give his local children's hospital a new hope.
Here are the lessens learned while testing coffeemakers and how they can help you brew better at home.
Warner Bros. is trying to keep "Batman v Superman" secretive, but that didn't stop a New Mexico TV station from catching aerial views of an intriguing set under construction.
The original Darth Vader will reprise his voice role in the upcoming ABC broadcast of the animated TV movie "Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion."
From the good-sport department, Microsoft takes a shot at itself with a Web game that encourages players to send Windows XP back to the early naughts, permanently.
Shop 'til you drop? How about shop 'til you hit ludicrous speed in your tricked-out shopping cart with a V8 engine.
Ambitious stunt doesn't quite fly, as Canadian news chopper picks up North Carolina man who landed in Newfoundland.
To promote its summer SUV service to the upscale Long Island enclave, Uber is offering $3,000 chopper flights Wednesday.
What may be the world's fastest shopping cart uses an engine from a helicopter to drive it down a track in an inspiring display of shopping power.
The latest volley in the flying-food fight involves a sushi chain testing out flying quadcopter delivery of its new rice burgers to customers' tables.


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After rap star Snoop Dogg took over Death Row records in February, the hip-hop legend made it clear that he would turn Death Row into a non-fungible token (NFT) powered by blockchain technology. On Thursday, Snoop’s Brand Partnership Director Nick Adler joined the newly created Gala Music advisory board, along with record label DJ EFN CEO, Grammy-nominated BT musician, and former Tupac Shakur director Leila Steinberg.
Snoop’s Blockchain Ambitions
Snoop Dogg’s blockchain ambitions advance as legendary rapper Nick Adler’s Brand Partnership Director Joins party music As an advisory board member. Snoop has been a fan of cryptocurrency for nearly a decade and even Approved Bitcoin (BTC) for his album back in 2013.
Recently, Snoop has been a huge fan and promoter of the non-fungible token technology (NFT). Over a year ago, Snoop open It was a crypto whale worth millions of dollars from NFTs. At the time, he told the audience that “Cozumo de MediciPersonal on Twitter and well known in NFT markets such as Opensea, which has a massive inventory of premium NFTs.
At the beginning of 2022, headlines detailed that Snoop had acquired the record label that helped launch his music career – Death Row Records. The rapper bought the label from MNRK Music Group and released his 19th album called BODR. After purchase, snoop Tell Media that blockchain technology and NFTs will be an important component of the Death Row ecosystem.
“Imagine me taking one of my classic records that you love to death, you’ve always cherished and that means a lot to you,” Snoop explained to Complex media publishing in April 2022. Owning it, trading it and making money from it. Now you already own a piece of Snoop Dogg’s legacy instead of, I have a copy of his CD that I lost.”
During his interview, Snoop added:
Now you already own something that already belongs to you that you can take advantage of. I just feel like this is where the industry is headed. Being in it for many years, 30 years strong. My fans come to fetch me, and I charge for everything. T-shirts, proms, this, this, but without ever taking them back. Not sitting properly.
Snoop’s Brand Manager Nick Adler Joins Newly Launched Gala Music Advisory Board, Legendary Rapper Loses Streaming Platforms
On Thursday, blockchain music company Gala Music open that Snoop’s brand manager, Nick Adler, has joined the newly launched Gala Music advisory board. In the tweet, Gala shared a video of all the board members including DJ and composer BT, Tupac Shakur Former Director Lila Steinberg, Record Producer DJ EFN. speak With Billboard.com contributor Benjamin James, Gala Music Vice President and Global Director of Music Business Brandon Tatum, spoke about the new advisory board.
“The establishment of our advisory board is an exciting next step in Gala Music’s growth,” Tatum explained. “We look forward to leveraging the industry-specific knowledge and wisdom of these entertainment industry experts to help guide the Gala team on its high-level vision and initiatives to increase our chances of sustainable success,” Gala Music CEO added.
In April 2022, Snoop appeared on the podcast “Drink Champs” as a rapper Hinge That he was removing the catalog of Death Row records from streaming sites like Spotify. Snoop made it clear at the time that streaming platforms don’t pay and that the only people who get paid are record companies and streaming platforms. Snoop told the “Drink Champs” hosts that soon there will be a Death Row app and the music will be streamed in metaverse.
“The first thing I did was grab all the music from those platforms that are traditionally known to people, because those platforms don’t pay,” Snoop emphasized during the podcast. “These platforms get millions of millions of streams, and nobody gets paid other than the record companies. So what I wanted to do was get my music out, and create a platform similar to Amazon or Netflix or Hulu. It would be Death Row, and the music would live in the metaverse in the Meanwhile.”
What do you think of Snoop Dogg’s ambitions in the blockchain and Nick Adler joining the newly created Gala Music advisory board? Tell us what you think about it in the comments section below.
photo credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikicommons
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Coronavirus or COVID-19 is all about it, with the distribution of people in many cities around the world so well-known that last night Xbox Live last fall. This ruthless virus forces us to isolate ourselves from our homes, and at least video games are a way to make these days more difficult.
Microsoft thought it might be a good idea to introduce a service that reports verifying cases around the world in real time. You did thanks to the Bing team, which has been working continuously for days
Coronavirus in real time and from Xbox
It's about COVID Trackr, the website monitors all activity and issues in real time for verified cases around the world It is a developing web application that works with PCs, mobile devices and the Xbox One Edge browser.
When you sign in from the Xbox, (bing.com/covid) You will see the confirmed cases on the left and when you click on each country, the map is expanded to see more focus, and yes, now as I write this there are more than 7,800 cases in our country.
In addition, this information is supported by real-time news from the media in each country to provide a little context for the data you are viewing. That if, at the moment, it does not come down to charges by cities, it is just adding everything to the capital of each country, except the USA, which is being dissolved by the state.
Coronavirus infection, is another form of UWP's Xbox application
If you're not sure about this, you can download the app Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) from the Xbox One or PC store. It is a step made by TheNewBoston in a UWP format that is compatible with all Windows 10 kernel environments.
It's not translated into Spanish, though there seems to be a statistically significant difference between Microsoft COVID Tracker and this one, about 800 different cases.


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| Mar 7, 2014
| 10:16 AM
ASICS America Corp., the sports equipment company with the title sponsorship of this weekend's Los Angeles Marathon, is looking beyond runners.
Instead, the brand is hoping to reel in more athletes in other sports, targeting them in an advertising...
| Mar 22, 2014
| 4:26 PM
Earlier this month a German court might have succeeded in doing what no soccer team in Europe has been able to do in quite some time, namely wound Bayern Munich.
Whether the conviction of team President Uli Hoeness for tax evasion is simply a minor...
| Apr 8, 2014
| 11:43 AM
Orlando photographer Cy Cyr decided to poke fun at a controversial Golf Digest cover by recreating model Paulina Gretzky's sexy photo with a group of local men.
Paulina, daughter of former NHL star Wayne Gretzky and fiancée to PGA Tour star Dustin...
| Apr 9, 2014
| 10:00 AM
Is Coachella the biggest gift to the fashion industry since Kate Middleton?
It certainly seems like it from the marketing blitz that has blown up around the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which begins this weekend in Indio.
We all know that...
| Apr 11, 2014
| 5:04 PM
Los Angeles' largest advertising agency, TBWA\Chiat\Day, has shaken up its top management, ousting its longtime president, Carisa Bianchi, and installing a new leader.
Luis DeAnda, who joined the 500-person agency in January as general manager, was...
| Apr 14, 2014
| 2:30 PM
INDIO, Calif. - The past 72 hours have been roughly 15 years in the making.
After years of curiosity about and a strong desire to attend the two-day event turned three-day extravaganza, this weekend, I finally made it to the Coachella Valley Music and...
| Apr 16, 2014
| 8:21 AM
Angels Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel helped break the news at a press conference on Tuesday that the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is moving to London. And Lima is hoping Prince Harry and Elton John will be in the audience. [The Cut]
| Apr 16, 2014
| 3:19 PM
Is the world ready for kid-sized Kate Spade cardigans and jaunty Jack Spade jackets for Junior?
We're not sure those particular pieces will be in the merchandise mix when the GapKids collaboration with the Kate Spade New York and Jack Spade brands hits...
| Feb 28, 2014
| 10:16 AM
Michael Jordan played in his last NBA game more than a decade ago, but that doesn't mean his earning power has waned at all.
According to Forbes, Jordan was the highest paid retired athlete in 2013, earning an estimated $90 million. Among current...
| Feb 12, 2014
| 7:56 PM
NEW YORK -- The Super Bowl? The Olympics? Baseball's steroid scandal? All or none of the above? We're not sure exactly what athletic endeavors inspired the "Gentle Monsters" collection Jeremy Scott sent down the runway at Milk Studios on Wednesday, but...
| Apr 18, 2014
| 3:35 PM
Can your footwear speed you up? We gave four new running shoes, each touting an impressive design technology, to four college runners. One shoe was super-flexible, one super-bouncy, another super-flat and another super-light. The verdict: Set your...


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Today RIM released another update for Facebook for BlackBerry. This update builds on version 2.0 bringing it to beta release 3. Included are some features that users have requested as well as some other minor tweaks and fixes. Updates to the new version include:
- Wi-Fi support
- The ability to delete comments and posts
- New delete prompts
Members of the BlackBerry Beta Zone can login and grab the update now. If you aren't already registered, you can sign up for the BlackBerry Beta Zone to gain access to Facebook 2.0 and other upcoming beta releases.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
A new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a keyboard will arrive in 2021
A new joint announcement from BlackBerry, OnwardMobility, and FIH Mobile lays out the plans for a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard to be brought to market in North America, and Europe within the first half of 2021.


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Clearleap, which provides a range of cloud-based content management and
delivery solutions to cable operators, has partnered with Blu-ray disc software
specialist Related Content Database, Inc. (RCDb) to create a joint solution
that will allow pay-TV operators to deliver VOD movies directly to
Internet-connected Blu-ray players without requiring a set-top box.
The two companies demonstrated the system, which combines Clearleap's
cloud-based content management and delivery platform with RCDb's Blu-ray
disc software, enterprise server and data services, at the CableLabs Summer Conference
this week in Keystone, Colo. To launch the VOD application directly from a
cable operator's servers, a consumer would insert the cable operator's
Blu-ray disc into a BD-Live player and press start. The Blu-ray disc and
service are powered by the RCDb software and the content is then streamed by
the Clearleap's TV technology platform, operated on behalf of the cable
operator, to the consumer's home.
The RCDb end-to-end system delivers the operator application front-end,
as well as service integration and management, to the Blu-ray environment.
Clearleap will support content ingest, management and delivery through its
Broadband-enabled Blu-ray players are just one of a number of new "connected
devices" that Clearleap believes cable operators can deliver their VOD
content to, allowing them to stay competitive with "over-the-top"
solutions such as the Roku set-top, which offers Netflix's streaming
service and a host of pay-per-view movie services. In June the Atlanta-based
company actually unveiled a system for delivering cable VOD movies to the Roku
set-top, and CEO Braxton Jarratt said at the time that the company aimed to
extend its technology to a range of IP-connected devices.
"This new development exponentially increases the number of
network end points which an operator can bring to multiple locations within the
home," said Zane Vella, CEO of Related Content Database, in a statement.
"Integration of our software platform, which today powers millions of
Blu-ray consumer experiences, with the Clearleap VOD back-end, leverages a fast
growing product category that consumers understand: the Blu-ray player."
"With very little upfront costs or investment of time, the pay-TV
industry can now easily create new revenue streams, offer new package plans and
reduce the cost of delivering VOD to the home, " added Jarratt. "As
direct-to-consumer TV and movie offerings continue to gain market share and
siphon off what were traditionally cable dollars, the industry can now move
quickly with a more compelling counter-offer."
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By Lindah Nduwumwami
Ugandan viewers have cause to stay glued on NBS TV and Sanyuka Television as Next Media Services launches phase 2 of the “Watch and Win” campaign giving NBS Television viewers a chance an assortment of goodies including electronics and hand gadgets.
According to Moses Mafabi Head of the Research department, “The purpose of this campaign is to say thank you to our viewers for the traction, the loyalty and the feedback given to Next Media Services.” Mafabi says the new campaign was launched due to the public demand and success of the previous one, hence coming up with a bigger and better campaign.
This year’s campaign, will see winners walk away with a brand new smart phone on Thursday every week on Uganda’s leading entertainment show UNCUT on NBS and Sanyuka TV.
The campaign was launched last year as Wangula Na Amassengejje which saw many viewers walk away with Smart TVs across the country with more than 70,000 people participating.
The overall winner at the end of the campaign will walk away with a brand new TV set.


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The global smartphone market is going through a defining phase. Rumors are that Nokia will partner with Microsoft for Windows Mobile operating system and expect some key shakeup in the company (this week), though the good news is that Nokia still is the #1 smartphone seller.
As per the latest data from IDC, Nokia sold 28.3 million smartphones in Q4, 2010 while Apple sold only 16.2 million. In total, Nokia leads the pack for 2010 (sold 100.3 million smartphones) at a y-o-y growth of 48.2%, while Samsung has grown phenomenally well at 318.2%.
Top Five Smartphone Vendors
Nokia noted the positive progress of its new Symbian^3 smartphones during 4Q10: five million units combined from the N8, C7, and C601 worldwide, a strong showing given their recent introduction to the market. At the same time, Nokia’s volumes are largely comprised of older devices, while MeeGo-powered devices have yet to arrive on the market. In addition, Nokia continues to struggle in the North America market. The recent cancellation of the X7 smartphone at AT&T highlights Nokia’s challenges.
Apple‘s iPhone gained more ground in the worldwide smartphone market, with shipment volume growth coming from Asia/Pacific and Japan. In addition, Apple made further inroads into the enterprise market, with more companies adding Apple to their approved smartphone list and increased development of corporate-centered applications. Rumors of an iPhone 5 have begun to heat up the blogosphere, with many expecting a new design and perhaps a mobile wallet.
Research In Motion reached a new shipment volume for a single quarter in 4Q10, and posted nearly identical year-over-year growth for both the quarter and the year. Driving growth was stronger interest from outside North America, with several markets posting double-digit gains. Meanwhile, RIM continued to enjoy market leadership in North America, but nonetheless saw mounting challenges from the competition. Popular devices for the quarter included the BlackBerry Torch and the BlackBerry Curve 3G.
Samsung took top honors for having the largest year-over-year improvement for both the quarter and for the year, an accomplishment largely fueled by its popular Galaxy S series smartphones. New Galaxy devices are expected to launch, including the Galaxy Fit, Ace, and Mini. Not to be overlooked are Samsung’s bada-branded smartphones, as well as its emerging Windows Phone smartphones, both of which received a warm reception. Samsung has set its sights on growing market share at least 40% in 2011.
HTC reaped triple-digit growth for both the quarter and for the year, second only to Samsung. Driving its success were its increased brand awareness, market positioning, and a series of devices that have resonated well with users and carriers alike. Following its success in 2010, the company known for being ‘quietly brilliant’ aims to become a preferred brand for smartphone users in 2011, while leveraging its scalability to drive business in Asia/Pacific and other emerging markets.
|Vendor||2010 Units Shipped||2010 Market Share||2009 Units Shipped||2009 Market Share||Year-over-year growth|
|Research In Motion||48.8||16.1%||34.5||19.9%||41.4%|
By the end of the quarter, Nokia had shipped five million Symbian^3 units while Windows Phone 7 vendors shipped more than 1.5 million units.
If you compare the numbers with 2009 data, Samsung and HTC has shown substantial growth, while Nokia and RIM have witnessed a decline in market share.
Times, they are a changing? Most importantly, Smartphone market is no more about the number of devices – it’s about what can you do with the device that makes it more interesting play (Steve Jobs taught this theory to the world).
What’s your opinion?


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Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop had mentioned earlier this week that the company would be launching a WP8 device very soon. Nokia has announced a press event in New York on September 5, suggesting the company could be unveiling its new range of Lumia handsets powered by Windows Phone 8. The joint event with Microsoft is scheduled only a week before Apple is expected to launch it’s new iPhone 5.
Nokia decided in early 2011 to ditch its home-grown Symbian software in favour of Microsoft software. While the Lumia 800 and Lumia 900 have enjoyed a substantial amount of success this year, they have been setback in recent months by Microsoft’s announcement that Windows Phone 7 devices will not be able to upgrade to version 8. Instead, Microsoft will offer a version 7.8 update for existing devices, including features such as a redesigned user interface.
Is this going to steal the head start for Apple or just give them a boost by comparison?
In the meantime, we’ll let you decide if you can use an Apple device to do this:


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Symantec Rises on Report That It Plans to Sell Altiris UnitJordan Robertson
Symantec Corp., the largest maker of antivirus programs, rose to a high not seen since September 2008 on a report that it plans to sell Altiris Inc., a software-management business acquired in 2007 for about $830 million.
Symantec advanced 4.7 percent to $20.85 at the close in New York after the Wall Street Journal reported that the business is for sale and drawing interest from private-equity firms.
Altiris makes programs that help companies track, install and maintain their software on desktops, laptops, servers and handheld devices. Steve Bennett, the former chief executive officer of Intuit Inc., began running Symantec in July and is trying to turn around a company that has failed to keep pace with shifting computer-security threats.
“Symantec is evaluating all of its options to create more return for its shareholders and will have more information to share at our strategy announcement next week,” Cris Paden, a spokesman the Mountain View, California-based company, wrote in an e-mail. He declined to comment on the report.
Symantec ousted former CEO Enrique Salem last year and indicated it was exploring options for divestitures. Salem had said he opposed breaking up the company.
Bennett has said he will update investors on his efforts when Symantec reports quarterly earnings Jan. 23.
Symantec has long been dogged by a divided structure, with its antivirus software business on one side and a large data-storage business on the other.


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All the news from the annual Google I/O event, including the latest on Android.
See how the newly unveiled Apple iPad Air 2 compares to its Android tablet competitors: the Google Nexus 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.
Officially launching today, here are all the banks, apps and businesses that currently accept Apple Pay.
Find out how to set up your Apple iPhone to be your new digital wallet.
The update, which became available for download Monday, adds support for Apple Pay, brings back the camera roll and launches the iCloud photo library.
Apple heard your complaints and decided to return the iOS Camera Roll back to its mobile platform.
In this data snapshot, the new version of iOS was spotted on almost half of all devices that checked in at Apple's App Store on Sunday.
With the release of iOS 8.1, you can now receive text messages on any of your iCloud-enabled devices.
Responding to user privacy concerns, Apple issues a statement describing the restrictions it places on the collection of customer data.
The electronics giant is projecting stronger-than-expected sales this holiday even after delivering better-than-anticipated revenue in the September quarter. The only negative was another drop in iPad sales.
Apple wants to store all of your photos in the cloud; here's what you need to know.


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I had an opportunity to listen in on a presentation from Jon Baggett, business recruitment manager, South Carolina Dept. of Commerce, and ask some questions about what is happening in my new home state. Here is the big takeaway: South Carolina is looking to become a hub for EVs (electric vehicles).
The state is seeing new projects related to electric vehicle supply chain, including everything from production of EV cells to changing manufacturing plants to retool product lines. He says when he pulled data two weeks before the presentation, there were 21 new investment projects and six expansion projects. The week of the presentation, it received five RFIs for five new EV related projects in the state.
He suggests South Carolina will become a hub due to its location in the center of the southeastern auto sector and the port in Charleston, saying “We feel like we are going to be in a good location going forward as the EV supply chain sets up throughout the southeastern United States.”
This is because many EV location decisions are driven by their proximity to customers. Similar to traditional automotive supply chains, they are looking for the potential for just-in-time delivery of products.
Of course, there are challenges. One is that in order to take EV projects to a new level, it will require greater energy. Baggett says “This leads to a challenge for us in the state to ensure we have industrial sites to have the capacity to meet the needs of the utility. Our team … (is) … working with our county allies to continue to make sure we have an inventory of available real estate to show these projects.”
Right now, in the state, there are probably five or six sites in various regions that are shovel ready for the heavy utility loads that are related to these projects.
Another hurdle is in South Carolina the energy mix is heavily on nuclear with very little hydroelectricity. If you remember my conversation with Sheila Hollis, acting executive director, U.S. Energy Assn., on The Peggy Smedley Show, one issue that this country has is nuclear plants are beginning to be shut down because they are aging out.
Baggett says, “One of the interesting things … is there is demand for renewable energy and to show they are using green energy in their manufacturing process. This is one of the new challenges for our utilities.” In this state, utility providers are now looking at how they can provide renewable energy credits and how that is going to impact rates.
Another challenge is the labor market conditions, as he says there is a record unemployment in a good way, meaning the labor market is very tight. As such, the state is working now to continue to grow the talent and encourage younger generations to get into the manufacturing sector. The state is even helping to develop new skillsets by working with Trident Tech in Charleston, which received a grant from the National Science Foundation to set up an EV training program.
I am eager to see South Carolina position itself as an innovation hub—something we so desperately need in all areas of the country—but there is still much work to be done and many questions left unanswered.
For one, what about the infrastructure? When asked about if we should be encouraging businesses to put charge points in their parking lots, Baggett said we will see organic growth for charge stations in the state. When pushed further later, he said “We have several sites that are infrastructure ready, and we are seeing counties making investments in their infrastructure to get their sites ready.” Still, I wonder how soon.
Truly, this is all great that we are moving toward something, but we are inching there. In one breath, we talk about manufacturing cars, but not the infrastructure to make them run. In another we talk about charging stations at businesses, but not charging stations in the home.
And then there is perhaps the biggest looming question that no one wants to ask, except me: Are we creating a greater divide between those who can afford electric vehicles and those who can’t? I understand we are all suffering from pain at the pump right now, but I am not sure that is going to push the average car buyer to go to an electric vehicle. While the prices have come down, EVs are still very expensive. How can the average person make that move? These are all great ideas, but where is the plan for the average person to follow?
We are left with this: OEMs (original-Equipment manufacturers) and supply chains are making significant investment in the EV space, so they are planning on the transition. My hope is they aren’t “charging” ahead without seeing the full EV picture.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld


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Liqueurs Look To Cocktail Trends To Boost GrowthDecember 19, 2017
Total liqueurs volumes in the U.S. market are projected to fall by 1.5% to 18.7 million cases this year, according to Impact Databank. But while the category has been slumping in recent years, some of its key brands—including Patrón Citrónge, St-Germain and Grand Marnier—are rising thanks to the popularity of cocktails.
The category’s top brand, Jägermeister, was down 4.6% in the U.S. last year to 1.7 million cases. Earlier this year, Jägermeister unveiled a new “Be the Meister” campaign, including a national TV push. “We set out to reintroduce Jägermeister with a new brand aesthetic and irreverent swagger to a new generation of consumers,” says Chris Peddy, chief marketing officer at Mast-Jägermeister U.S. Jägermeister’s rate of decline in the U.S. is projected to slow to 3% this year. “We still have a lot of work to do,” Peddy acknowledges. “Premiumizing and reintroducing the brand in the U.S. is a multi-year investment.”
While Jägermeiser looks to regain its footing, Baileys is projected to finish the year with 2% growth in the U.S. from its base of 1.27 million cases. Diageo introduced 15 new TV spots behind Baileys this fall, which are running through the holidays. The brand offers five flavor extensions—Espresso Cream, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Cherry and, most recently, Pumpkin Spice and Almande, a non-dairy almond milk version. “Baileys Almande provides an option for consumers that previously weren’t able to enjoy Baileys,” says Nicola Heckles, director of Baileys and Liqueurs at Diageo NA. “The vegan and dairy free community has been very receptive to it.”
Kahlúa is seeing improved trends this year, according to Troy Gorczyca, brand director for Kahlúa and Hiram Walker at Pernod Ricard USA, after falling 1.3% to 810,000 cases last year. Kahlúa Chili Chocolate launched last fall as the newest addition to the brand’s flavor range.
Meanwhile, Patrón Citrónge has expanded by 23% to 165,000 cases over the past two years. “The Margarita helps drive our Patrón Citrónge business,” says Dave Wilson, president, international, and global chief operating officer at Patrón Spirits. “We’re also seeing increased interest in tiki drinks. And the popularity of coffee cocktails, like the Espresso Martini, helps our Patrón XO Café brand.”
Campari, which acquired Grand Marnier in 2016 for about $760 million, plans to heighten awareness that Cognac is the main ingredient in the brand, which is at just under 500,000 cases in the U.S. “We’re setting up to refresh Grand Marnier with a new positioning, new marketing platform, and new go-to-market tools that highlight the heritage of the brand and its luxury roots,” says Melanie Batchelor, Campari America’s vice president of marketing. Grand Marnier’s U.S. net sales grew 15% in the first nine months of this year.
Also at the higher end of the category, Bacardi-owned St-Germain continues to rise and is now at above 100,000 cases. Earlier this year, Bacardi North America president Pete Carr told SND, “One of the trends right now is low-alcohol drinks, which is an opportunity for St-Germain, which can be simply mixed with sparkling water.” St-Germain is at 20% abv.
Among other leading liqueur brands in the U.S., Southern Comfort—which was acquired by Sazerac along with Tuaca from Brown-Forman in 2016 for $544 million—decreased 4.2% to 1 million cases last year. Prestige Wine & Spirits’ Kinky slipped 2.7% to 417,000 cases, and RumChata, which had been on a steep growth curve, inched up 1% to 530,000 cases. New offshoot Frappachata has started fast, however, and is projected to reach 100,000 cases this year, according to brand founder Tom Maas.—Kevin BarrySubscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning.
Tagged : Bacardi, Baileys, Campari, Diageo, Grand Marnier, Hiram Walker, Jagermeister, Kahlua, Patrón, Pernod Ricard, St-Germain
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Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Minnesota's Mall of America is home to some 500 stores, a theme park and now some 72,000 ladybugs. Third graders released them inside the shopping center this week. Ladybugs protect the mall's 30,000 plants by eating aphids. Some mall-goers worried the bugs might descend on the food court, but a spokesman says the mall has released the ladybugs for years, and there's been no ladybug takeover yet. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
Good morning, I'm Steve Inskeep with news of a changing retail environment.
We've told you of a plan to let states collect sales tax from online retailers. Now we're on the way to an online bar. Vermont lawmakers are considering a bill to let brewers ship their beer directly to consumers. This proposal faces the concern that underage drinkers might order beer but wineries already do this. If the measure should pass, you could order a six-pack or maybe a keg by UPS.
This does not happen very often. This morning all five living presidents, past and present, are in the same place at the same time.
The occasion is the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University.
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
The design committee for this presidential library had a former librarian as its chairperson, former First Lady Laura Bush. She told our colleague David Greene she studied the libraries of presidents past.


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Wheaties has made a big announcement this week in Dallas, Texas. They have unveiled golfer Jordan Spieth as the next athlete to grace their iconic cereal box.
It was fitting that Wheaties rolled the new box out in Spieth's hometown and at AT&T Byron Nelson where he made his PGA Tour debut eight years ago. The limited-edition box will be available in stores in October.
Spieth announced his presence to the golf world in 2013. He became the first teenager to win a PGA Tour event since 1931 at the John Deere Classic and was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
In 2015, Spieth won his first major, the Masters, and tied Woods' 72-hole tournament record. He went on to win the U.S. Open and Tour Championship that year on the way to clinching the FedEx Cup.
Spieth has spent several weeks ranked first in the World Golf Rankings and currently sits sixth. He was named to Time's list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2016.
To inquire about Jordan Spieth's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.
Jordan Spieth Premieres His Wheaties Box: