text:
In a recent New York Times op-ed, Cass R. Sunstein (co-author of Nudge) shared some interesting insights about consumers’ tolerance for predictive shopping. His piece suggests that, though a majority of consumers would still be uncomfortable with predictive shopping, the majority was smaller than you might expect. It could signal that a predictive shopping trend could be on the not-so-distant horizon.
Predictive shopping is the idea that retailers would algorithmically determine what you want to buy and when. Then they would charge you and ship it to you, without a requirement that you intervene. It’s taking today’s common option to “auto-bill” or subscribe for goods, and going a step further. That shopping algorithm would likely use datasets like your purchase history, social graph, and demographic information to make predictions about what you want before you even know.
It sounds a little too intrusive to be realistic…right?
Predictive Shopping and the Consumer
Sunstein performed a survey to gauge how Americans would feel about such an idea. His survey showed that 41% of people would, in fact, enroll in a program that automatically them shipped books and billed them without asking. (That was his hypothetical scenario for the survey.) In other words, almost half of the respondents were on board with a program where the buyer doesn’t necessarily pick what he/she buys.
Even more surprisingly, 29% of those surveyed would still approve if the retailer signed them up with no explicit permission. Let that digest. The retailer enrolls customers in what is basically an automated subscription program, without asking first, and 29% of respondents were okay with it!
According to Sunstein:
People do care about explicit consent. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that nearly a third of Americans would approve of such a program.
This doesn’t mean impending doom for anyone who isn’t auto-selling. After all, had a solid majority of consumers approved of a predictive shopping program, retailers like Amazon would already be doing it. Still, Sunstein’s survey suggests that this potential eCommerce movement may be closer than you think.
Amazon Dabbling With Predictive Shopping?
eCommerce expert Bill Davis recently wrote about Amazon’s patent for “anticipatory package shipping” and their desire to rely more on their own logistics over shipping companies like UPS or FedEx. Amazon is beginning to use data to determine who will buy products where, so they can ship those products to the nearest Amazon distribution center. This will empower Amazon to make quicker shipments, improving the overall customer experience.
Anticipatory shipping isn’t quite predictive shopping, because it doesn’t really touch on the privacy and permission problems that to which Sunstein alludes. But, it does show just how close a massive marketplace like Amazon could be to offering such a feature. (Not to mention, it draws attention to a major benefit to selling on Amazon.)
Your Predictive Shopping Takeaways
So, what can you do today, to prepare for a future (maybe only a couple years away) where the customer expects to shop without ever shopping?
- Prepare yourself for a world where great customer experience has more to do with timeliness and accuracy than a friendly smile and a handshake.
- Start building the infrastructure now for the supply chain of the future. Bulk purchases and large inventory stocks will be replaced by intelligent, on-demand sourcing.
- Learn what builds trust with your consumers, on and offline. The consumer’s trust is required if you want to participate in a predictive shopping economy.
- Understand how to leverage marketplaces like Amazon. It will enable you to piggyback off of the trust they’ve earned with consumers, so you don’t have to build so much.
You don’t need to drop what you’re doing and start writing algorithms. Remember, less than half of the Americans surveyed were on board with predictive shopping. But, it wasn’t much less than half. To survive in a hypercompetitive market, you’ll need to anticipate possible scenarios for the future, today. Keep an eye out for a predictive shopping movement, or it may just sneak right up on you.


text:
Sustainability: Latest news and analysis articles
Those waiting for the UK government's long-awaited child obesity strategy will have to wait a little longer. According to media reports last...
The UK’s vote to leave the EU on 23 June triggered immediate political and economic uncertainty and has long-term implications for UK food m...
The launch of the Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard has been described by its founding partner as a "breakthrough" in th...
Demand for foods billed as "natural" is growing in the US but without a clear definition of exactly what that means, can consumers trust the...
In its bid to transform Europe into a "100% responsible soy" market by 2020, the Round Table on Responsible Soy has enlisted the help of Swiss-based management consultants Malik. Ben Cooper spoke with Lieven Callewaert, the RTRS’s European representative, to find out more.
Noble Foods-owned The Happy Egg Co., a UK-based free-range egg supplier, entered the US market in 2012 and its products are now stocked in 6,500 stores throughout the country. The business plans to ride on growing interest in free-range egg production to expand rapidly in the market. Katy Askew spoke to chief marketing officer Jenni Danby to find out more.
WhiteWave Foods has unveiled new commitments to sustainability in areas including emissions, water use and sourcing.
Mars Inc subsidiary Wrigley is investing RUB600m (US$10m) in modernising its manufacturing facility in St Petersburg, Russia, to support the launch of a "Russian-developed" Juicy Fruit chewing gum product.
European natural food group Wessanen grew sales and earnings in the first half of the year, with sales of its own brands accelerating in the second quarter as the group benefited from growing demand for its offering of "sustainable, healthy" foods.
A new initiative which aims to slash food waste in the UK has been launched by consumer goods giant Unilever and environmental campaigning charity Hubbub.
Some of John West's tuna products are being removed from Tesco stores in the UK after the company failed to meet the retailer's sustainability standards.
Danone expanded its Indian presence, Arla detailed plans to boost its UK business and just-food examined the potential of healthy ageing products. Here is just-food's week in words.
The introduction of legislation requiring the labelling of GMOs in the US has gathered widespread public support.
The impact on the global food system is one of "six key priority areas" highlighted in the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 report, which sets out "the most urgent risks and opportunities" arising for the UK.
- Nestle catering for an ageing global population
- What post-Brexit trade with the EU could look like
- Unilever is "working harder" in tough environment
- What next for Nestle under new CEO Schneider?
- What delay means for UK child obesity strategy
- Kerry Foods sets its sights on C-sector
- Tesco drops John West products over sustainability
- Greencore pays GBP15m for Cranswick sandwich unit
- Job cuts imminent as General Mills restructures
- New Quaker Oats range targets wellness trend

domain: news


text:
You can find the obtain links for each ROMs in our devoted publish on the hyperlink. June three, 2019 — The Android 9 Pie update for the Nokia three has been launched. The Nokia 5.1, 3.1, and a pair of.1 will follow and may get the replace by the top of this quarter (March 31). The Nokia 1 and Nokia 3 would be the final handsets to get Android Pie, sometime in early Q2.
January 12, 2019 — After rolling out Android Pie to the Galaxy S9 series in Germany again in December, Samsung is now shipping out the update in Malaysia as properly. The newest model of the OS ought to make its method to all Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus handsets globally by the top of the month. December 24, 2018 — Samsung determined to hurry issues up and is now rolling out the stable model of Android Pie with One UI on prime to the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. The replace is currently out there in Germany, nevertheless it should make its way to different markets quickly.
Slots are limited — discover out every thing you have to know right here. October 16, 2018 — According to XDA-Developers, the stable model of Android 9 Pie with MIUI 10 on prime is now available for the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S. September 12, 2018 — MIUI 10 Open Beta firmware based mostly on Android Pie is on the market for the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S and Xiaomi Mi 8.
However, some bugs from the first beta haven’t been mounted with this replace — be taught more right here. However, these devices is not going to get the One UI overlay, as that will only make its way to the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, Note eight, S9 and S9 Plus, and Note 9. January 15, 2019 — The beta model of Android 9 Pie is now out there for the Galaxy Note eight. To attempt it out, open the Samsung Members app and settle for the invitation for the beta program. Once you’re in, you’ll obtain the update that’s round 1.8GB in measurement.
July 23, 2019 — According to XDA-Developers, Xiaomi is rolling out Android Pie to the global variants of the Xiaomi Mi 6. March 18, 2019 — According to XDA-Developers, Xiaomi is rolling out the steady version of Android Pie to the global variants of the Mi eight Lite. February 20, 2019 — Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro and Redmi Note 6 Pro can sign up to test the beta version of Android Pie on their device.
Is Oreo 8.1 good?
Android Pie has a new look overall. Slightly rounded corners on notifications and the quick settings pane are continued throughout the interface. It’s a modern material design, if you will.
November 30, 2018 — The Android Pie replace for the Nokia 8 has been delayed for a couple of days. The information was announced by Nokia’s CPO Juho Sarvikas on Twitter, who mentioned there are a “few points to address” before the update can go live.


text:
After Tesla deal, Shanghai to speed up cancellation of foreign ownership limits
Iran vows ‘CONSEQUENCES’ if U.S. undermines Tehran’s oil trade as tensions mount
Austria ready to act at borders if Germany moves on migrants
Rapper Nas invested early in PillPack, Amazon's latest buy
Harley-Davidson to build motorcycles destined for European Union outside of U.S.
Consumer inflation less threatening in February, CPI shows
16 March 2018, 01:19 | Cedric Leonard
Price of Gold Fundamental Weekly Forecast – US CPI Data Should Trigger Biggest Reaction This Week
The US consumer price index in February has kept its pace growth, indicating that inflation is creeping toward the Fed's target, and probably will not cause interest rates to grow faster than expected. Our forecast for February is 14.71%, which implies a 2.80pts increase in the Consumer Price Index to 251.2pts.
Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the CPI was up 0.2% for the month and 1.8% annualized, unchanged from a month ago. Risks like the higher minimum support prices (MSPs) for food grains promised in the budget, according to them, can push up the inflation in the next fiscal year.
The CPI report came on the heels of data last Friday showing a deceleration in wage growth in February as well as a downward revision to January's increase in average hourly earnings. January data was revised to show sales dipping 0.1 percent instead of falling 0.3 percent as previously reported.
US stocks opened higher on Tuesday as investors digested the newly released consumer price data.
"The broader story remains that of USA monetary policy normalization in the backdrop of an improving economy and a further decline in currency market volatility would only fuel more risk taking appetite", said Commerzbank's FX strategist Thu Lan Nguyen.
Fed officials target 2 percent annual inflation based on a separate index, the Commerce Department's gauge linked to consumer spending.
While market consensus appears to have shifted in recent months to higher inflation expectations, we at Invesco Fixed Income have maintained our view that the recent spike in CPI was temporary and that inflation would remain near the lower levels we saw in the second half of 2017.
The Federal Reserve had targeted 2.0% to 2.5% inflation for years, and now 2.0% inflation is most frequently cited as the long-term goal. Over shorter horizons, the core CPI has accelerated.
Households also paid less for healthcare.
The cost of clothes rose 1.5%, meanwhile, to follow up a 1.7% spike in January, a surprising turn after months of flat or declining prices.
The energy in the USA appreciated by 0.1% in February, while food costs remained unchanged. February's "unusually soft" readings on shelter and medical care, the two largest components of the core consumer price index, are unlikely to persist, he wrote in a note.
Helping to keep inflation in check was a 0.5% drop in the cost of new cars and trucks, the biggest decline since 2009. The cost of airline fares rebounded after falling in February.
Bannon endorses goals of French far-right party
He has understood like Trump, Matteo Salvini and Marine Le Pen the wish of the people to control their own destiny", he tweeted. She bowed out of politics after her aunt's presidential defeat, but is expected to come back in a new role.
Storm On The East Coast Forces Flight Cancelations At LAX
The storm has also impacted traveling conditions for many as thousands of flights have been canceled throughout the country. Many flights were canceled during the early morning hours, allowing most travelers to avoid a trip to the airport.
Snow, high near 35 — TODAY'S FORECAST
As we cool down Tuesday night rain will change to snow and snow showers will continue through Wednesday . Rain showers turn to snow showers through the night, and potentially a light snow by daybreak.
Mario Kart Google Maps Easter Egg Guides You For Mario Day
Once you tap this, you'll be prompted with "Oh yeah!" The Google Maps-Mario Kart mashup will be available until March 17. However, do be careful not to share any personal information you don't want others to see, such as your home address.
Meghan Markle attends first official event with the Queen
Her new cross bracelet is also believed to be by Birks and is thought to have been created to mark her recent baptism. The most senior members of the Royal family have also reportedly been through similar training exercises in the past.
No. 25 Rhode Island, Davidson to play for A-10 title
Rhode Island: A conference championship would have been nice, of course, but a trip to the NCAAs was going to happen, anyway. After Newkirk tied it with a basket on the next possession, Russell connected on a 3 to give the Rams the lead for good.


text:
This article is more than 1 year old
Scammy download sites? Government snooping? Run of the mill for Gary Kovacs
Interview The Register caught up with AVG (and ex Mozilla) CEO Gary Kovacs at Mobile World Congress last week.
AVG is talking up its Zen security product – a sort of mobile device management for the home – which Kovacs says is extending to cover Internet of Things (IoT). “You will be able to manage your wearables as well as the key parts of your connected home through the dashboard,” he says.
Kovacs boasts of 200 million AVG users, half of whom are on mobile, though many are non-paying users. “Our commitment is that people can use our base product on a single platform for free,” he says. “If you want integration with other platforms, or other functions, you will have an opportunity to do so on either an à la carte basis or to sign up for new subscription service, coming to market later this quarter.”
Android malware is most prevalent in the developing world, where more untrusted apps are installed, but Kovacs recognises that most users there will never become paying customers.
“In that part of the world and in a lot of the developed world,” he said, “they are relying on applications that are developed locally but there is a lot of criminal intent. We thought, it is a threat to the overall world network, it is a threat to them, it is a threat to the adoption of mobile, so we said, free.”
In the Internet of Things era, where home alarms and sensors talk to the internet, will we see software security extend to cover other kinds of security? “It is an interesting area. We’re going to do that via partnerships,” says Kovacs. “Zen is going to have a very clean and open API, so we can go to alarm companies, we can go to credit-scoring companies, we can go to reputation companies and we can say, plug-in.”
Kovac’s open source background shows when he talks about collaborative APIs in the security industry – or the lack of them. “Today the ecosystem does not play well together. Everybody is trying to do this thing individually and it is very inefficient. The alarming part is that companies are coming up with their own proprietary platform to manage the Internet of things. Why don’t we just create open protocols and standards and start to allow these things to interact?”
He is also campaigning against lack of transparency in privacy policies. “We did a study. We took my phone, every app that I have and the websites I looked at over a two-week period. We downloaded and analysed all those privacy policies and at an average reading rate we determined that it would take 76 days to read, and a law degree because they used words that I don’t understand.”
Privacy policies are misleadingly named, since they do not tell you how your privacy is protected, but rather how much data you agree to give away.
If we like free services and free mobile games, should we accept data gathering as the cost? “That argument is the most pervasive and I say, if it is that simple why don’t you clearly articulate that to your users?” says Kovac. “The first step for anything is awareness. I just think we have to put some sunlight on this issue as an industry.”
What about those scammy intermediary download sites that advertise on search engines, so that when a user goes to download the likes Apple iTunes or Adobe Reader, they get diverted to a third-party site which installs a pile of doubtful adware before eventually redirecting to the real download?
“Our Internet suite detects those, when you have been redirected to a site other than what you intended. By the way, that core Internet suite is free. There is no excuse for people,” Kovacs says. “We have to stop and pay attention. As consumers we have to believe that this is the new normal, Just like in New York you wouldn’t walk down a dark street without some sense of what is happening.”
Do those companies ever sue AVG, because your product is obstructing their business?
“We get those all the time. We get demand letters, we get threatening letters. My stance is that we have developed what we think is a very acceptable level of criteria that denotes if you are a legitimate site.” If not, “then we block them. If it is time to revisit the rule let’s have an industry debate about that. And you know what, not in one case have they come back and sued. We haven’t made any exceptions and we have never been sued.”
Does he think that AVG has a role in protecting from government threats to our security and privacy as well as those coming from what we traditionally think of as a criminal fraternity?
“It is very hard, because that goes through the network,” Kovacs says. “I don’t know any technology that will fix that except for VPN technology, which is why so many in government are opposed to VPN.”
A price worth paying to protect against terrorism? “I would like to see as much protection as I can, but at what cost? At the cost of our basic human rights? I think we have to have much more debate.” ®


text:
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is gearing up to enter the battery vertical soon and willing to acquire superior technologies for that, and customise them to Indian conditions while improvising on its lead-acid storage solutions.
This foray is intended to produce batteries that help in driving electric vehicles beyond the 50-km range.
It comes amidst the prophecy that all vehicles powered by internal combustion engines are going to be phased out with the electric drives taking their place.
“Domination of the Indian roads by the electric vehicles is going to take a long time, mainly due to the pricing and logistical issues,” said IOC Director (R&D) S.S.V. Ramakumar.
Addressing the media after inaugurating a CNG station at Ibrahimpatnam here on Saturday, Mr. Ramakumar said another cutting-edge technology, which the IOC’s R&D division was set to take from the lab to the roads in the near future, was hydrogen and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mixtures, which were being piloted by a Delhi Government-owned fleet of buses.
“The IOC is prepared to make an on-site production of these fuels once the result of the trials is known,” he said. “A nano-material that helps LPG in cutting metals with greater finesse when its temperature is increased from the present 1,900 to 2,500 degree celsius is under development. This will facilitate elimination of highly toxic oxy-acetylene gas being used by the heavy industries, including ship breaking units,” he said.
Mr. Ramakumar said a product set for pan-India launch was a superior blend of engine, transmission and axle oils, which was validated in Karnataka. This category of products would bring down the tail-pipe emissions of commercial vehicles by 30% and give a fuel saving of 4 to 5%.
BS VI fuels
Mr. Ramakumar further said the IOC was in the forefront of producing BS-VI fuels, which would have 10 PPM of sulphur compared to 50 PPM in the BS-IV variants and just 8% of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (which are carcinogenic) against 11% in BS-IV fuels.
An enzyme that the IOC started producing in-house was going to break the global monopoly of a US-based company. With it, the expenditure entailed by the enzyme consumption in the manufacture of ethanol would decline substantially, Mr. Ramakumar added.


text:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer News
After killing off the previous Chevrolet Trailblazer back in 2009, General Motors continues to sell a new-for-2013 version of its midsize, body-on-frame SUV in foreign markets including Thailand and Brazil. Using an unnamed source, Edmunds is reporting that GM is looking at bringing this second-generation Trailblazer to the US, although an official statement from the
The investigation into Trailblazer blazes has moved onto the next level, according to Reuters.
The handsome-and-not-for-us 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer has begun driving off the lines in Thailand at the General Motors plant in Rayong. Debuted at the Dubai Auto Show last year, the Trailblazer could be seen to squeeze between the Traverse and Jonathon Ramsey
We saw the 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer last fall as a near-production concept, but today we get the real thing – in pixelated, jpeg form, that is. Indeed, this is about as close as U.S. buyers will probably get to the new Trailblazer. While we weren't expecting General Motors to cha
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation concerning door fires on 2006-07 Chevrolet TrailBlazer models. The inquiry affects over 309,000 of the Chevy SUVs, with NHTSA stating that the door fires were caused by problems with the power window switches or some related electrical parts.
Owners of 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7X SUV models with faulty gas gauges now have some recourse. According to a report in The Detroit News, General Motors will cover half the repair costs for select vehicles with malfunctioning fuel level s
Chevrolet TrailBlazer convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery
With the U.S. market's pronounced shift away from body-on-frame SUVs towards crossovers and tall wagons, you could be excused for thinking that Toyota would be content to let its 4Runner wither away to dust. After all, the midsize SUV has been toiling away essentially unchanged since an updated 2003 model went on sale in 2002. But apparently, that isn't the case – Ward's Autoworld has learned that Toyota will build a new 4Runner.
With midsize SUV sales down sharply so far this year, many automakers are left wondering what to do with the segment. Largely dominated by body-on-frame 4WD vehicles, the segment has morphed from pint-sized replicas of Blazers and Broncos into vehicles that are often only a few inches smaller and a few pounds lighter than full-sized SUVs. With little or no fuel-economy or price advantage, the buyers that need towing capabilities seem to be taking a step up


text:
The reversal comes after days of tumult as angry Coinbase customers demanded to know why the company had not released their new currency, called Bitcoin Cash, to them.Coinbase hopes to change that with a simple piece of plastic.The Easiest Way To Buy Bitcoin Use coinbase to exchange your money for Bitcoin. Coinbase.com makes it easy to convert your local currency into and out of bitcoin.Coinbase decided not to recognize the bitcoin fork that resulted in bitcoin cash earlier this week, and users fled.Merchant Payouts Automatically cash out bitcoin with zero exchange rate risk.
Bitcoin startup Coinbase is launching in the UK - Yahoo
Bitcoin exchange Coinbase has reversed its decision to support bitcoin cash.The exchange said it would start supporting Bitcoin cash begining on Jan. 1, 2018.If i move the coins back to coinbase will I have the equal amount of bitcoin cash.This morning I wake up to find out that Bitcoin cash(BCH) is now supported by Coinbase.Handling of Bitcoin Cash is a service that Coinbase has never claimed to offer.
Bitcoin Slide Looks Limited Even After Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin will likely split into two separate currencies following a brutal civil war among crypto-powerbrokers.The New York Department of Financial Services announced on Monday that it had granted a virtual currency and money transmitter license to bitcoin exchange.The company now plans to allow customers to withdraw their new cryptocurrency by January.
The Internal Revenue Service is fighting to obtain vast amounts of data on Bitcoin and other digital currency transactions.Cholak and more than 11,000 USAA members have accounts with an online payment wallet called Coinbase, where bitcoins can be. began mining for bitcoin currency in.
Bitcoin Wallet - Coinbase® – Android Apps on Google Play
Coinbase has been designed from the ground up to to provide the.
How to cash out from coinbase...(2016) - Quora
Coinbase Review: 6 Controversial Issue You Have to Be Aware Of
Immediately following the fork, individuals who protected their private keys gained access to bitcoin cash.
Coinbase Will Support Bitcoin Cash from January 2018
Bitcoin Cash Supporters Will Sue Coinbase - ibtimes.com
Earlier this week, disgruntled members of the bitcoin community successfully split a new cryptocurrency off from the main branch.
Coinbase’s Update On Bitcoin Cash – Bitcoin Report
Coinbase announced the decision in a blog post, explaining it wanted to first ensure the company could safely support Bitcoin Cash before developing technology to support it.
Bitcoin exchange Coinbase gets money transmitter license
Coinbase has reversed its position on Bitcoin Cash following the fork on August 1.
Trust Us On Bitcoin Cash Say Coinbase's Brian Armstrong
Coinbase changes course after customer revolt, pledges
Can I claim my BCH if my BTC is held with Coinbase?
Bitcoin Exchange Coinbase Halts Operations in Hawaii
Bitcoin Cash Update: Coinbase, Poloniex, Bittrex Adds
The money from selling will be deposited into the bank account you connected to your Coinbase account.But given the recent developments in the digital currency space, only focusing on Bitcoin is no.
Coinbase does not want to support Bitcoin Cash (UAHF) hard fork, and asks its customers to withdraw their bitcoins by July 31 if they want to.The recent Internal Revenue Service request to Coinbase, seeking records of customers who purchased virtual currency from 2013 to 2015, has led to a flurry.Latest Bitcoin News - Coinbase, one of the leading Bitcoin Exchanges in the World announced to Support Bitcoin Cash from January 1, 2018.However, the only real way to privately buy Bitcoins is with cash or a cash deposit. your ID is tied to your Bitcoins.Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase will support the newly forked bitcoin cash currency after all, though customers will have to wait until 2018, and support will apply.Buying bitcoins on Coinbase should not result in any cash advance fees.Reputable Bitcoin exchange Coinbase has announced that it will be withdrawing its operations entirely from Hawaii following the instatement of a regulatory policy...While Coinbase Bitcoin Cash support decision may placate some customers, others are likely to question why the company will take months to do so, even as other digital exchanges support the new currency.
Tons of Coinbase users fled the platform after it rejected
Bitcoin and ATM - Buys and Sells - Coinbase Community
It seems that attempts to block Bitcoin Cash has failed, and exchanges that were timid to Bitcoin Cash or flat out rejected it are now giving in to the demands.Coinbase Bitcoin Cash fork message appeared days before 1 August, the day when the proposed UAHF activation might take place.Digital asset exchange company Coinbase has incurred the wrath of its customers with its decision not to support Bitcoin Cash.
Bitcoin Exchange Guide - How To Buy, Sell & Trade Digital
After stating clearly that it will not be supporting Bitcoin Cash, Coinbase has gone back on its decision and will back the hard forked coin by January 1, 2018.This position, however, appeared to trigger a stampede of withdrawals, akin to a bank run, that led many customers to complain about long delays in getting access to their funds.
Bitcoin Cash Soars to $700, Coinbase Customers Threaten to
The first Bitcoin Cash block has been mined | Hacker News


text:
Christmas is just two days away and soon children around the country will wake up to lots of brand new toys.
But safety specialists are asking parents to make sure those toys are age appropriate, watching for choking hazards.
A good rule of thumb, if a toy piece can fit through a toilet paper role, it shouldn’t be given to a child under the age of 3.
“If it reads for children 6+ and the child is 4 years old, you want to take that into account,” says Mickie Kreft, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Sparrow Hospital.
According to a 2019 survey from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, despite progress made in the past, dangerous toys continue to reach the market.
In the last year, the CPSC recalled hundreds of thousands of wooden vehicles sold by Target and more recently CBS News purchased 4 products from third party sellers through Amazon and all four failed safety tests.
“If you’ve noticed that a part is missing from a toy or it’s not all there, if a child just all of a sudden gets sick then that’s a good warning sign,” says Kreft.
Kreft says children might experience flu type symptoms when swallowing something they shouldn’t and if not treated, can be fatal.
According to the CPSC, toys to watch for are those with small magnets or batteries, recalled toys sold second-hand, balloons, hatching toys, slime products, and items that may be too loud.
Michigan’s Attorney General released a “Dangerous Toy Guide.” In it, items like the Nerf Ultra One and Pogo Trick Board.
Safety experts say parents should watch for misplaced items, buy from reputable sellers, and enlist older children to help.


text:
First, grocery shoppers had to worry about ice cream lickers. Now, we apparently have to watch out for potato urinators.
An employee at a Walmart in western Pennsylvania saw a shopper do just that last week, and police are seeking the suspect, WPXI-TV reported.
"This type of obscene conduct is outrageous and we immediately disposed of the affected products and sanitized the area," Walmart said in a statement.
West Mifflin police posted surveillance photos on Twitter on Thursday asking the public for help identifying the woman.
The store is about 9 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Earlier this month, also at a Walmart, a teen in Texas was seen on video taking the top off a container of ice cream, licking it and putting it back.
A few days later, in Louisiana, a 36-year-old man was accused of licking a container of Blue Bell ice cream and poking it with his finger, then putting it back.


text:
“The FDA continues to alert the public to potential safety and efficacy concerns with unapproved CBD products sold online and in stores across the country,” said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D. “The opioid crisis continues to be a serious problem in the United States, and we will continue to crack down on companies that attempt to benefit from selling products with unfounded treatment claims,” said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to two companies for illegally selling unapproved products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in ways that violate the Federal Food, Natural CBD Online Drug and Natural CBD Online Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to two companies for selling products labeled as containing cannabidiol (CBD) in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug, Natural CBD Online and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Specifically, the warning letters address the illegal marketing of unapproved drugs labeled as containing CBD. The FDA has not approved any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs containing CBD, Natural CBD Online and none of these products meet the requirements to be legally marketed without an approved new drug application.
“It’s important that consumers understand that the FDA has only approved one drug containing CBD as an ingredient. The FDA continues to be concerned that some people wrongly think that the myriad of CBD products on the market have been evaluated by the FDA and determined to be safe, or that using CBD “can’t hurt.” The FDA remains focused on educating the public about the number of questions that remain regarding CBD’s safety. When talking about seasoned brands, one thing to remember is that they have a reputation they need to maintain. We want to ensure no one else will have the same experience. Older people may prefer softgel caps – these do not have hardened edges and are easier to swallow. After all this talk about the potential benefits of CBD, you may be wondering if there are any drawbacks or side effects. These other, unapproved, CBD products may have dangerous health impacts and side effects.
Concentrates are very potent so taking in too much too fast can lead to unwanted side effects that can last for a while. And with the creativity of today’s bartenders, it’s no surprise these feel-good and taste-good CBD cocktails are becoming fast favorites. And bartenders are taking note, experimenting with the stuff in everything from infusions and tinctures to teas. But he opts for a different method depending on the drink’s other ingredients, experimenting with tinctures, teas, and even edibles: his Jeff Spicoli Special fuses mezcal and Amaro Montenegro with pumpkin butter and a CBD gummy bear. Despite the fun and versatility of CBD ingredients, Burkons cautions that adding CBD to drinks is still in a legal gray area. Its Natural CBD Online taste is mostly neutral, with green, chlorophyll-like notes that can add a pleasant complexity to certain drinks. Csonka chooses to make his drinks exclusively with low-ABV spirits, such as vermouths and sherries, which he believes works best for calming effects and overall wellness. Its calming and comforting properties have even been satisfying enough for me to skip my evening glass of wine or cocktail (though I’ve found these work great as a mixer, too).
Replacing activated charcoal as this year’s ubiquitous food fad is cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive chemical found in hemp and cannabis that’s been creeping its way onto cocktail menus (and into coffee shops) all over the country. Rachel Burkons, founder of the culinary cannabis company Altered Plates, agrees, explaining that the terpene content found in gin makes it a natural partner to CBD. I wanted to try a more Natural CBD Online sleep aid than I had been using. Especially if you view CBD as something your dog will take every day, it’s good to double check it won’t interfere with any current conditions, or if there are any extra steps you should prepare for (such as taking the dog for walks more often to combat lethargy). When not testing the latest buzzy skincare, you can find her shooting film photography around Brooklyn or cozying up with a good novel. The buzzy compound only seems to be growing in popularity, and when I was handed the opportunity to try sparkling water infused with cannabidiol, I was all too willing to give it a go. Cannabidiol topicals for sale derived from hemp are non-psychoactive and does not give the feeling of getting a high from either inhaling or directly consuming CBD rich hemp products.


text:
For the third year, the Pear Bureau Northwest, headquartered in Milwaukie, OR, will exhibit at Fruit Logistica as part of the U.S. Fresh Fruit pavilion.
International Program Coordinator Lynsey Kennedy said this co-location enables the bureau to have a larger, more centrally located presence and provide private meeting space for pear industry members.
"It also makes our booth more of a destination within the USA Pavilion," she told The Produce News.
In addition to the Pear Bureau Northwest, the California Table Grape Commission, CaliforniaPear Advisory Board, U.S. Apple Export Council and California Prune Board will exhibit at Hall 23, Booth A-02 under the program banner.
Ms. Kennedy said that Kevin Moffitt, the bureau's president and chief executive officer, and Jeff Correa, international marketing director, will be available to talk about the pear industry at the pavilion. "Many of our international marketing representatives will also be there," she added.
The convention venue is an important one to the bureau. "It really is a global show, providing the opportunity to meet not only with European contacts, but with so many people coming from all over the world," she noted. "Trade contacts from many of our key markets — such as Russia, Brazil, India and the Middle East — are typically in attendance. The show takes place at a good point during our season, with many varieties available. So we are able to display and sample multiple varieties and introduce them to the trade."
Individual discussions at Fruit Logistica will be tailored to specific markets.
"As of Dec. 15, over 2.7 million boxes have been shipped to export markets, plus another 867,000 boxes to Canada," Ms. Kennedy said. "We'll discuss how the season went [and] is going if there is still product in their market, including promotional activities and marketing support that we can provide in future seasons. Increasing the number of varieties in the market is always a topic of conversation, such as Red Anjou, Bosc and others beyond the more widely accepted Green Anjou."
In addition to sampling, the Pear Bureau Northwest will co-host a happy hour reception with the pavilion partners.
"Importers, retailers and other key trade contacts as well as our shippers are invited to attend," Ms. Kennedy said.


text:
Here's What All Your Favorite Celebrities Wore to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival
Featuring looks from Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and more.
The 71st Cannes Film Festival is well underway over in France. The prestigious event which is taking place at the Palais des Festivals is known by many as a gathering of the stars. We’ve tallied up all of our favorite celebrity looks so far. After the kick-off which officially took place earlier this week on Tuesday, May 8, celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Lupita Nyong’o have been spotted in coveted looks.
One of our favorite moments so far included Bella in custom Dior by the fashion house’s artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Lupita’s feather tiered Christian Dior gown was an additional head turner. Kristen Stewart, who is serving as one of the festival’s judges this year, stunned in a Chanel dress and clear boots. Irina Shayk donned a black dress with dramatic detailing, while Stella Maxwell opted for a stunning, glitzy gown by Roberto Cavalli. Kendall Jenner arrived to France in a low-key fit in grey with bold snakeskin boots. Bella also served up a relaxed outfit in the form of an oversized blazer with Chanel sneakers.
Check out all our top picks in the gallery above.
While you’re here, take a look at the best red carpet looks from the 2018 Met Gala.


text:
Chancellor announces new tax on companies which use non-recycled plastic but avoids 'latte levy' on disposable coffee cups
- Philip Hammond said he wouldn't impose a charge on the non-recyclable coffee
- Campaigners accused him of breaking promise to reduce single-use plastics
- Mr Hammond to introduce a tax on companies that manufacture ‘virgin’ plastic
A new plastic tax will be brought in to encourage recycling, the Chancellor announced – but there will be no ‘latte levy’ to tackle disposable plastic cups.
Philip Hammond said he would not impose a charge on the non-recyclable coffee cups which end up in our oceans, despite widespread public support for the move.
The news sparked anger from MPs and environmental campaigners, who accused him of breaking his promise to crack down on single-use plastics.
Mr Hammond pledged to introduce a tax on companies that manufacture or import so-called ‘virgin’ plastic with less than 30 per cent recycled content from April 2022.
The Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a new plastic tax will be brought in to encourage recycling, but not as charge on non-recyclable cups
He said this would encourage food and drink companies to reduce their dependence on plastics which are difficult or impossible to recycle, such as black food trays and plastic straws.
Ministers have made tackling plastic pollution a priority following a Daily Mail campaign which resulted in a charge for plastic bags and cut usage by nearly 90 per cent.
But the Treasury refused to introduce a similar approach for disposable plastic vessels, which includes coffee and water cups. Around 2.5billion single-use coffee cups are used in Britain each year. Most end up in landfill, as the plastic-coated paper cups cannot be recycled.
In January, MPs on the environmental audit committee called for 25p to be charged on top of the price of all hot drinks bought in single-use cups.
Philip Hammond said he would not impose a charge on the non-recyclable coffee cups which end up in our oceans
Environmental campaigners accused The Chancellor of breaking his promise to crack down on single-use plastics
Yesterday Labour MP Mary Creagh, chairman of the committee, said: ‘It is a year since the Chancellor stood at the despatch box and promised to introduce a single-use plastics tax to turn back the tide of plastic polluting our environment.
‘After the largest ever response to any Treasury consultation he has failed to keep his promise to the British people.
‘There was nothing green about this Budget. No latte levy, no tax on bad plastics for another four years. He is kicking the plastic bottle down the road.’
She pointed out that there had been more than 160,000 responses to the Treasury consultation on single-use plastics.
Mr Hammond said this would encourage food and drink companies to reduce their dependence on plastics which are difficult or impossible to recycle
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael said: ‘It is bitterly disappointing that the Chancellor has abandoned the Government’s commitment to introduce a levy on plastic cups.
‘It proves the Tories are full of hot air and no credible action. It also proves what I have said all along, that headlines are more important to them than the environment.’
Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas tweeted: ‘This is the most nature-depleted Budget in decades. His biggest announcement on the environment was abandoning the latte levy, and with it the pretence of caring about our natural world.’
Julian Kirby of Friends of the Earth said: ‘It’s astonishing that the Chancellor has gone cold on a latte levy, just when we needed him to turn up the heat on plastic polluters. A tax on virgin plastic packaging would be a welcome step, but if we’re going to stem the huge tide of plastic waste pouring into UK waterways every year, far bolder action is needed.’
Mr Hammond pledged to introduce a tax on companies that manufacture or import so-called ‘virgin’ plastic with less than 30 per cent recycled content from April 2022
Hugo Tagholm, of Surfers Against Sewage, said: ‘This is only a start and campaigners must keep up the pressure for more ambitious legislation if we are to tackle the true scale of plastic pollution in our oceans.
‘Voluntary industry measures will never be enough. We need strong legislation to drive change on plastic pollution.’
But Rupert Haworth, marketing director at Recycling Technologies, said the move would encourage recycling.
He added: ‘This should stimulate new investment in plastic recycling innovation and capacity here in the UK and provide recycled plastic feedstock to the industry.’
Announcing the pledges yesterday, Mr Hammond said he wanted Britain to be a ‘world leader’ on the issue, adding that plastic is ‘deadly to our wildlife and oceans’. He said he had looked carefully at the case for introducing a levy on the production of disposable plastic cups.
But, he told the Commons: ‘I have concluded that a tax in isolation would not at this point deliver a decisive shift from disposable to reusable cups across all beverage types.’
He pledged to monitor coffee chains, a number of which have introduced their own discounts on reusable plastic cups, and said he would return to the issue if ‘sufficient progress’ is not made.
The packaging producer responsibility scheme will also be reviewed by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, he said.
Announcing the tax on packaging containing less than 30 per cent recycled plastic, he said it would ‘transform the economics of sustainable packaging’.
The Treasury added later: ‘The tax will provide a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled material in the production of packaging which in turn will create greater demand for this material.’
Most watched News videos
- Cell phone video captures men dancing with bikini clad women
- Smartly-dressed men use belts as weapons in Leeds street brawl
- Andrea Leadsom says Theresa May has to do 'more' on Brexit deal
- US search team find Argentine submarine at bottom of Atlantic Ocean
- CCTV of man dubbed 'Britain's worst neighbour' after his imprisonment
- Theresa May tells Sky News she won't give up after tough week
- Driver who crashed a car into pub crowd is jailed for 12 years
- Topless protestors storm General Franco's annual death rally
- 'Don't patronise me': BBC Andrew Marr to Shami Chakrabarti
- Sir Graham Brady refuses to say if he's got 48 letters for vote
- 'This leadership battle is a total distraction': Dominic Raab
- Theresa May grilled on when she last spoke to Sir Graham Brady on Sky


text:
Yahoo / Microsoft deal put on hold
It was July 29th when Carol Bartz and Steve Ballmer announced the much discussed deal between Yahoo and Microsoft. Yahoo would be using Bing as their default search engine and all search related topics would be shifted to Microsoft.
The 'nuptial agreement did leave open some options for Yahoo to get out of the deal. If MS/Yahoo wouldn't perform well enough against Google on the key metrics of revenue per search and U.S. market share, the deal could be terminated by Yahoo. Both parties say the fact that the deal has been postponed is not related to this issue. However, Yahoo and Microsoft just need more time, so they say.
“Given the complex nature of the transaction, there remain some details to be finalised. The parties are working diligently on finalising the agreements, have made good progress to date, and have agreed to execute the agreements as expeditiously as possible.”
Both parties expect the deal to come through in 2010, but it does take more time than expected, which will without a doubt have an impact on the deal as a whole and the success of a deal. Though the deal seemed certain there are some bumbs in the road which could turn out to be a bigger obstacle than expected.
Tagcloudyahoo advertising mobile street view bing london images streetview google browser sea sem news china europe video google wave search tools internet apple social media blog blogger interview twitter yandex app business linkbuilding research website realtime russia social searchcowboys google tools google maps maps indonesia


text:
Nestlé today announced it has launched Roastelier, a compact coffee-roasting solution that will allow baristas to unlock and simplify the art of roasting in the shop. Passionate coffee consumers will now be able to experience the roasting process in their neighborhood café and will get to taste customized coffee blends made with freshly roasted beans. Thanks to Roastelier, passionate baristas are able to provide an authentic and complete coffee experience, including roasting, allowing for ultimate freshness.
The Roastelier solution includes a range of top grade arabica coffees sourced from select coffee growing regions around the world. These coffees are carefully assessed for many quality parameters within Nestlé’s factories and are then taken through the first step of roasting using their proprietary knowledge and equipment setup – referred to as ‘Prime Roast' – to ensure consistently good results batch after batch.
This launch highlights Nestlé’s leadership in coffee innovation within the broad coffee category, to further create customer value and enrich consumers’ experiences.
Reinhold Jakobi, Head of Nestlé Professional Strategic Business Unit, Nestlé, said: "We have developed Roastelier in less than twelve months, capitalizing on our R&D expertise in beverage system technologies. With this artisanal on-site roasting solution, baristas can now offer hassle-free, freshly roasted coffee, with hundreds of personalized blends at their fingertips, to cater to the increasing diversity of consumer tastes and desires. This significantly enhances both authenticity and 'coffee cred' at their outlets. The novel solution will help passionate baristas become master roasters."
After Ruby and Green Tea Matcha, Nestlé has unveiled the latest edition of its most iconic confectionery brand: the new KitKat Gold.
KitKat Gold offers a tasty combination of crispy wafer and smooth milk chocolate, topped with creamy white chocolate with sweet caramel notes.
The new four-finger treat will launch in major retailers across Europe and selected other countries throughout 2020. It is already available in Russia and will arrive in the UK & Ireland very soon.
A version of KitKat Gold was introduced in Australia and New Zealand in 2018 as a limited edition and was so popular it was added to the permanent range.
Alexander von Maillot, Global Head of Confectionery at Nestlé, said: "People are constantly looking for new taste sensations when they treat themselves and others. They also want chocolate that is visually appealing, so they can share it with friends and on social media. KitKat Gold has that special something, allowing consumers to have a break in style!"
KitKat Gold uses UTZ-certified cocoa beans sourced as part of the Nestlé Cocoa Plan. It has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
From its origins in the United Kingdom in 1935, KitKat has grown in popularity across the globe. Today, the iconic brand is present in more than 80 countries.
Alexander von Maillot added: "KitKat Gold is further proof of our commitment to our leading international confectionery brand. We have introduced many innovative flavors and premium products in recent years, and there is more to come!"
Nestlé S.A. today announced that it has completed its 20 billion share buyback program initiated on July 4, 2017. Since July 4, 2017, Nestlé has repurchased 225,186,059 of its shares for a total of CHF 20 billion at an average purchase price per share of CHF 88.82.
A total of 136,160,000 repurchased shares were cancelled by the Annual General Meetings held on April 12, 2018 and on April 11, 2019. As a result, the share capital of Nestlé S.A. was reduced to currently CHF 297,600,000. The Annual General Meeting 2020 of Nestlé S.A. will decide upon the cancellation of the remaining 89,026,059 repurchased shares.
Nestlé S.A. will start a new share buyback program of up to CHF 20 billion as announced on October 17, 2019. Nestlé plans to commence repurchases on or after January 3, 2020. The new share buyback program shall be completed by the end of December 2022. Concurrently with this press release, Nestlé has published the details of the program in a buyback notice. The volume of monthly share buybacks will depend on market conditions. Should any extraordinary dividend payments or sizeable acquisitions take place during this period, the amount of the share buyback will be reduced accordingly.
Nestlé today announced that it has agreed to sell a 60% stake of Herta to Casa Tarradellas. Nestlé and Casa Tarradellas will create a joint venture for Herta with their respective stakes of 40% and 60%.
The joint venture includes Herta charcuterie (cold cuts and meat-based products) available in six European countries, as well as the Herta dough business in France and Belgium. It will be established upon finalization of employee consultations where required.
Nestlé will retain and develop its existing Herta vegetarian business, in line with its increased focus on plant-based offerings. Nestlé offers a wide range of plant-based products, including through Garden Gourmet in Europe and Sweet Earth in the U.S.
The Herta charcuterie and dough business had sales of EUR 667 million in 2018 and has been valued at EUR 690 million. Closing is anticipated to take place in the first half of 2020.
The joint venture will build on the brand’s significant presence and leadership position in several European countries. It will benefit from the complementary strengths and innovation expertise of both parties in order to continue the successful development of Herta in Europe.
Marco Settembri, Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Nestlé, said: "The Herta business has delivered strong performance over the past years and is well-positioned for future growth. We are happy to have Casa Tarradellas as our partner, a family-run business that is a market leader in Spain for pizza, fresh dough and charcuterie. Both companies have a true passion for quality and innovation and are proud to be in a joint venture to provide our consumers with great ingredients for their daily meals."
Read the full press release
Nespresso announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park to promote the local coffee industry, as part of the Nespresso’s Reviving Origins program. The program aims to restore high quality coffee production in regions around the world where it has been under threat due to political conflict, economic hardship or environmental disasters.
Through the implementation of its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, Nespresso will support coffee farmers in the Gorongosa National Park to increase the quality of their coffee, promote sustainable farming practices and agroforestry while improving farmer’s livelihoods through capacity and skills building.
Nespresso aims to make the new coffee from Mozambique available, as a limited edition, in 2022.
Jean-Marc Duvoisin, CEO of Nespresso, comments: "Nespresso is very proud to start this collaboration with the Gorongosa Project to revive the coffee production in Mozambique. We will work directly with coffee farmers to help establish a high quality coffee supply that will increase economic opportunities in this region while giving our consumers a unique coffee experience".
Read the full press release
Nestlé is pleased to welcome Bryan Meehan, CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee, to its Creating Shared Value Council.
The Creating Shared Value (CSV) Council is an external advisory group formed in 2009. The Council helps to ensure the sound development, long-term sustainability and positive social and economic impact of the CSV business approach.
Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, said: "At Nestlé, we believe to be successful in the long term we must create value for both our shareholders and for society. Bryan has shown how a business can act as a force for good by leading the way to a plastic-free future. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion to fight climate change will be a great addition to the work of the Council."
Chaired by Janet Voûte, the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Council is comprised of eight external members, whose expertise spans corporate social responsibility, strategy, sustainability, nutrition, water and rural development. Council members also form the judging panel for the Nestlé CSV Prize.
Find more information on the CSV Council
Nestlé announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its U.S. ice cream business to Froneri, an ice cream-focused joint venture Nestlé created in 2016 with PAI Partners, for a transaction value of USD 4 billion.
In 2016, Nestlé and PAI Partners merged Nestlé’s European ice cream business in 20 countries and PAI-owned R&R to create Froneri, one of the world’s largest ice cream companies.
With a portfolio of iconic brands, unparalleled ice cream knowledge and focus as well as an agile and entrepreneurial management style, Froneri has been able to achieve rapid sales and profit growth, steadily gaining market share and reaching a turnover of around CHF 2.9 billion in 2018.
Froneri, which already had operations in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia-Pacific will now have a strong presence in the U.S., the largest ice cream market in the world. The recent acquisitions of TipTop in New Zealand and Nestlé’s ice cream business in Israel have also increased Froneri’s growing global footprint.
Nestlé USA's successful ice cream business comes with a high-caliber management team, marketing, manufacturing and sales/distribution capabilities. In 2018, turnover was USD 1.8 billion. With brands like Häagen-Dazs, Drumstick and Outshine, the business commands leadership in key ice cream categories, notably super premium.
Commenting on the transaction, Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, said: "The creation of Froneri has been a phenomenal success. We are now making this business our global strategic partner in ice cream and are convinced that Froneri’s successful business model can be extended to the U.S. market. With this transaction, we are taking a decisive step towards our goal of achieving global leadership in ice cream."
Read the full press release
Nestlé has today reported significant progress in its efforts to tackle the issue of child labor in the cocoa communities of West Africa. Its latest 'Tackling Child Labor' report (pdf, 4Mb) shows that it is possible to have a positive impact at scale. Providing education — for both children and adults — and improving livelihoods remain crucial to prevent and stop child labor.
In 2012, Nestlé took an important step to help vulnerable children in the cocoa sector by pioneering its Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System. This system allows Nestlé to identify, track and address child labor in its supply chains. Assistance is provided through community-wide solutions as well as those tailored to individual needs.
Over the past two years, Nestlé has almost doubled its outreach to include 78,580 children across 1,750 communities. In the development phase of the system from 2012 to 2017, Nestlé monitored over 40,000 children in Côte d’Ivoire and identified 7,002 as child laborers.
The system continues to be successful in identifying children involved in child labor, with over 18,000 children found. Through awareness raising and assistance, 55% of these children have been able to stop child labor activities. Nestlé will continue its efforts to provide solutions for all the children identified.


text:
Despite a very favourable demand environment, the growth of Africa’s automobile industry remains stunted. However, recent developments suggest the industry may be about to pick up as consumer demand grows. Sherelle Jacobs analyses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.
The development and nurturing of manufacturing industries will be crucial to Africa’s transition to the next stage of its economic development. Manufacturing will also be key to creating jobs, thus passing down the fruits of the current economic growth boom. In this regard, auto manufacturing locally holds out vast potential – it would, in theory, satisfy a growing demand with cheaper units suited to the continent’s transport environment, it would create skilled employment, it would raise the technical bar and save billions of dollars spent each year importing often rickety second-hand vehicles from abroad.
Attempts to set up a viable car assembly and manufacturing industry on the continent go back several decades but indifferent government policies allied with a host of other challenges have meant that the industry has grown in fits and starts.
Is this about to change? Recently, there has been some progress. For example, while Nigeria’s long, often frustrated, battle to launch a credible auto manufacturing sector has been well documented, Business Monitor International offered a rare glimmer of hope when it published a report in August which predicted that Nigeria would become a net exporter of vehicles in Africa by 2016, with production climbing to around 2m vehicles.
Moreover, there are signs that the government’s will to nourish a solid vehicle manufacturing sector in the country is growing. For example, this summer Nigeria’s House of Representatives mooted a proposal to review the government’s current policy on imported cars.
There is strong desire within Nigeria’s parliament to reduce the age limit for imported cars to five years, in line with legislation in other countries such as the UK and the US, in a bid to limit the market for imported cars and therefore give an indirect boost to locally manufactured vehicles.
The Nigerian Customs Agency has also been working on legislation to control the smuggling and illegal registration of vehicles, which again damages the local manufacturing industry, by establishing a centralised database. These measures can be contextualised within the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transit Policy, which aims to ensure that Africans have access to affordable transport. Currently, because of the lack of locally manufactured cars on the market, Nigerians favour buying imported cars, which are inevitably more expensive because of import charges.
New manufacturing milestones have also been achieved by foreign car firms operating in the country recently. For example, early in 2012, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) launched a new Alsvin Sedan model to be manufactured in Nigeria, at an immediate capacity of 3,000 units in the first year, rising to 7,000 units later on, with some of the cars being exported throughout the rest of West Africa.
Top priority in S Africa
Nigeria is not the only country where the car manufacturing industry is showing some positive growth signs. In South Africa, the government has perhaps shown even more commitment to boosting the car industry. The automotive industry, which accounts for 10% of export revenue, is a top priority and the government has set an ambitious target, boosting vehicle production to 1.2m units by 2020. Increasing the use of local content is also a key priority.
Foreign firms manufacturing in South Africa are showing just as much ambition as the government. An example is Ford Motor Company South Africa (FMCSA). The company aims to double its production of vehicles every year until 2016 in order to get an edge over its competitors, Toyota and Volkswagen. Recently, the company announced its intention to create 800 new jobs at its Silverton Assembly Plant and Struandale Engine Plant to ramp up production of its Ford Rangers.
BMW South Africa has also been making progress in the manufacturing stakes recently. Since investing R2.2bn ($262m) in its Rosslyn plant between 2009 and 2012, BMW’s commitment to its manufacturing outfit in South Africa has started to pay dividends. In August, it achieved the right to export its F30 BMW 3 Series to China.
The achievement is impressive – it makes BMW the first South Africa-based car manufacturer since the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) to gain the necessary permit from the Chinese authorities to export to China. Overall, the firm expects capacity at the Rosslyn plant to reach more than 90,000 units per year.
That said, BMW is not the only firm exporting to China in some form. In July Volkswagen hit the local headlines when it announced that it had obtained an export order from China for over 12,000 engines, giving a much-needed boost to its Uitenhage plant.
Progress has also been by no means confined to Nigeria and South Africa. Lesser-known car manufacturing and car parts manufacturing firms are currently flourishing in Ethiopia.
One of those firms is the British engine manufacturer Ricardo. Ricardo is set to coordinate with the Chinese car firm Lifan to create engines tailored to the African market. More specifically, the two firms are cooperating to come up with an engine for the Lifan X-60, a sports utility vehicle.
Belayab Car Assembly, which recently launched a new locally assembled vehicle, is another firm making steady progress in Ethiopia, as is Holland car, the country’s first ever local car manufacturer, which started up business in 2005.
Lack of government support
But despite these achievements across the continent, it is clear that very fundamental challenges are presenting themselves in all countries where car manufacturing is taking shape.
Nigeria can be taken as a case in point. Despite the high hopes for the sector, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector for vehicles is still extremely small and the country is overreliant on imports. It is estimated that the country spends around N550bn ($3.5bn) every year by importing vehicles – 80,000 new and 200,000 second-hand.
Worryingly, the high importation figures show little sign of decreasing in the near future. The number of new vehicle imports actually increased by 15% in the first half of 2012. Foreign imported cars have also become established as a status symbol, which makes trends even more difficult to reverse. This is in heavy contrast with past consumer tastes, when locally manufactured cars were fashionable and sought after.
The importation of low-quality, overly worn second-hand cars to serve the lower-income market is also an enduring trend in Nigeria. One of the biggest criticisms that the Nigerian auto-manufacturing industry has also faced is that it has been undermined by inconsistent policy making by government. Although the government has outwardly championed the car manufacturing sector, it has often failed in the past to back this up with tangible patronage and support to companies in the industry. NTM, a venture first launched in 1975 between the government and the Italian company Fiat to build trucks and tractors, demonstrates this. Because the operation did not receive the support from government that it required, the company was privatised to Art Engineering and Construction Limited in March 2003.
The Nigerian authorities have also faced criticism for failing to maintain a consistent policy on the importation of vehicles. Last year the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) faced fierce criticism for their decision to give the green light to a deal to buy N5.5bn ($35m) worth of mass transit buses (around 550 units in total) from China.
Other problems that the Nigerian auto industry faces go beyond poor policy making. Power black-outs undermine operations at plants in the country and have a serious effect on final production figures. This ultimately puts off investors making decisions about where to establish new plants in the developing world.
Nor is South Africa immune from challenges. In global stakes, the South African vehicle manufacturing sector is still relatively uncompetitive. “The South African automotive industry is unfortunately not competitive, due to the low percentage (an average of 35%) of local content in the final product,” write MJ Naude and JA Badenhorst-Weiss in a paper on supply management problems in the South African auto sector.
“On average, South Africa was 20% more expensive as a vehicle manufacturing base than Western Europe, and China was 12% less expensive than Western Europe. South Africa is thus 30–40% more expensive than China and India,” the report also remarks.
The financial crisis and global downturn have also depressed spending power in the country, which has in turn led to lower demand for new vehicles. And in contrast to countries ranging from the US to China, which have reduced car sales taxes, there has been limited signs that the South African government is making life easier for the industry to numb some of the pain.
The transport and supply infrastructure in place in South Africa is also inadequate, especially when it comes to export infrastructure at the country’s biggest ports. This ultimately has a knock-on effect on the cost of vehicles being manufactured in the country. High electricity and water costs also add to the high overheads of car and car part manufacturing plants. The sector is also infamously hampered by regular strikes and wage disputes.
“Both skilled and unskilled staff do not have an urgent drive to execute their tasks efficiently and effectively, resulting in lower productivity in comparison with labour in regions such as Asia. As a result, many multinational manufacturers resort to producing parts in the Far East as it is often cheaper,“ the study by MJ Naude and JA Badenhorst-Weiss adds.
In other countries, the industry is also falling short. In Kenya, for example, the domestic market for new vehicles is very weak. Fuel prices and the financial crisis in particular have dented demand for cars in the country. Moreover, imports make up the vast majority of sales – 70%.
Equally, in Ethiopia, the industry faces a number of quandaries. “The major problems observed in the automotive sector are in the areas of government regulation, lack of adequate road infrastructure, absence of trained manpower and lack of adequate financing facilities,” says Eskinder Desta, managing director of Habesha Capital Services, in a paper on the auto-manufacturing sector in Ethiopia.
It is also important to add that in places like Ethiopia, soberingly basic problems inhibit the growth of the industry. Road infrastructure is a case in point. Although road construction projects are gathering pace, the underdeveloped nature of the road networks, which has ultimately left a significant portion of the population without sufficient access to roads, means that the market for cars, new or old, local or imported, is severely restricted.
There is no doubt that the auto-manufacturing industry in Africa has potential. And that if and when manufacturing does take off, the construction of vehicles will be an important aspect of that breakthrough. Encouragingly, foreign firms are interested in manufacturing in Africa and local firms are flourishing in their own way in places like Ethiopia.
Governments are also behind the industry in rhetoric if not consistently in substance. That said, it will be a tough struggle and many of the challenges vehicle manufacturing faces are alarmingly basic. Whether they can be decisively overcome remains to be seen.
Subscribe for full access
You've reached the maximum number of free articles for this month.
£8.00 / month
Receive full unlimited access to our articles, opinions, podcasts and more.
£70.00 / year
Receive full unlimited access to our articles, opinions, podcasts and more.


text:
Bookstores and libraries will once again feel the power of the Force.
Disney Publishing Worldwide and its publishing partners announced the third annual Star Wars Reads Day, to be held October 11, 2014. Last year, Star Wars authors and costumed volunteers participated in over 2,000 Star Wars Reads Day events across North America and, for the first time, around the world. On October 11 of this year, Star Wars fans, authors, and artists will again come together in this multi-publisher initiative that celebrates reading and Star Wars. Participating publishing partners include Abrams, Chronicle Books, Dark Horse, Del Rey, Disney Book Group, DK, Klutz, Quirk Books, Random House Audio, Scholastic, and Workman Publishing.
“With the debut of our new animated series Star Wars Rebels launching on Disney XD this Fall, and the upcoming theatrical release of Episode VII in 2015, our third Star Wars Reads Day comes at an exciting time,” says Carol Roeder, Director of Lucasfilm Franchise Publishing, Disney Publishing Worldwide.
The following authors are confirmed to participate in official Star Wars Reads Day events: Chris Alexander (Star Wars Origami), Tom Angleberger (Origami Yoda series), Jeffrey Brown (Goodnight Darth Vader, Star Wars: Jedi Academy), Troy Denning (Star Wars: Crucible), Ian Doescher (William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, William Shakespeare’s Empire Striketh Back, William Shakespeare’s The Jedi Doth Return), Jason Fry (LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded, Star Wars in 100 Scenes), Daniel Lipkowitz (LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles), John Jackson Miller (Star Wars: Kenobi), Chris Reiff and Chris Trevas (Star Wars: Death Star Owner’s Technical Manual), Daniel Wallace (The Bounty Hunter Code, The Jedi Path), and Ryder Windham (Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide, Star Wars Rebels Junior Novel).
For updates and more information, follow Star Wars Reads Day on Facebook.


text:
On Would maybe additionally 22nd, a crypto finance challenge known as DeFi100 posted a message to its web situation: “We scammed you guys and also that you might maybe’t carry out shit about it. HA HA. All you moon bois were scammed and also that you might maybe’t carry out shit about it.”
Screenshots of the message with out extend went viral on crypto Twitter (continually anarchic, with out disaster risible). A current nameless crypto-monitoring Twitter story known as Mr. Whale estimated that DeFi100 had urge off with $32 million. Cryptocurrency files shops, as well as Yahoo Finance, ran with the number. The challenge owners denied any irascible play, and it rapidly changed into sure the message became once a web situation hack barely than a severe warning — but by then, it became once too stupid. Fright had space in, and the cost of the underlying coin became once in free fall.
“We never stole any funds,” a representative for the challenge told The Verge. “DeFi100 became once a essentially little challenge, and we weren’t preserving any traders’ funds, so there are now not any questions of scamming of us or working away with their funds.”
DeFi100’s considerations are a little phase of the image, but they’re a reminder of the hazards of the continuing crypto mumble. Despite billions of dollars pouring into the rental in fresh months, there’s restful exiguous recourse when investments flip out to be scams. Most importantly, the radical decentralization of the blockchain technique there might be merely no draw to safe you cash relieve — and few assurances that an unproven dealer will reduction their promises once the transaction goes thru. The end result’s a brand new gold fade in crypto scams, as speculators watch ever extra obscure alternatives and riskier bets.
The DeFi100 challenge’s web situation is now relieve online, but rumors persist about what essentially took explain. Certik, a typical blockchain safety leaderboard, does for the time being checklist DeFi100 as a “rug pull,” which is a term for a rip-off the assign the founders of a challenge elevate funding cash and urge. (The challenge owners say a rug pull might likely per chance well be very now not likely since they never held investor funds.) It’s correct one amongst a string of scams that on the present time’s crypto holders hold to glimpse out for, at the side of sketchy altcoins, Discord pump-and-dumps, Elon Musk impersonators, and extra malicious kinds of cybercrime.
Per Maren Altman, a TikTok influencer with over 1,000,000 followers who creates videos about cryptocurrency and astrology, there are three kinds of pain that crypto holders need to restful be cautious of: corrupt investments, collapsing initiatives, and outright scams.
The principle and most total roughly pain is easy corrupt investments in obscure cash. Originate air of critical gamers fancy Bitcoin and Ethereum, there are hundreds of smaller cash built on the blockchain skills, promising huge rewards if the coin ever comes to prominence. Subreddits fancy r/cryptocurrency are awash with accusations of “rip-off cash.”
“I mean, I’m in a handful of these myself, the assign it’s correct the funding, it became once a promise, the enchancment didn’t fight thru, and I’m restful ready,” she acknowledged.
Looking out for to analyze obscure altcoins might likely per chance additionally be confusing for inexperienced traders. Hyperlinks to cryptocurrency Discord servers on the total pop up on Twitter, promising a straightforward pump-and-dump of a smaller crypto coin. Or extra confusingly, Twitter bots will accuse Discord servers that don’t exist of pump-and-dumps, hoping to force up mark for a separate coin. However whereas they promise straightforward cash, the actual fact is less enticing.
Every other pain is the oftentimes harmless but unhappy mismanagement of funds. In a bullish crypto market, everyone thinks they’ve a innovative blueprint difficult cryptocurrency. And, clearly, reasonably just a few them don’t pan out.
“Issues now not being clarified, errors in contract, or correct a historical hyperlink in the enchancment circle,” Altman explained, “main to mismanagement of cash and of us now not having their funding flip out as expected.”
One extraordinarily well-acknowledged instance of this became once the DAO challenge. It launched in the spring of 2016 to very wide fanfare, simplest to be fully defunct by the fall of the the same year. The challenge became once created by the Decentralized Self sustaining Organization and became once an try and originate a enterprise capital fund on the Ethereum blockchain. Most attention-grabbing a month or two in, a hacker found a vulnerability in the token’s code and made off with $50 million. Merchants began selling off DAO tokens en masse and the cost never recovered.
Most frequently this chaos can quit in outright fraud. Per the Federal Substitute Commission, crypto-basically basically based monetary scams are at an all-time high this capability that of the surging hobby in cryptocurrency. And the twin carriageway between well-which technique blunder and crypto Ponzi plan is blurry. Appropriate query traders of OneCoin or PayCoin.
OneCoin launched in the mid-2010s and became once billed as a tutorial crypto trading provider. It appears the OneCoin tokens being bought by traders weren’t essentially on the blockchain. It became once accused of being a Ponzi plan and its founders ran off with discontinuance to $4 billion. It has been known as one amongst the most attention-grabbing monetary scams in ancient previous. One in all its founders, Ruja Ignatova, is restful lacking.
In 2019, PayCoin founder Homero Joshua Garza became once sentenced to 21 months in penal advanced and ordered to pay restitution after he created his possess cryptocurrency and equipped it to traders with the peace of tips that he had secured a $100 million reserve of capital. There became once no reserve, and the total challenge ended up shedding $9 million.
However even with Would maybe additionally 2021’s gargantuan dip in mark for immense cash fancy Bitcoin and Ethereum, cryptocurrency is extra standard than ever, and legions of inexperienced traders are discovering out the laborious way what a respect-to-respect monetary provider essentially technique.
Neeraj Agrawal, the director of communications for Coin Heart, one amongst the US’s most attention-grabbing cryptocurrency advocacy teams, told The Verge that wildly speculative cash (acknowledged colloquially as “shitcoins”) are now a everlasting phase of the cryptocurrency rental.
“The insane speculative garbage cash are now not going to leave,” Agrawal says. “That’s correct phase of the world now. And it safe of stays to us to repeat that the essentially staunch initiatives are fee their existence, that there might be precise mark here.”
That’s significantly laborious when crypto celebrities fancy Elon Musk are utilizing hobby toward the wackier quit of the crypto rental. Musk neutral now not too prolonged in the past fueled the wide spike in hobby spherical Dogecoin, a failed crypto coin invented as a shaggy dog account that’s named after the infamous Shiba Inu meme. Musk’s tweets hold also been blamed for this month’s huge market downturn. It’s restful unclear what cease Musk has in the marketplace, but his fresh branding because the most most critical character of crypto has resulted in a litany of Musk-themed scams. Per the FTC, of us impersonating Musk hold managed to rip-off as a minimal $2 million from traders this year.
“Maybe that’s the most attention-grabbing pain to crypto users — your possess stupidity,” joked Meltem Demirors, the manager approach officer of digital-asset funding firm CoinShares. “I judge of us correct aren’t familiar with taking responsibility for their monetary lives.”
Of course, I became once requested by both a household member and a discontinuance ideal friend this month about an obscure cryptocurrency known as Dogelon Mars. It’s for the time being fee $0.00000016 USD, however the two of us discontinuance to me were all for buying a bunch of it because they mistakenly believed that, this capability that of the title and its frankly confusing description, it became once a coin launched by Musk himself.
Demirors told The Verge that Dogelon Mars became once essentially one amongst her popular meme cash. “We must always always take into account, correct, the total level of reasonably just a few that is permission-less monetary innovation,” she says. “And a market essentially simplest requires two issues. It requires a seller and a buyer.”
She acknowledged this became once the most most critical explanation in the relieve of the hot NFT explosion. Other folks had crypto cash on hand and wanted to see what they might likely per chance exhaust them on. Turns out what they wanted to lift became once surreal files superhighway art work for hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
“I continually judge it’s essentially funny when of us are all about crypto and permission-less monetary innovation, but then the minute they lose cash, they change into fancy the most statist of us that that you might maybe judge of,” Demirors acknowledged. “You essentially can’t hold it both systems. Be pleased to earn this shitcoin. You now hold to create your mattress and lie in it.”


text:
See the latest Australian dollar analysis here:
Since the great 2020 COVID-crash in markets, there has been an increasing siren song for a new supercycle in commodities. MB agreed with to this an extent given the cycle of extreme stimulus, led by the US Federal Reserve, which has set about debasing the US dollar. Such early cycle environments are always supportive of commodities as they are priced in USD so rise as it falls. As well, China typically uses aggressive building stimulus which increases underlying demand. But does this a super-cycle make?
In the pre- and post-GFC environments it did. But the key then was that there were also structural supply-side shortages as runaway Chinese demand outstripped mines, transport and infrastructure capacity. No such shortage exists today because the build-out over that previous cycle was so enormous.
Still, some are still arguing that a new super-cycle is upon us. Doug King at Merchant Commodity Fund argues today at Bloomberg that pent-up consumer demand globally will fire the cycle. So far it has:
We might add developed economy stimulus, especially in the US, targeting infrastructure and energy transformation.
But I see several problems with this thesis.
First, there isn’t much pent-up demand in goods. Much of it is in the neglected high-touch services, and as economies reopen that is where the boom will come. There is an ongoing global goods inventory rebuild over this year but by next it will peter out. I fear that consumer demand for goods, including home office build-out, has been brought forward by the COVID cycle and expect a demand pull-back as fiscal supports normalise. In short, commodity-supportive pent-up demand is happening now not ahead.
Infrastructure will be supportive ahead, especially climate-related, but in developed economies, these tend towards commodities that are heavily recycled or locally produced such as steel and concrete. Base metals such as copper and lithium will be in demand but the shortage is minor and will only necessitate a new large mine or two.
Oil, too, is in abundance. US shale can switch on fast and OPEC still has 6mbpd spare capacity. Not to mention that falling oil demand is right around the corner. Gas is in a massive global glut.
Doug King also cites the need for higher inventories as deglobalisation transpires, but that is only at the margin and won’t take long to deliver. It’s certainly not a structural driver.
Second, and most importantly, the better the global recovery is, the faster that China will tighten. It was borderline overheating at the turn of the year. The tightening has already begun with the Chinese credit impulse rolling and more is coming:
China is also planning deleveraging reform for its property development sector which will hit demand for bulk commodities especially.
In short, Chinese demand growth for many commodities will be falling from mid-year and into 2022 which will easily offset rising developed economy demand. Again, we’ve already seen the pent-up demand.
This is not to say that certain commodities won’t be hot this year. La Nina is always disruptive to softs. And geopolitical events such the Chinese trade war on itself will pop prices here and there. 2021 will be a good year for commodities simply on the basis of a falling USD and global recovery.
But beyond that, as China slows and Europe underperforms into 2022 owing to a lack of fiscal support, both CNY and EUR will want to fall and DXY will begin to rise chasing higher US yields and better growth.
So 2022 sees both demand and financial headwinds for commodities.
Hence, the current bull market looks a lot more like a typical cyclical commodities recovery than it does the return of the supercycle.


text:
Bookselling is a mature industry without a major upside, but is unlikely to experience a severe decline, Barnes & Noble CFO Joseph Lombardi told analysts at a Morgan Stanley retailer conference last week. He estimated that B&N holds an 18% market share, which has held relatively stable in recent years in what Lombardi called a still highly fragmented market. “It's no secret books are sold everywhere,” Lombardi said. And although bookselling is a mature market, demographics are favorable. “An aging population is a postive for us,” Lombardi said, noting that older adults tend to read more.
According to Lombardi, B&N operates its business based on the assumption that it will experience about a 2% increase in comp-store sales annually. Sales through Barnes & Noble.com are growing at a faster rate and now account for approximately 10% of total revenue. In response to a question about its Internet strategy, Lombardi said B&N's primary objective is to increase the amount of money customers spend at the retailer, be it online or through its traditional stores.
B&N's strategy to boost sales revolves around four “core competencies,” Lombardi told analsyts. If a book is in stock at a store, B&N employees are “to put the book in the customer's hand,” and not simply tell them to look for it in the mystery section, Lombardi said. Secondly, all B&N stores are prepared to fill special orders as quickly as possible. Any customer who is not already enrolled in B&N's membership club is asked to join at the checkout counter, Lombardi said. B&N has never disclosed how many club members it has, but Lombardi said enrollment has increased every month since the program was introduced seven years ago, and the rate of enrollment has increased in the last year since B&N upped the discount on hardcover titles. (Lombardi said the discount targeted hardcovers “because they were the softest part of the business.”) The final competency is “fast cashiering,” which B&N “monitors and evaluates,” Lombardi said.
B&N hopes its redesigned Web site will drive more online traffic, and several new features were aimed at addressing the question B&N receives most often: “What should I read next?” Lombardi had little to say when asked about the future of e-books, other than to note that B&N is monitoring sales of the format, which, in B&N's view, has not yet gained traction.
Lombardi sounded mildly optimistic about the holiday season. The bestseller list has turned over quite a bit in recent weeks, he noted, explaining that “an active bestseller is good for everyone.” Lombardi conceded, however, that for B&N, as well as most retailers, “everything happens in the last three weeks.”


text:
Facebook Camera App And What It Means For Instagram’s Future
In what comes off as a rather unusual and quirky move, Facebook has just released Facebook Camera for iOS. Aptly named, the app is essentially a standalone app that lets you manage and post photos on the social networking service. There’s more to it than that, though; the service also offers 14 filters for you to "decorate" your photos with. In many ways, the app offers functionality that’s very similar to that one prominent photo-sharing company they acquired last month for $1 billion. Now, I proceed, I just want to give Facebook credit for creating such a pleasantly-designed app; coming from a company that’s notorious for terrible mobile apps, this is quite something.
Moving on. Their intent to release this app post-acquisition definitely adds a degree of complexity to analyzing their intentions of purchasing Instagram to begin with. I mean, just, why? What are their intents? Will they eventually axe Instagram by merging it with their proprietary Facebook Camera app?
While certainly confusing, it’s also understandable as to why Facebook may want to release its own independent, more tailored-to-their-service app while letting Instagram be Instagram. Surely, the diehard users of Instagram wouldn’t be too pleased if all of the functionality in Facebook Camera was tacked on to Instagram. Or worse, if sharing on Twitter and the Instagram social network itself were obscured as a result of this.
So of course, they wouldn’t do that. After quite a bit of pondering, here’s my take on it: Photo sharing is a pretty big part of social networking, and with the rise of Instagram, it’s likely that Facebook felt that they were falling behind in this space. With Instagram at a point where it was quite established, but still at a lack of a proper revenue stream and still with potential to continue growing, they felt that it was the right time to jump and acquire the company. However, they didn’t do so to completely transform and change an already solid app; they wanted to own a lucrative property in the photo-sharing space, and perhaps get their hands on some of the talent behind the company.
While it’s initially hard to – it’s much easier to view Facebook Camera and Instagram as a case of fragmentation – I think I’m slowly coming to terms with the idea that Facebook may want both of these apps to coexist independently of each other. Again, rather than molest Instagram with plenty of Facebook bloat, it definitely makes more sense to build an independent app for what they want. And now, from a perception point of view, Facebook are seen as a major player in the photo sharing space.
So, will Facebook axe Instagram entirely and replace it with this app in time? Unlikely. But, will the apps cross-pollinate, perhaps sharing filters, or allowing users of Facebook Camera to post photos to Instagram’s network? Far more likely.
For discussion on this topic: Check out the threads on Facebook or Google+.
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.


text:
A pair of Boston area breweries, Dorchester Brewing Company and Aeronaut Brewing Company have joined forces. Dorchester’s Matt Malloy will take charge of the combined company with plans to add as many as three other regional brewers into the new entity.
The new company will be named Tasty Liquid Alliance. The Aeronaut brewing facility in Somerville will be shut down and all production moved to Dorchester’s brewery in Boston. It is becoming a common move in the industry as craft brewers attempt to increase efficiencies as the craft segment slows.
The Aeronaut tasting room in Somerville will remain open and Aeronaut co-chief executives Dan Rassi and Ronn Friedlander will remain with the new company.
Dorchester Brewing was founded in 2016 primarily as a contract brewer. The Dorchester portfolio of brands makes up less than 10 percent of its volume.
More on the story here.


text:
Video games could rival live-action in about a decade.
The CEO and chair of Take-Two, Strauss Zelnick, has said that video games will look “realistic” within ten years.
Speaking at the UBS Global TMT Virtual Conference – as reported by GamesIndustry.biz – the exec said that technological advances would allow developers to be more ambitious. This includes making games that look identical to live-action.
“I’m guessing [Take-Two’s] business in ten years looks very different than it does today in the same way that it looks very different today than it did ten years ago when there was no mobile business and no recurrent consumer spending,” Zelnick said.
“And I can’t quite say what that will involve, but I think what you’re going to see is technology will allow our creative folks to do things they’ve never been able to do before, including making games that look exactly like live-action.
“Some of what we do now looks a lot like live-action, but it’s still animation. In 10 years, you’ll have the option if you want to make things that look completely realistic, all done inside a computer, never mind all the other advances technology will enable.”
Photorealism has long been a goal for the games industry. Back in 2015, a mod for Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V made the game look almost photo-realistic.


text:
By Anthony Casciano, President & CEO, Siemens Financial Services, Inc.
In our modern business landscape, a company’s emissions output – including Scope 3 emissions that stem from their vendors – is a key indicator of business value and long-term success. As pressure sets in and companies are being held accountable for their carbon footprint, requiring them to decarbonize in order to remain competitive in the market, vendor selection is not only about capital and convenience, but about a company’s sustainability requirements. Many large companies – Siemens included – now require a carbon assessment as part of their vendor selection process.
This shift is a step in the right direction in terms of decarbonization, but what does it mean for smaller and minority-owned companies that may not have the resources, due to societal disparities, to implement greener business practices? I recently discussed this question at the Concordia Americas Summit with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development at the U.S. Department of Commerce Alejandra Castillo. It is imperative for humanity and climate action that all business leaders – regardless of their physical characteristics or the size of their company – are enabled to stand in line with a decarbonization strategy to compete in the market.
With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) representing approximately 90% of the world’s businesses and 99% of businesses in the U.S., they serve as a vital pillar in efforts to decarbonize the global economy and implement more sustainable business practices. However, a recent SME Climate Hub survey revealed that only 60% of SME respondents had a long-term emissions reduction plan in place, with 63% lacking the skills and knowledge to develop a plan and 69% lacking the necessary financing.
In parallel, minority-owned businesses also struggle to prioritize decarbonization. Throughout history, minority groups lacked access to resources, education, and human and legal rights needed to start and grow successful businesses and compete in the market. Today, 99.9% of minority-owned businesses are small businesses and according to the U.S. Census, they are still less likely to draw outside funding and investments.
Without equity in the market and an increase in support for SMEs and minority-owned businesses, these groups will not have the means to implement decarbonization strategies, therefore losing their right to compete in the market. That’s where companies like Siemens can help with a turnkey solution that includes consulting, technology, and financing to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency without interrupting services or cashflow.
At Siemens Financial Services (SFS), we committed $100 million to the decarbonization of SMEs. We recognize that this is just the beginning as there is significant capital required to enable sustainability. We encourage others to join us as we develop an ecosystem to support SMEs. It’s important for financiers to diversify their portfolios and work with smaller and minority-owned businesses that weren’t given the same opportunities as others throughout history. Along with being what’s right for humanity, supporting these businesses is the only way to reach climate goals due to their large share of the market.
The process of decarbonizing SMEs and minority-owned businesses is mutually beneficial for all involved and for the environment. It’s important to remember that what’s good for society can also be good for business – it’s not one or the other. By supporting SMEs and minority-owned businesses to enable a more equitable market, we can enable progress on environmental sustainability goals.