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In time for Valentine’s Day, Senior Portfolio Manager Ido Cohen1 discusses the impact of tech on dating, the growing online dating services market, and where his team is seeing opportunities in this space.
It’s Valentine’s Day, and whether you like it or not, it’s a time that makes you think about relationships.
Not long ago, before the internet entered daily life, relationships often began with serendipitous moments. A smile across a crowded bar, a simple ‘hello’ or a swift exchange of glances.
While this may still hold true for many relationships today, an ever-increasing number of them now begin with a click or a swipe.
Social norms have changed
The options to meet people online has come a long way since Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks – arguably, the ultimate Rom-Com couple of the 90s – starred in “You’ve Got Mail.” The pair played two New Yorkers who fall in love across the cyber void.
Only 30% of the U.S. population had access to the internet when the movie was released in 1998. In those days, finding your partner online was somewhat of a novelty. But today, over 90% of Americans are internet users2, and many of them now turn to their screens to find love.
Choosing a mate is perhaps the most important decision a person can make. The right partner can inspire and support you to attain goals, motivate you to exercise and eat healthy, and can influence your social circles. While an unfavourable match might increase your indebtedness, cause deteriorating health, and ruin your other interpersonal relationships. For thousands of years, humans have been meeting their partners mostly through existing networks of friends and family. But in the U.S., things have changed: meeting ‘online’ has become the most popular way for couples to connect.
Figure 1: How couples meet
Share of U.S. heterosexual couples meeting online has increased
According to a Stanford University study, in 2017 around 39% of American heterosexual couples have found each other online (see Figure 1). The once social stigma associated with meeting your future partner via the internet is now a thing of the past – at least amongst millennials.
The U.S. may be leading the way, but other countries where internet access is commonplace are following suit.
In Canada, the number of users is expected to amount to 2.9 million users by 2026.3 In the UK, nearly a third of all relationships that began between 2015 and 2019 started online.4
Meanwhile, dating services has become a profitable industry with room to grow. In China, the world’s most populous country, there are around 200 million single adults. And due to the one-child policy implemented in the years between 1980 and 2015, men outnumber women.
Why people choose to connect online
There are, of course, many reasons why people may prefer meeting people on the internet rather than face-to-face. But as with many other services delivered online, a dating app typically provides users with convenience and efficiency.
Many of us are increasingly leading ever-busier lives. Dating apps allow users to filter for specific traits from a pool of people available to date, which makes life a lot easier for time-strapped individuals.
The analogue equivalent of this would be to spend hours meeting and talking to people, just to figure out whether they’d be willing to date – and often without knowing whether they have the traits you’re looking for in a partner until you’ve spent significant resources (time and money) to find out.
Dating apps allow for a wider set of potential partners people may not be able to meet randomly in person. And they provide a lifeline for people, whose idea of a partner may be quite different from that of their friends and family. For same-sex couples, for instance, about two-thirds of couples now find each other online.5
Online dating apps can vary vastly. Users should be able to find one that matches their intentions – whether they’re seeking a life partner or whether they anticipate dating for the foreseeable future.
The online dating services market
In 2021, the global revenue in the dating services market amounted to $8.2 billion USD.3 Most of the revenue was generated in developed markets, where the share of the population using the internet is now approaching 90% or more.
Europe contributed approximately $1.8 billion USD in revenues, with Germany leading the way, followed by the UK and France.3
The U.S. was marginally behind Europe and contributed around $1.6 billion USD towards the revenues in the dating services market. However, China has been the fastest-growing region in this space, with a CAGR of 5.4% up to 2026 and a projected market volume of $1.4 billion USD by 2026.3
In our view, online dating is another area set to benefit from rising consumer connectivity. The addressable market is large, with estimates indicating that there are over 600 million singles worldwide and growing.6 While different regions will have different perspectives on online dating, we believe it’s a global phenomenon.
In addition to the growing user base, we’re attracted to online dating business models, which focus on subscriptions, as this serves to enhance cash flow visibility and stability. We have, therefore, built exposure in a few holdings within this sector in the Global Consumer Trends strategy.
Love in the time of Covid-19
Covid-19 has created a paradox for the providers of online dating services. The implementation of Covid-19 measures, such as physical distancing and national lockdowns, shouldn’t have provided much room for dating.
And yet, dating apps registered an increase in user engagement since the pandemic began, as people sought connections amid isolation. Tinder registered 3 billion swipes worldwide on March 29, 2020, and then broke that single day record a staggering 130 more times over the course of that year.7 Other dating apps also saw similar surges in user engagement.
However, as the pandemic continued, concerns about dating app users experiencing ‘swipe fatigue’ began to grow. Meeting people online may help create a semblance of normalcy during the pandemic, but we think there is pent-up demand to actually go on dates in the real world, given many countries have been in lockdown.
We take a longer-term view on the companies we hold in our strategy. We believe that online dating services will continue to benefit from the structural tailwinds mentioned above. These include the decline of social stigma, increased access to the internet, or the growing number of singles in the world.
Additionally, we believe our holdings in this sector will be Covid-19 recovery beneficiaries, particularly when compared to other ‘internet’ stocks available. People, in general, are lonelier today after enduring Covid-lockdowns.
The average U.S. consumer is also in a good spending position with lower debt levels and higher savings, thanks to government stimulus. We expect this combination will result in greater users of online dating app subscriptions.
Regulatory changes taking place in app store economics could also prove beneficial for the sector. Today, subscription-based apps downloaded on mobile phones are currently required to use an in-app payment system. In some cases, this results in a commission of up to 30% as opposed to the 1-3.5% transaction fees collected by credit cards.
While South Korea was the first country to mandate changes to the app store payment structure through its amended Telecommunication Business Act, other countries are seeking minimize the fee impact to app developers.
If this dynamic were to change, online dating apps would be able to keep more of their subscription fee, which would help to bolster existing revenues and profits for online dating service providers. It’s an evolving situation we are watching closely for our investors.
In Canada, Ido Cohen is the Senior Portfolio Manager for the Invesco U.S. Companies Fund.
1 Ido Cohen is Senior Portfolio Manager for Invesco large-cap growth equity strategies and is the Lead Manager for Invesco consumer trends products.
2 Source: Internet usage number from 1998 provided by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) via the World Bank. 2021 estimate is provided by the Pew Research Center.
3 Source: Source: Statista. Dating Services Report 2021 published in December 2021.
4 Source: Imperial College Business School/eharmony; Future of Dating
5 Source: Stanford University as at August 2019; “Disintermediating your friends: How online dating in the United States displaces other ways of meeting” by Michael J. Rosenfeld & Reuben J. Thomas.
6 Source: Match Group. Q4 2018 Earnings Call.
7 Source: Tinder. ‘The Future of Dating is Fluid’ published on 25 March 2021.


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The Gaylord Palms Resort made “Kisstory” last night when 448 couples smooched for 10 seconds under mistletoe.
During the “Kiss-Story in the Making” event, 448 couples set a new Guinness World Records title for Most Couples Kissing Under Mistletoe (Single Location). The previous record, held by Six Flags Over Georgia, was more than doubled, as they had 201 couples.
Under the watchful eyes of Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric, and one person helping monitor per 25 couples, the couples had to lock lips for a solid 10 seconds under individual fresh sprigs of mistletoe to claim the title.
“These couples helped to make history during this unforgettable attempt at the Guinness World Records title,” said Empric. “Congratulations and welcome to the Guinness World Records family!”
The attempt was sponsored by Experience Kissimmee. “We are honored and excited to be a part of this memorable experience,” said DT Minich, president and CEO. “There’s no better place to set a kissing Guinness World Records title than right here in ‘Kiss’immee, Florida!”
Before the epic smooch, the crowd was entertained by Christmas and other songs, sung live by vocalists. In addition, guests were encouraged to snap photos with the Mentos Yeti and Pure Fresh Gum Wallet Pack mascots.
“We are excited to be a part of this year’s holiday festivities at Gaylord Palms Resort,” said Sylvia Buxton, Mentos marketing vice president. “The Mentos brand is all about fresh connections. Nowhere is that freshness more important than under the mistletoe.”
Local floral designer Greenery Productions supplied the 448 springs of real mistletoe required to make the attempt successful.
From its nine-degree Ice! sculpture attraction, to indoor snow tubing lanes, live shows, concerts and holiday dining, Christmas at Gaylord Palms offers lots of Christmas entertainment. Learn more about the resort’s holiday happenings that extend through January 7 at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
Here’s a look at the event:

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Data that has been gathered by iResearch is pointing towards the online video marketing being one of the best used means of advertising in China. In fact, for 2014 the online video market for China had a value of RMB23.97 or US$3.88 billion.
This is a huge increase (76.4%) from 2013
This is also one of the largest increases that China has saw in the transaction value from online video since 2011, as can be seen below:
It seems most Chinese consumers are looking at online videos for advertisement reasons. This shows that businesses who have yet to tap into this digital marketing method are losing out on a huge potential for extending their consumer base.
When compared to other countries, China is considered to be in the top 5 countries for the number of video users they have, bypassing the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and France.
For companies who are considering using online videos as a way to advertise, it is helpful to know just which online video services are most frequented by those in China. The chart below shows the top 10 choices:
More people are choosing to watch online videos, making television obsolete. Thus, commercials that companies would once use on television to advertise their products is becoming a trend of the past. Instead, companies are choosing to market their products through small slots via these online video platforms. In the end, this means more consumers seeing the companies product and remembering the brand.
The online video market is only going to increase as the year progresses. With many professionals believing that the use of online video for advertising is going to increase exponentially in the coming years. It is a platform in which businesses must embrace if they want to stay ahead in the digital marketing environment within China.


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List of News and Information about facelift and spyder on 4WheelsNews.com
News and Information about facelift and spyder
Read the latest news and information about facelift and spyder published on 4WheelsNews.com! View comments and pictures about facelift and spyder on 4WheelsNews.com!
You also might be interested: audi, audi r8, facelift, coupe, spyder, lamborghini, lamborghini gallardo, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz glc, geneva motor show, bmw, bmw 7-series, ares design, maserati, sports car
Following the global debut of the new Audi R8 LMS GT3 at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the German premium carmaker is introducing the new Audi R8. The refreshed version of the Audi R8 boasts of a sharper look and better performance made possible by more powerful V10 engines and a modified suspension system.
As part of the upgrade of the new Audi R8, the premium carmaker is implementing a change in designation. From now on, the Audi R8 Coupé V10 and R8 Spyder V10 will be known as the Audi R8 Coupé V10 quattro and R8 Spyder V10 quattro. On the other hand, the Audi R8 Coupé and R8 Spyder V10 plus will be designated as Audi R8 Coupé performance Quattro and R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro. Audi plans to commence sales of the new R8 in the first quarter of 2019 in Germany and other markets in Europe.
Under the hood of the Audi R8 V10 quattro is a V10 naturally aspirated engine that has powered up by 22 kW (30 hp) and 10 Nm (7.4 lb.-ft.) to 419 kW (570 hp) of max output and 550 Nm (405.7 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. This allows the Audi R8 Coupe V10 quattro to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds and the R8 Coupe V10 quattro in 3.5 seconds. Top speeds are 324km/h (201.3 mph) for the Coupe and 322 km/h (200.1 mph) for the Spyder.Read the entire article Refreshed Audi R8 is given more powerful engines and new designations
The 2014 Audi R8, which is priced from $119,150, is now on sale. This refreshed model is available at dealerships together with the Audi R8 V10 Plus that’s priced at $174,795. Prices are inclusive of a $1250 destination fee and $3000 gas guzzler tax. The most significant change on the 2014 Audi R8 is probably the use of the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered on both engines.
2014 R8 V10 Plus is capable of accomplishing the 0-62mph sprint 0.3 seconds quicker because of the new transmission. The 2014 Audi R8′s 4.2-liter V-8 can deliver 430 hp and 316 lb-ft of torque while the 5.2-liter V-10 has an output of 525 hp and 391 lb-ft. Opting for the R8 V10 Plus means that the buyer gets 550 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Audi R8 coupe can be equipped with the seven-speed transmission as an option but the buyer has to pay $9100 higher. Choosing this for the Spyder means that it costs $13,500 premium higher than the coupe. The most affordable R8 is a manual-transmission R8 V8 that has a price tag of $119,150.Read the entire article 2014 Audi R8 Facelift goes on sale with a price tag of $119,150
The updated Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder will start arriving in showrooms from late November, soon after the Coupé is released. Its aesthetic modifications are similar to those seen on the Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé at the recently held Paris Motor Show. The appearance of the Gallardo Spyder is somewhat more angular and more aggressive owing to several sharp, triangular shapes in the front bumper.
This design is more overtly expressed at the rear. The other revisions include big air intakes ahead of the front wheels. Its standard-fit alloys also have a new design.
The 19-inch ‘Apollo’ wheels are available in black and polished metal finishes. Just like the Coupé, customers can order the Spyder along with a Style Package. Gloss black paint is used on the front and rear grilles, underside of the front spoiler and parts of the rear trim. More customization options are available through the ‘Ad Personam’ program.Read the entire article 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Facelift revealed
The 2019 Geneva Motor Show is serving as a witness to the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Facelift. It has already been nearly four years since Mercedes-Benz launched the GLC in autumn 2015, and now the German premium carmaker is refreshing one of its beloved SUV with some revisions on its looks and better technological features.
On the exterior, the updated Mercedes-Benz GLC features chrome elements running from the front to the rear end, a heavily contoured chrome radiator grille and a front fascia with three small rectangular sections. The grille is flanked by LED (light emitting diode) High-Performance headlights as standard, as redesigned to feature a smaller, more angular appearance. Optionally available are full-LED headlamps with MULTIBEAM technology. The front end also features daytime running lights with torch shape.
The rear section of the new Mercedes GLC is marked by some updates such as completely revised bumper and exhaust tips that now features sharp-edged trapezoidal outline. In addition, the rear end of the new GLC is fitted with redesigned full LED tail lamps that are now rectangular in shape.Read the entire article Mercedes-Benz refreshes its GLC SUV after nearly four years
It has been three and a half years since BMW unveiled the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series. Thus, it is really about to give the 7 Series a major revision for the 2020 model year. In fact, it is only a matter of time when the sixth-gen 7 Series will be launch into the market as BMW has finally took off the veil of its revised full-size sedan.
Compared to its immediate predecessor, the 2020 BMW 7 Series seems like an all-new model in terms of looks. The most apparent exterior revision made to the new 7 Series is its significantly larger BMW kidney grille. In fact its single-piece frame has grown by around 40 percent. In the United States, the bars of the Active Kidney Grille are finished in aluminum satin.
Furthermore, the front end of the new 2020 BMW 7 Series is now two inches taller at its highest point. These revisions make the new 7 Series look more visually powerful on the road.Read the entire article Heavily revised 2020 BMW 7 Series looks more luxuriously dominant
Modena, Italy-based Ares Design is relatively a new company in the field of bespoke automotive design and modifications. But in the short time, Ares Design has demonstrated its capability of creating high-quality coach-built cars. Now, it is out to prove that once again, it can convert almost any vehicle into a bespoke creation through the new Project Wami.
Project Wami is Ares Design’s latest work, with the promise of becoming one of the most enticing roadsters ever made. However, there is yet no actual, final product at sight – the roadster has yet to exist. According to Ares Design, project is currently in its development stage. Nonetheless, based from the images released by the Italian tuning company, the Project Wami roadster looks gorgeous and holds a lot of promise.
Since there is actual car yet, the images of the Project Wami roadster released by Ares Design were just renderings. These are rendered images of how the final version of the Project Wami roadster would look like when it springs to life and take on the road.Read the entire article Project Wami is a Maserati-inspired retro-roadster in development from Ares Design
More than three years after the Renault Kadjar was launched into the market, the French carmaker is finally introducing the facelifted version of its compact SUV. It boasts of a reworked exterior as well as a more comfortable and more elegant interior. It also employs a new generation of gasoline engines and powerful diesel mills.
Both the front and rear ends of the new Renault Kadjar have been reworked for a more appealing appearance. On the front end, the Kadjar is defined by a wider grille with new chrome inserts as well as more stylish bumpers with a larger section of body-colored finish. The front end also boasts of Renault’s C-Shape light signature, as complemented by LED indicators integrated into daytime running lights. Installed as standard from the Intens trim level, the now rectangular fog lamps make use of LED units with LED Pure Vision technology.
Meanwhile, the rear end of the new Renault Kadjar features LED units for the indicators, reversing lights and the slimmer fog lamps. Depending on the trim level, the redesigned rear bumper gains chrome touches with top trim levels featuring a shark fin antenna.Read the entire article 2019 Renault Kadjar SUV gets a facelift and new turbocharged gasoline engines
Hyundai Motor continues to make its i30 range more appealing by offering a new diesel engine that is compliant with Euro 6d Temp emission standards. For the 2019 model year, all of Hyundai’s refined i30 models are compliant with new emission standards while boasting of minor tweaks in design and latest connectivity elements.
The 2019 Hyundai i30 range – which include the i30 five-door, i30 Wagon, i30 Fastback and i30 N -- is now available with the newly developed Smartstream 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that is available in three power outputs: 96 PS (70 kW), 116 PS (85 kW) and 136 PS (100 kW).
Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the 96-PS version of the Smartstream 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine consumes between 3.8 liters and 3.9 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits between 99 grams and 104 grams of carbon dioxide per km (combined, NEDC conversion).Read the entire article 2019 Hyundai i30 now available with Euro 6d Temp-compliant Smartstream diesel engine
Italian carmaker Fiat is introducing the facelifted iteration of its compact crossover – the 2019 Fiat 500X. The latest iteration of the 500X comes with some changes on the exterior, including the fitment of new LED light clusters. It also boasts of a restyled interior, new engines and a number of new technologies onboard.
For the 2019 model, the new 500X Urban comes with all-new front and rear bumper design that helps reassert its urban personality. The Cross and City Cross versions, on the other hand, feature new-look protective skid plates, conveying their capability to tackle out-of-town trips.
Also bringing new drama to the design of the new 500X are its new LED light cluster. The new daylight running lights as well as LED rear light clusters are now fitted as standard, delivering a more modern look in line with the most recent styling cues of the 500 family.Read the entire article Fiat facelifts its 500X crossover for 2019 with visual updates and new engine family
Audi opened the order books for the Audi R8 V10 RWS ((Rear Wheel Series) in fall 2017 in Europe, with the model already arriving in dealership earlier this year. At the time it was unveiled, it was still unsure whether Audi is bring the new R8 V10 RWS to the United States. Now, the premium carmaker is indeed bringing the R8 V10 RWS, at a hefty starting price of $139,950 each, Motor Trend says citing its own source.
At this pricing, the Audi R8 V10 RWS – the carmaker’s first-ever production and street-legal rear-wheel-drive R8 model – is around $26,000 cheaper than the Quattro model. However, those who are interested in acquiring this edition of the R8 should remain always alert as to when it would arrive in the US, because only 320 examples are allocated for this market. While Audi didn’t give an official date for the arrival of the R8 V10 RWS in the US, it is expected that this would occur in the last quarter of the year.
The German carmaker only needed to get rid of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system to pave way to the RWD layout, thereby giving birth to the R8 V10 RWS. However, its powerful naturally aspirated V10 remains the same. The removal of the Quattro allowed the R8 V10 RWS to trim its weight by as much as 50 kg (110 pounds) for the Coupe model, and around 40 kg (88 lbs.) for the Spyder variant.Read the entire article Audi R8 V10 RWS is coming to the US at starting price of $139,950
Chevrolet is introducing the 2019 iteration of its quintessential Camaro pony car, as further reenergized with new characteristic designs and new available technologies. Furthermore, the new 2019 Camaro is now available as the Turbo 1LE model.
The updates made on the design of the 2019 Camaro don’t just make the car more appealing and more stunning, but also enhance its potential – following the mantra that all elements mustn’t only be beautiful but also improve performance. For instance, the new Camaro features redesigned grille details, hood and fascia vents for optimized airflow, working to either cool down heat-yielding components or reduce aerodynamic drag and lift.
For the 2019 models, the new Camaro is available with the carmaker’s next-generation Infotainment 3, as laden with all-new systems which functionality mimics the latest smartphones and tablets. These systems also allow over-the-air vehicle software updates. As standard, a seven-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is provided, although an eight-inch diagonal touchscreen is available.Read the entire article Chevrolet launches reenergized 2019 Camaro with new Turbo 1LE model
It has been months since Kia began making noise about its new sporty Stinger, as well as the redesigned K900 flagship sedan that is among Kia’s biggest reveals at the 2018 New York Auto Show. But of course, the 2019 Kia Optima will not allow itself to be overshadowed. This is why the long standing compact sedan received a minor update that primarily adds new equipment and tech to the familiar design.
At first glance, it is not easy to spot the changes on the Optima, but if there is one thing that will truly catch your attention, it will be the new Passion Red exterior paint option that help identify the 2019 Optima. The car wears Stinger inspired LED daytime running lights. On one hand, the S models will be getting new fog lamps in a tweaked front fascia, together with LED tail lights, and a couple of gloss black trim for the grille and the side sills.
The EX trim level, on the other hand, gets new leather sport seats and a new ambient interior lighting option. Moving up the higher trims, the SX will be dressed in two-tone red/black leather “European style” sport seats, and the SXL model will be a little more upscale with a new two tone bronze/black interior with Nappa leather.Read the entire article 2019 Kia Optima gets minor refresh and technology update
Just last year, Mazda gave the 2019 CX-3 compact crossover a number of extensive upgrades. And now, they have decided to give it a minor facelift again. This time, the focus is more on improving the driver’s comfort by offering improved materials in the cabin, and a little more power under the hood. The more refined CX3 will go on sale later this spring, but Mazda will not provide us with the prices until it gets closer to launch.
Just like before, the Mazda CX-3 continues to carry Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.0 liter four cylinder. It now produces 148 horsepower (110 kilowatts) and 148 pound feet (201 Newton metres) of torque, instead of the outgoing model with 146 horsepower (109 kilowatts) and 146 pound feet (198 Newton metres).
Mazda also says that the engine change allows for more torque throughout the rev range, better fuel economy, and less internal friction. But there are actually not enough specific numbers that will back up these claims at this time.Read the entire article 2019 Mazda CX-3 shows revised grille, new taillights
Ford have recently been dropping hints about a new Ford Fusion, and what I mean is that they will soon reveal the redesigned sedan for 2020. But even before this, they are already considering a minor upgrade for the mid-sized 2019 model year. Some of the more noticeable upgrades include visual cues on the outside like a new grille and LED driving lamps up front, as well as a new trunk lid panel and LED tail lights in the rear.
As for technology, the Ford Fusion has now been given Ford’s driver assist systems, which they had just rebranded as Co-Pilot360 earlier this month. Now, this comes standard throughout the Fusion line.
Having said that, even the base model Fusion S will be equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, auto high-beam headlights, and a rear backup camera. If you want to opt for something more premium, then there is also the Co-Pilot360 Assist. This adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, voice activated navigation with Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link.Read the entire article 2019 Ford Fusion Facelift is not sleeker than its predecessor
Earlier this week, we talked about Volkswagen’s plans to halt the production of the US spec Passat for a few weeks during spring. And now, we just learned new things about its European counterpart. The Wolfsburg based manufacturer said that the Euro spec Passat will be out in the market very soon, though they did not give a particular date.
Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen brand, said in his speech at the annual Volkswagen Media Conference, that the Passat is almost ready to arrive in dealerships across the Old Continent. But he stops there and does not give any other details. However, he did mention that the Passat will be available as Variant and hybrid models.
Unlike the US spec Passat, the European variant of the model sits on an MQB platform. The eighth generation of the D segment vehicle was launched way back in 2014, as a premium car that is still affordable to most. This model will be available as a traditional sedan, a practical wagon, and a rugged Alltrack wagon.Read the entire article Facelifted VW Passat will be available in Europe this year
Exactly one year ago on March 6th, Lamborghini decided to finally reveal the Huracan Performance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. This year, the automaker decided to get rid of the coupe’s roof for the same event that is held yearly in Switzerland. The Spyder pretty much has everything you would want in the fixed roof model, but only this model can pull off this type of body style, with the open top.
Even with the company’s same Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA), the soft top Spyder has not been hampered in any way. The reason for the ALA is for it to create the sleekest body possible and consequently boost performance. The droptop Huracan also borrowed the coupe’s revised four-wheel drive system, along with an upgraded suspension and the optimized stability control.
Aside from that, Lamborghini’s engineers gave the droptop a lot of forged carbon fiber bits to cut down a total of 35 kilograms (77 pounds) over the standard Huracan Spyder, while also fiddling with its steering. The model now weighs 1,507 kilograms (3,322 pounds) when dry - distributed 43:57 front/rear. The fabric roof can then be lowered at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour).Read the entire article Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder arrives in style
Finally, the refreshed 2019 Buick Envision has been revealed to us by the automaker. Buick then says that most of these changes on both its looks and its mechanism were made in response to their customers’ feedback for the crossover when the 2016 model year was launched.
The 2019 Buick Envision now has a new front fascia, with the new headlights and the grille that make the facelifted model look more like the other new Buick models. It now sits on a set of 19 inch wheels and the rear has got new taillights as well. HID headlights now come as a standard, and customers could go for the optional LEDs on the top two trim levels.
They can also opt for the optional 2.0 liter inline four engine that carries out 295 pound feet of torque, which is a good improvement from the previous 260. Power output, however, remains at 252 horsepower. This engine is paired to a nine speed automatic transmission instead of the six speed transmission on its predecessor.Read the entire article Refreshed 2019 Buick Envision gets aesthetic and power tweaks with optional nine-speed automatic
Buick has plans of refreshing its popular Envision compact crossover for the 2019 model year. Automotive News was able to get a sneak peek of the model recently, which is supposedly getting a couple of subtle changes, but still noticeable - up front and in the rear.
The outgoing model has been out in the United States for about a year and a half, but with this segment (SUV market) being the most competitive amongst the rest, manufacturers are seeing a need to regularly update their vehicles.
The automaker wants to align the 2019 Buick Envision with the brand’s other models, namely its best selling Encore. It was back in May 2016 when the Envision was first launched as a first entry model in the compact crossover segment, and it quickly became the brand’s number 3 seller behind two other crossovers, which are the Encore and Enclave. In its first full year on the market in 2017, it sold a total of 41,040 units.Read the entire article 2019 Buick Envision will get a minor facelift
The Ford Edge Facelift recently made its debut with a United States specification, and now, it is time for us to see the new Ford Edge with its European face. We are slated to see the company’s most technologically advanced SUV ever at the upcoming 2018 Geneva Motor Show in early March, just before it goes on sale in European dealerships this year.
Similar to its American relative, the refreshed version of the European Edge will receive a wider radiator grille with unique finish that is different from every trim level. What’s also standard across the range now are LEDs on both the headlights and taillights, with LED daytime running lamps, which can be added as an option.
Under the hood of the European Ford Edge is the same 2.0 liter diesel engine, as the company decided that no gasoline motors will be added. Another highlight here is that the EcoBlue version of the diesel will be utilizing an advanced turbocharging system that enables it to carry out 238 horsepower (175 kilowatts). Ford promises that they have worked on the low-end torque and noise, vibration and harshness, while providing smooth and linear acceleration too.Read the entire article European spec 2018 Ford Edge Facelift debuts with new biturbo diesel
After publishing a teaser design sketch last month, Skoda finally revealed the mildly updated Fabia Facelift in a hatchback as well as a wagon variant. The changes on its design are so subtle that you may not notice them right away. But we’re here to point these out for you. Let’s start off with the headlights and taillights. These now use LED tech, making the rear look like the facelifted Octavia.
Customers can now get a set of 18-inch alloy wheels exclusively for the hatchback version, which is a first for the Fabia. Both the front and the rear bumpers have been given some changes too but these are not very apparent. While these revisions are welcome, these probably will not get you so excited that you’d want to go straight to your dealership.
As for technology upgrades, the cabin has now been equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that have Bluetooth, USB, and SD card connectivity. The car gets the Swing system as standard but customers can then opt for the Swing Plus and Amundsen setup if they want features like CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.Read the entire article 2018 Skoda Fabia Facelift gets mild updates, LED, new trim, more tech
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Now the question everyone is asking is: Twitter is really overrated because it hosts a large percentage of fake profiles or sexy transformation by Elon Musk In the Opt out of buying the popular social network This is attributed to the collapse of technology shares in the stock market last month, which led to a significant decrease in the founder’s assets Tesla And the SpaceX? What is certain is that the only lawyers working in the gold trade are now on Wall Street. Because after two months of negotiations, due diligence on fake profiles, and accounts scrutinized to the smallest detail to understand the true cost of contacting popular Twitter platform advertisers, Musk made his latest event: Give up buying Twitter. He alone has more than 100 million followers and with his tweets he ended up in the crosshairs of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, several times for connections capable of changing market dynamics. His parents argue that the platform founded by Jack Dorsey is inherently flawed.
That the real value is much less than the purchase promise of $54 per share in the form of an offer to buy She was imagined by a South African businessman last April. Because the really active users, which are believed to be around 330 million, are even less. Because bots, the fake profiles generated by AI algorithms capable of unleashing theses feed propaganda, are much more than the 5% that is the threshold value beyond which an agreement cannot be made. The company is sending the message back to the sender as well because last month it agreed to go through a transparency process by opening the Chamber of Secrets and the Data Room and explaining its business model and the true cost of communication to each of us. How valuable is our data to advertisers who profile us when we Tweet or express a preference when we repost a statement we share. For this reason, the company, which yesterday lost 5.1% in the stock market, announced that it will open a dispute with Musk.
A fine of about a billion that he will have to pay That won’t be enough to repair the reputational damage it has suffered in recent months of allegations, denials, and vague announcements of the $44 billion buyout until this sudden turnaround. However, Musk defends himself by saying that many aspects of the agreement have not been respected. But more than a few financial analysts noted that Musk may have made the most of his leg in April. Surely no one would have imagined that in June Nasdaq, the tech stock index, leaves 29.5% on the way. Tesla has lost 25% since April 4, leaving nearly 250 billion in capital. Could they have ended up thinking since the takeover bid was also funded by shares of the popular electric car brand? Fabio Savelli
“Infuriatingly humble social media buff. Twitter advocate. Writer. Internet nerd.”


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Apple vs. DOJ Antitrust Case: A Complete Overview
The US Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings against Apple, alleging antitrust violations within the iPhone ecosystem. The DOJ contends that Apple’s strict control measures have created a monopolistic environment.
The case highlights several key allegations against Apple, including constraints on cross-platform messaging applications, restrictions on third-party digital wallets, and hindering the growth of mobile cloud streaming services.
Central to the argument is Apple’s exclusive control over the App Store, which limits app downloads to those specifically designed for iPhones, giving Apple considerable power over terms and regulations for external developers. Additionally, Apple is accused of impeding cloud streaming gaming apps, similar to Netflix, which allow users to stream various games within a single application.
Furthermore, the DOJ alleges that Apple has tethered Apple Watches exclusively to iPhones, discouraging users from transitioning to other smartphones. It also accuses Apple of deliberately hindering cross-platform messaging by not developing iMessage for Android, resulting in a disparity in messaging capabilities between iPhone and non-iPhone users.
Attorney General Merrick Garland remarked, “As any iPhone user who has ever seen a green text message, or received a tiny grainy video can attest, Apple’s anticompetitive conduct also includes making it more difficult for iPhone users to message with users of non-Apple products.”
The complaint asserts that Apple’s actions have entrenched its smartphone monopoly, to the detriment of users, developers, and third parties. This marks the third antitrust suit filed against Apple by the DOJ since 2010.
Apple is expected to contest the case, with plans to file a motion in the coming months. The company expressed concerns that a ruling against it would hinder its ability to innovate and could set a precedent for government intervention in technology design.
Apple maintains that its restrictive measures prioritize privacy and security.


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The state of New Hampshire saw DraftKings top the bill for offering retail and mobile sports betting. In an RFP document released by New Hampshire’s Lottery Commission, DraftKings outscored all other bidders, only losing out to Intralot in the lottery channel. Let’s take a look.
Having outscored the rest of the competition, top scorer DraftKings appear to be patiently waiting for their time to operate in New Hampshire. If DraftKings are awarded sole mobile operator in New Hampshire, disregarding Intralot, the gambling firm would share 51% of mobile sports betting revenue with the state.
New Hampshire look to DraftKings for Online Gambling Services
From the 51% which would go to DraftKings, Roar Digital, the joint venture between GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts International, and Kambi offered 20% and 12% respectively.
With the final contract approval expected to be announced on the 20th of November, it appears as though that 51% may not happen. The state can authorize up to five mobile contracts and 10 retail contracts.
That would leave DraftKings’ share of mobile revenue falling to 21% if two to three bidders are awarded contracts, and 16% if four to five.
Retail revenue would remain at 40% regardless of the number of successful contract bids.
DraftKings released an official statement. It read:
“DraftKings is proud to be selected to offer mobile and retail sports betting in New Hampshire.
“We look forward to soon providing sports fans in the Granite State with our best-in-class mobile and online sportsbook product, welcoming them into our dynamic retail sportsbooks.”
Shall DraftKings get their wish granted? We will be keeping a close eye on this one here at Gambling Herald. Be sure to keep up to date with all the freshest and hottest gambling-related stories at the latest online gambling news.


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The messaging world is highly competitive and fragmented, but that doesn’t mean there is no room to make an impact on the market if you offer something new and innovative that is of value to people. While the likes of WhatsApp, Messenger and WeChat may dominate the private messaging market, there was one company which saw a gap in the business market and created a messaging platform that caters more to the needs of big business and their different communication needs.
That company is Slack and after it has now grown to over 10 million daily users across 600 000 organizations (including Critical Hit), it is soon to go public. The company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealing plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SK.” In an unusual move, the public offering won’t raise money for Slack; it’ll just allow existing shareholders to begin selling their stock.
In its filing, Slack reported rapidly growing revenue, to $400.6 million from $105.2 million over the past three fiscal years. The company has been losing money ever since its inception and even though its losses are shrinking from $138.9 million in the most recent fiscal year compared to $146.9 million two years earlier, it’s still a phenomenal loss-making machine. All the more surprising that they aren’t actually trying to raise money in this public share offering.
However, when it comes the stock market, profit isn’t everything and its growth potential that investors are looking for, meaning that Slack shareholders may still be able to generate some decent value for their existing shares. The company may have a lot of business using their platform, but a small number of them are actually paying customers with only 88 000 organizations reportedly on the different paying tiers available from Slack itself. It may be a small number but that does represent a big growth from 59 000 paying customers a year earlier, which highlights that more companies are willing to pay for Slack’s services.
One thing Slack needs to just ensure it continues to get right in order to achieve is keep on top of their security. Considering many companies use their services to chat and share confidential information, any massive breach could cripple the company in the future. If they can keep doing what they have been doing though, then they definitely have a big future ahead of them – especially as they continue to add integrations to different business tools on a regular basis.
Last Updated: April 30, 2019


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Samsung will officially be saying its newest lineup of Galaxy flagship telephones — rumored to be the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra — on January 14th, the corporate confirmed via invites to a brand new Galaxy Unpacked event. The tagline: “Welcome to the Everyday Epic.” The event will kick off at 7AM PT / 10AM ET.
The firm is extensively anticipated to announce three new smartphones on the event, successors to final 12 months’s Galaxy S20 lineup: a pair of matching S21 and S21 Plus telephones (which are anticipated to be largely comparable, besides for measurement), and a extra premium S21 Ultra mannequin that can provide even higher specs and cameras, just like its 2020 counterpart, along with a curved show and assist for Samsung’s S-Pen stylus.
There’s not rather a lot to glean from the event teaser video you’ll be able to watch on the high of this publish, which seems to easily be the Galaxy S21’s digital camera module floating inside a translucent dice. But virtually each element of those new telephones already appears to have leaked, together with sharper animated GIFs of what these modules ought to seem like:
Below, discover hyperlinks to only a few of the sooner Galaxy S21 rumors and leaks we’ve written about:
Samsung additionally seems to have a brand new Tile competitor on the best way for monitoring misplaced objects, and a set of Galaxy Buds Pro wi-fi earbuds. We wouldn’t be shocked if one or each appeared alongside the brand new telephone lineup.


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U.S. consumer tech sales will grow 2.2% to $401 billion in 2019, according to a forecast by the Consumer Technology Association, the trade group that stages the annual Consumer Electronics Show trade event each January.
The record growth will come from the growing popularity of streaming services, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled emerging devices, and in-vehicle technology.
“Enthusiasm for AI-powered technologies is skyrocketing — more consumers are discovering for themselves how tech innovation can change their daily lives for the better,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, in a statement. “And with 5G delivering the faster connectivity we’ll need for anytime/anywhere streaming, smarter home robotics and more advanced vehicles, consumer excitement will only grow, but unnecessary tariffs — taxes paid by American consumers and businesses — threaten to slow down our nation’s economic momentum.”
The midyear edition of CTA’s biannual U.S. Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts report reflects U.S. factory sales-to-dealers for more than 300 consumer tech products and related software and services.
The CTA broke out a number of categories for emerging segments of consumer technology. They include:
- Smart home: Home safety and monitoring products are driving growth in the smart home category. CTA expects smart home sales — including Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, smart locks and doorbells, and smart switches, dimmers, and outlets — to reach 28.6 million units (19% growth) and $4.5 billion (16% increase).
- Smart speakers: After rapid adoption of AI-enabled, voice-controlled smart speakers including Amazon Echo and Google Home, and increased voice integration in other devices such as TVs, soundbars, and smart home devices, smart speaker sales will level off in 2019. Smart speakers remain a category to watch, with an expected 35.2 million units sold (1% increase over last year) and $3 billion in revenue (1% decrease) in 2019.
- Home robots: Consumer enthusiasm for robots that perform chores such as vacuuming, lawn mowing, and floor cleaning is driving another AI-enabled category seeing double-digit year-over-year growth. CTA expects the category to sell 3.6 million units, a 12% annual increase, and earn $1.2 billion in revenue, a 19% jump.
- Wireless earbuds: Leading devices including Apple AirPods and Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro are expected to sell nearly 16 million units in 2019 (up 45%) and approach $2 billion in revenue (a 46% increase). CTA projects double-digit growth for the category over the next few years, as consumers pick premium audio experiences featuring true wireless technology.
- Smart watches: As consumers gravitate toward premium smart watches, revenue for the category is expected to increase 19% in 2019 to reach $5.4 billion. Smart watches are expected to sell 20.1 million units, a 7% increase over last year — leading the wearables category.
“More than ever, consumers want premium technology experiences — especially within the smartphone, TV, laptop, smartwatch and wireless earbuds categories,” said Steve Koenig, vice president of market research at CTA, in a statement. “The lightning-fast pace of tech means we can upgrade our ‘everyday tech’ and get extraordinary experiences. While this level of quality and efficiency means some replacement cycles are getting longer, technologies such as AI and 5G promise to usher in the next era of innovation, delighting consumers and driving our economy.”
The mainstay of revenues come from the following categories:
- Smartphones: Now owned by 91% of U.S. households, smartphones have packed vital features into models at all price points. As a result, the replacement cycle is lengthening and smartphone units are expected to decline for the first time in 2019, reaching 165.5 million units (2% decrease) and earn $77.5 billion dollars in revenue (2% decrease) — the largest consumer tech category. Looking ahead, 2019 marks the launch of the first 5G smartphones. This year, CTA expects the 5G-enabled devices to reach 2.1 million units sold and generate $1.9 billion in revenue.
- Laptops: Driven by growing demand for cloud-based and convertible models, the U.S. laptop market will sell 51 million units, up 2% over 2018, and earn $32 billion in revenue (up 3%).
- Televisions: After two years of record revenue and unit sales for the massive TV category, sales will start to taper off in 2019, as LCD shipments decline and upgrades from 4K Ultra High-Definition (4K UHD), 8K UHD and OLED sets grow. TVs remain the centerpiece technology in many American homes. Overall, the total TV category will ship 38.8 million units in 2019 (1% increase) driving $21.4 billion in revenue (9% decrease) — following a better-than-expected year of sales in 2018. Upgrades will be driven by big screen models and sets featuring 4K UHD resolution and HDR technology. This year 4K UHD sets will account for 17 million units (7% increase) and almost $15 billion in revenue (9% decrease). Inaugural shipments of 8K UHD TVs in 2019 will reach $734 million in revenue and 175,000 units. And the promising OLED market will surpass 1 million units this year (up 30% over 2018) with double-digit growth through CTA’s forecast horizon of 2023.
- In-vehicle tech: Factory-installed, in-vehicle technology will see the largest revenue increase of any tech category in 2019 — increasing over $1 billion dollars year-over-year to reach $17.6 billion (8% increase over 2018). Advanced driver-assist safety features such as blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance systems are driving sales of both factory-installed and aftermarket vehicle technology.
Software and streaming services for music, video, and gaming
Consumer spending on software and services (including music, video, and gaming services) is projected to reach a new high of $75.6 billion in 2019 (a 14% growth over last year). Driving consumer demand are cloud-based subscription services supported across a range of devices.
- Video: Live TV streaming and exclusive content through subscriptions will push consumer spending on video streaming services to $17.7 billion in 2019, up 25%.
- Music: On-demand music services including Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify will cross $8 billion in revenue, up 33% as increased adoption of products such as wireless earbuds and smart speakers drive more music subscriptions.
- Gaming: A revolutionary shift toward cloud-based streaming models, subscriptions, and growing in-game purchases will push the gaming software and services category to $38.9 billion in revenue in 2019 — an 11% increase.
CTA publishes the U.S. Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts twice a year, in January and July, reporting factory sales to U.S. dealers.
The CTA said that multi-year projections cannot account for unpredictable factors such as changes in trade laws, interest rates, and federal policy. Any escalation in the trade dispute with China and expansion of tariffs would present significant headwinds to CTA’s forecast.
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ATLANTA — Proponents of a bill that would exempt feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax say it’s time to have what may be an awkward conversation for the majority male General Assembly.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Junction City, would add tampons, sanitary pads, menstrual cups and other products to the list of items that are not taxed at the cash register.
Buckner argues that since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has long since deemed feminine hygiene products to be medical devices, they should have been included when lawmakers removed the state sales tax from groceries and certain medical products in the late 1990s.
“I do hope you’ll give it thoughtful consideration because it is a message to the women of Georgia that somebody is listening,” Buckner said to lawmakers at a committee meeting this week.
“And it’s also a fairness issue,” she added. “Generally speaking, women do not make as much as men, and this is not an optional expense.”
The push comes as the “Me Too” movement has brought heightened awareness to women’s issues. Buckner and others say talk of exempting feminine hygiene products from the state’s 4-percent sales tax pre-dates the national headlines, but that the timing helps.
“If there’s a climate to talk about issues impacting women, this is that climate,” Rep. Teri Anulewicz, D-Smyrna, said this week after advocating for the proposal from the House floor.
The measure faces long odds for this year, though. It still sits in the Ways and Means Committee with less than two weeks till Crossover Day, which is the deadline for a bill to pass out of one chamber to have the easiest path to becoming a law.
“I object to the characterization that the medical exemption skipped this because if we’re doing that, then it skipped a lot of things,” Rep. Chuck Martin, R-Alpharetta said at a recent committee meeting.
Rather, Martin said that medical devices requiring a prescription were included when lawmakers removed the sales state on groceries two decades ago. A few exceptions have been made, though, including insulin syringes and blood glucose level measuring strips.
“My guess is that the reason this was omitted however many years ago is because there were a bunch of old men who didn’t want to talk about feminine hygiene products,” said Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, who is also a sponsor of the bill.
“It begs for common sense,” Peake said of the proposal.
If passed, the proposal would cost the state more than $8 million next year, according to a report from state budget analysts. It’s estimated there are about 3.1 million Georgia women who need the products, likely spending about $63 every year.
The benefit of the tax break would be small for women, saving them a little more than a quarter on a box of $7 tampons. But a Change.org petition — which has attracted nearly 800 signatures — argues that the state tax just makes it that much harder for low-income Georgians to afford an essential health care item.
“This may seem like a small and meaningless battle to some, but for many women struggling to make ends meet, the cost of these necessary items is a huge burden and every cent saved on these products matters,” the petition says.
The proposal has the backing of Junior League chapters in Georgia, a group called Georgia Women (And Those Who Stand With Us) that grew out of the Women’s March on Washington in early 2017 and others. It also has co-signers from both political parties.
Jill Nolin covers the Georgia Statehouse for CNHI's newspapers and websites.
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What do you need to play Blitz's new "Invincible Tiger" in 3D?...
The age of 'proper' 3D gaming is finally upon us this month, with the much-heralded release of Blitz Games' first game to work with 3D TV technology, Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao.
Added to this the recent news that Sky is set to launch its own 3D TV service at some (as yet unannounced) point in 2010 and it is clear why we are already receiving a slew of emails asking us the same question – "what TV do I need to play 3D games?"
Right now, the choice is pretty limited for British consumers. In fact , the only proper stereoscopic 3D TVs available on the High St in the UK are Samsung Plasma TVs series 4, which come in either 50" or 63" sizes.


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The Buchanan Farmers Market is excited to announce our 18th year! Our 2023 season for the Market starts Saturday, May 6th and runs through Saturday, October 14th with operating hours 8am- 1pm.
** Remember, the deadline for getting the permanent stall discount or reserving your permanent tent space for the full season is April 15!**
Market Phone: 269-506-3021
The Market phone is on 24/7 to accept your calls after April 15!
Eat Fresh, Eat Healthy, Eat Local.


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|By Michelle E. Shaw and Leon Stafford,
The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News
July 08, 2010--Pebblebrook Hotel Trust has purchased the InterContinental Buckhead from InterContinental Hotel Group for $105 million, according to a news release.
The sale is the the third largest single-asset hotel transaction in the country this year, eclipsed only by the Hilton Minneapolis, which sold for $155 million, and the Hyatt Regency Boston, that went for $112 million, according to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, who arranged the Atlanta deal.
The 422-room, five-diamond hotel is located on Peachtree near Lenox and Phipps malls and will continue to be managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group, the release said. IHG operates the Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza and InterContinental brands and has its Americas headquarters in metro Atlanta.
To see more of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.ajc.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.org, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544).


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Sunny D is relaunching with a significantly reduced sugar content in a bid to take advantage of the trend for consuming healthy drinks. Owner Sunny Delight Beverages Company (SDBC) claims the product has 47% less sugar than rival brands such as Britvic’s Fruit Shoot.
Sunny D Florida Original will be relaunched as the first part of an extensive overhaul of the brand. The drink, which will have 12% less sugar than the current version, will available in retailers from the end of this month.
SDBC says the repositioning is a response to mums in the UK wanting less sugar in the soft drinks they give their children. It adds that the new product will be the only soft drink in the category to qualify for an amber traffic light label, indicating it has a medium sugar content.
Sunny D had massive success following its £10m launch in 1998 but suffered a sales slump after criticism about the amount of sugar in the drink.


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The shadowy image is the first official teaser from Samsung with a lot of unofficial sneak peeks in the past few weeks.
The new flagship phone from Samsung is all set to debut on Thursday. The much hyped phone’s first official appearance has an uncanny resemblance to its predecessor Galaxy S III and looks like a larger version of it. The teaser photo shows that the new installment of Samsung S series has the same thin plastic cladding as S III had with a removable battery and back plate.
Rumors have circulating for weeks anticipating the new Galaxy phone from Samsung. One of the stronger rumors suggested that Galaxy S IV will be having a quad-core processor from Qualcomm or Samsung.
Samsung is expected to integrate SwiftKey‘s keyboard into the Galaxy S IV’s software as it already did with its predecessor S III and the tab from Samsung, Note II. Now, it’s a matter of time to see whether Samsung’s new flagship device can create the same buzz as iPhone 5 or not.


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Apple’s been on a touchscreen kick recently. Following on their previous pressure-sensitive touchscreen patent application filings with the USPTO, Apple has again filed for another patent regarding a touchscreen interface.
The newest patent filing, titled “Keystroke tacility arrangement on a smooth touch surface,” reveals Apple’s interest in haptic touchscreen feedback – by which some physical feedback is used to confirm touchscreen inputs. LG and Samsung are using vibration-based haptic feedback systems in their newest handsets, but vibration-feedback is a compromise at best. Apple’s system proposes physical alterations to the touchscreen itself – raised, Braille-like bumps emerging from beneath the screen; or having actual keyboard keys rise up through the flexible touchscreen; or even placing depressed regions under the screen to represent keys – allowing the user to feel the keyboard key indents without physically seeing them.
We’ll have to wait and see where and if Apple implements such technologies – perhaps in conjunction with a pressure-sensitive touchscreen. It looks like Apple has not only spurred the touchscreen interface as the future, but is seriously looking to stay ahead of the competition with innovative new tech. Apple could turn haptic feedback on its head with any of these proposed ideas – and really pave the way for touchscreen tech to secure its position as the future of UI inputs. Keep ’em coming, Apple.
[Via: Unwired View]


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Rebecca Azebmesfin was wearing her warmest and most welcoming smile as she peered out from her food truck, Rebecca Ethiopian Cuisine, earlier today in Franklin Square. It was her her first day operating on the corner of 14th and K—and the first day of D.C.’s new food truck lottery system, which regulates where mobile vendors can do business each weekday—and she was nervous about attracting new customers.
“It’s an adventure for me, to come to this area,” Azebmesfin said, still smiling.
The D.C. Council passed the new rules in June following a heated, years-long debate that pitted food truck operators against brick-and-mortar restaurants, groups that compete against each other for lunchtime diners each weekday. Under the new regulations, truck owners must enter a monthly lottery in order to operate in one of 12 “mobile roadway vending locations” for each day of the week. And although the new rules are only slightly less complicated than particle physics, a handful of food truck operators in Franklin Square expressed cautious optimistism about the changes.
“In the food truck industry, everything can change extremely rapidly,” said TaKorean manager Elizabeth Cramer. “But so far it’s going pretty smoothly.”
The plus side? Trucks are guaranteed a parking space—”When we showed up we had a parking spot waiting for us, and in Franklin Park without a spotter, that’s a miracle,” Cramer said—and the new system removes some of the uncertainty of finding a location to vend.
But other aspects of the regulations have left food truck owners feeling wary. Many trucks didn’t win licenses for every day of the week, meaning that on days in which they aren’t assigned to a mobile roadway vending location, they’ll have to scope out spots at least 200 feet from the zones before they can sell. (They’ll also need to find spots with six feet of sidewalk clearance.)
“I don’t know what I’m going to do on that day,” said Azebmesfin, who doesn’t have a license for Fridays in December. “I could go other places, but the customers won’t know me, so it might not be worth it.”
The lottery system also forces trucks to operate in places they don’t normally go, and not all vending spots are created equal. Business may have been booming in Franklin Square, but D.C. Quesadilla and Wraps owner Bassem Moussa said he’s apprehensive that the lottery could send him to a location with a lighter lunch crowd, like Navy Yard, in the future.
Meanwhile, Azebmesfin worried that her regular customers in Metro Center won’t bother trying to find her in her newly assigned locations. Alberto Dominguez, who gets lunch from Franklin Square food trucks at least once a week, said he doubts he’ll walk to other locations to track down his old favorites. “I wouldn’t travel further, I’ll just try something new,” he says.
To other customers, the lottery system smacks of over-regulation. “It’s a ridiculous system,” said Dave Doctor, another Franklin Square regular. “I just don’t get why it’s necessary. Maybe they think it’ll help the food trucks that aren’t doing so well, but if they can’t make it, maybe they just don’t have good food.”
But Cramer said she appreciates the increased oversight—within limits.
“We’re glad to see the D.C. government getting involved,” she said. “My only hesitation is that…food trucks came about because it’s a great idea to take good food where people want it. So when you restrict that, you’re restricting business potential.”
Photo by Darrow Montgomery


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Food Matters Grand Opening in Morganton
Congratulations to Food Matters Market & Café on their grand opening celebration today, Thursday, April 21, 2016 in downtown Morganton! Morganton is Food Matters’ third location.
“Our whole premise for the company is local; from products to community involvement to hiring people that are from the community,” said Food Matters owner Al Kirchner. “This is what Food Matters really has as its mission and goal.”
“We are so excited to have a neighborhood store that will serve all of Morganton,” Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson said. “On behalf of the City Council we welcome you.”
Stop by Food Matters, located at 210 Avery Ave., Morganton, NC 26855, today through Saturday, April 23, 2016, for demonstrations, tastings and samples, and product and gift card giveaways!
Apr 21, 2016


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Last week, Do it Best Corp. announced its support of all small businesses across the U.S. through its partnership with Independent We Stand, a movement of independent business owners sharing the importance of “buying local” in their communities.
According to the co-op, Do it Best Corp. will work alongside co-sponsors STIHL Inc. and FC US LLC to “continue to increase awareness about the importance and strong economic benefits of buying local through marketing campaigns, social media and strong partnerships.”
Through this new partnership with Independent We Stand, Do it Best store owners will have access to tools they can use to promote the “Buy Local” movement in their businesses along with a discount on premium membership with Independent We Stand, says Randy Rusk, communications director for Do it Best Corp.
“Our members live, work and contribute to the success of their communities every day,” says Dan Starr, president and CEO of Do it Best Corp. “It only makes sense that we’d partner with a buy local movement since it’s already in our members’ DNA. Efforts to bring greater awareness to the importance of buying local clearly resonate with our member-owners. It exemplifies who we are and who we are all here to serve nationwide.”
In addition to access to tools, Do it Best members will also gain visibility within the Independent We Stand app and website when a consumer searches for local hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards, Rusk explains.
According to Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand, the partnership with Do it Best Corp. will continue to promote its mission.
“A big part of our mission is to educate consumers about the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally-owned businesses,” Brunelle says. “With Do it Best Corp.’s 3,800 independently owned locations, Independent We Stand now has 3,800 communities to promote the cause, all while helping Do it Best member-owners understand and leverage their locally owned status.”
At Do it Best’s recent Winter Conference, Rusk says they had the opportunity to debut some of the new tools and promotional materials to members, who were very interested.
“We’re very pleased to engage the expertise and proven track record of the Independent We Stand team as we partner to support independent Do it Best members,” Rusk says. “We’re very optimistic for the year ahead as we commit to helping our members grow and achieve the dreams.”


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Land Securities says it’s increasingly confident in the prospects of the prime retail destinations that it operates, following a “strong recovery” from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it also says that about a quarter of UK retail space is surplus to requirements and that brands are likely to close low margin shops in secondary locations in an inflationary trading environment.
While the pandemic drove shopping online faster than before, the retail and commercial property developer says in its full-year results today that it believes that the outlook for its sites is good, “with a growing polarisation between our assets and those facing structural obsolescence”. It says major retail destinations now account for 16% of its portfolio, which is split between prime shopping centres and outlets, from Bluewater, Trinity Leeds and Westgate Oxford to Clarks Village, Street.
Land Securities continues to believe that about 25% of UK retail space is “excess retail space”, of which most is in secondary retail sites with high levels of vacancies. It says inflation is putting pressure on low-margin shops particular, and that is like to mean that brands rationalise their stores. At the same time it says that prime destinations are getting stronger, with occupancy in its own portfolio rising to 93.2% over the year. “For many leading brands, online and physical channels are now viewed as firmly inter-connected, so we have seen existing brands upsize, new brands opening stores as they move from nearby locations to benefit from higher footfall, and digital native brands opening physical stores to grow customer connectivity and experience,” it says in today’s full-year statement.
The update comes as Land Securities today reported pre-tax profits of £875m in the year to March 31 2022, turned around from a loss of £1.4bn last year. Net rental income grew by £105m to £510m during the year, with like for like income up b 4.1m. Land Securities’ combined portfolio was valued at £12bn at year-end, up from £10.8bn last time. This, says Land Securities, reflects both a strong recovery in the value of assets and profit from developments. It saw a £107m profit on investment property disposals including the sale of two retail parks for £53m and the sale of Harbour Exchange for £197m. Its major retail portfolio was valued at £1.9bn.
Land Securities chief executive Mark Allan says: “Landsec has delivered strong operational and financial results despite the turbulence within the UK economy. The actions we have taken, driven by our strategic focus on three distinct areas have resulted in record leasing in our London office portfolio, a return to growth in our major retail destinations and clear, substantive progress in growing our mixed-use urban neighbourhood portfolio. We continue to recycle capital out of mature assets, whilst our pipeline now offers the opportunity to invest £3bn in sustainable London offices and mixed-use development over the next five years at attractive returns.
“Landsec is in a strong position, financially and operationally, and we expect delivering on our strategy to drive material growth in income and, on average, a mid to high single digit annual return on equity over time.
“This position affords us many opportunities, not least the ability to lead change, which is why today we have raised the bar for ourselves and our industry by setting out ambitious targets to reduce embodied carbon through development as well as clear plans to enhance social mobility both in our industry and through the places where we invest. With the expertise we have within the business and the momentum built, I am confident that we are on the right path and will be able to navigate the wider macro uncertainties facing the economy today.”
Land Securities has focused its retail team on growing brand relationships and improving the shopper experience over the last year, while spending less time on asset management – and says brand feedback has been positive. It says that during the pandemic it focused on supporting customers and prioritising occupancy. Now rent collection has normalised, with the March quarter now 96% received, in line with pre-pandemic levels.
During the year it signed – or is signing – £29m worth of rental deals and says rents are now returning to sustainable levels after five years of declines. It says that leases are now generally shorter, and more linked to turnover, but incentives – such as discounts – are also down. Retail sales in its portfolio are now 1% above 2019/20 on a like-for-like basis that strips out the effect of openings and closures. The property company expects to continue to focus on major retail destinations, and says these could grow to account for 25% of its portfolio as it moves capital out of sectors including retail parks and leisure.
The business is also focusing on mixed-use urban developments, which include retail alongside offices and homes. These now account for 7% of its portfolio and Land Securities says it has a growing pipeline of such projects.
Land Securities says that it reduced embodied carbon in its development pipeline by 20.7% in a year that saw it, for example, using steel with a greater recycled content. It also reduced energy intensity by 17.5% on 2020, although this does in part reflect the lower use of space in the first half of the year.
It now plans to invest £135m in its portfolio by 2030 on its net zero transition investment plan, including installing air source heat pumps, increasing renewable capacity and improving its building management systems.


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SONY PROJECT MORPHEUS
Sony dipping its well-financed R&D toes into virtual reality was one of the worst kept secrets in tech – we mocked up a PS4 Rift last winter, in fact – but PlayStation waited until this autumn to unveil Morpheus, part sensor-addled VR headset, part Daft Punk prop. Co-developed by ex-NASA scientists and powered by PlayStation 4, it utilises the optional PS Camera and Move controllers as if it had been planned (it had), with a dearth of fully fledged demos suggesting it was never intended to be the focus so soon (it wasn’t).
With PS4 not a year old, Sony doesn’t need new hardware to build games for, yet interest in wearables and VR as trends, not to mention Oculus’s new cash injection, may be forcing its hand. The Deep, SCEE London’s terrifying Jaws- styles care, was re-engineered to feel more gamey for E3. The shape of VR to come? $TBC, Au.playstation.com, out TBC


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Cashew Kernel Price Today
Cashew Kernel Price Today, September 09, 2017
W240: 5.20-5.25; W320: 5.05-5.15;
W450/ SW320/ LBW: 4.9-4.95;
DW: 4.5-4.6; WS/WB: 4.35-4.6;
LP: 3.75-3.85 (SP: Limited)
(Unit: USD/ Lb FOB HCMC/ Flexi packs)
Note: The above selling prices for non-Chinese markets/ Prompt shipment.
Thứ Sáu, 31 tháng 10, 2014
Thứ Năm, 30 tháng 10, 2014
Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 10, 2014
Vietnam always treasures broader cooperative relations with Tanzania, said President Truong Tan Sang at talks with his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in Hanoi on October 27.
|President Truong Tan Sang and his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete reviewing the guard of honour.|
|The Vietnamese State leader welcoming the Tanzanian President (L).|
|The two delegations holding talks.|
There are many importers in India who have hoarded huge quantities of raw cashew for their own processing and also for sale. They have been trying to push the market only by speculation. This has caused an overall increase in prices even at the international level. But still there is no much sales of raw cashew in terms of quantity because the need for raw cashew is only among very small scale processors.
Thứ Hai, 27 tháng 10, 2014
Thứ Tư, 22 tháng 10, 2014
Tue Oct 21, 2014
Thứ Ba, 21 tháng 10, 2014
Chủ Nhật, 19 tháng 10, 2014
October 17, 2014,
Thứ Sáu, 17 tháng 10, 2014
Country's exports of processed cashew nuts were down 10% during the period between April and September, hurt by continuing price increase for raw cashew nuts.
According to the figures from Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI), export of cashew kernels declined to 55,471 tonnes from 61,866 tonnes in the comparable period of the previous year. "With the raw material prices up, the exporters here find it impossible to match the global prices of processed cashew nut," said K Sasi Varma, executive director and secretary,CEPCI.
Babu Oommen, owner of Alphonsa Cashew Industries, Kollam, said that cost and freight prices of raw cashew nut from Africa were in the range $1,500 - $ 1,600 per tonne during the current season. "Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar are the major producers from this region, but factories in Kerala could operate profitably only with a cost and freight price level of $1,200 per tonne," he said.
As the prices at traditional export markets like the US and western Europe are remaining stagnant, CEPCI is targeting non-traditional markets like the Middle East. CEPCI is also attending the Sial food trade show at Paris. Fifteen exporters from India will be attending the show this month.
ANIL KUMAR SASTRY


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AC Ocean Walk, LLC Chairman Bruce Deifik and Ocean Resort Casino CEO Frank Leone released the following statements following the State of New Jersey’s Casino Control Commission’s decision to officially grant Ocean Resort Casino its gaming license ahead of the property’s Grand Opening celebration on 28 June.
“The positive outcome of the hearing is the culmination of a lot of hard work and preparation by so many, and will allow us to open the doors of the Ocean Resort Casino to the public on 28 June, as planned,” Deifik said. “I would personally like to thank the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Casino Control Commission for working with us throughout the licensing process. We are excited about our future here in Atlantic City and look forward to welcoming our new neighbors for what we hope will be the first of their many visits to Ocean Resort Casino.”
“Our team is ready to welcome guests and we strongly believe that we have created something for everyone to enjoy at Ocean Resort Casino,” Leone said. “We are grateful to the Casino Control Commission and Division of Gaming Enforcement for the strong partnership and all of their hard work throughout this process. As a result, the public can now see for themselves what we have worked to create in terms of a welcoming customer experience. It goes without saying that we are all very excited for the Grand Opening on 28 June.”
Ocean Resort Casino will have 1,399 rooms and an expansive 138,000 square foot casino that will include a state-of-art sports book and bar. The Ocean Resort Casino also features an industry-leading loyalty program, Ocean Premier, as well as over 15 restaurants with offerings from casual to fine dining, and 70,000 square feet of retail space. In addition, the resort offers guests the choice of six different swimming pools, a 32,000 square foot spa and a variety of entertainment options for both day and night.


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Current news reported on Thursday by Marijuana Moment will not place any dollars into the pockets of cannabis businesses or investors – straight. On the other hand, it undermines a single of the main (phony) arguments of anti-cannabis zealots. And so it is potent ammunition for legalization proponents across the U.S.
The propaganda comes in several types.
Supposedly, legalizing cannabis will raise the crime price. Supposedly, legalizing cannabis will raise below-age use of cannabis. Supposedly, legalizing cannabis will raise visitors accidents/fatalities. Supposedly, legalizing cannabis will lower home values.
None of it is correct.
It is currently been extensively reported that legalizing cannabis does not raise the crime price. In reality, there are a quantity of factors why cannabis legalization might really lower all round crime.
Legalizing cannabis does not lead to any raise in visitors accident fatalities.
Now proof is emerging that when Americans are hunting to establish their residence that legalized cannabis is viewed as a good amenity. Proof comes in the type of a current study published in the journal, Financial Inquiry.
The study located that possible migrants to the state of Colorado viewed cannabis legalization as “a good amenity” that elevated their likelihood of moving to the state.
This mirrors earlier numbers with respect to tourism to Colorado, previously covered by The Seed Investor. One particular-quarter (25%) of guests to Colorado among 2013 and 2018 listed “cannabis” as a single of their factors for going to the state.
Robust (good) migration prices into a state translate into a increasing population, which in turn translates into increasing home values.
Assistance for marijuana legalization by Americans and the use of cannabis and cannabis merchandise by Americans each continue to hit new highs. Cannabis is becoming a new customer tradition in the United States. Political dinosaurs who stand in the way of (complete) legalization threat their personal extinction.
This is however a single extra cause for existing and possible investors in marijuana stocks to not flinch in the face of declining valuations in current months. Markets are notorious for getting fickle and irrational.
There is practically nothing complex right here. Almost a century of cannabis Prohibition has artificially designed a stellar
investment chance. It is the possibility to make what will be a trillion-dollar-per-year worldwide sector (more than the extended term) from the ground up.
It is not just cannabis investors who are strongly in favor of cannabis legalization. The American individuals, in basic, continue to grow to be extra enthusiastic about (legal) cannabis. And as Americans grow to be extra accustomed to legal pot, the quantity of cannabis investors will also continue to rise.


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As supporters of vaping it can often feel like all in power are against us. However, those of us actively engaged in the policy debate surrounding e-cigarettes know that this is not always the case. There are a growing number of politicians who are willing to take a public stance based on an understanding of the facts. We have therefore decided to celebrate those politicians who are willing to stand up for vapers and vaping by launching a politician of the week.
The second winner of the Save E-cigs Politician of the Week is Mark Pawsey MP, Conservative member of parliament for Rugby.
This week Mr Pawsey launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group on E-cigarettes. The group will examine and scrutinise this rapidly growing industry exploring the benefits the devices could have for people looking to quit smoking. There are an estimated 2.1m e-cigarette users, or vapers, in the UK and the number is rapidly rising.
The group will also examine new legislation coming forward, both European and domestic, that affects the use of the devices.
At the launch of the new APPG Mr Pawsey said:
“I first became interested in e-cigarettes after visiting a local business selling the devices last year and since that time have become more convinced of their effectiveness as cessation devices to help people quit smoking tobacco.
The e-cigarette industry is rapidly growing and I believe it is a sector which demands further scrutiny and investigation from MPs and have set up a new APPG on the devices with exactly this in mind.
I believe that stricter regulation is required to ensure that all e-cigarette devices, products and liquids are safe but I do not support regulating the industry out of existence. In the last year many of my constituents have contacted me to say that without e-cigarettes they would not have been able to give up smoking so I think more work must be done in order to establish what role they can play in helping more people quit using tobacco.”
Thank you Mr Pawsey for launching this vitally important group, we look forward to working with you and other APPG members.


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The next time you visit Kuala Lumpur, don't forget to make a trip to the first telecoms mall that opens recently in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the Chow Kit area. The area is set to be a hot spot for technology enthusiasts as the nation’s first telecommunications mall. The four-storey mall was officially opened by Kuala Lumpur mayor, Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan on Wednesday.
The company behind it is SPG TG Telecom Generation Group, a popular mobile phone refurbishing and wholesaler of telecommunication items in Hong Kong.
If it's mobile phones and accessories you need, or technology-related electronic appliances, that is the place to go to.
Read story..The Star
Michelle Obama - final remarks as First Lady of the United States of America - In the earlier post on Barack Obama's final address. I said I would follow up with Michelle Obama's speech at the White House. So here it is, emotional and...
2 days ago


text: Three workers from the Kemerovo Winter Cherry shopping mall recounted their escape from the burning building while helping as many people as they could, speaking in the Siberian city of Kemerovo on Wednesday. Worker Valeria Loginova said that she got out of the shopping centre with the help of workers Mahmud Hudazhaev and Farzon Salimov, who were guiding people to the exits despite the heavy... Еще black smoke. «We were showing the way out and helping physically. When there was a lot of smoke, it was dark, because all the lights were turned off,» Hudozhaev said. «We could hardly breathe, but we were waiting as much as we could in order to save someone else,» Salimov said. At least 64 people, including many children, were killed in the fire which engulfed the shopping mall in Kemerovo on Sunday. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the fire escape routes were blocked inside the mall. An investigation into the tragedy is underway. The source of the blaze was located on the top floor where several cinema halls and children's playgrounds with attractions are located.


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NEW YORK – Could a limit on the fees retailers pay on debit card purchases cause your bank or credit union to fail? That’s the dire picture some are painting as a cap on so-called swipe fees nears.
An attempt to delay the start of a cap on the amount banks and payment processors, like Visa and MasterCard, can charge merchants for handling debit transactions failed to pass the Senate on Wednesday. That means the Federal Reserve will go ahead and implement the rule, part of last summer’s financial regulatory overhaul.
The Fed has proposed a 12-cent cap for each debit purchase, a sharp cut from the average 44 cents retailers now pay. The regulator must issue a final version of the rule, which will take effect on July 21, in the next few weeks in order to give banks and processing networks the time to comply. It is possible that the 12-cent cap could change before the rule is finalized.
The industry estimates that as much as $14 billion in revenue could be lost.
Jim Blake, CEO of HarborOne Credit Union in Brockton, Mass., was hoping the Senate would approve the delay, which would have also required study of the cap’s impact on community banks and credit unions.
Although there’s an exemption in the law for institutions with market capitalizations under $10 billion, Blake, like many of his counterparts, does not think it will work.
“You saw every community bank and credit union around the country join together in opposition of this,” said Blake, whose credit union has a market cap of $1.85 billion. “That doesn’t happen too frequently.”
The National Association of Federal Credit Unions said the average cost for each debit transaction for its members is 35 cents.
Small institutions have several complaints about the law:
• It doesn’t include any language about how the small-bank exemption will be enforced.
• There’s no way to prevent stores from asking customers at the register to use cash, or a different debit card from a bigger bank that is subject to the fee cap.
• It allows retailers to decide which networks process their transactions, taking that decision away from banks, which currently choose the network. That leads to the expectation stores will choose the networks that charge the least, rather than those that charge the higher fees for smaller banks.
• The proposed cap of 12 cents doesn’t factor in certain bank costs, such as fraud prevention or the fees banks pay to the networks.
U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, the Illinois Democrat who sponsored the law, disagrees about the potential for the small-bank exemption. “We believe that legal protection, together with the forces of the market, will help them,” he said. “I’ve done my best to give them special treatment because they’re in special financial circumstances.”
The senator said merchant groups have pledged not to reject small bank debit cards, and scoffed at the idea that the networks will encourage retailers to use lower-cost options.
Tim Chen, the founder of credit card search site NerdWallet.com and a former analyst who followed card networks, said they have strong incentives to offer two levels of pricing – one for large banks and one for smaller. The networks make a lot more money under two-tiered pricing, because they’re still capturing the old fees from the exempt smaller banks, he said.
Durbin said the banking industry is upset because its “dirty little secret” is now public. Before the debate, swipe fees were invisible, he said, but now it’s well-known that the payment networks collect billions each year in fees that retailers pass on to their customers.
If the exemption doesn’t work and revenue does drop sharply for small banks and credit unions, they’ll have to resort to the same sort of steps that larger banks are taking. That may mean charging for checking accounts and perhaps instituting annual fees for debit cards. Credit union profit margins are already so tight, said Fred Becker, president of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions. “They’re anticipating an erosion here of their fees and a pretty significant erosion.”
As an example, Harbor Credit Union collected $2.7 million in debit income last year, or roughly 3 percent of total revenue. Blake is unsure how much of that he’ll see going forward.
The industry will continue to press regulators and Congress on the issue.
Durbin pledged to revisit the issue if the exemption doesn’t work. “We want to make sure these banks and credit unions survive.”


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Suspect arrested and charged following Stamford mobile phone store burglary
A suspect has been arrested and charged with offences related to a burglary at a Stamford mobile phone store last month.
In a tweet on Tuesday, Community Policing Inspector for Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings, Inspector Ian Martin said the arrest related to an incident on September 7 in which £30,000 worth of mobile phones were stolen from the EE store in High Street.
He said police had put in a "huge amount" of work to carry out the arrest and officers had recovered items related to the offence.
"On 7th Sept, thieves broke into the EE store at Stamford and stole approx. £30,000 worth of mobile phones," said Inspector Martin in the tweet.
"A huge amount of work has led to a suspect being arrested and charged with offences, and Officers have recovered items linked to the offence."
Brazen thieves made off with high end mobile phones after smashing their way into the Stamford store in the early hours of the morning.
Three suspects forced their way into the store through the front door before making off with high end iPhones and Samsungs.
Police at the time said the suspects had been travelling in a white Volkswagen Scirocco.
"Prior to committing this burglary we know they have been to the village of Colleyweston and stolen some vehicle registration plates from another car," a police spokesman said.
"These plates have been attached to the Scirocco and were on the vehicle when the burglary happened."
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details are revealed.


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Canada’s Competition Bureau has halted its 24-month probe of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). The watchdog failed to present sufficient evidence showcasing how the tech firm had taken part in anti-competitive actions. The country’s Competition Bureau was looking into claims of anti-competitive deals struck in the Country, an investigation that has been going on since December 2014. The iEmpire can now breathe easy, at least in Canada.
Confirming an end to the investigations in Canada, the antitrust watchdog said, “The Bureau did not find evidence to suggest that the Apple terms resulted in a significant effect on competition.”
But Apple’s woes are far from over
Apple shouldn’t celebrate too broadly yet because the lack of sufficient evidence for its actions applies only in Canada. The Silicon Valley company is facing similar allegations in France and South Korea, which are yet to be settled. The Canadian Competition Bureau is yet to determine whether or not Apple used anti-competitive clauses in its contracts in an effort to strong arm industry participants into selling fewer of its rival companies’ devices.
As it is now France is demanding a total sum of $55.3 million from the carrier deal as a result of its alleged clauses. French regulators claim that the iPhone maker is forcing carriers to either pay for ads or order a minimal number of iPhones. It remains to be seen how well the regulators will prove their case.
Having not been able to give justification for their accusations against Apple, the Canadian government seems less than bothered about losing the case. State actors claim that the effects on the market by the alleged practices are relatively minimal considering that the Android phones’ market is considerably big. Regulators explained that there is plenty of competition, hence Apples alleged moves are not that serious even if they could be proven.
Apple’s stock was trading at $118.99 yesterday, an increase of $1.08 or 0.92%.


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Whatever else is suffering, higher-level executives and hires, including the Mouse House’s new legal counsel, certainly don’t seem to be seeing a loss.
The Walt Disney Company has seen a notable shakeup recently. Over the last few months, starting with the Bob Chapek’s exit from the House of Mouse, to some Chapek allies, including Kareem Daniel’s and Chapek’s speechwriter’s exits from the company as well. Recently, we even learned of board chairman Susan E. Arnold’s upcoming departure and her replacement.
Now, we’ve received news of the legal counsel for the Walt Disney Company and a rather hefty pay package that he’s been awarded for his services.
As reported by Bloomberg Law,
The Walt Disney Co. gave its new general counsel Horacio Gutierrez a pay package valued at nearly $15.2 million in 2022, according to a proxy statement filed Tuesday. Gutierrez was hired by Disney in December 2021 to succeed the company’s retired longtime legal chief Alan Braverman.
Gutierrez was formerly chief legal officer and global affairs officer at Spotify Technology SA. Previously he was also at Microsoft Corp and spent nearly six years at Spotify before joining Disney’s forces in February 2022. Disney revealed that at the time, Gutierrez received a pay package valued at roughly $22 million in salary, bonus, and equity awards to recruit him from Spotify.
When it comes to his 2022 payout, Disney’s new legal counsel saw stock and options awards make up nearly $8.5 million of his total compensation last year. His name is popping up more frequently now with the fight that Disney finds itself in with activist investor Nelson Peltz and his Trian Fund Management LP. The investor has been taking shots at the Walt Disney Company and has been angling for a seat on Disney’s board even though the company shows no signs of giving up its position of not allowing the investor on board.
Per Gutierrez’s description on the Walt Disney Company’s website:
Horacio Gutierrez is Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The Walt Disney Company. In this role, Mr. Gutierrez serves as the chief legal officer of the Company, overseeing its team of attorneys responsible for all aspects of Disney’s legal affairs around the world, and acting as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to report on all Disney news.