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GAO: $1 coins are losers
A senior member of the House Ways & Means Committee, Neal said the finding by the GAO reinforced policy changes made by the Obama administration last year. Citing excessive inventories, the Treasury Department suspended production of the coins in December. Approximately $1.5 billion in dollar coins are currently in storage at the Federal Reserve.
“I applaud the GAO for providing additional information on the fiscal drawbacks of the dollar coin,” Neal said. “The American people have always preferred the dollar note over the coin. And, we have now learned the Obama administration’s decision last year to curtail production of dollar coins will help save taxpayers millions of dollars. As a result, I see no good reason to switch from bills to coins. I also want to see those jobs at Crane Paper stay right here in Western Massachusetts.”
Neal’s new district will now include the town of Dalton, home to Crane & Co., which has produced nearly all U.S. currency since 1879 and employs more than 850 workers there.
Glowgolf in Holyoke
Glow-in-the-dark miniature golf is a family entertainment concept similar to black light or “cosmic” bowling. Special florescent golf balls, putters, course obstacles and wall décor all glow under black lights. The florescent-glow of the course creates a “one-of-a-kind” miniature golf experience.
Located on the upper level of the mall near Pottery Barn in what was once the Borders store, the new Glowgolf features a giant 36-hole miniature golf course, a Laser Maze Challenge attraction and an area for birthday parties and group events. Guests can play up to 54 holes with their admission. An adult miniature golf admission is $9 and a child miniature golf admission is $7. Group and family discounts are also available. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lia Toyota, of Wilbraham, recently presented $5,000 to the Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield, which also received a matching donation from Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. as the holiday food drive sponsor.
The Toyota Dealer Match Program enables dealer contributions to make a greater impact on their communities.
Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to non-profit organizations across the country.
The Open Pantry of Springfield served a record number of people – 2,055 – this past holiday season through its holiday meals program.
Shop Salvation Army
The delivery included household items that consist of returned items – some from major brand-name labels – many of which are still in their original packaging. The six stores are located in Agawam, Greenfield, Hadley, Springfield, Turners Falls and Westfield.
The items consist of a variety of goods that can be found in a family-style retailer and will be sold at discounts. In some cases, the discounts will be even deeper depending on the condition of the packaging or a few missing parts.
The SMART Retainer is a high-tech device that monitors a child’s orthodontic compliance. A SMART Sensor is embedded in the acrylic and gathers data that is stored and uploaded via a proprietary reader. During routine visits, Yanni organizes the results and displays them on the computer for patients to see how many hours per day they are wearing the device.
Gaming firm wins funds
The investment coincides with the launch of Planet Cazmo’s new division, Happy Giant, which will develop and publish original and licensed content with an emphasis on cross-platform experiences for a variety of digital platforms such as iOS-Android smartphones and tablets.
The company was the first to launch virtual concerts on Facebook as streaming live music events and recently launched a new HTML5 Mobile game, “Cazmo Monster Battles,” in conjunction with partner Mocoscape.
Happy Giant Media develops and publishes free-to-play, social games for mobile, tablets and emerging platforms. Happy Giant is a division of Planet Cazmo LLC.
Staples taps display firm
The line is now available exclusively at Staples stores across the U.S. and Canada and on Staples.com. It combines Martha Stewart’s creative eye and thoughtful at-
To showcase and educate customers about this new line,


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Final weekвЂ™s reporting that is economic readings on inflation and customer belief along side regular readings on home loan prices and jobless claims. Federal Reserve seat Jerome Powell and Federal Reserve Board users addressed financial objectives resulting from COVID-19.
Seat Powell stated that there is no fix that is quick the economy and therefore the economy would suffer for 4 to 6 months before the pandemic slows. He additionally noted that the COVID-19 vaccine would never be a panacea when it comes to virus and stated that вЂњthe next couple of months could possibly be challengingвЂќ due to the fact virus spreads at a quicker speed.
Inflation Stalls as Pandemic Advances
The Commerce Department reported no development in the buyer cost Index and Core customer cost Index in October. Both indicesвЂ™ readings had been identical with 0.00 % development, 0.10 per cent growth expected, and SeptemberвЂ™s month-to-month growth other of 0.20 per cent.

domain: news


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17 Sep 18 Dismal update sends Rhodes Foods’ shares plummeting
The food producer had warned of a large decline in its full-year earnings due to the crippling drought in the Western Cape.
Rhodes Foods shares dropped as much as 17% today after the food producer said its full-year earnings were likely to drop by up to 38%.
The company said it was feeling the effects of the crippling drought in the Western Cape, which pushed up the costs of its canned products.
The drought coincided with low disposable income, the company said in a trading statement.
Rhodes Food produces fresh, frozen and long-life convenience meal solutions across SA, sub-Saharan Africa and major global markets.
Its international footprint also meant that the company was exposed to the vagaries of the foreign exchange markets.
The rand strengthened on average in the year to end-September, putting pressure on its international operations, which also reeled from the increase in canned fruit product costs.
The company faced increased interest payments of between R26m and 28m, partly relating to the funding of the acquisition of pie maker Ma Baker, which Rhodes bought in 2017.
Headline earnings per share (HEPS) were expected to decrease by between 30% and 40% after the company issued more shares for the capital raise and the acquisition of food producer Pakco.
“The increasingly challenging local economic environment and the prolonged drought in the Western Cape have adversely impacted the group’s regional and international performance,” the company said in the statement.
The share price was down 15.76% to R15.50 in early trade on the JSE, its lowest level since December 2014.


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Climb Channel Solutions CEO: ‘We’re Really About A Year Ahead’ Of Rivals
‘If you’re a big distributor you have to live off of Cisco, HP, IBM every day. Their top five vendors make up 90 percent of their sales whereas our top 30 vendors make up 90 percent of our sales. We don’t lose our top 30, they stay with us [even though] they might not be growing as fast as the next one. That’s our uniqueness,’ says Dale Foster, CEO of Eatontown, N.J.-based distributor Climb Channel Solutions.
Climb Channel Solutions has a clear mission: capture as many emerging vendors as possible.
“It’s disruptive,” Dale Foster, CEO of Eatontown, N.J.-based distributor Climb Channel Solutions, told CRN. “If you’re a big distributor you have to live off of Cisco, HP, IBM every day. Their top five vendors make up 90 percent of their sales whereas our top 30 vendors make up 90 percent of our sales. We don’t lose our top 30, they stay with us [even though] they might not be growing as fast as the next one. That’s our uniqueness.
“We sell speed, efficiency and we have to do all the things that another distributor has to do, but we think we’re just better at emerging vendors, that’s our focus,” he added.
And the company is growing. Foster said the firm acquired three companies in the last three years and will acquire three more in the next two years.
Thirty-eight percent of IT leaders are focusing on the integration of emerging technologies, according to CRN parent company The Channel Company’s State of the Midmarket survey, shared at TCC’s recent XChange 2023 conference in Nashville, Tenn. in August.
“It’s very much where we play because we are heavily focused on security,” Kim Stevens, director of national alliances at Climb, told CRN. “It’s a crowded space, but there’s a lot of really cool, sexy, emerging technology coming out that gets our attention and we spend a lot of calories focusing on them.”
The survey also said that most end user organizations only have one to two people in-house dedicated to security. To help with that, Climb partnered with New York-based network security firm OffSec in August to provide hands-on cybersecurity training and certification.
“It’s so complementary to literally every security sale we make. That’s what we’re looking for, is to make each transaction more meaningful and beefier and stickier,” Stevens said. “This was just a match made in heaven for us, and they’re all in on the channel.”
And Climb helps MSPs with a host of other services.
“MSPs have to be nimble because the average MSP is only 10 people, it’s tough for them,” Foster said. “They want the easy transaction. They don’t want to have a lot of accounting and back office if they don’t have to, so we make up for a lot of that.”
Because of that, Climb is always looking for crossover products.
“We’re not looking for dead competitors in a certain space, there’s always going to be overlap,” he said. “We want to sell multiple products for a long period of time to have that relationship for a long time. That’s the only efficient way to run as a distance.”
He said that Climb is built for launching products, even faster than competitors.
“I believe the best marketing is a handshake,” he said. “It’s out there in front of everybody, getting to know your customers, your business owners, all the way through. That’s the only way to avoid extra work for us. So emerging fits for us and we ride them up.”
Partners can use Climb as a targeting marketing project, for example, and move much quicker.
“If they went to Ingram Micro, or one of the other ones, they have to buy into a plan, it’s going to take six months to launch, and we can launch in two weeks,” he said. “We’re really about a year ahead of any of our competitors getting that next product taken to the table.”
Distribution has always been a key proponent of Evotek’s disruptive business strategy, said Cesar Enciso, CEO of the San Diego, Calif.-based MSP.
“Climb is subtle but purposeful in how they add value to Evotek,” Enciso told CRN. “We are a self-sufficient technology provider and consultancy that has invested heavily in industry practitioners to guide our customers. Climb brings a focused portfolio of emerging technologies that help us solve complex problems for our customers.”


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Switching jobs has been key to survival in the GCC.
Many cabin crew who lost their jobs have transitioned to real estate brokerage roles. Among teachers facing job losses or unpaid leave, admin and secretarial roles have been common destinations. Meanwhile, many catering professionals who were made redundant have taken up employment in customer service roles.
The pandemic has also pushed many into home-based freelance jobs or entrepreneurship.
Moving into 2021, which sectors will be hiring and which will continue to struggle?
Will pre-COVID-19 salaries come back for hopeful candidates across the GCC and UAE?
What do employees want from themselves and their future employers?
We answer these and more below.
Since the resumption of flights, the airline industry has been gradually seeking to rebuild its network.
It has always been a major draw for job seekers and even people employed in other sectors are showing interest in switching jobs for a career in the airline industry.
The technology sector is always looking for fresh talent.
Apple, the US technology giant, was recently hiring for different roles in the UAE at its 3 stores located in Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall in Dubai, and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.
The iPhone, MacBook, and iPad maker advertised for specialists in diverse roles such as store manager, operations manager, creative individuals, technicians, business development managers, etc.
In a recent survey, conducted by Forbes magazine and market research firm Statista, Apple was rated the sixth-best employer in the world.
Jobs are also once again being created – and filled – for senior executive roles, and also at the entry-level for positions related to logistics and e-commerce.
According to Korn Ferry International, hospitality is back to selective recruiting, despite being one of the worst-hit sectors following the pandemic. “We will see a rebound in hiring activity in hospitality and retail as we see higher spending by local residents along with higher tourist in-flows,” said Vijay Gandhi, Regional Director at Korn Ferry.
During the pandemic, a handful of professions saw employment demand increase, notably medical staff who enjoyed a 19% increase in demand, followed by logistics professionals at 12%, thanks to the rapid growth of online shopping.
Telesales also saw a boost in demand due to the restrictions on travel and face-to-face meetings.
Employment in Dubai’s real estate market has been largely dependent on off-plan developments and the like. But with developers turning shy on launches, this sector could see more jobs churned in the coming weeks.
Also retail is still far removed from any full-scale recovery. Some of the biggest retail groups still have a sizeable percentage of their workforce on furlough.
Construction is another sector that could likely see another tough year.
Middle East online recruitment firm, GulfTalent, found that the average number of interview invitations per active jobseeker was down by almost 50% for some segments of the market.
Among job categories, the drop in employment was most severe for teachers and catering professionals, seeing their interview invitations collapse by 48% and 35% respectively. Most other professions saw moderate drops in demand – including engineers and lawyers, followed by marketing, IT, finance, and HR professionals.
“Go easy on salary expectations, but expect more flexibility on benefits.” That’s what job prospects are hearing more of from HR managers.
Candidates eyeing a new job will see “hiring managers revisiting other parts of the compensation package such as additional vacation days, flexible working hour schedules, and advancing career prospects from where the candidate is today.”
According to the recruitment tracking portal GulfTalent, in the nine months since the pandemic struck, there has been a 24% drop in salaries advertised compared to a year earlier.
In a global survey by Korn Ferry, it was found that a third of organizations are planning salary increases to less than 50% of their employees. And more than three times as many organizations as last year were planning to skip increases altogether.
But more companies are willing to go back to paying the full salaries after they implemented 30% wage cuts on average starting from April 2020.
Career goals 2021
A new survey by Bayt.com spotlights the career goals MENA professionals will focus on in 2021.
The 2021 New Year’s Resolutions Poll reveals that a majority of MENA professionals (80%) feel positive about 2021 and 74% of the survey respondents have made resolutions for the new year.
Finding a new job emerges as the top career-related resolution for 75% of respondents, followed by improving skills and productivity (15%) and getting a promotion or a salary raise (8%).
Prospective candidates will focus on key attributes including career growth opportunities (38%), flexible work arrangements (25%), competitive salaries (14%), work-life balance (14%), and working with a reputable company or brand (8%).
81% will spend more time looking for remote jobs in 2021, using online job sites (77%), company websites (10%), social media (7%), and virtual job fairs (2%).


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New York fast food workers staged a one-day strike on April 4. Chicago fast food and retail workers did the same on April 24. May 8 and 9, fast food strikes have hit St. Louis, with workers at a Jimmy John's and a McDonald's walking out Wednesday evening and workers at more restaurants following Thursday morning. Workers in St. Louis tell stories that are familiar if you've followed the New York and Chicago strikes: It's not just the low pay, though they can't live on the $7.35 state minimum wage and are often forced to choose between rent and food. It's also about abusive and humiliating treatment
Rasheen Aldridge had just finished working the lunch rush at the Jimmy John's in Soulard when he says his manager handed him a hand-written sign and asked that he hold it while he snapped a photo. The sign's message? "I made three wrong sandwiches."
"It was humiliating," Aldridge, 19, recalls of the incident about a month ago that he says came in retaliation for him putting eight peppers on a sandwich that called for just five and layering meat in the wrong fashion on another sandwich. "I felt that I had to pose for picture. In the fast-food industry, you can get fired at the drop of a hat."
Workers report that their health and safety are routinely disregarded, with first aid kits not kept fully stocked
to treat workers who are injured or burned on the job. Captain D's worker Tomecka Wilson
[...] who’s pregnant and expecting to give birth in five weeks, told Salon that her job requires her to stay on her feet for several hours without breaks, taking orders, ringing up customers and making food—all while being yelled at by managers and customers. She said her feet are swollen to the point that she’s stopped wearing shoes outside of work, and her doctor has told her to wear a brace. But Wilson told Salon that she laughed off a manager’s suggestion that she take unpaid maternity leave, because the company’s low wages and insufficient hours have made that impossible to afford. Already, she said, "I’m borrowing to make ends meet."
St. Louis Jobs with Justice is a lead organizer of this strike, which, like those in New York and Chicago, has strong support from local unions and community groups.


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Eating, drinking closing in on Glenwood big-box shopping as top sales tax generator
Restaurants and bars in Glenwood Springs are on the verge of overtaking the retail category that includes big-box stores as the biggest sales tax generator in the city.
According to the city’s October 2019 sales tax report released last week, the Eating/Drinking Places category was running just $72,665 behind General Merchandise Stores through 10 months of the year in terms of sales taxes.
Both categories typically generate over $2.5 million in sales taxes for the city each year. That represents about $70 million each in overall sales activity, based on Glenwood’s sales tax rate of 3.7%.
The busy holiday stretch from Thanksgiving through December has yet to be reflected. However, it is usually big for both sectors between Christmas shopping and holiday parties.
$2,310,845 — Amount of 2019 city sales taxes collected from general merchandise stores — including national retailers Target and Walmart — through October.
$2,238,180 — Amount of 2019 city sales taxes collected from restaurant and bar sales through October.
-1.32% — Year-over-year drop in sales through October for businesses that fall into the city’s Miscellaneous Retail category, including many of the independently owned downtown shops, plus liquor stores, flower shops and jewelry stores.
+9.68% — Year-over-year increase in Building Materials and Supplies sales through October, bringing in over $1.8 million in sales taxes on roughly $50.5 million in total sales through 10 months of the year.
+5.5% — Year-over-year increase from 2018 to 2019 in total sales taxes collected through 10 months.
Source: City of Glenwood Springs October sales tax report
General Merchandise sales are actually down slightly for the year to date through 10 months at -0.12%, while restaurants and bars were up nearly 2.3% through October.
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The Longevity Project is an annual campaign to help educate readers about what it takes to live a long, fulfilling life in our valley. This year Kevin shares his story of hope and celebration of life with his presentation Cracked, Not Broken as we explore the critical and relevant topic of mental health.
Building Materials and Supplies comes in as the third-largest retail sector, at $1.86 million in sales taxes on about $50.5 million in sales through 10 months. That’s 9.68% higher than for the same period last year.
Overall, sales of retail goods and taxable services were up through October about 5.1% over last year. The period saw $15.7 million in tax collections on roughly $424.5 million in total sales, according to the October figures.
The city’s separate accommodations tax, assessed on overnight lodging stays, is also running about 4.6% ahead of last year through 10 months.
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La Roche-Posay is delighted to announce the launch of a tinted version of the popular Anthelios Extreme Fluid 50+, the highest protection with the lightest texture, which has a slight tint to give your skin a radiant glow.
New Anthelios XL Extreme Fluid filtering system has been renovated to produce the highest level of UVA protection available on the market in the 50+ category, thanks to a new synergy of ingredients.
La Roche-Posay’s sun protection range, Anthelios XL, provides unparalleled effectiveness and dermatological tolerance to protect sensitive or sun allergy prone skin against damage caused by UV rays. Available now from pharmacies nationwide.
La Roche-Posay, skincare expert and partner to more than 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, launch Melanoma Awareness Month in May 2010 with the support of the Department of Health. Visit www.myskincheck.ie for further information.


text: What ails Microsoft? Summary: After yet another product delay, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer can't be happy about the emerging pattern. Go behind the scenes with Charlie Cooper, Brian Cooley and Ina Fried for this week's CNET News.com Reporter's Roundtable. June 30, 2006 -- 23:46 GMT (16:46 PDT) SHARE: SUBSCRIBE TO: Microsoft TOPICS: Microsoft 0 June 30, 2006 -- 23:46 GMT (16:46 PDT) Loading... Please wait. Topic: Microsoft Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.


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Who has the best gluten-free pizza in the U.S.? USA Today aims to find out with its Readers’ Choice 2023 Awards, and anyone can vote until the polls close at noon on Monday, October 16.
A panel of experts nominated the finalists for the contest, and now the voting has been opened to the public. Voters can choose between 19 pizza companies—including both major chains and independents—that offer gluten-free options from coast to coast.
The panelists included Erica Dermer, blogger on the website Celiac and the Beast and co-host of the podcast, You Had Me at Eat; Jacky Runice, a Chicago journalist; photojournalists Joanne and Tony DiBona; travel writer Marla Cimini; travel writer Wendy O’Dea; and Catherine Smith, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards production manager and social media director.
The pizzeria nominees are:
Bellagreen, multiple locations in Texas
Blue Pan Pizza, Denver
Chicago’s Pizza, Chicago
The Couch Tomato Café, multiple locations in Pennsylvania
Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen, Peachtree Corners, Georgia
Jules Thin Crust, multiple locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Kesté Pizza e Vino, New York City
Livingston County Pizza Company, Avon, New York
Mellow Mushroom, multiple locations
Pi Pizzeria, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, multiple locations in Arizona
Pieology Pizzeria, multiple locations
Pinky’s Pizzeria, Portland, Oregon
Razzi’s Pizzeria, Seattle
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co., Chicago
Rubirosa, New York City
Seasons Pizza, multiple locations
Spinato’s Pizzeria, multiple locations in Arizona
Via 313 Pizza, multiple locations in Texas and Utah


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Sat, Oct 05|
Takiff Center of the Glencoe Park Distri
Big-Hearted Bowls at Harvest Fest
Support New Trier Township Food Pantry with a sesquicentenna-Bowl!
Time & Location
Oct 05, 2019, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Takiff Center of the Glencoe Park Distri, 999 Green Bay Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
About the event
As part of the Village of Glencoe’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration, the Sesquicentennial Planning Committee has partnered with the Glencoe Park District on the Big-Hearted Bowl Project. Park District ceramic students and teachers are crafting 150 handmade bowls in honor of the sesquicentennial, which will then be sold (cash only) at Harvest Fest, taking place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Takiff Center (moved from Kalk Park) on Saturday, October 5.
To sweeten the deal for those purchasing bowls, local businesses including Apple a Day & Meg’s Cafe, Bake Homemade Pizza, Frank & Betsie’s, The Grand Food Center, Guanajuato, Guildhall, Hometown Coffee and Juice, Mariano’s and Shanghai Garden have donated $10 gift certificates which will be included with each bowl purchased. All proceeds from the bowl sales will then be donated to the New Trier Township Food Pantry.
Questions? Contact Megan Meyer at email@example.com


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About 15 lakh took Covid insurance in a month : Report
About 1.5 million lives have been insured within a month under the two Covid-19 specific insurance policies, Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak, according to Subhash Khuntia, chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
“More than 15 lakh lives have already been covered under these two products within a month. That shows what is the demand and it is important that we cater to this demand,” Khuntia said, during a conference hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry on Thursday.
The regulator was compelled to come out with the standardised Covid-19 policies after seeing no such initiative from the industry, Khuntia said, adding that some insurers felt these products were competing with their own policies.
“Why is it important that your other products should sell more than the standard product? After all you have to do business,” he said.
MR Kumar, chairman, Life Insurance Corporation of India, who was part of the online panel, called for leniency in adherence to the solvency ratio for insurers during Covid crisis.


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The 2020 Power 100 was published on Tuesday morning and the Italian surge into the top 100 led most headlines. For the first time in the list’s history there were four Italian brands in the top 10 – Gaja (3), Sassicaia (4), Ornellaia (6), Masseto (9) – with another thirteen rounding off the top 100.
Also, in the top 25 we saw wines from Spain, Australia, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne as the breadth of the fine wine market in 2020 was put on full display. This broadening has carried on into the new year – month-to-date distinct LWIN7s traded (735) have already surpassed that of January’s 2019 total (676).
Bourgogne week is in full swing which seems to have lifted interest in the physical secondary market. Burgundy has now taken 24.9% of trade value month-to-date – it’s highest since May 2019. Currently, 2018 is proving the most active, followed by 2017 and 2016.
USA (10.5%) held near 10% while Champagne (5.2%), Italy (14.9%), the Rhone (2.4%) and Others (4.9%) all saw their trade share drift as Bordeaux took back some lost share.
Chateau Haut Brion 2017 was the most traded wine by value this week. The wine was most recently reviewed by Antonio Galloni, who awarded it 96+ points. He notes “the 2017 Haut Brion is rich and virile, even in a vintage where it has less power than is the norm.” He concludes, “the long, substantial finish suggests readers can look forward to many years of fine drinking.”
Haut Brion was the only First Growth to maintain its position in the 2020 Power 100 top 10.
Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2014 was the top traded Italian wine of the week. The 2013 vintage was the most traded wine across all regions in 2020. However, according to Antonio Galloni the 2014 has a slight edge in quality. He awarded the 2014 vintage 100 points, while the 2013 narrowly trailed at 99 points.
Power 100 complete coverage


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WELCOME TO The advertising REPORT
Olive Street Design LLC
Feature market insights and perspectives from top C-Level executives, elite technology influencers and thought leaders from your company here. This signature initiative has garnered immense support...
ppc.land | March 30, 2020
Google this week announced that is giving $340 million in Google Ads credits. The credits are available to all SMBs with active accounts over the past year. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, wrote that the credit notifications will appear in the Google Ads accounts and can be used at any point until the end of 2020. According to Google, the Google Ads credit can be used at any point throughout the year and will expire on 31st Dec 2020. Any unused portion will be removed from Google Ads ...
Ad Networks, Social Media Advertising
ExchangeWire | July 10, 2023
Equativ, an independent advertising monetisation platform, and first-id, a cross-publisher first-party identification solution, have entered into a partnership to help publishers and advertisers better monetise their audience in a post-cookie world.
The alternative to third-party cookies - In anticipation of this new advertising era that is energising the digital market, first-id and Equativ are taking action to offer an alternative to the world without third-pa...
Publicis Groupe | April 19, 2022
Despite the impact of covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war Publicis Groupe reported organic growth of 10.5% for Q1 of 2022. The increase for the same period last year was 2.8%. Hence, the revenue growth for this quarter has been well above the financial analysts' expectations. Publicis is the first global advertising group to reveal its first-quarter results.
Publicis reports that they have seen outstanding performance in all their regions.
H&R Block’s | February 03, 2022
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today announced its 2022 tax season ad campaign showcasing that through a tax season full of complexities, “Help Is Here.”
“The past year has brought more uncertainty to filing taxes due to the ongoing pandemic. From an evolving workforce to new tax credits, it’s no small feat to figure out how that translates to your tax forms,” said Karen Orosco, president, global consumer tax and service delivery at H&R Block. &l...
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Ahead of its world premiere in October, Polestar has publicly shared the first non-camo’d image of its upcoming Polestar 3 SUV alongside a teaser video. When it debuts, the Polestar 3 will be the first of three bespoke models for the Swedish EV brand to arrive over the next three years. Here’s what we know so far.
Polestar is a growing EV brand launched in 2017 as a venture co-owned by Volvo Cars Group and Geely Holding. The automaker currently sells two electrified vehicles – the PHEV Polestar 1 and the all-electric Polestar 2 – but there are at least three more on the way.
While the Polestar 1 and 2 share an EV platform and a look reminiscent of the Volvo brand, the automaker is planning to “move out of mom and dad’s basement,” as the Polestar America’s head of communications and PR, JP Canton, told us last March, regarding the company’s vehicles moving forward.
The first of this bespoke breed of EV models to debut will be the Polestar 3 SUV, which was first mentioned in 2019. The 3 SUV will be followed by a Polestar 4 SUV in 2023. Polestar’s original concept EV, the Precept, will enter production as the Polestar 5 in 2024.
Since we’ve only gotten camouflaged images of the Polestar 3 up until this point, we’ve be anticipating details of its official debut. Now we have a premiere window and our first full glimpse of the all-electric SUV. Let’s have a look, yeah?
What we know about the Polestar 3 before its world debut
The EV automaker shared the image above in a press release along with a video teasing the world debut event scheduled for October 2022. Although we will need to wait until fall for many of the more pertinent specs (and pricing), Polestar has shared some initial details:
- The Polestar 3 will feature a dual-motor drivetrain at launch with an WLTP targeted range over 372 miles (600 km).
- The Polestar 3 will eventually offer autonomous highway piloting utilizing LiDAR sensors from Luminar and centralized computing by NVIDIA.
- Consumers can expect to order their Polestar 3 beginning the day of the world debut.
- Production is scheduled for early 2023 in the United States and China.
The Polestar 3 will also mark its maker’s entry into US manufacturing, an announcement made nearly a year ago to the day. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath spoke at the time:
Polestar 3 will be built in America, for our American customers. I remember the great response when I first shared Polestar’s vision here in the USA and I am proud that our first SUV will be manufactured in South Carolina. From now on, the USA is no longer an export market but a home market.
A US production presence is a huge step into a market partial to large SUVs, but the Polestar 3 debut is expected to represent an even larger shift forward for the company. More specifically, it aims to sell its EVs in 30 global markets by the end of 2023.
Furthermore, Polestar hopes the Polestar 3 can help it reach its sales expansion goal of 290,000 EVs by the of 2025. For perspective, Polestar sold 29,000 vehicles in 2021, so they’re shooting for a 10x increase with the help of this SUV and the other two in the pipeline.
We are sure to learn more in October, but in the meantime, check out this teaser video Polestar provided:
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PUBG Mobile Servers Are Down. Is There an Update in the Offing?
It seems like Tencent has already begun the process of updating PUBG Mobile for Android and iOS platforms. Just a few hours ago, on June 11, the PUBG Mobile servers went down to launch the 0.13.0 patch, which will possibly bring some great changes to the popular game.
As of June 11, early morning, scheduled maintenance has been confirmed for iOS and Android platforms. Until the maintenance is finished, PUBG Mobile will not be playable. As stated by Tencent in a statement, “the PUBG Mobile update that will be followed by this PUBG server downtime is going to be big.” Even PUBG Mobile’s support team has confirmed that gamers will require a huge amount of free space for the 0.13.0 patch to be installed, close to 2 GB on Android and 245 GB on iOS so that it can run smoothly on devices.
Here’s the guide to play PUBG Offline
The update is expected to be available starting 12th June 2019, and if users update before 19th June, they will get Outfit Box III (7d) and 1,888 BP. The new patch of PUBG Mobile Update will also go live gradually across the world, so some users will have to wait a bit longer before servers are back up again to offer them the new version. However, users across the world should be able to install the patch and play the game by the end of June 12.
According to recent testing, a new deathmatch mode is going to be the biggest addition to PUBG Mobile update. Following this, the Vikendi maps are going to be next in line to receive some significant changes. Here, players will be able to leave footprints, trails, and tire tracks on the snow. There will also be a dedicated button for climbing which players will be able to enable it in the settings menu.
Apart from this, Tencent has also confirmed the launch of a free-to-play PUBG Lite for low-end PCs. With all these major upgrades in the works, gamers across the world are sure going to have a field day.


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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms at least one death from a recent salmonella outbreak that affected eight states and caused 265 people to get sick، and also caused 94 people to be hospitalized، as the Technical Times said
Federal officials the death of a woman from Iowa is tied to salmonella poisoning from a contaminated chicken salad sold by Fareway Stores، a Boone-based retail chain. The state's top health expert isn't so sure، however.
"It was the same strain، but where she got it، we just don't know،" said Patricia Quinlisk، of the Iowa Department of Public Health.
An Ackley company prepared the chicken salad in question، found to have been tainted with salmonella bacteria، which can cause severe stomach and intestinal complications. The salmonella outbreak was first reported late February، with state department investigations confirming the food came from Triple T Specialty Meats، which made it especially for Fareway stores.
"CDC recommends people do not eat any remaining recalled chicken salad sold at Fareway grocery stores، including any that has been frozen. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase،" said the CDC in its latest and final report on the outbreak.
Others affected with poisoning have launched lawsuits، and others are presently contemplating whether they should too. One woman from North Liberty is of the patients suing both Fareway and Triple T Specialty Meats.
"That could have been me،" she said upon hearing that a death had been tied to the outbreak.
After consuming the chicken salad، she experienced body aches، a headache، a severe case of diarrhea، and weight loss. Her physician even suspected she had the flu.
"It was horrific، truly horrific." She's now at home، although still weak from the food poisoning and subsequent hospitalization.
Salmonella often thrives in uncooked chicken and، when ingested can cause cramps، fever، and an intense case of diarrhea. Some people even reach a point of severe dehydration that need to go to the hospital for more immediate care. Most people recover within a week، although symptoms may persist for months.
Fareway has since pulled the chicken salad from its stores and has offered refunds to any consumers who had purchased the product. The company said it's as "disappointed" and "concerned" as its customers.
"This outbreak appears to be over،" according to the CDC، which advises to throw away the contaminated chicken salad and sanitize countertops، drawers، or freezers where it might have been stored.


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New York, New York (AP) A Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant in the New York city borough of Queens opened on Monday for the first time in its 38-year history, becoming the latest franchisee to open in the city, following the launch of a chain of locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Chipotle restaurant at 2200 Bryant Ave.
in the Bronx is the latest in a series of new restaurants opening in New Yorkers and is the first in a chain that includes the popular Chipotle, Chipotle Express, Chipotles Cantina and Chipotle Tacos.
The company said the new Chipotle in New Jersey, which opened earlier this month, will also be the first to open at the new location in Manhattan.
The location in Brooklyn, which is near the Brooklyn Bridge, will be the second Chipotle location in the borough.
The new location opens for lunch from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday.
It is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.g. on Wednesday.
It has a wait list, and the company said people can order online.
Chipotle has been expanding its restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, opening in the Boston area and Atlanta, among other cities.
The chain has been growing rapidly in the past decade.
The number of Chipotle restaurants has nearly doubled since it was founded in 2006.
The company reported a $1.7 billion operating loss in 2017.
Chipotls revenue grew by more than 70 percent in the last two years.
The chain is known for its chicken and burritos.


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Counter-Strike 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the popular first-person shooter game, Counter-Strike. The game is set to be released in 2021 and is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year.
Counter-Strike 2 is set to be released in 2021. The exact date has yet to be announced, but it is expected to be sometime in the summer.
The price of Counter-Strike 2 has yet to be announced. However, it is expected to be similar to the original game, which was priced at $14.99.
Counter-Strike 2 is currently in the beta testing phase. Players can sign up to be part of the beta test and get early access to the game.
Counter-Strike 2 will feature a variety of new features, including improved graphics, new weapons, and more. The game will also feature a new game mode called “Deathmatch”, which will allow players to battle it out in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Counter-Strike 2 is set to be one of the biggest releases of 2021. The game is expected to be a hit with fans of the original game, as well as new players. With its improved graphics, new weapons, and new game mode, Counter-Strike 2 is sure to be a hit.


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DANVILLE (KRON) — With package thefts running rampant in parts of the Bay Area, there is a new reason to be concerned.
Residents in the East Bay say whoever is delivering for Amazon is dropping packages and leaving them nowhere near people’s front doors.
If you ever wondered how careful some delivery drivers are with your Amazon packages, some new video has the answer.
One home security video shows a driver literally dropping a package on the ground.
Inside is a JBL speaker.
“I was livid,” Danville resident Ricky Helton said. “I have not shopped from Amazon since.”
Even worse, says Helton, is where the package was left–not at the door.
In fact, it was delivered nowhere near the door but steps from the street.
“This is obviously why so many people are driving around town taking people’s packages because they make it so easy for them,” Helton said.
Other Danville residents with the same problem are posting to social media and sending photos of Amazon packages seemingly dumped at the end of the driveway or nestled on top of a garbage can.
“One of my neighbors posted on Nextdoor she saw the driver pull up and toss the package out the window and keep driving, and when she said something, he gave her the finger and ran a stop sign,” resident Jennifer Gidwani said.
Gidwani came home one night to find an Amazon package nowhere near her front door but on the end of the driveway between a bush and a rock.
Another time, she found an Amazon package at the end of the driveway, sitting in the pouring rain, despite the fact that her front door is covered from the elements.
“I think they are in a hurry and trying to do it faster and cheaper than UPS or FedEx, and maybe Amazon is getting what they pay for here,” Gidwani said.
Here’s a statement from Amazon:
“We have very high standards for our delivery service providers and expect every package to be handled with care. We are addressing this with the delivery service provider.”
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A technology-based initiative designed to drive millions of dollars in additional sales at Ohio manufacturers will launch this month.
Mfrsearch.com, a free portal for manufacturing-related companies in Ohio, is slated to be unveiled at the Dayton Tooling and Manufacturing Association annual trade show on Oct. 19 and 20.
The portal will act as a statewide clearinghouse of sales opportunities for Ohio manufacturing companies. If successful, it will provide more leads on an exponential scale, officials said.
The biggest advantage comes from the automation of government postings for bids and quotes on work. The portal combs numerous outlets — such as the Federal Business Opportunities site, fbo.gov. — and alerts companies with the proper qualifications.
The project has been led by Cincinnati-based TechSolve, one of the state’s Edison Technology Centers which focuses on manufacturers. TechSolve has been collaborating with the Dayton Tooling and Manufacturing Association and Ohio Manufacturers’ Association to design how the portal would work. It hired Lexington, Ky.-based ProspectTrax to develop the underlying technology.
The new site will replace the Edison Manufacturers Network business portal launched by TechSolve in 2009. It took about eight months to create.
Currently, companies pursuing government work must sift through thousands of request for quotes and bids to find just a few they might be able to fulfill. In the past month, a test version of the site has matched quote requests to 6,000 Ohio-based manufacturers.
“It’s a huge advantage to be in the system, for that reason alone,” said Eric Zaluski, president of ProspectTrax.
TechSolve has moved companies registered on the old Edison Manufacturers’ site to the new site and has entered other manufacturing companies from around Ohio. Between the two, the database of companies has grown to more than 15,000. Companies only have to log on to claim their profile or set up a new one.
While the automated bid matching is expected to be a big plus for manufacturers, the portal will also provide an opportunity for Ohio companies to connect to each other.
Angelia Erbaugh, executive director of DTMA, said the new portal fits in with her organization’s mission to drive more business to members.
“Mfrsearch.com will be a wonderful resource for our members and other manufacturers within the region to receive and generate potential sales leads,” Erbaugh said.
A beta launch of the site will take place at DTMA’s Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Show, held Oct. 19 and 20 at the Dayton Airport Expo Center. It should be fully operational by the end of the year.


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After coming up through the Ottawa startup system, local firm Desk Nibbles is ready to tackle the U.S. market thanks to its first round of funding.
Founded by brothers Cassy and Emil Aite and friend Eric Kys, the local software firm aims to build the “office kitchen of the future” by connecting workplaces to healthy snack distributors. A number of companies including Uber Canada as well as Ottawa’s Canvas Pop and Trip Advisor office are already using the firm’s solution, and its founders believe now is the time to pounce on the same opportunities south of the border.
To that end, Desk Nibbles has landed $350,000 in pre-seed funding. The Business Development Bank of Canada is providing $250,000 in debt financing and the rest comes from an undisclosed investor. A $12,500 award from Ottawa’s Capital Angel Network caps off the cash for the startup which, until now, has been fully bootstrapped.
“Now it’s really time to execute,” older-brother founder Cassy tells OBJ.
Desk Nibbles takes an app-based approach to filling the company fridge. Employees can directly message Desk Nibbles’ artificial intelligence chatbot via Slack and tell the bot their dietary preferences or feedback on a recent snack. That chatbot, custom-made for each business, stores suggestions and ensures that the entire company’s workforce has the shelves stocked with what they want.
“We’re potentially able to scale to any city in the United States without actually having boots on the ground.”
Aite says this chatbot approach is Desk Nibbles’ “secret sauce,” and it could extend the startup to other services in the future. With access to a company’s preferences, feedback and order history, Desk Nibbles is slowly accumulating analytics that are valuable both to the workplaces and vendors serving them. The firm is already experimenting in ways to turn this data into an opportunity for each player in the equation – including Desk Nibbles.
While there’s still plenty of room to expand in Canada, Aite says there are more immediate opportunities available in the United States at the moment.
“We’re potentially able to scale to any city in the United States without actually having boots on the ground,” Aite says.
Not Uber Eats for snacks
Desk Nibbles isn’t like most other food delivery services currently crowding the market. Other services, such as Uber Eats, deliver full meals to individuals or small groups at costs around $20 per person. Orders through Desk Nibbles, which target enterprise customers, are usually done in bulk at prices around $800 each, Aite says.
Desk Nibbles’ cut is a commission around 10-to-15 per cent of each vendor’s sale. That’s lower, Aite says, than food retailers such as Wal-Mart and Amazon that take up to 30 per cent from distributors. The startup looks to edge out these incumbents with an improved user experience and better margins for its vendors.
Most companies using Desk Nibbles, however, aren’t subscribed to any pre-existing services. Aite says 80 per cent of businesses using Desk Nibbles today are new to the idea of healthy workplace snacking, with the startup’s solution being the only one they’ve ever used.
While the firm plans to tackle cities such as Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia in its marketing push, Aite says the firm’s first American user was from Silicon Valley. The firm’s CEO discovered the Desk Nibbles application through Slack and tossed it to the office manager, who he figured was probably tired of fielding snack requests from everybody in the office.
That pain point, combined with an increased focus on fostering healthy work environments, is the growing appetite that Desk Nibbles is looking to satisfy.
Through the Ottawa system
The Desk Nibbles story is uniquely Ottawa. The Aite brothers attended both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University – “There may be a rivalry but we’re Ottawa boys,” notes uOttawa alum Cassy – and ran Desk Nibbles through both the Startup Garage and Lead To Win programs at the respective schools.
From there, the company bounced around locations, even being put up by Tony Bailetti at the Global Cybersecurity Resource space in Bayview Yards for a time before outgrowing it.
“We were really scrappy,” Aite recalls.
Now, the 14-person startup will join the first cohort of Invest Ottawa’s new accelerator program with plans to grow to 20 in the incubator space by the end of the year.
With three people in a Toronto office, Aite says Desk Nibbles has received offers and pushes to relocate the whole company to southern Ontario.
Given the support Desk Nibbles has received so far in Ottawa, that kind of move isn’t on the menu.
“We’re really excited to be building a company like this, that’s growing this fast, in Ottawa,” Aite says.


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Dream Home sales up opening weekend
Kevin Hampson/Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune Roger Brace and daughter Everleigh explore the 2018 Dream Home during its opening weekend on Saturday December 30, 2017 in the Taylor Estates, Grande Prairie, Alta.
Many people came to look at the new Rotary Dream Home over the weekend, despite temperatures below -30.
The home opened to public viewing on Friday with a very positive response, said Raffle manager Kevin Hilgers.
“We had a strong turn out, and we are surprised to say sales are up substantially,” he said via email. “Of course that can change so we just keep our fingers crossed.”
Hilgers said the home, located in Taylor Estates near previous Dream Homes, is proving to be popular, and a lot of people have said they find it “cozy.”
On Saturday, Roger Brace walked through the home carrying his infant daughter, Everleigh, whilst gazing at the timber frame design.
“Love the rustic look,” he said. “Rustic look is amazing.”
Asked if he thought the 4,140 square foot mansion would be too big for his small family of three, Brace didn’t hesitate to answer in the negative.
“No! we could fill her up.”
The design incorporates “both a rural and urban aesthetic with a nod to the industrial rustic style,” according to the Dream Home website.
Stonebuilt Homes built the Dream Home for the third consecutive year.
On sale this year is a “25th Anniversary Party Pack” of tickets, which includes eight Dream Home tickets, five Cash Jackpot 50-50 and three Cash Cow Calendar tickets.
Extended holiday hours has the Dream Home open every day until Jan. 7. It’s open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Dream Home tickets are $100, 3 for $250, or 5 for $400 or 8 for $600. • Online at: www.winadreamhome.ca. • 780 513 triple eight seven, toll free outside of Greater Grande Prairie 1 855 230 8887. • The Dream Home. All details, home build pictures, map to home, ticket outlets, etc. at www.winadreamhome.ca


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Financial institution around globe holds over $9.38 billion in crypto asset: Study
State Street Digital Head says “No” to entering into cryptocurrency trading
Tron founder proposes its plan to buy assets of Credit Suisse
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson advocates ban on Bitcoin mining
Ripple partners with Thallo to develop blockchain tech based marketplace
Elliptic report unveils over $4 billion crypto laundered via DEXs exchange
Polygon co-founder skips Devcon 2022 in Bogota
Ark Invest joins hand with Eaglebrook to offer crypto investment strategies
Animoca Brands partners with Coincheck to promote NFT and metaverse adoption
OpenSea delisting bug affect Azuki NFTs
Meta adds NFTs crossposting feature for its US based users
Astar Network partners with Yoshitaka Amano to launch new NFT Collection
Sweat Economy joins hand with Few and Far to launch its first NFT token
DeFi project Starfish proposes DeFi-NFT merge on Polkadot
Binance all set to offer crypto related services in New Zealand
DeFi will surpass TradFi in the coming ten years: KyberSwap CEO
Decentralised music platform Audius hits 7.5M users after faces $6M Hack
What is a blockchain validator?
What is wrapped Ether (wETH)?
What are Bitcoin Mixers ?
Solana suffers another major outage
What is the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) ?
Learning material on crypto covering everything from the basics of blockchain to predicting the trend of coins. Whether you are a newcomer in crypto investment or a pro investor, there is something for everyone.
Contact us: [email protected]
© 2021 | CryptoShrypto | Altavista Trading Pvt. Ltd.


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National Public Champions of the EBA show global reach of the programme
03 March 2015
RSM and the European Business Awards are delighted to announce the 33 National Public Champions for 2014/15 Awards programme.
Chosen from 709 businesses, the vast majority of the 33 National Public Champions export their products or services to every corner of the globe, but a large contingent of them also have offices and factories outside Europe. For example, MEDOCHEMIE, a pharmaceutical manufacturer from Cyprus has a plant in Vietnam; Ampacet Europe SA, a plastic manufacturer has sites in North and South America, Europe and Asia; and Indra, a Spanish technology multinational consultancy is seen as a leader right across Latin America.


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As most of you know, Google often times comes off a bit odd in their decision-making to have several apps serve one purpose. It has been the case with messenger and video chat apps, and wireless payment apps too. In a move the search giant has made at CES 2018, the Android Pay and Google Wallet payment services have merged, and the result is “Google Pay.”
Since becoming a peer-to-peer payment service, following the arrival of Android Pay a year ago, Google Wallet continues to adapt in a crowded market with the arrival of automatic transfers.
Google Wallet cards are no more! However, the payment service is here to stay! Here’s all we know so far and what to expect for the future of Google Wallet.
Two weeks ago, Google Pay for web received a revamp with a refreshed design. More recently, the mobile app was treated to a major update with loads of new features that improve the end-user experience in many ways.
Google I/O is Google’s annual developer conference, an event where the search giant we know all too well showcases some of its latest and most influential projects. We learn about the last twelve months and we learn about what is to come over the next twelve months. Like in year’s past, we’re expecting nothing less than big software announcements for Google I/O 2018. The three-day festival in Mountain View, California just outside San Francisco will begin Tuesday, May 8 and [Read More]
Earlier this year, Android Pay was re-branded as Google Pay. This was one of many re-brands Google had done earlier in the year, and when first announced, we were told the change would be rolled out over the coming months across all platforms. The Android Pay app had been completely revamped with Google Pay everywhere and a new layout encompassing Chrome payment information, new features, and everything in the Android Pay app. It took some time, but the name change is finally [Read More]
During CES 2018, Google announced that Android Pay would merge with Google Wallet and be phased into Google Pay. The branding change has been occurring in bits and pieces over recent weeks, but has now gone into full effect just about everywhere. This includes the Android Pay application, which has been updated with a complete overhaul including a new user interface and Google Pay as the name.
For a change in times, Google is making big announcements at CES. We’ve already heard about Google Pay, and now Google has announced ‘Smart Displays.’ These are essentially Google Home speakers with the Google Assistant that have a built-in display, and they’ll be made by various hardware partners. Think of them as a collection of Echo Show-like speakers, only powered by the Google Assistant and not Amazon Alexa.


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Lorene Hintz is the newest addition to the Billings Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advising team at Big Sky Economic Development (BSED). Lorene brings 12 years of business consulting experience from her previous position as the Wolf Point SBDC Regional Director at Great Northern Development Corporation.
Lorene joins BSED as a Business Advisor and will manage the Business Expansion and Retention Resource Team, filling SBDC State Director Chad Moore's previous position.
An Accredited Small Business Consultant, Lorene strives to recognize needs, promote opportunities and inspire growth in startup and existing businesses. Prior to working as a business consultant, Lorene owned and managed a women’s retail business for 16 years. Her practical experience contributes to her insight of the importance of financial planning for business success.
Lorene also co-chaired the 2016 Invest in Success conference in Havre, which boasted nearly 200 attendees, a Shark Tank live pitch competition and dozens of classes for Montana entrepreneurs. Lorene is a welcome asset to her new team at BSED, helping them serve even more startup and existing businesses.
"It's exciting to watch the SBDC team grow, evolve and better serve Montana's small businesses,” SBDC State Director Chad Moore said.


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15 night Singapore to Dubai package onboard Seabourn Soujourn. Departs 12 Mar 2011
Surprise Mum this Mother's Day with a special breakfast, lunch or dinner cruise on the picturesque Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises.
Nick Harriman, the new TT-Line General Manager Retail and Hospitality, is currently reviewing all the operations of Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II.
Fresh from her visit to Australia, Queen Mary 2 has welcomed the Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu onboard as the key speaker for a Cunard Insights session.
13 night Rome to Southampton package onboard Seabourn Soujourn. Departs 15 Apr 2011
9 night Singapore to Hong Kong package onboard Costa Romantica. Departs 17 Apr, 1, 15 & 29 May 2010
Pacific Sun made her maiden call to Norfolk Island on March 26, marking the return of P&O Cruises to the Island after almost 80 years.
Cunard Line has been given a quick glimpse at a significantly scaled model of the Queen Elizabeth recently, in the lead up to the delivery of the 92,000 tonne ship.
Avalon Waterways is offering two great new deals for early group bookings on its 2011 European river cruise collection - as well as two per cent extra commission.
The first Costa Cruise ship to make a call to Australia will be in 2012, revealed a spokesman for the cruise line last week.
9 night package with Costa Romantica - Singapore to Hong Kong. Departing 12 Jun 2010
Download in .PDF format
Guests sailing with the SeaDream Yacht Club - on one of the company's two identical vessels, SeaDream I and SeaDream II - are in for a cruising experience unlike any other on the market.
14 night Vancouver to Honolulu package onboard Rhapsody of the Seas. Departing 17 Sep 2010
Download in .PDF format
Voyages to Antiquity is celebrating the launch of its inaugural season with another bonus free flight to Europe from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to join selected Mediterranean cruises depar...
Beat the summer crowds on these exciting Mediterranean Cruises departing November 2010 to April 2011. Cruise on the brand new MSC Magnifica - 8 nights from only $979pp. Cruise fares include meals and...
Princess Cruises yesterday announced its intentions to bring one more ship down under, increasing the Australian fleet to four in the 2011-2012 cruise season.
Carnival Corporation posted on Tuesday a net profit of $175 million for the first quarter ending 28 February this year, representing a 33 percent profit decline compared to the same period a year ago
Fiji's iconic Blue Lagoon Cruises is offering a FJD200* bar credit plus a complimentary bottle of champagne and fruit bowl per cabin on all three, four and seven day Yasawa Island cruise programs boo...


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Unlimited data plans are a thing of the past. AT&T and Verizon still have a few users here and there on grandfathered plans, but they use every trick in the book to get them onto one of their tiered plans. It makes perfect business sense since the gatekeepers are allowed to charge whatever they want for paltry amounts of data. T-Mobile is looking to buck that trend.
Completely going against current industry trends, T-Mobile announced today that they will begin offering unlimited 4G data to their customers. The company says the new plan is perfect for “both data-hungry customers who want to experience all their smartphones are capable of and those wanting the peace of mind of never having to keep track of their data usage.”
“We’re big believers in customer-driven innovation, and our Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan is the answer to customers who are frustrated by the cost, complexity and congested networks of our competitors,” said Kevin McLaughlin, vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA. “Consumers want the freedom of unlimited 4G data. Our bold move to be the only wireless carrier to offer an Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan reinforces our value leadership and capitalizes on the strength of our nationwide 4G network.”
T-Mobile is opening the new unlimited plan to both new and existing customers. New customers need only buy a new phone and they’re set with the new plan. Existing customers will only need to upgrade to the unlimited 4G plan when it becomes available on September 5.
Unlimited data is nice and all, but how much is it going to cost? Surprisingly, not much at all. T-Mobile says that a single line with the value voice and text plan combined with unlimited data will cost $69.99 a month. A classic voice and text plan with unlimited data will go for a bit more at $89.99 a month. It will obviously cost more for Family plans as the unlimited data will cost $20 per line on the value plan and $30 per line on the classic plan.
I can see customers angry over Verizon’s and AT&T’s new data plans moving to T-Mobile, but only if the carrier gets better phones. For one, T-Mobile doesn’t carry the iPhone and their Android line-up is severely lacking. The only great Android phone they carry is the Samsung Galaxy S III whereas other popular Android products are exclusive to Verizon and AT&T.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this announcement shakes up the mobile world. Will customers leave carriers like Verizon and AT&T for free unlimited data or will they put up with their current carriers for better phones? It’s a balancing act that consumers unfortunately have to play as carriers continue to evolve their plans for maximum profit.


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2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Comes With An Updated Design
It will hit the Australia and New Zealand roads next month.
The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has introduced the revamped 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with evident design changes.
Although the design updates aren’t profound on the front, the crossover still looks very impressive with the blacked-out grille and the new front bumper guard. The rear gets a better appearance and enhanced visibility owing to the reformed rear window, tailgate, and taillights.
The interior gets minor updates; the Eclipse Cross offers new black and silver trims, the changed layout of the new 8-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system, and the physical volume and tuning knobs.
The power comes from the old 1.5-liter MIVEC direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder mill. However, a new plug-in hybrid model is in the works and will be available in select markets. The company did not provide any details of the electrified model.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will hit the Australia and New Zealand roads next month. However, deliveries for the US markets will start early next year. We did not hear anything about its launch in the UAE yet.
“From the day we started to rethink the new Eclipse Cross, we wanted to address an attitude of boosted road performance and eco-friendliness, all with a stand-out style that will take this SUV to the next level,” stated Minoru Uehara, chief product specialist of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Source and Images: Motor1


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It is difficult to read the phrase “avocados from Mexico” without singing the catchy tune from a popular Super Bowl commercial. These commercials ring true today for American guacamole lovers because the triple-digit heat and wildfires in California are hurting their avocado crop.
Temperatures above 115 degrees have led to major crop losses as many fruits prematurely fell off trees. The current turmoil, in combination with the heat, droughts, and fires of recent years, has damaged as much as 30 percent of the avocado crop on the trees and led to a 10 percent reduction in the total crop.
That is a lot of guacamole.
Experts expected 350 million pounds of avocados from California this year, but now Americans will see 320 million or less. The negative effects will stretch into future avocado seasons because some trees may be too damaged to blossom.
In the current avocado craze, with the fruit added to everything from burgers to smoothies, this may seem like a disaster. As the avocado fad has grown, so has the domestic demand. Each person now eats more than 70 avocados a year.
Some quick math shows that the supply of avocados from California is not nearly enough to meet our avocado toast demands, even before the fires and extreme heat.
But America’s many free trade partners are here to save us. In fact, importing avocados is how Americans usually sate their obsession.
Last year, U.S. avocado imports were valued at $2.6 billion. Mexico provided nearly 90 percent of America’s avocados, the equivalent of 1.7 billion pounds. The rest came from Peru, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Jamaica.
Now that our domestic supply of avocados has decreased, it is important to have fruitful relations with these countries. Good thing we also have free trade agreements with five of the six avocado-exporting countries, which allows goods such as avocados to flow more easily.
The trade agreements also allow local grocery stores to keep avocados on their shelves and help prevent price spikes because of shortages.
So, the next time you make guacamole or take a bite of your morning avocado toast, look at the sticker on the avocado. Then thank God for “avocados from Mexico.”
This piece originally appeared in The Daily Signal


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The Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2020 has been officially cancelled.
Event organisers were officially informed of the changes today by email.
Multiple companies including Amazon, LG, Samsung, Sony and AppsFlyer had recently announced that they were not attending the event over coronavirus fears.
In the email, regional sales manager of MWC, Brandi Majewski, wrote:
“I wanted to share the following news that regrettably MWC2020 has been cancelled. […] I am sure that you will all have many questions and I will endeavour to come back to you as soon as I can with more information.
For now I am truly sorry that I will not be seeing you on site in a few weeks’ time and I’ll work to speak with you all in the coming days.”


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Researchers Develop Groundbreaking Technologies to Solve Our Most Prevalent Problems
Emerging Tech Roundup — July 23
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: The Looking Glass Factory rolls out updated holographic interfaces, Snap invests more in AR shopping, USA Today promotes the Summer Olympics with AR, a VR game is developed to help deter teens from vaping, Microsoft pairs with Dutch engineers to create a beach-cleaning robot, Indian researchers develop a material that could fix cracked phone screens in seconds, and DeepMind works with the EMBL to advance scientific findings with newly identified protein structures.
The Looking Glass Factory Returns With Two New Holographic Systems
(Tech Times, July 15)
The Looking Glass Factory, the only company to offer holographic interfaces for 3D viewing by multiple users, is rolling out two new interfaces in 4k and 8k. The new technology has an updated and improved viewing experience for users, including updated plugins compatible with Unity, Unreal, and Blender. It is also integrated with the HoloPay Studio app for users to view, edit, and sync holographic media onto the interface.
Snap Buys Another Company to Make AR Shopping a Reality
(The Verge, July 19)
Snap has purchased Vertebrae, which will allow users within the Snapchat app to upload visuals and have it be built into a 3D model for shopping. As Snap experiments with the AR shopping experience within the app, they find that shoppers are more likely to buy an item if they can easily try it on virtually. They are getting a head start on the fast-growing popularity of AR shopping and working toward allowing users to scan items, try them on, and purchase them all within the Snapchat app.
USA Today Showcases New Summer Olympics Sports with Augmented Reality
(Mobile AR, July 19)
In light of the two new sports in the 2021 Summer Olympics, skateboarding and sports climbing, USA Today published two AR experience promotions. The experiences introduce skateboarder Tom Schaar and climber Kyra Condie, their stats, and a clip of them speaking on their specialized sports. The AR clips also demonstrate Condie’s climbing technique and some of Schaar’s skateboarding tricks.
Virtual Reality Game Is an Effective Tool for Vaping Prevention Among Teens
(Yale, July 20)
Invite Only VR: A Vaping Prevention Game helps informs teens of the short-term and long-term effects of vaping as well as how to avoid the practice. 285 middle school students participated in a simulation of a high school in which they are peer pressured to try e-cigarettes. Students interact using their own voices to help better prepare them for refusing the practice in real life. Throughout the simulation, students learn the negative effects of vaping and ways to keep a “cool” reputation when refusing to use e-cigarettes.
Microsoft’s Autonomous Beach-Cleaning Robot is Here to Clean Our Shores
(CNET, July 21)
Dutch engineers Martin Lukaart and Edwin Bos have built the BeachBot to clean up waste on the beaches using two cameras and robotic arms. The robot’s knowledge capabilities will need the help of humans, at first, to learn what is considered waste. Once it learns what it is expected to pick up and put in its built-in trash can, its capabilities will grow in speed and efficiency. In the future, the engineers hope to build smaller BeachBots to help the main machine in its mission to eliminate litter.
Self-Healing Material Could Automatically Repair Broken Phone Screens in Seconds
(ZME Science, July 21)
Indian scientists have developed a type of solid material that when broken, uses its polar arrangement to bring the pieces back together. The material does not require heat or electricity to mend itself. If engineers are able to incorporate the material into or onto the glass screens of devices without altering their functionality and responsiveness, the fear of breaking one’s phone screen could be a thing of the past.
DeepMind Open-Sources Protein Structure Dataset Generated By AlphaFold 2
(VentureBeat, July 22)
DeepMind worked with the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL) to launch a database of human structures for proteins, which can be used to advance the findings generated from “protein folding.” The database contains over 350,000 protein structure predictions and is expected to allow for more scientific breakthroughs. Researchers will be able to further study previously neglected diseases, including some containing makeups of E. Coli, malaria parasites, tuberculosis bacteria, and more.


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As Japan is set to start lifting the COVID-19 restrictions on inbound tourist entry from September, and refrain from reimposing national restrictions, the on-premise demand for hot drinks is expected to rebound in the country. Consequently, the country's hot drinks market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from JPY2,290.2 billion ($20.9 billion) in 2021 to JPY2,880.7 billion ($29.7 billion) in 2026, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData's latest report, "Japan Hot drinks - Market Assessment and Forecasts to 2026," reveals that the country's hot drinks market will be primarily driven by the hot tea category with a projected value CAGR of 6.4% over 2021-2026. The growth is expected to be supported by the strong demand for immunity-boosting drinks, such as black tea and herbal tea, amid the ongoing pandemic. The hot coffee and other hot drinks categories will expand by 4% CAGR and 4.3% CAGR through 2026, respectively.
Anush Shaw, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "Since easing the national COVID-19 curbs in March 2022, Japan has not reimposed restrictions despite the Omicron waves. As a result, the pent-up demand for out-of-home dining experiences was unleashed, with consumers flocking to restaurants and cafés after a two-year hiatus. Encouraged by the high vaccination coverage, authorities are now reopening the borders to foreign tourists. This will accelerate the shift in hot drinks consumption from 'home premise' settings to 'on-premise' venues."
Owing to the consumer demand for authentic experiences, and the COVID-19-induced supply-chain disruptions in 2021, the per capita expenditure (PCE) on hot drinks rose from $47.9 in 2016 to $82.4 in 2021. Japan's PCE surpassed the global average at $17, and the regional average at $11.1 in 2021.
With the Russia-Ukraine war leading to an increase in the inflation levels further since Q1 2022 and a recovery in the economy enabling consumers to trade up to premium-quality products, Japan's PCE on hot drinks is expected to rise to $119.7 in 2026.
According to the report, hypermarkets & supermarkets was the leading distribution channel in the Japanese hot drinks sector in 2021, as consumers preferred to do all their shopping at a single window. Consumers also shopped for daily essentials at convenience stores near their homes to avoid long trips and crowds. In the terms of sales, Nestlé, Ajinomoto Co Inc, and UCC Ueshima Coffee were the top three companies, and Nescafé and Nestlé the leading brands in the Japanese hot drinks sector in 2021.
Shaw concludes: "As consumers cocooned at home during the pandemic, they explored new flavors and brewing styles. Manufacturers are developing innovative products to exploit this trend, and premiumize the sector. Moreover, multinational hot coffee makers, such as Nestlé, are striving to develop a café culture among young adults in Japan."


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Social networks may be having trouble monetizing, but its not because their users are scared of advertising, according to a new Razorfish study released today.
"FEED: The Razorfish Consumer Experience Report" found that social network surfers are buying products based on advertising and recommendations found on social networks.
76 percent of the 1,006 people surveyed said they didn't mind seeing ads when they logged-in to Facebook, MySpace or the other social media sites they frequent. 49 percent of respondents said that they have made a purchase based on a recommendation found on a social networking site, while 40 percent have made a purchase based on advertising found on social networking sites.
The report warns against depending solely on advertising to turn a profit and urges advertisers and publishers to think about "social experiences" that could include fan pages, games, widgets, or videos. Social networks will challenge advertisers to give them useful products, says the report, even if they "have no immediate monetization models."
Razorfish is aware that the road to profitibality will be bumpy, but thinks that blurring the lines between advertising and content will help facilitate it. "Content, in our view, will become advertising," the agency says.


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Prentice Penny wants to mimic life – to imitate life – to join the holiday shopping season in an effort to inspire people to buy from black-owned businesses.
Isa Rake is the co-host and executive producer of the HBO comedy “Insecure” starring and starring in a series of guests aimed at turning Facebook’s “#BuyBlackFriday” closing ceremony into a call. Customers to support black-owned businesses throughout the holiday season.
Penny noted that at the end of “Unsafe” Season 4, Roy’s character started his own small business as a “cultural curator” supporting local entrepreneurs, and the next season will further enhance his search for new ventures.
“He’s promoting the business, like an event planner, it’s nothing different,” Penny said. Different. “It felt like a natural connection to me, especially given what is going on with Kaviid right now,” he said of Facebook’s “#BuyBlackFriday” event.
Penny said he was involved in the small business struggle: When he was growing up, his family owned a furniture store in Compton, Calpe. “I can’t imagine what it would be like if we could deal with COIDID,” Dr. “On behalf of my father’s family, they are all business owners.”
He added that HBO (and HBO Max) provides a great platform to talk about the “unsafe” Krishna community “unspoken” and “biologically”. “On insecurity, we do a lot to highlight black businesses – and especially black businesses in L.A.”
The finale of “#BuyBlackFriday” will air on Friday, November 2 at 11am at the PT of Facebook’s Lift Black Voices Hub, as well as on the Facebook app and Facebook page. In addition to Penny, the two-hour special features other black celebrities, musicians, artists and Gabriel Union, Cauhi Leonard, Marcia Martin, Prentice Penny, Lavente David, Sloane Stephens, Tiffany R. Warren, Alexis Feature (@ Yongbibiq) and Guests include DJ D-Nice and Miguel.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Facebook has launched “#BuyBlackFriday” in response to the plight of black-owned businesses in the United States, which has more than doubled over other businesses due to Covid-19. Facebook says, “Through #BuyBlackFriday, we hope to build a new way so that people can have small support and not open the storefront of many small businesses,” Facebook says.
For her, Penny will talk about “how true black stories are told” on the Facebook show: “Jesus speaks of the love of his community. People on the show relate to it – you have to make sure it feels authentic.”
Rao is playing a role in promoting local shopping: he partnered with American Express to promote Saturday, November 26th.
Currently, the “insecure” team is in the writer’s room in Season 5, with the goal of completing the script through Christmas. Next season “hopefully” will start shooting in the new year, Penny said.
Penny’s 5th season will have no Kavid-related themes, with Penny saying it is set to release in the fall of 2021. “Will people think they’re going to be on top of Kavid in the next year?” He added that “insecure” has consistently tried to avoid time-stamping with specific references to real-world events.
Meanwhile, Penny is starting work on a few more projects. This includes Netflix’s untitled Christmas movie to be shot in 2021. He made his film debut with “Uncorked,” a “father-son” drama that premiered on Netflix earlier this year.
Fox Searchlight has a late-night show with Sam Joy, author of “Saturday Night Live” for HBO and a film based on the development of Compton Cowage.
The “#BuyBlackFriday” show was created by Facebook’s in-house Creative XT. According to Facebook, more than 120 million people have watched the show since its debut on October 30, “#BuyBlack Friday”.
The show concludes with the theme of All Black Allerwin, about innovators paving their own path and influencing their industries. The department will feature a variety of cultural conversations and promote shopping from black-owned small businesses, including Black & Bold, MI Cocaine, Cocoa and Bridgy Ivy, Aind, Earth Tech Surf and Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse.


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Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Targets 25% Business from Health Insurance in FY18
Updated On Oct 27, 2020
Kotak Mahindra General Insurance, despite being the newbie in the field of non-life insurance has already marked its strong presence with health and motor health insurance products. In the financial year 2018, the company aimed to increase its business from health insurance while entering the commercial lines of business.
During his first media interaction, Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kotak General Insurance said that the company looks forward to entering into the commercial business including home, fire, and burglary. Talking about company’s business strategies for FY18, he stated that the company, within 12 months of launch has tied up with Equitas Small Finance Bank and Suryoday Finance Bank other than Kotak Mahindra Bank, its distribution channel. Furthermore, the company is looking at health & wellness and is filing products that include wellness as a proposition.
Kotak Mahindra General Insurance is a 100% subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. The company offers a vast array of customer segment & geographies, providing a broad range of non-life insurance products such as health, motor, etc.


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Glossy Bingo Launches HTML5 Mobile Site
Broadway Gaming’s online bingo site Glossy Bingo has announced the launch of its new mobile bingo site. The company has joined up with the HTML5 offerings from Microgaming in order to bring their players great bingo games on the go.The new site isn’t limited to bingo, there is a fantastic selection of mobile slots and casino games to choose from as well.
The head of promotions at Broadway Gaming, Ian O’Farrell, said “Following a hugely successful launch of mobile bingo on our Butlers Bingo brand, Glossy Bingo has followed suit and is now live with mobile, enabling players to play their favorite bingo and side games on the move.”
O’Farrell went on to say that to celebrate the site will be launching a number of exciting promotions including a 400% first deposit bonus and a “very special Christmas promotion.”
David Reynolds, Microgaming’s head of bingo, said that “Bingo and mobile have a natural fit and Microgaming’s HTML5 bingo product has been designed to best serve those operators hoping to capitalize on the expanding mobile gaming market. Broadway Gaming has established itself as a leading operator of bingo sites and Glossy Bingo will benefit greatly from taking our mobile bingo product.”


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In attempt to turn around sluggish sales and appeal to millennials, Ford announced Thursday that it is launching four new sport-utility vehicle lines.
According to Autodata, Ford saw a 12.2 percent decline in sedan sales in January 2016 compared to January 2015. Helping to keep Ford afloat, their sales of SUVs and trucks increased by 1.6 percent.
Ford said that it is expecting SUV sales to increase, as Ford believes that millenials will continue to prefer SUVs over traditional sedans. According to Ford, the combination of lower gas prices and better gas mileage has led to an increase in SUV sales.
The average price of gas in the United States was $1.69 according to Gas Buddy.
“Some SUVs now rival the fuel efficiency of V6-powered midsize sedans from only a few years ago,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Motor Company vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “And as baby boomers grew up with much less capable, much less efficient vehicles, they tend to appreciate the efficiency of Ford’s newest SUVs.”
Ford said that the new SUVs will be different from Ford’s current offerings, and the company will release these new units over the new few years.


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VRC Modding Team has released the second car in their ARC (IMSA GTO) race series with this Auriel 90, the new car is, of course, styled after the iconic Audi 90 IMSA GTO race car that had such an impact during its reign on tracks around the world.
This is what they wrote of their latest mod creation:
“VRC is really proud to announce the release of the American Racing Championship, Auriel 90GTO! This mod includes a BOP version of the car. BoP is a term that means Balance of Performance. This version of the Auriel 90GTO is balanced to race against VRC’s Chevrette 28.
“The original [Audi 90] runs a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, by the rules of regulations back in the day, the car was running 5 gears only. The 6th gear was blocked therefore to comply with the regulations. We would like to inform, that we will support 5 gears as well, to replicate the time the car was running at its best.”


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Apple is now the first $800 billion company, Buffett the smartest guy in the room... again
The highly-anticipated iPhone 8, edge-to-edge OLED screen and all, is apparently going to throw Apple fans in an upgrade "super cycle," or so think the analysts, whose predictions made investors take notice, and push Apple's stock past the $800 billion market cap mark yesterday after the quarterly results were announced. To put things into perspective, that's the first time in the history of the US stock market that a company has reached this exorbitant market capitalization.
While the shares were briefly down, as investors heard that Apple sold slightly less iPhones than the same quarter last year, the stock quickly rebounded when they figured out that the actual profit was higher, as Apple has a more expensive product mix now. All in all, in afternoon trading AAPL pushed past $153 a share, and was up more than 3 percent for the day, which, for the company the size of Apple, is a pretty impressive feat.
All that is left now is to see if the iPhone 8 will meet all the hefty expectations that are piled up on it by investors and fans alike, and make Apple the first trillion dollar company in history. On a side note, Warren Buffett looks like the smartest guy in the room again, after years of refusing to invest in the "fickle" consumer electronics industry. His $1 billion investment in Apple is up more than 50% in less than a year. No wonder the guy is known as the Oracle from Omaha. He returned the favor by praising the iPhone after Apple's quarterly results were out, saying that "you can't move people by price in the smartphone market" like in home appliances, and that the iPhone is "a very, very, very valuable product to people that build their lives around it."
Things that are NOT allowed:


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Apple showcased its high-end iPhone X flagship alongside the incrementally updated iPhone 8 and 8 Plus devices at last week’s special event. And while the latter of those models have already begun shipping to customers ahead of their in-store debut tomorrow morning, Cupertino explicitly announced that iPhone X will be made available for pre-order on October 27th, with the first orders shipping on or around November 3rd.
Interestingly, while the timeline Apple offered us is consistent with what we’d been hearing from the rumor mill for months prior to the tech-giant’s September 12th event, if a new report is accurate, iPhone X hopefuls might actually be waiting much longer than expected to get their hands on the OLED-equipped flagship.
These sentiments are coming straight from a report published Wednesday afternoon by Barron’s, which largely cites chip analyst Christopher Caso of Raymond James financial analysts. In the report, Caso outlines why he believes iPhone X production hasn’t even started yet, citing his communications with multiple sources closely-connected to Apple’s Far East supply chain.
“Initial feedback from our meetings suggests that final production of iPhone X has not yet begun, with production expected to commence in mid-October,” Caso writes, while adding “That production start is about a month later when compared to expectations a month ago, and about 2 months later than expectations at the end of June.”
What Caso is implying, in other words, is that it may not be until towards the end of the year that iPhone X production starts kicking into full-gear. And as a result, depending on demand for the AR-enhanced flagship, it may not be until well into 2018 that some customers are able to get their hands on one.
Of course, while the iPhone X is still slated to go up for pre-order on October 27th, if this report is even the slightest bit true, we can expect iPhone X shipping times to shift weeks or months into the future very quickly after it goes live.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]


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SAN FRANCISCO — Google (GOOG) introduced its new flagship Nexus 5 smartphone Thursday, along with a new version of the Android software that’s aimed both at high-end consumers and a vast audience of potential Android users in developing countries.
The new phone, designed to show off the latest version of Android known as KitKat, is sleek, light and boasts a souped-up camera and other new features. But KitKat itself has been engineered to require less memory, so it will work just as well on lower-cost smartphones sold in countries like Brazil, India and Russia, according to Google executive Sundar Pichai.
Most Android phones sold in those countries now are so limited in memory that they have to run a much older version of the software known as Gingerbread, which was first introduced in 2010 and won’t support a host of newer applications and services that Western consumers use routinely, he said.
While more than 1 billion Android gadgets have been activated around the world, KitKat is part of Google’s strategy to reach “the next billion,” said Pichai, who is Google’s senior vice president for Android and Chrome software. Google lets other phone-makers use Android without charge, because Google makes money by showing ads to consumers who use Google’s online services.
The new Nexus 5 phone, manufactured by LG in partnership with Google, goes on sale Thursday in the Google Play online store and will be available in retail outlets in coming weeks, Pichai said. It’s priced at $349 for a version with 16 gigabytes of memory and $399 for a 32-gigabyte version; both are unlocked, which means they come without a contract from a cellphone service provider.
Google has released a series of Nexus phones over the past five years as a way to show off its software and encourage other companies that use Android to incorporate the latest features. Manufacturers can decide independently when they want to offer the latest Android version, and cellphone service providers set their own schedule for updating older devices their customers are already using.
That’s led to what some analysts say is a major weakness in the Android ecosystem: It’s harder for developers to create new Android apps, since the market is “fragmented” among different versions of Android on different gadgets, said Avi Greengart, research director at Current Analysis. By contrast, the majority of Apple (AAPL) iPhone users are all using the latest version of Apple’s mobile software.
Google’s efforts to make KitKat work on lower-end phones in emerging markets could help counter that fragmentation, Greengart said.
The new Nexus 5 phone has a 5-inch screen designed to show photos and other images across the full screen, rather than cutting them off to make room for a toolbar and other icons. Its camera has a gyroscope designed to smooth out vibration and new software that adjusts for poor lighting conditions or moving subjects.
Other new features in the KitKat software include closer integration with Google’s search function, with more sophisticated voice-recognition and location-based services — such as the ability to use the phone’s calling app to search for businesses that are geographically close to wherever the phone user happens to be.
Pichai also demonstrated a pilot program that’s expanding the Google search function to include mobile apps as well as the wider Web. The program will allow a smartphone user, for example, to search for a restaurant and get results that include websites and a page within the OpenTable reservation app, with information about the restaurant.
Contact Brandon Bailey at 408-920-5022; follow him at Twitter.com/BrandonBailey.


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Monday, August 17, 2020
BROKE-ASS GOLDEN GHETTO COMPANY BUST SPARKS PIZZA HUT SHUT DOWN!!!
Another pizza FAIL reported today has a local connection and reminds us that the coronavirus economic depression is real despite recovery hype from politicos and print media . . .
KCTV5: 300 Pizza Huts are closing after a giant franchisee based in Leawood goes bankrupt
"NPC International, which filed for Chapter 11 in July, announced an agreement Monday with Pizza Hut's owner Yum! Brands to close roughly a quarter of its restaurants and sell the remaining locations. Specific restaurants and timing have not yet been determined, but NPC said a "substantial majority" of affected locations have dining rooms."
The Sun: Celebs eat pizza in nothing but LINGERIE in sexy new Instagram trend
Developing . . .


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India reported double digit economic growth at 13.5 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal. At this rate, India is likely to be the fastest growing economy in the current fiscal, said SBI in a research paper adding that even as estimates of India’s GDP growth rate for FY23 range from 6.7% to 7.7%, it is immaterial as in a world that is plagued by uncertainties, 6% -6.5% growth is the new normal. Seeing the path taken by India since 2014, India is likely to get the tag of 3rd largest economy in 2029, 7 ranks higher since 2014 when the country was ranked 10th. “India should surpass Germany in 2027 and most likely Japan by 2029 at the current rate of growth, a remarkable achievement by any standards.” the research paper said.
India to benefit as China slows down
According to analysts, India has undergone a large structural shift since 2014 and is now the 5th largest economy. Recently it was reported that India crossed the UK to become the world’s 5th largest economy. However, SBI Research analysts believe that India had surpassed the UK as early as December 2021 itself and not recently as is being claimed. Note that the share of India’s GDP is now at 3.5%, as against 2.6% in 2014, and it is likely to cross 4% in 2027, the current share of Germany in global GDP, the research paper said, In coming days India is expected to be the beneficiary as China slows down in terms of new investment intentions, it added.
More global conglomerates may turn to India
Global tech giant Apple recently decided to shift part production of its flagship iPhone 14 model for worldwide shipping from India, with a negligible time lag of a few weeks after its slated launch on September 7. According to SBI’s Research, this move by Apple, the most recognisable face of tech infused innovation across the globe in the last two centuries, captures aspirations of an upwardly mobile population. “it should open the floodgates for other major conglomerates to follow suit,” the paper stated. Additionally, a broad-based growth of empowerment will also lift India’s per capita income from current levels.
Analysts said that just how at the beginning of 21st century, China embarked on an accelerated growth path occupying the second largest economy tag, with the right policy perspective and realignment in global geopolitics, India might see a similar trajectory in the near future. “Our current estimates might even undergo an upward revision,” they added.