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MINNEAPOLIS — Can it be that the July 4th holiday is a distant memory already?
In the zeitgeist of the retail world, at least, families across America now are shifting their attention to backpacks, dorm decor and new outfits for fall.
Back-to-school shopping ranks as the retail industry’s second biggest sales season after the November-December holidays. This year, consumers are expected to spend an average of $519 per child, according to research released this week from Deloitte. Sales of electronics are expected to jump almost 30%.
Target Corp. on Saturday rolled out a new owned-brand line of clothing, electronics and school supplies aimed at 9- to 13-year-old girls and strategically timed the launch during the back-to-school season.
The assortment, marketed under the name More than Magic, is the first multiproduct category line that Target both owns and designed from the ground up.
With 500 items under $30, it includes apparel, jewelry, journals and accessories such as small bags and hair brushes with positive messages such as “Dream big” or “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.” It also includes paraben-free makeup and volume-limiting headphones.
Back-to-school is a key season for retailers to go after the emerging Gen Z demographic, which some estimates say influences about $600 billion of family spending.
Amazon.com’s Prime Day sales event has become an unofficial kickoff to the back-to-school shopping season. This year it runs Monday and Tuesday for members of the retailer’s $119-a-year subscription service.
Retailers of all stripes, including Minneapolis-based Target, have jumped in, announcing their own online sales and promotions.
Shoppers say they will visit an average of 11 online retailers during the Prime event, according to a survey of 1,000 parents by the web coupon company RetailMeNot.
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Total back-to-school sales are estimated to reach $27.8 billion, according to Deloitte. Mass merchandisers, such as Target and Walmart, are expected to be a top destination. Nearly 90% of parents of K-12 students said they planned to visit a mass merchandiser because of its one-stop shopping, the Deloitte report said.
Walmart will host wellness events to help families get their children immunized, and is throwing a party for educators with cake, beverages and a gift bag of school supplies and coupons.
Richfield-based Best Buy Co. Inc. also ramps up with special deals for back-to-school on such things as laptops, printers and dorm-room essentials such as small refrigerators and televisions.
This year it is mailing its first back-to-school catalog.
Target’s move to grab back-to-school shoppers with its new line for girls comes at a time when many mall-based specialty stores that have served “tweens” — those between the ages of child and teenager — are shuttering or recalibrating.
“This is an opportunity for Target to bring new relevance and a new pair of eyes to a demographic you could say now from all the retail attrition is truly underserved and is having to rely on legacy players with outdated ideas about what this customer wants,” said Carol Spieckerman, a retail and brand marketing expert.
Charming Charlie is the most recent player to fall on hard times, declaring bankruptcy on Thursday with plans to close all 261 stores, including at least three in Minnesota. Claire’s boutique, hit by declines in mall traffic, filed for bankruptcy in March 2018 and closed more than 90 stores before getting an infusion of private equity before last year’s holiday season.
Abercrombie & Fitch is struggling to create a new identity, leaving those younger shoppers to turn to discounters such as Five Below and T.J. Maxx for inexpensive gifts, jewelry, makeup and tchotchkes.
Families with “tweens” represent about 10% of Target customers, and they spend more than the average shopper, said Jill Sando, the retailer’s senior vice president and merchandise manager.
But until now Target has lacked a focused offering for this demographic, she said.


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SoftBank, a Japanese-based mobile operator, has partnered with the global gaming blockchain Oasys to explore the possibilities of incorporating Web3 into society. Oasys, for its part, is a gaming-optimized blockchain that was explicitly created with gamers and developers in mind, focusing its efforts on the next phase of blockchain gaming.
Both of the entities, SoftBank as well as Oasys, have taken the decision to take part in the Oasys blockchain. This happened because SoftBank acknowledged the robust structure of Oasys, which assists users and intellectual property (IP) holders with its technological abilities.
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of SoftBank Keiichi Makizono says the company is very pleased with how the Oasys blockchain addresses the needs of consumers and IP content owners. They are also excited to work together to improve Web3’s social execution and deal with critical social issues.
According to Daiki Moriyama, director of Oasys, Softbank’s participation as a validator will contribute significantly to the overall improvement of the Oasys chain’s ecology and equilibrium. It will also be beneficial in terms of boosting business associations. The fact that both organizations have the same goal in mind—to improve the blockchain gaming sector as a whole—makes the partnership that much more charming and intriguing.
SoftBank offers telecommunications-related services. In order to make it more effective and beneficial, it is combining it with new-age technology for the overall development and operational purposes of new businesses based in Japan, as well as all around the world.
On the other hand, Oasys has its eye on building an ecosystem for the sake of gamers as well as developers to be able to allocate and create blockchain-based games. The entity is also actively involved in addressing issues faced by the developers of games when going about the task of creating games on the blockchain.

domain: news


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Ever since Maruti Suzuki decided to stop selling diesel cars in India, there have been rumours that it could make a comeback. This is because most of Maruti's rivals like Hyundai and Tata have still not given up on diesel powerplants, even though they have a very lean portfolio of diesel-powered cars. The rumours of Maruti Suzuki diesel cars making a comeback gain strength from some media reports suggesting that cars like Ertiga, S-Cross, and Vitara Brezza could get the option of diesel engine next year. But is Maruti Suzuki really looking at making a U-turn and re-enter the diesel market in India? Officially, the carmaker has made no such announcements. In fact, while speaking to Times Drive, Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, clearly said that the company will reconsider diesel vehicles only if there is a substantial market, which isn't the case as of now. This is why the carmaker is focusing on petrol hybrid and CNG powertrain for its future vehicles.
The share of diesel cars in India has shrunk dramatically over the last few years and lingers around only 17 to 18 per cent. Out of this, the share of diesel cars in the hatchback segment was less than 0.2 per cent last year while that in the case of sedans was around 6 per cent. Even in the case of sub-compact SUVs, the market is more tilted towards petrol vehicles. So, the segments that make up most of Maruti Suzuki's portfolio don't have a substantial demand for diesel vehicles.
The only segment where diesel cars have a notable share is the compact and full-size SUV segment where diesel accounted for 24 per cent of the sales last year. Now, this is one category where Maruti Suzuki doesn't have a commanding presence; the only compact SUV in its lineup -- S-Cross -- isn't racking up as many sales as the company had hoped for. To address this, Maruti Suzuki is evaluating a new offering to rival the likes of Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and more. But is a diesel SUV the way forward? Not necessarily, especially when the price difference between petrol and diesel is narrowing and the economic benefit of buying a diesel vehicle is not significantly rewarding.
So, if the company can come up with an SUV that offers exciting performance and is loaded with features then we reckon it has strong chances of giving its rivals a run for their money even with petrol powertrains. To cut a long story short, the chances of Maruti Suzuki diesel cars making a comeback are very few because of low demand. Instead, we can expect some hybrid and increased number of CNG models.


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Holy moly, talk about being charged up! HP claims its new EliteBook 6930p can deliver up to 24 hours of battery runtime, or 5 hours longer than Dell's Latitude E6400, provided it comes equipped with an optional ultra-capacity battery.
“All-day computing has been the holy grail of notebook computing,” said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, HP. “With the HP EliteBook 6930p, customers no longer have to worry about their notebook battery running out before their work day is over.”
While we can't rule out a dose of voodoo magic as a contributing factor, much of the credit goes to the Intel 80GB SSD drive and 14.1-inch mercury-free Illumi-Lite LED display, both of which HP says are required add-ons to make the feat possible. And that's not with a wimpy processor either - the least powerful CPU in the 6930p's lineup is an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400. Toss a spill resistant keyboard and an inner magnesium shell into the mix and HP has one tough mother on its hands.
Another Maximum PC exclusive! We got first hands-on with HP's new Elitebook 2730p notebook, which features a swiveling 12.1-inch screen (1280x800 native resolution) that turns it into a tablet PC. Additional features on this rugged business notebook: 2MP webcam, 95% full-size QWERTY keyboard with HP dura key coating (spill and smudge-resistant, expresscard slot, and HP's business card OCR reader software. In addition to a newly improved slot for the tablet pen (it won't accidentally fall out anymore), the notebook also brings back the highly requested jog dial.
Not to be outshone by Lenovo’s recently announced W700 uber laptop, HP has launched a new Elitebook business notebook line, anchored by another 17” stunner, the 8730w mobile workstation. This seven and a half pound powerhouse, like the W700, is packed with the new Intel Quad-core mobile CPU and next-gen Nvidia Quadro FX 3700 GPU (with 1GB of video memory). And even though it doesn’t have a built-in Wacom tablet or color calibrator, it differentiates itself from the Lenovo with an incredible DreamColor display. The Elitebook line also sports several new innovations that cater to the business crowd. We might not be the target user base, but with so much technology crammed into the device, we couldn’t resist checking it out.
Click through for our hands-on impressions and a high res photo gallery!
What weighs 4 pounds and measures 12.1 inches? The answer has nothing to do with John Holmes and everything to do with Hewlett-Packard's upcoming "ultralight" business notebook line to be built around Intel's Centrino 2 platform.
Cost of entry for the HP-Compaq 2230 series will start at $999 and include an Intel Core 2 Duo T5670 (1.80GHz) processor, 3GB of RAM, a 320GB hard disk, 802.11n wireless, a DVD burner, and Intel's GMA 4500MHD graphics. Users looking for a bit more power have the option of moving up to an Intel T9400 (2.53GHz) processor, bringing the starting price up to $1,649. All models will also come equipped with three USB ports, an HDMI port, and a 4-cell lithium-ion battery.
No release date has been given for the new subnotebook line, but according to Cnet, they should start shipping later this month.
Having already moved on to its 9-M series GPUs, Nvidia presumably has solved whatever problem led to an "abnormal failure rate" in the what the company still contends only affects a limited batch of previous generation GPU and MCP products. Exactly how limited that batch is might never be fully disclosed, but it appears the problem may be more widespread than consumers were led to believe.
Just over a week ago Dell made available a list of its notebooks that could possibly be affected by the GPUs believed to be suffering higher than expected failure rates and is recommending owners update their BIOS to reduce their risk of running into a problem. The updated BIOSes modify the fan profile to help regulate GPU temperature fluctuations, but as Dell notes, the new parameters won't help customers who are already suffering video-related issues.
Dell isn't alone, and now HP has also released a list of models that qualify for 'Warranty Service Enhancement' (curiously absent is the DV97xx series). And like Dell, HP is also recommending its owners update their BIOS as a preventive measure.
So are all G84 and G86 parts bad like The Inq surmised early in July? No one but Nvidia knows for sure, but looking over the list of affected models would seem to indicate the allegation could hold some merit.
Did Nvidia drop the ball harder than they're letting on?
A few weeks ago, Gigaom’s Stacey Higginbotham speculated that cloud computing would not be trusted by large corporations, but now Intel, Yahoo, and HP are looking to change that perspective. These powerhouse companies will have six data centers available for pre-selected researchers to test new applications with the possibility for more data centers to come.
There are many problems and concerns currently with cloud computing but John Manley, director of HP’s strategic research lab, wants to “create an environment that can begin to answer some of these challenges.” Aside from exploring new applications for cloud computing, the companies will allow researchers to look into how such huge scale computing can be reliable, manageable and secure. Manley believes that, "Anytime you get three companies of that stature looking to advance it, is significant. We consider cloud computing to be the next really big thing and the sky's the limit to the services it will enable over the next ten years."
Intel, Yahoo, and HP will each host one data center while the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, the University of Illinois, and the Steinbuch Centre for Computing in Germany will host the other three.
After being acquired by HP two years ago, Voodoo PC will no long operate as a stand-alone entity and will instead sell its products alongside the Compaq Presario and Pavilion PC lines. The integration could be taken as bad news for fans of the boutique OEM who fear the Voodoo branding might now fall off the map, but founder Rahul Sood assures on his blog that the merger is a good thing.
"Ultimately it means that Voodoo and Voodoo-influenced products will be easier to buy, faster to get, they will feature local service, and they will have the full power of HP's marketing and sales channel behind them. The bottom line is we have ignited the brand and sparked big excitement; so we are not integrating our organizations to fuel our growth," Sood wrote.
Despite the convergence, Sood is also telling readers the Voodoo brand name will remain. But what about the quality? Whether or not Voodoo-branded PCs can still retain their spunk remains to be seen, but this isn't the first time enthusiasts feared the worst. After HP acquired Voodoo in 2006, many wondered if the boutique OEM would still be able to perform at a high level, and that question seemed to be answered just weeks ago when Voodoo relaunced its website to showcase its new Envy 133 notebook and Omen desktop PCs.
Do you share Rahul Sood's same excitement over the merger, or is the beginning of the end?
Anyone that has used a smart phone for browsing the internet knows that those little screens are just too small to be really comfortable to use. We also know that we don’t like to tote a notebook PC around on the chance that we need to use the internet for something.
The industry has known we needed something between a notebook PC and a smartphone sized device. It has taken several stabs at it, but nothing has quite stuck until a new breed of device has started to hit the market, called netbooks. These power sipping, devices are made primarily for checking email and surfing the internet at a low cost, some selling for $300. The PC industry is set to sell tens of millions of these devices. Good deal for the PC industry, right?
Maybe not. The NYTimes.com reports that industry analysts say that the emergence of this new class of low-cost, cloud-centric machines could threaten big market companies like Microsoft, Intel, HP, or Dell. “When I talk to PC vendors, the No. 1 question I get is, how do I compete with these netbooks when what we really want to do is sell PCs that cost a lot more money?” said J. P. Gownder, an analyst with Forrester Research.
Why are these tiny PCs a threat? Make the jump to find out!
Stamford-based IT research firm Gartner has revealed the worldwide PC industry’s sales figures for the second quarter. Overall, the global PC industry registered a growth of 16% as a total of 71.9 million units were shipped during the quarter. More and more people are turning to notebooks, as opposed to desktops, as notebook prices continue to plummet. However, the US PC industry couldn’t keep up with the highly promising growth rate seen globally and managed a much subdued rate of 4.2% - total shipments stood at 16.5 million units.
If its Q2 performance is anything to go by, HP is not moving an inch from its position as the top PC maker in the world. HP’s sales grew at a faster rate than even the global average. But Dell is not too keen on staying at No.2 either. It raised its market share to 15.6% and even outshone HP’s year-over-year growth rate. These days one can’t resist mentioning netbooks but they really didn’t leave much of a mark in the US; still early days, though.
Intel's long anticipated Centrino 2 platform (previously codenamed Montevina) makes its official debut this week, and a number of top-tier vendors will begin selling configurations to Centrino 2 specifications. Montevina chips are manufactured using high-k metal gate technology on a 45nm die, and Intel promises faster performance, improved mobility features, and support for high-definition graphics on the Centrino 2 platform.
Centrino 2 chips include Intel's second generation Core 2 Duo processors (Penryn) with speeds expected to range from 2.26GHz to 3.06GHz on a 1066MHz frontside bus. Sipping just 29W, the low power draw should result in both a cooler running chip and longer battery life.
The new platform moves away from the GM965 chipset and now uses Intel's Mobile 45 Express chipset. Other goodies include integrated GMA X4500 graphics, Intel's 5000 series wireless chip with support for WiFi and WiMax, flash memory caching (Intel Turbo Memory), and support for DDR3 memory, the first mobile platform ever to do so.
The release of Centrino 2 might also spark tantalizing price cuts as vendors look to clear out old inventory. Know of any good deals? Post them below!


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Here’s today’s AdExchanger.com news round-up… Want it by email? Sign up here.
Turmoil At The Top
More drama at the top of WPP, as shareholders rally against Chairman Roberto Quarta’s reelection after his handling of CEO Martin Sorrell’s exit last month. The concern was sparked by a report from advisory firm Glass Lewis, which said it had “severe reservations” about the board (and thus Quarta) after it refused to publish results of the Sorrell investigation and failed to have a succession plan in place, The Guardian reports. The firm also told investors to reject WPP’s pay report, which gives Sorrell, who made $19 million last year, “good leaver” status without revealing the nature of the impropriety. “Absent further information regarding Sir Martin’s retirement, we believe shareholders are unable to determine the extent to which he should be treated as a ‘good leaver.’” More.
Big Blue Cleanup
Did Google’s location tracking cost Australians a fortune in data charges? The Australian Competition and Consumer Agency, the country’s watchdog group, is following up on just such a claim by researchers at Oracle. Oracle and Google have been in a long, contentious legal battle over Android’s use of open-source Java software by Oracle. “The more we get into this inquiry the more we realise there are lots of issues (around) competition and privacy,” says agency Chairman Rod Sims. More than 10 million Australians, or almost half the country, own an Android phone, reports the The Daily Telegraph. More. Oracle’s researchers estimate the total data charges in question are as high as $580 million per year, or one gigabyte per device per month.
Bet Your Bottom Dollar
The Supreme Court struck down a 26-year-old federal law prohibiting sports gambling (outside of Nevada) on Monday. The decision will kickstart state legislatures, sports leagues and business like DraftKings and FanDuel, all of which have had sports gambling pieces in place for months awaiting the verdict, reports The Washington Post. It will also undam a surge of advertising budgets. DraftKings and FanDuel were among the biggest online spenders before court cases tied them in knots, and a wave of mobile app-based sports gambling services will join the fray as new brands try to establish themselves in the lucrative market.
But Wait, There’s More!
- Salesforce’s GDPR Journey – release
- Univision Joins Open AP TV Audience-Targeting Alliance – Variety
- Why Traditional TV Is In Trouble – NYT
- Searls: GDPR Will Pop The Ad Tech Bubble – blog
- New FTC Commissioner Takes Tougher Stance On Google, Facebook – ProPublica
- Grapeshot Extends Its Contextual Advertising Tech To Video – release
- CBS Corp. Sues Majority Shareholder To Block Viacom Merger – Axios
- VidMob Raises $6.4M, Bringing Total To Over $20M – release
- Publishers, Ad Tech Firms Scramble To Comply With GDPR – Digiday
- Google’s Privacy Tweaks Spur Tech Giant’s Biggest Email Campaign – Bloomberg


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Monthly Archives: June 2021
Botco.ai is expanding the reach of its immunization health-focused chatbot, Athena, to more of the United States. The startup is..
Fitbit’s newest OS upgrade gives Google Assistant a speaking voice on the Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense smartwatches for..
Discord has launched the Stage Discovery tool for finding social audio live events on the Stage Channels created for that..
Google released an online booklet examining the ways people use voice technology. The Voice Playbook acts as a kind of..
Voice AI developer Lovo has launched a platform for voice actors to produce and market a synthetic version of their..
Conversational AI developer Artificial Solutions has raised a little over $14.5 million by selling off about 14.1 million shares of..
Microsoft Bing will soon have an AI chatbot appear on search results to help users, according to a report from..


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Well, the Street knew that Tweeter Home Entertainment (NYSE:TWTR) was going to report bad numbers for the fiscal first quarter ended December 31 -- but not this bad.
Tweeter this afternoon reported revenue for the quarter of $235 million, down 12% from $267 million a year ago. The Street was looking for $250 million. Comparable store sales fell 10%. Flat-panel TV sales increased 39% in units versus a year earlier, but average selling prices fell 24%. Projection TV revenues fell 45%, similar to the decline in the September quarter. Projection TV units were down 33% versus last year, while pricing was down 18%.
LCD TV unit sales rose 74%; plasma TV sales increased just 3.5% in units.
The company also said that to reduce costs, it has restructured its corporate and administrative functions and cut 20% of its overhead positions, which it says should save $6 million a year.
Tweeter will announce final numbers for the quarter on February 6.
Meanwhile, both Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) and Circuit City (NYSE:CC) are expected to announce December sales tomorrow. Expect to see continued evidence of the toll on margins from aggressive competition in flat panel TVs.


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France won’t apologise for colonising Algeria
Twitter blocks China's US embassy account
Could cryptocurrencies lose all of their value?
Why is Amazon Prime series 'Tandav' labelled as 'anti-Hindu' in India?
Born without a country: Maha Mamo's story
Searching through trash to survive in northeastern Syria
Amazon sold location data from controversial firm X-Mode – report
Here's a look at policy changes likely to be enacted by Biden during his first days
Three US presidents who skipped their successor's inauguration
The history of Inauguration Day
Incoming US intel chief vows to release Khashoggi murder report
UN accused of sharing names of Chinese government opponents


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Ohioans may add two emergency contacts to their Bureau of Motor Vehicles record for use by law enforcement. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card are encouraged to add contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing.
Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk to benefit Interchurch Social Services & Salvation Army
Saturday, December 3rd 3-7pm
Charity Auction begins at 3pm
Local businesses open throughout
Live Ice Sculpture Demonstrations, WNZR family photo booth, live music, pictures with Santa, Poinsettia sale, Santa’s Toy Shop, Sophia’s petting zoo, children’s crafts, craft vendors, food sales & more!
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today offered charitable giving tips ahead of “Giving Tuesday,” the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, when donors are urged to make charitable contributions amid the holiday shopping season.
“We know many Ohioans will give generously this time of year, and we encourage them to do so,” Attorney General DeWine said.


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Microsoft has teamed up with Best Buy to rapidly accelerate the spread of Windows Stores across North America. 500 stores-within-a-store will be opening in the U.S. and 100 more will open in Canada (including some at Future Shop locations).
The Windows Stores at Best Buy will measure between 1500 and 2200 square feet, which is plenty of room to show off shiny new Windows desktops and laptops running Intel’s awesome new Haswell processors (and AMD’s chips, too).
Whether or not the locations will do anything to reverse the PC sales slowdown remains to be seen. If nothing else, the new Windows Stores should make it a little harder for people to find their way to the tiny tables Best Buy has set up to show off Mac hardware.
It’s about more than just Windows PCs, however. Microsoft is also setting up shop in the gaming console and cellular departments, where the Xbox 360 and Windows Phone handsets will take center stage.
And as snazzy as all the shiny, new hardware might be, it’s not going to sell itself. Microsoft will be pitching in there, too, with trained specialists on hand to answer customers’ questions. Microsoft will also be mirroring its brick-and-mortar presence on Best Buy’s website so that online shoppers enjoy a very similar experience.
Despite closing 50 big box stores in the U.S. last year, Best Buy remains the number one retailer of PCs in the world. Microsoft’s new partnership could very well prove to be the shot in the arm that the “struggling” PC industry — and Windows 8 — needs.
It also won’t hurt the upcoming retail launches of Windows 8.1 and the Xbox One. Come holiday season, the Microsoft-Best Buy team will be a formidable twosome.


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A major problem for smallholder farmers is the lack of access to timely and accurate market information. Their only source of information about the market rate for crops comes from the very people who are trying to buy them. The lack of pricing transparency means that most farmers do not always get the best deal.
Improving market access for smallholders often leads to increased income and food security leading to poverty alleviation. In some parts of Laikipia County particularly Sipili area of Ol-Moran Ward, some farmers have started realizing the power of improved market access.
The farmers are utilizing SOKO+ innovation being implemented by Sokopepe. The digital commodity trading and information system, linking small scale farmers to end retailers/bulk purchasers of produce.
It provides commodity prices from major markets around the areas of operation and beyond, e-extension services and a listing of various technical and logistical support providers.
SOKO+ has harnessed the power of information and communication technologies by enabling farmers to efficiently reach and exploit a fair market for their produce.
Most transactions can be completed on a basic mobile telephone handset, making it accessible to farmers in remote locations, many of whom do not own internet-linked mobile phones.
Mrs. Veronica Kemunto, Secretary, Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society noted that most farmers of the cooperative have been using the platform to query for market prices particularly cereals. She has been using the service since august 2013.
“SOKO+ has really enlightened me. This days I can query for market prices in major towns through sms. I am now enlightened as I know where to take my produce once I have harvested. The service has connected producers directly with buyers,” said Mrs. Kemunto.
SOKO+ is designed to address transactions and extension needs along the entire value chain – from farm inputs to the buyer of the final products – thus enhancing the space of the farmer, by-passing the numerous brokers between the farmer and end consumer.
On his part, Mr. Peter Gicheru, Secretary Matwiku Horticulture Growers self- help group said that most farmers have been able to take advantage of the widespread use of mobile phones to access market information through short messaging system (sms).
Mr. Gicheru through his group have been using SOKO+ to query for market prices and once they have found a good market they usually aggregate their produce and send to the market.
“We have been able to find suitable markets for our cereals and horticulture through the service. We usually compare prices in major towns before deciding on the best market for our produce. SOKO+ has really benefited us, we can no longer accept to be exploited by brokers,” said Mr. Gicheru.
The net effect of use of the service is that farmers can reduce their transaction costs, and through commodity aggregation they can have more power for negotiation for better prices, bulk discounting of inputs and further reach into desirable markets.
The system allows farmers to receive text messages of the prevailing market prices for various products in towns like Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa and Malindi. One can also query for farming tips on various products like dairy farming, poultry, fish farming, cereals, horticulture, goat farming, apiculture and roots and tubers.
Through SOKO+ a farmer can access market prices for cereals, legumes, roots and tubers as well as horticulture. The platforms directory listing has traders, veterinary officers, extension officers, research and quality control, transporters, financial service providers and feed manufacturers.
To register to SOKO+; Send SMS: REG#IDNumber#FirstName#LastName#County, to 20245 (Wait for confirmation message to activate your account): to receive market prices; Send SMS: Price#Commodity#Town, to 20245; and to get farming tips, Send SMS: Tip#ProductName to 20245.


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Since 1961, the O.F. (Oscar Frederick) Mossberg company has sold more than 11 million of its Model 500 pump-action shotguns, making it the most popular shotgun of all time, if not one of the most sold guns in any category, period.
Blackhawk has 20 years of experience making law enforcement and military equipment, and now the company is coming out with models of the Stache IWB holster to fit even more handguns.
SIG Sauer has released the latest addition to its Tread line, the M400 Tread Snakebite SE carbine.
N8 Tactical has introduced the next generation in EDC holster technology with its new G2 Series Backer.
Adaptive Tactical, LLC, is introducing the new Lightweight Tactical Grip (LTG) for AR-15/AR-9 rifles and AR pistols.
Galco’s VHS 4.0 shoulder holster system is now available for Glock 17 or 19 series pistols that are equipped with a Streamlight TLR-1 and TLR-1 HL, Viridian X5L, or Inforce Wild2 weaponlight.


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TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwest Michigan Small Business Development Center will host its first summit on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Traverse City. The 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. conference will be held at the Hagerty Center at the Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus.
According to a release, the summit is designed for entrepreneurs who have recently launched a new business or existing small business owners interested in resources and ideas for how to take their businesses to the next level.
Nearly a dozen break-out sessions are scheduled at the interactive workshop. Topics include: cybersecurity, introduction to exporting, goal setting, year-end tax planning, getting your business online with Google, understanding data and data analytics, doing business with government, and financing.
The workshop is sponsored by Networks Northwest, Northwest Michigan Global Trade Alliance, Harris Group, Venture North, Northwest Michigan Works! and Northwest Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
Cost is $95 and advance registration is required. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/sbdcsummit.
The workshop includes a light breakfast and a full lunch.
More information about the workshop is available at (231) 929-5060 or firstname.lastname@example.org.


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- Microsoft's new feature to let users react to comments in Word
- Picture of traffic signal melted in Vijayawada seems to be untrue
- Flipkart Big Saving Days sale starts on June 10: Deals on iPhone 13, Poco X5 and more
- Shakambari Utsavalu will begin on July 1st at the Durga Temple
- Fire breaks out in Khammam Agricultural Market
- TS Haritotsava from June 19
- IN undertakes twin carrier CBG ops in Arabian Sea
- Amit Shah to Visit Tamil Nadu on Sunday
- Bonalu festival showcases Telangana's rich culture: Minister
- BJP state vice president appeals to authorities to put off school reopening date
Four fraudsters arrested, Rs 2.30 lakh recovered
Rachakonda Cybercrime police on Friday arrested four persons for misuse of PAN and Aadhaar card copies for applying credit card and using it for Rs 5 lakh.
Hyderabad: Rachakonda Cybercrime police on Friday arrested four persons for misuse of PAN and Aadhaar card copies for applying credit card and using it for Rs 5 lakh.
The accused were nabbed at Saroornagar and six mobile phones, seven SIM cards, 16 ATM cards, one laptop, one CPU, seven driving license copies, 25 Aadhaar card copies and 15 PAN cards were recovered from their possession.
According to sleuths, on August 7 a complaint was lodged by one Praveen Athili, a businessman from Sainikpuri, stating that he was defrauded. He complained to the police that he came to know of the fraud as the bank executives came to him for payment of dues he was owing.
On receipt of complaint police registered a case under sections 417 & 419 IPC and 66C & 66D IT Act.
During the course of investigation, it was found that K Balakrishna (29), V Mahesh (27) and P Naresh Kumar (34) who had earlier worked with a staff recruiting at Somajiguda, gathered PAN and Aadhaar card photo copies of persons who earlier applied with the agencies.
They altered the PAN and Aadhar cards with the help of S Rajender (45), who printed forged details on plastic cards.
The gang managed the verification calls during pre-approval process, personating the real person and also took the delivery of cards from the courier services and they had drawn Rs 5 lakh, out of which Rs 2.30 lakh was recovered from the procession of the accused, the police.


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Every day the media produce hundreds upon hundreds of howlers. Why this one (quoted below) from last Friday’s Washington Post strikes me as especially amusing I can’t quite say, but it does. The howler in question appears in a report by Erica Werner and David J. Lynch on the on-going negotiations to replace NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) :
NAFTA was meant to expand trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico by removing tariffs and other barriers on products as they were shipped between countries. The pact did open up trade, but it also proved disruptive in terms of creating new manufacturing supply chains and relocating businesses and jobs.
So… when people become more free to trade with each other new trading relations arise. Some domestic firms export more, as well as import more inputs, while other domestic firms confront more competition from foreign rivals – all encouraging resources in the more-freely-trading nations to move from inefficient uses to efficient uses.
Wow! Freer trade results in changes in the pattern of trade! Freer trade, by uncorking more competition, causes some producers to change the manner of their operations and gives buyers new options that many buyers actually take! Just wow! Who’s a-thunk it?!
Seriously, what misconception would lead journalists to write such a passage as the one quoted above? Apparently, some journalists hold the view that reality harbors the possibility that patterns of trade can change without causing any actual change – without causing some producers to lose market share, without cause some workers to lose jobs, without causing some sellers to have to cut prices. In brief, some journalists believe that it is possible for trade patterns to change and at the same time not change.
In what universe to such people reside?


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Singapore's Energy Market Company to help firms pick electricity retailer in 15 minutes
It launched a procurement portal, PowerSelect, which also houses electricity futures data.
Previously, Singapore firms had to wait for one to two months to find an electricity retailer, because they still need to brief and negotiate with retailers face-to-face individually as well as receive and compare quotations. But weeks after the liberalisation of Singapore’s electricity market, Singapore Exchange (SGX) subsidiary Energy Market Company (EMC) launched PowerSelect, a procurement portal which has a 15-minute live auction feature that aims to shorten the time and the process of businesses choosing between electricity retailers.
EMC said in an announcement that this feature works best for firms that prefer fixed price plans or discount off tariff plans (DOT). With PowerSelect, businesses can set a starting bid and already establish contract parameters. The winning bid will be determined through the 15-minute live auction, which aims to fast-track the whole procurement process.
Businesses with special requirements can purchase electricity through invitations to tender. “Under this method of procurement, electricity retailers prepare customised proposals for the customers’ consideration. The retailers are incentivised to put forward their best offers upfront as they have no visibility of other retailers’ proposals,” EMC added.
PowerSelect also houses data from the wholesale and futures electricity markets to help businesses make decisions around their electricity purchases. It is supported by 11 electricity retailers in Singapore, namely ES Power, Geneco, GreenCity Energy, Hyflux Energy, I Switch, PacificLight Energy, Sembcorp Power, Sunseap Energy, and Tuas Power Supply.
EMC added that it will explore the possibility of extending the portal to small electricity consumers like households in future.


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By Cody Lee on Mar 8, 2013
In 2011, the FAA green-lighted several commercial and charter airlines to replace their bulky, 50-page paper flight manuals with iPads. And last year, they expanded the rule to allow pilots to use their new tablets during all stages of flight.
So why in the world are passengers still required to power down their electronics before takeoff? No one really knows. And that’s why Senator Claire McCaskill says she’s putting together a bill that would, by law, remove this silly restriction… Read More
By Jeff Benjamin on Feb 27, 2012
It looks as if things are becoming quite crowded and heated in the “virtual assistant” space.
A recent TechCrunch report says that Apple is planning to remove Evi from the App Store because it violates Apple’s terms and conditions.
The violation? Evi is too similar to Siri… Read More
By Guest Author on Sep 27, 2010
When we reported that Apple had relaxed their App Store guidelines we anticipated the arrival of apps that had been put on hold. What was left out of the conversation was the affect it would have on its pending investigation by the European Commissions office.
It was over a month ago when we originally brought you the news that the EU would be joining the Federal Trade Commissions in investigating Apple for their conduct in the dispute regarding Adobe and Flash. It turns out that when Apple opted to relax their rules it relaxed the temperament of the authorities… Read More
By Guest Author on Sep 13, 2010
We were all dancing in the street while holding up our posters of the Apple hierarchy when the announcement that the rules and regulations had been altered to allow just about anything into the App Store, right? Certainly there is no reason to believe that apps from the past that were once denounced will likely be gracing the store soon. But is that all of it?
What did the regulation altering really say? Certainly a company the size of Apple would need to put specifics down to paper when changing something as influential as the App Store regulations. PC World shows us they certainly did write things down, in that evasive Apple tone that always leaves room for immediate alteration in policy. Read More


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Android fans who want to get a further glimpse at Google’s new Android L release can now do so, but only if they own a Nexus 5 or a Nexus 7. Droid Life points out that the latest Google Fit preview SDK contains some added images of the latest Android L developer preview that should give you an even better idea of how Google is working to refine its next major software release.
To take a look at the new images for yourself, you’ll have to go to the Google developers’ page and download the new Google Fit preview SDK onto either your Nexus 5 or Nexus 7. Sadly, these are the only two devices that will run the preview at this time, as Google won’t even let you download them if you run a Google Play Edition of a phone such as the Galaxy S4 or the HTC One.
Droid Life has also put together a handy step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to know how to flash factory images, which should be a big help to anyone who’s trying it for the first time. What’s more, Droid Life says that it expects the new images to be available at the Android L preview site but notes that Google hasn’t added them yet as of this writing.
Android L is the most ambitious release that Google has developed since it first released Android 4.1 Jelly Bean back in 2012. Among other things, the new build features a beautiful design makeover centered around Google’s new Material Design UI. Because of this, Android L is a hugely anticipated new release and we can’t wait to try it out when it officially launches this fall.


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Mall REITs: Last Man Standing
Signs of Life: Mall REITs were the best-performing REIT sector in 2022 - nearly doubling in value amid hopeful signs of stabilizing fundamentals - snapping a dreadful six-year-long streak of underperformance.
Last Man Standing? The lower-end mall segment was hollowed out by the pandemic with three REITs entering bankruptcy. The REITs that managed to survive - SPG, MAC, SKT - entered 2022 on stable footing.
Traffic and sales levels at these higher-end mall properties were back to pre-pandemic levels during the holiday season. Store openings outpaced store closings in 2022 for the first time since 2014.
Party Like It's 2019? Simon Property reported that its full-year Funds From Operations exceed its 2019 level in 2021, helped by strong return on non-mall investments. Tanger and Macerich remain 20-40% below pre-pandemic levels.
Secular headwinds on the mall format will persist, but we see some targeted opportunities as the outlook for higher-tier retail assets has brightened while valuations and yields appear reasonably attractive.


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The Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA) announced the appointment of Natalie Randall as its new executive director. Randall will assume her new role January 19, 2021.
UTIA is the umbrella organization and advocate for Utah’s visitor economy. UTIA works hand in hand with the Utah Office of Tourism, county destination marketing organizations, Ski Utah, and other industry organizations as well as guides, outfitters, restaurants, attractions and lodging properties around the state.
“Natalie’s experience in tourism and economic development coupled with her demonstrated leadership in the industry made her an ideal candidate,” said Sara Toliver, President/CEO of Visit Ogden and the 2020/2021 UTIA Board President. “With the support of industry partners and stakeholders, we look forward to a brighter future for the tourism industry as we work our way through the pandemic. We know Natalie is the right leader to help us navigate and take advantage of the many opportunities that await.”
Randall most recently served as the Economic Development and Tourism Director for San Juan County where she led a successful rebranding campaign and strategy, implemented destination development initiatives and worked with numerous partners to enhance the positive impacts of the visitor economy to the region.
“It is an honor to be selected as the UTIA Executive Director,” stated Randall. “The Tourism Economy in the State of Utah is a key piece to the state’s overall thriving economy and I’m excited for the opportunity to share this message and story of the industry. With all the positive impacts of a robust industry come hurdles. I hope in my time as the UTIA Executive Director I can support the industry in uniting diverse segments into a unified voice throughout the state. From rural to urban communities, tourism supports the vibrancy and the many flavors of all our Utah communities. We’re so fortunate to live in a state that so many people want to come and visit.”


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Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue revealed a number of additional details about Steve Jobs and the iBooks launch today while testifying in the DOJ’s e-book pricing conspiracy case. Cue said the “page curls” idea in the iBooks app when turning a page came from Steve Jobs, who also chose Winnie the Pooh as the free book to be included with the app. According to Cue, that’s partially because Jobs liked the book, and also because it showed off “beautiful color drawings, that had never been seen before in a digital book.” Also, Jobs used Ted Kennedy’s memoir, True Compass, during the first iPad demo because the Kennedy family “meant a lot to him.” Last week, Cue revealed a number of other details about the iBooks launch, most notably that Jobs had to be convinced of the idea of an Apple e-bookstore. [via AllThingsD]
Apple’s Cue reveals more iBooks launch details
By Phil Dzikiy
Phil Dzikiy was the Editor-in-Cheif at iLounge. He mostly edited and oversaw all site editorial content, managed staff and freelancers, made the final call on product review grades and awards, and led online coverage of all Apple events and live coverage of the International CES in 2015.


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Several skin care products and routines have become increasingly popular in the pursuit of radiant and perfect skin. This is mostly because vibrant, radiant skin is a real confidence booster. In trying to look your best, there are beauty secrets that you might have missed, and what better way to know about them than reading […]
The post 7 Secret Beauty Tips You Never Knew You Needed appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News.
Source: Guardian Newspaper


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WASHINGTON – Consumer delinquencies fell in all 11 loan categories tracked by the American Bankers Association, which today released results from the fourth quarter 2011 Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin. The composite ratio, which tracks delinquencies in eight closed-end installment loan categories, fell 10 basis points to 2.49 percent of all accounts in the fourth quarter, the lowest it has been since 2008. Bank card delinquencies continued to improve, falling eight basis points to 3.17 percent of all accounts in the fourth quarter, the lowest since 2001. (See Historical Fact Sheet.) The ABA report defines a delinquency as a late payment that is 30 days or more overdue.
Overall, ABA Chief Economist James Chessen said the news was very encouraging.
“You can’t get a better consumer credit report card than this,” Chessen said. “It’s very rare that delinquencies improve in every single loan category. The last time that happened was in the fourth quarter of 2004,” he added.
However, Chessen said the delinquency rate on the composite ratio is still too high.
“Even with a strong quarter, there’s still room for improvement in delinquencies,” Chessen said. “Troublesome performance in housing-related loans is keeping overall delinquency rates elevated. The housing sector continues its painful adjustment, and it will take a long time before delinquency rates return to normal,” he said.
Home equity loan delinquencies appear to be the most stubborn, falling just 4 basis points to 4.08 percent of all accounts in the fourth quarter. Property improvement loan delinquencies fell 3 basis points to 0.93 percent of all accounts and home equity lines of credit delinquencies dropped 24 basis points to 1.69 percent of all accounts.
But Chessen said consumers have reason to feel positive.
“The economic tide at the end of 2011 lifted most boats. The deleveraging of consumer credit is paying dividends now. Consumers are being careful about taking on new debt; they’re managing the debt they do have much better and the amount of debt as a portion of income is going down,” Chessen said, adding, “The biggest concern I have now is retail gas prices.” (See economic charts.)
Chessen noted that average gas prices have risen 71 cents per gallon since tensions increased in the Middle East over Iran’s nuclear program in mid-December.
“That’s $70 billion that could have gone towards other kinds of spending or to pay down debt,” he said.
Looking forward, Chessen expects delinquency rates to improve but says they are unlikely to repeat this quarter’s unusual rate of improvement.
“The good news is that fewer people are losing their jobs and more people are becoming re-employed. Those two factors combined means more people are better positioned to meet their debt obligations,” he said.
The fourth quarter 2011 composite ratio is made up of the following eight closed-end loans. All figures are seasonally adjusted based upon the number of accounts.
- Personal loan delinquencies fell from 3.00 percent to 2.87 percent.
- Direct auto loan delinquencies fell from 1.15 percent to 1.06 percent.
- Indirect auto loan delinquencies fell from 2.60 percent to 2.47 percent.
- Mobile home delinquencies fell from 4.08 percent to 3.76 percent.
- RV loan delinquencies fell from 1.38 percent to 1.31percent.
- Marine loan delinquencies fell from 1.72 percent to 1.57 percent. Property improvement loan delinquencies fell from 0.96 percent to 0.93 percent.
- Home equity loan delinquencies fell from 4.12 percent to 4.08 percent.
In addition, ABA tracks three open-end loan categories:
- Home equity lines of credit delinquencies fell from 1.93 percent to 1.69 percent.
- Non-card revolving loan delinquencies fell from 1.43 percent to 1.40 percent.
- Bank card delinquencies fell from 3.25 percent to 3.17 percent.
For borrowers having trouble paying down debts, ABA advises taking action — sooner rather than later — to solve debt problems with the following tips:
- Talk with creditors – the sooner you talk to them, the more options you have;
- Don’t charge more purchases until your problems are solved;
- Avoid bankruptcy – it’s a short-term solution with long-term consequences; and
- Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Services at 1-800-388-2227.
For more information on budgeting, saving and managing credit, visit the ABA Education Foundation’s consumer web page at http://www.aba.com/abaef/
Indirect auto loan: loan arranged through a third party such as an auto dealer.
Direct auto loan: loan arranged directly through a bank.
Delinquency: late payment that is 30 days or more overdue.
Bank card: a credit card provided by a bank.
Closed-end loan: a loan for a fixed amount of money with a fixed repayment period and regularly scheduled payments.
Open-end loan: a loan with a fixed amount of available credit but a balance that fluctuates depending on usage such as a line of credit.
The American Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation’s $13 trillion banking industry and its two million employees. Learn more at aba.com.


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Time Warner Cable and Comcast are two of the largest Internet and pay TV service providers in the country, and they are still pursuing efforts to undergo a merger that would create the single largest ISP in the country. If the merger is successful, that combined entity would also instantly be the most unpopular company in America.
According to the results of an extensive new study that many people will find unsurprising considering the results of similar surveys in the past, Time Warner Cable and Comcast are the two most hated brands in America.
The University of Michigan conducts its American Consumer Satisfaction Index each year in an effort to determine the most beloved and most hated household brands in the United States. Researchers poll Americans over the course of the year and compile the results to give each company included in the study a customer satisfaction score between 0 and 100.
This latest study includes data obtained through more than 70,000 interviews, and it covers 230 different brands.
In 2014, Time Warner Cable found itself on the bottom of the list, having placed not just in the worst position, but in the two worst positions. TWC’s Internet service scored a 54 out of 100, down significantly from the 63 it scored in 2013, and the company’s pay TV service scored a 56 to take the second-lowest spot out of all 230 brands included in the survey.
Comcast’s Internet service took the third-worst spot on the list with a score of 57 out of 100, down from the 62 it scored last year.
Other Internet service providers on the list this year include Verizon FiOS and AT&T Uverse, which scored 71 and 65, respectively. Both of those scores are unchanged compared to 2013. CenturyLink scored a 65, Cox Communications scored a 64 and Charter Communications scored a 61.
Also of note, Walmart scored the lowest among retailers in 2014 with a customer satisfaction score of 71 compared to the 83 achieved by Nordstrom, which was the top-scoring retailer in America.


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Mysterious electric car startup looking to build $1B factory
LOS ANGELES - The luxury electric car market may be small, but it's lucrative enough to get another jolt - this time from a mysterious startup headquartered near Los Angeles.
The company's name is Faraday Future, and it has been hunting for a place to build a $1 billion manufacturing plant for a new line of battery-powered cars.
California, Georgia, Louisiana and Nevada are the four finalist states. Faraday says to expect an announcement within weeks.
Faraday says it wants to produce a car by 2017, an ambitious timeframe. Analysts say that's a niche market that will only get more competitive.
The company isn't releasing many other details publicly, though documents filed in California point to a parent company run by a Chinese billionaire who styles himself after Apple's late Steve Jobs.
Desktop NewsClick to open Continuous News in a sidebar that updates in real-time.
Wild video shows moment suspect smashed vehicle into Hammond Target
BRPD motorcycle officer involved in crash on Scenic Highway
Spas and bars reopen in Baton Rouge as Phase 2 begins
Tail end of high speed police pursuit captured on DOTD camera
State will look to enforce 'phase 2' rules starting Friday


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Samsung is considered as one of the well-established battery manufacturers in the world. The company is in a good position to start rolling the next-generation batteries. On March 9, a group of researchers from the SAIT (Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology) and SRJ (Samsung R&D Institute Japan) came up with their study on the long-lasting, high-performance all-solid-state batteries.
The name solid-state batteries came from their solid electrolyte. Unlike the liquid electrolytes used in our common lithium-ion batteries, the solid electrolyte is used in the new Samsung's solid-state batteries.
The problem with the normal lithium-ion batteries was that they grow dendrites which are tiny crystal spikes that make the electrodes perforated and also produce short-circuiting during the charging of the batteries. When compared with the regular lithium-ion batteries, the new Samsung batteries support greater energy density.
The batteries that we use now are made of lithium metal anode. These batteries have a short lifespan and they are also not that safe.
To overcome this issue, the researchers at the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology came up with a solution. They proposed that as the anode, we should use a silver-carbon composite layer. They showed that using the Ag-C layer as anode enabled the battery to have a longer lifespan and a larger capacity. It also enhanced the overall safety. The Samsung Company used non-flammable and less toxic materials in the manufacture of solid-state batteries. The company holds the promise that these batteries have energy densities up to 2.5 times that of lithium-ion based batteries.
The Ag-C layer is just 5 micrometers thick. This ultrathin Ag-c layer reduces the thickness of the anode which, as a result, increases the battery's overall energy density. With the ultra-thin Ag-C layer, researchers were able to make a fifty percent smaller prototype by volume.
Now it is expected that these Samsung's all-solid-state batteries can be useful in driving the expansion of EVs (Electric Vehicles). The prototype pouch cell would be able to run an electric vehicle up to 800km on a single charge. It will let the electric vehicles to charge faster and drive farther. The solid-state battery can last for years and it can be charged more than 1000 times. This could be a breakthrough for electric vehicles.
The all-solid-state Samsung batteries will probably take years to come into the market. Till now, the company has not discussed any firm production for the solid-state batteries. The researchers at Samsung also stated that this was research and it has only taken place in a laboratory. They said that it would be difficult to translate into real-life use at this stage of human development. But we can expect it soon because the company itself supplies battery cells for electric vehicles. No doubt that these solid-state batteries could be a great way to boost the range of our future electric cars. Many companies like Volkswagen, General Motors, Toyota, and Panasonic have also planned to bring these all-solid-state batteries in the market as soon as possible.
If this prototype that was presented by the researchers of the Samsung Company turns into reality, then our future gadgets will also start coming with smaller batteries. They will have a longer life and will be able to produce more power.
Another factor is the price. A battery is one of the most pricing components of an electric vehicle. The price of Samsung's all-solid-state batteries will also determine whether it will be a success or not.
The researchers and engineers at Samsung are now focusing on developing solid-state battery materials that would not be much expensive for our future use.


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The false post read, “Reports say that Steve Jobs has passed away. Stay tuned for more updates.”
Although the content was removed one minute later, it is still visible on the networking site due to all the retweets.
An apology was later posted: “Apologies- reports of Steve Job’s death completely unconfirmed. Live on,” followed by a tweet from executive producer Shira Lazar: “On behalf of all of us at @disruptgroup we sincerely apologize for the inaccuracy that was tweeted earlier today.-EP/ Host @WhatsTrending.”
Steve Jobs resigned from his position as CEO of Apple on August 24, saying he could no longer continue to fulfill his duties. He is known to have battled pancreatic cancer in the past eight years.


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GIBSONTON, Fla., June 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- HHW Co. Inc., located at 7812 Symmes Rd. Bldg. D, recently added U-Haul products and services to its auto repair business. HHW Co. Inc. can now offer its customers a variety of moving equipment and supplies including: After hours drop-off, In store pickup for boxes, Support rental items, Towing equipment, Trailers, and Trucks.
For more information, or to rent your moving equipment today, call (813) 677-1827 or visit HHW Co. Inc. online at uhaul.com. Business hours of operation are: Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Sunday- Closed.


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Baking and cooking have always been an art form, but that’s changing, according to a new study from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Bureau’s National Employment Statistics report shows the number of hourly workers who bake bread and bake other baked goods has grown by over 3 million jobs in the past decade.
The number of hours worked in the industry has grown from 2.5 million hours in 2005 to 4.4 million hours last year.
The most popular bakery in the country is the bakery in Kansas City, Mo., which has more than 1.4 billion square feet of space.
Bakery owners are increasingly finding that they can’t compete with Amazon.com and other online shopping outlets.
They have to pay a lot more for labor and ingredients to make their products.
The survey also found that the number and quality of the products being baked has become a factor in the increase in jobs.
The number of cakes sold by small and medium-sized businesses grew from 13 percent of total sales in 2005, to 17 percent in 2013.
The average number of days a baker worked in 2013 rose from 20 days to 30 days, according the report.
The average wages of those in the bakery industry rose by 10.3 percent last year, from $25,500 to $28,600.
The Census Bureau also noted that the average hourly wage for a bakery worker has more or less doubled over the past five years, from the $9 an hour it earned in 2005.
The report found that more and more Americans are choosing to make products for themselves.
They’re also opting to bake their own cakes.
The Bureau’s report found bakeries and other small businesses employ more than one-third of Americans who bake cakes, and two-thirds of those who bake a buns, muffins and pastries.


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Alamo Drafthouse to open video rental store with rare VHS tapes
It'll even rent the VCR you need to watch.
Toshiba sells its TV unit to Hisense
Another division sold off.
Toshiba's chip drama ends with sale to a financial group
This might affect the prices of memory in your devices.
Relive the first 11 seasons of 'South Park' on Blu-ray this fall
Cartman, Eric, Stan and Kenny will... OMG they killed Kenny!
Toshiba's latest SSD tech squeezes 128GB onto a tinier chip
At this pace of development, mechanical disks are doomed.
Oppo's 4K Blu-ray players are the first with Dolby Vision HDR
Now owners can download a software update to watch Dolby Vision UHD discs.
Apple and Amazon want a stake in Toshiba's memory business
They're backing Foxconn's bid to buy Toshiba's NAND arm for as much as $28 billion.
Redbox bets DVD rental kiosks are making a comeback
It's trotting out 1,500 more machines despite the growth of online video.


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The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), in partnership with homesharing platform Airbnb, is pushing for an increase of tourism in the region this year despite the continued impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
Through this partnership both entities believe that they can promote safe and responsible travel in the Caribbean which could help to strengthen the region’s recovery from the fallouts caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has crippled the sector since its onset last year.
The partnership is one of several initiatives in the CTO’s ongoing programme to help its members rebuild tourism in their destinations. As part of the collaboration, Airbnb will launch a marketing campaign that will see it promoting CTO member countries across its vast global community.
According to Neil Walters, acting secretary general of the CTO, in a statement this week, “The partnership with Airbnb will help us to promote the region responsibly by providing our members with a platform to showcase their destinations while at the same time highlighting the health safety measures that each has implemented to ensure that visitors can enjoy a safe Caribbean experience during this time”.
Airbnb’s policy manager for Central America and the Caribbean, Carlos Munoz, commenting on the partnership, said that his organisation was also excited about the economic prospects that is to come from the venture.
“With the Caribbean continuing to reopen, we’re helping to usher in the safe return of travel to this wonderful region by shining a light on the many places to see and things to do,” he said.
Airbnb’s marketing campaign is to include the roll-out of a series of e-mail newsletters and a landing page highlighting the CTO’s member countries and their respective protocols for safe travel during this time. The entity has also pledged to share data with the CTO, including travel trends, so as to facilitate informed marketing decisions during the recovery period.
The CTO, in its annual report for 2020, said that the Caribbean’s performance in 2021 will depend largely on the success of the authorities in the marketplace and the region in combatting, containing and controlling the virus. It said that encouraging signs like the vaccine roll-out taking place in North America, Europe and the Caribbean were some promising signs for the industry.
The Barbados-based organisation, however, said that its forecast was tempered by factors including ease of lockdowns in key source markets along with renewed international travel confidence.
“With these factors taken into consideration, our initial forecast is for a 20 per cent rise in arrivals in 2021, with a similar increase in visitor expenditure, when compared to 2020,” CTO said in its report.


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|In this Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013 file photo, Fonterra Chief Executive Theo Spierings, center, accompanied by Fonterra's head of New Zealand Milk Products Gary Romano, left, and Kerry Underhill, head of communications, hold a press conference in Auckland, New Zealand. Senior manager Romano resigned Wednesday, Aug. 14, in the wake of a botulism scare. Fonterra said Romano had already left the company. In his role as managing director of New Zealand Milk Products, Romano oversaw the tainted product line that sparked a global recall. (AP Photo/Dean Purcell, NZ Herald, File)|
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A senior executive at New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra resigned Wednesday in the aftermath of a botulism scare.
Fonterra said Gary Romano had already left the company. In his role as managing director of New Zealand Milk Products, Romano oversaw the tainted product line that sparked a global recall.
Fonterra announced this month that hundreds of tons of infant formula could be tainted after tests found bacteria in whey protein concentrate that can cause botulism. Fonterra said last week that a recall of the products had been successful, with no reported cases of people contracting the disease.
Romano was part of a team of managers that reported directly to Fonterra Chief Executive Theo Spierings. Romano fronted questions about the scare in New Zealand last week while Spierings headed to China to do damage control in a crucial market.
Fonterra, the world's largest dairy exporter, declined to elaborate Wednesday on Romano's reasons for leaving. The company said Spierings would, for now, take over Romano's responsibilities.
New Zealand is launching several probes into the contamination. Fonterra will conduct its own internal investigation, a group of government officials will determine if the company should face any charges, and politicians plan to launch their own inquiry.
New Zealand relies on dairy exports to power its economy and the recall has dented the reputation of its products in key markets including China.
Several countries have announced halts on imports of some New Zealand dairy products.


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The results themselves were pretty much in line with the City’s expectations: sales for the first six months of 2018 were up 8% to £1.848bn, while earnings on an underlying basis slipped by 7%, to £375m, which largely reflected higher costs and, in particular, the cost of bringing the World Cup to millions of UK homes.
The City’s ITV-watchers have also been struck by the fact that, for the first time, the company is not providing a number for ‘net advertising revenue’.
This reflects the view of Dame Carolyn McCall, who became chief executive at the beginning of the year, that ITV should instead report ‘total advertising revenue’ which, unlike the other metric, includes ad revenues from online and on-demand services as well as sponsorship deals for programmes such as Superdrug’s tie-in with Love Island.
So far, so predictable, which is why ITV’s shares have barely budged.
Perhaps the more interesting part of the story, though, is the strategic update delivered by Dame Carolyn.
This can be summed up by a slide in the presentation to investors that says “ITV’s vision is to be more than TV”.
In other words, ITV now sees itself as not just a television broadcaster, but as a business that develops relationships direct with its customers and encourages them to spend more money with it.
In the past, ITV – like the BBC and other traditional broadcasters – has merely broadcast programmes to viewers, without seeking to develop much of a two-way relationship.
Non-traditional broadcasters such as Netflix and Sky, the owner of Sky News, have a more direct relationship with their customers and that is now the kind of relationship Dame Carolyn wants ITV to have with the people who consume its content.
That will mean investing more in the ITV Hub, ITV’s video-on-demand service, which will seek to offer a more personalised service to viewers over time.
It will also mean ‘re-positioning’ the ITV brand.
Dame Carolyn, who joined after nearly eight years at easyJet but who spent the first two decades of her career in advertising and marketing, admitted that ITV has not really done much market research on its viewers in the past.
Now that it has, she believes there are some 15 million ‘light viewers’ who could be persuaded to watch ITV’s output more than they do at present.
She also intends that the company should spend more on data analytics so it can get to understand its viewers better over time. This, she hopes, will not only enable ITV to make more out of its relationship with viewers but also enable advertisers to better target their advertising at them.
This is not a revolutionary idea – companies like Sky have been doing it for years – but it is for a traditional broadcaster like ITV.
And, lest anyone be tempted to think these are airy-fairy aspirations, Dame Carolyn has also set out some firm targets.
She wants the ITV Hub to have 30 million registered users by 2021 and for digital online revenue growth to double each year between now and then.
The second part of the strategy unveiled is a continuation of the work done by Adam Crozier, Dame Carolyn’s predecessor, who sought to reduce ITV’s dependence on advertising by spending heavily on TV production.
ITV Studios is now a major producer of shows for other channels, such as Poldark and Line of Duty for the BBC, as well as being a major export of shows and programme formats overseas.
Mr Crozier spent £1bn between 2012 and 2017 buying up production houses and the benefits of that work are now paying off: more than half of ITV’s revenues in the period now come from sources other than advertising.
Again, Dame Carolyn has set targets here, aiming for 10,000 hours of production by 2021 and aiming for ITV Studios to grow its sales by an average of 5% each year between now and then.
The third strand is to build a ‘direct to consumer’ business that is making £100m worth of sales by 2021.
The foundations for this business are in place, such as the one million or so visitors to the Coronation Street and Emmerdale sets, the 350,000 Love Island water bottles sold and the 95 million votes cast during ITV shows, but Dame Carolyn feels the surface has only been scratched in fields such as pay-per-view and gaming.
To that end, she is also talking to other broadcasters about setting up a joint video-on-demand service that would showcase British productions to compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime. That sounds an awful lot like the ‘Project Kangaroo’ on which ITV, the BBC and Channel 4 worked until it was blocked by the old Competition Commission in 2009.
However, Dame Carolyn argues the attitude of regulators may have changes since then, pointing out that Sharon White, the head of Ofcom, recently urged the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 to collaborate to create what she called a ‘British Netflix’.
In the meantime, there are plenty of every-day challenges. The traditional TV ad market remains brutal: ITV took 7.3% less in advertising revenues from retailers during the half and 14.7% less from airlines and travel and tour operators.
And, as the likes of Sky, Netflix and Amazon spend ever more on production, ITV is having to step up its own investment in production and particularly in ‘scripted’ production, such as drama and comedy, which is traditionally expensive to make but which delivers the most viewers.
Grappling with those challenges alone would test most managements – let alone making real the strategic vision Dame Carolyn has set out.
The next few years at the 63-year old broadcaster, which was set up by Sir Winston Churchill’s government as a patchwork of regional commercial broadcasters, promise to be busy indeed.


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Following news that the University of Wisconsin–Madison has been ranked the nation’s top party school, PETA is negotiating with outdoor advertisers to display an ad on bus stops near the campus noting that a side-by-side comparison shows that beer, not milk, protects bone and heart health. The ad reads, “Got Beer? It’s Official: Beer Is Better for You Than Milk”—and cites scientific studies that make the case.
“The verdict is in, and even beer beats milk hands down,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “Alcohol in moderation can be good for you, but there’s no way to consume dairy foods responsibly when they harm our health and cause billions of cows to suffer.”
Consumption of dairy foods has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer —as well as to conditions such as acne, excess mucus, and symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as flatulence. There is even evidence that dairy foods cause osteoporosis—rather than preventing it—by depleting bone mass.
more on peta.org


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Once, not that long ago at all, there were two big publicly traded fishing companies at work in Atlantic Canada - Fishery Products International and National Sea Products.
Now, one (National Sea, now High Liner Foods) is a fisheries behemoth, and just about the only news you hear about FPI is how its scattered, sold and failing individual plants and assets are losing money. And about how the new owners of those assets want to ship more and more fish away for foreign processing.
Years ago, seeing the state of the Atlantic fishery, High Liner moved away from its roots as a fish harvester, got out of trawling and into secondary processing and seafood marketing: when the time was right, when FPI was being harvested itself, High Liner even took over FPI's profitable U.S. marketing arm and operations, an asset that has continued to pay big dividends. It moved strongly into secondary processing, sourcing fish globally and building Canada's most recognizable seafood brand.
Here, what we hear now is that buyers want their fish virtually whole, and that secondary processing is not really feasible. We're sticking with the bottom building block in an industry that has shown over and over again that vertical integration and distribution is the way to make real money.
Last week, in its second quartely report since gobbling up Icelandic USA as well, High Liner marked a year-over-year sales growth of 43 per cent to $219 million, firmly ensconced as one of the leaders in the seafood business in North America. In addition to FPI's operations, High Liner took over one of its competitors in the U.S. market, Viking, and last year took over the Icelandic Group's Asian and North American operations.
True, as a result of its latest expansion, High Liner is closing its Burin plant, citing overcapacity. But even that closure shows something about how well High Liner has been doing on its balance sheet: the overcapacity was the result of taking over a more modern plant in Newport News, Va. (Burin and a plant in Danvers, Mass., which is also closing, were cited as High Liner's highest-cost and least-used plants.)
And High Liner has been doing well enough to pay the Newfoundland government a healthy amount because it wasn't processing fish in Burin.
Buried deep in the quarterly results is information that says High Liner has been paying seven cents a pound for the fish it doesn't process. Here's the section in question: "As part of the FPI acquisition in 2007, the company entered into an agreement with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador with respect to its operations in Burin, Newfoundland, and relating to its U.S. operations. The company has agreed to maintain specified volumes of production in the plant until December 2012. Failure to maintain these volumes will result in a payment to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador of $0.07 per pound for each pound of volume shortfall. ... In fiscal 2011 and 2010, the company paid $0.7 million in each year (relating to the production shortfall). The company will continue to pay the volume penalty for the full term."
High Liner is in the midst of digesting its latest takeover meal, trimming costs in an effort to find operating efficiencies and dealing with what has become an even larger operation. From Lunenburg, N.S., it now has truly global reach.
Here's another section of the quarterly report: "We buy as much as $600 million of seafood, packaging, flour or corn based coatings, and cooking oils. Seafood and other food inputs markets are global with values expressed in U.S. dollars. We buy 30 species of seafood from 20 countries around the world."
It's doing all that with singular attention to strong branding: ironically, one of its strongest U.S. brands is the FPI brand for supplying fish and fish products to U.S. restaurants and institutions.
The other places you see the FPI name and logo? Occasionally, on weathered signs near one of the company's former assets. or, ghost-like, on the side of a repainted vessel or two.
Is there money to be made in the Atlantic fishery?
It's not unfair to say that the fishing industry in this province was dealt a significant blow by the way FPI was broken up, and by the relative success of the pieces that stayed under control in this province and the pieces that didn't.
What did this province have? Brand recognition on a truly international level, the opportunity to bundle much of this province's fish products under that label and a marketing arm with the experience and track record to get that product to market and sold at top-end prices.
A truly profitably but slippery fish slid through our fingers.
And maybe, just maybe, it's possible to look at High Liner and imagine what might have been.
Russell Wangersky is The Telegram's editorial page editor. Email: email@example.com.


text:
Suzuki Motorcycle India has indicated that Hayabusa superbike could soon be sold at a much affordable price.
“No more boring Toyotas”, said Toyota Motor Corporation President & CEO, Akio Toyoda. What do you think about this next generation Innova?
It seems Tata Motors has stripped the 2015 Safari Storme of its features to bring the price down, to compete with glaring crossovers in the Rs. 10 lakh price range.


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Samsung’s 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2 pushed the limits of what is comfortable in a human hand, even for fans of big phones. Now, a recently leaked photo shows that in the upcoming Galaxy Note 3 Samsung managed to increase the total screen size by decreasing the size of the bezel. This means that the Note 3 will be roughly the same size as its predecessor but will fit in an even more massive 5.7-inch display.
There’s not a lot of middle ground when it comes to fans of the tablet-phone hybrid group of devices — you either really like them or can’t stand them. The Galaxy Note has been at the top of this category essentially since its inception, largely because of its ability to deliver a superior multitasking experience with a great screen and killer battery life. The successor to the Note line is expected to be announced alongside the Galaxy Gear smartwatch at IFA 2013, but it looks like a parts distributor has accidentally let slip what the front of this new monster phone will look like.
There’s been a number of rumors that the Galaxy Note 3 will be moving up from the 5.5-inch design is currently has, which isn’t hard to believe when the Galaxy S4 breached 5-inches and the Galaxy Mega was released to tablet-sized superiority. Rumors had placed the screen at 5.7-inches, and the leaked shots can label that as “close enough” at 5.68-inches.
Interestingly enough, that bump in screen size doesn’t really change the length or width of the phone in any meaningful way. The Galaxy Note 3 looks like it will be just about the same size as its predecessor, a feat accomplished by shrinking the bezel on the sides of the phone. This adjustment is likely possible thanks to the new generation of Gorilla Glass 2 screens, which can handle impact much better than the previous version.
There’s sure to be more details leaked about this gigantic phone before the official announcement in Germany, but the end result seems pretty clear already. If you’re a fan of the Galaxy Note 2, so far the new version is nothing but an improvement in every way.


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Mirroring similar concerns in the U.S., the British government has announced that, after consultation with industry representatives, video games are to carry larger age symbols and descriptions of their content in "a bid to help parents understand what their children are playing".
All games sold in the UK already display a large PEGI age rating
on the front cover (and usually several other country specific ratings on multi-lingual packaging), and in some cases a BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) rating, for certain 15 or 18 rated games. This is in addition to PEGI logos on the back cover indicating specific content such as foul language or violence.
Despite all this, all games which are classified as only for those over 15 or 18 years of age will now carry an additional description of content on the back of the packaging, while the age symbols will double in size.
The government alleges this is similar to the precautions already found on DVDs and videos in the UK, although some commentators claim that examining UK DVD packaging reveals nothing like as many warnings or descriptions.
According to Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell: "Parents need to know what games their children are playing. This is why new games will carry clearer labels which will spell out the content of a game. Not all parents have grown up playing computer games - it can be difficult to understand that you might be allowing your child to play the interactive equivalent of Kill Bill. Now there is no excuse."


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You might want to reconsider venturing into a salon to dye your distinguished gray strands or even to add a pop of color to your new look…. UNLESS you know a top colorist secret that gets IN THE WAY of chemicals, yet allows for perfect color results every time!
Intriguing news has emerged, disseminating through the pages of the International Journal of Cancer.
This enlightening publication has unraveled a compelling association between hair-dyeing products and an amplified jeopardy of developing cancer.
The study, initially unveiled in the ethereal month of December in the year 2019, captivated the attention of over 46,700 distinguished women, aged between 35 and 74, for an extensive span of eight years.
The findings were quite remarkable, showcasing a remarkable 9% surge in the likelihood of breast cancer occurrence for those women who continued using permanent hair color, juxtaposed against those with no color interest.
Additionally, disconcerting correlations were shown between the use of chemical hair straighteners and the risk of breast cancer.
The stats indicated that women who used hair straighteners with a frequency ranging from five to eight weeks faced an astonishing 30% escalation in the possibility of developing breast cancers.
The upsetting news lies in the knowing that hair dyes, renowned for disrupting endocrine function and foster carcinogenesis, had previously yielded inconsistent outcomes in prior investigations.
However, this new and specific inquiry unveiled concrete evidence linking hair coloration practices to an elevated breast cancer hazard.
Distinctively distressing, these repercussions were most pronounced among Black women.
It was found that those who engaged in the application of permanent hair color experienced a disconcerting 60% amplification in breast cancer susceptibility, when compared to their Caucasian counterparts who faced an 8% change in risk.
The proclivity towards using hair straighteners was similarly pronounced within the Black community, thereby magnifying their vulnerability.
The study divulged that an astonishing 74% of Black women utilized chemical straighteners, whereas a mere 3% of their fair-skinned counterparts partook in chemical straighteners. (It remains to be seen if the rise in the use of “Keratin” straightening will affect these statistics. Our suspicion is that it will increase the odds due to similar ingredients).
The underlying patterns of straightening prevalence hardly astonish, considering the enduring societal pressures that Black women have encountered pertaining to their distinctive styling preferences.
Adding another layer of concern, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute divulged a disconcerting correlation in October of the year 2022.
According to this scholarly exposé, uterine cancer was observed among women who availed themselves of hair-straightening chemicals or relaxers.
As for the recommendations by researchers, it is prudent to acknowledge that further replication of these results in subsequent studies is necessary before making definitive final decisions and advisories.
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Each day, people are exposed to what are considered safe amounts of chemicals, but after slathering 20 or more products onto our skin, scalp, hair, faces, eyes, hands, underarms, privates etc., per day, those stack the odds into an overloaded situation that may be the very challenge that overwhelms the body.
After continual bombardment, it may be the way that cancer can take hold.
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The popular Tim Hortons shop in Gretna, Manitoba is set to become the first Tims in the region to replace their entire line of beverages with Paraguayan yerba mate. Gretna Tims, which just opened a drive-thru this summer, plans to introduce the yerba tea line this weekend.
“We had to do something. No one was drinking coffee anymore,” said store manager Sarah B. Vogt. “But Mennonites can’t resist a good yerba, so we’ve decided to make the switch.”
The store plans to sell both cold and hot varieties of yerba, as well as delightful iced mocha yerba.
“I truly believe we’ve got something here for everyone,” said Vogt. “You’re free to bring your own bombilla, but we’ve even got takeaway gourds made of styrofoam.”
Mr. Klassen, who was first in line to try the new product, ordered a double-double Yerba.
“It’s the only way to have it,” said Klassen. “That’s two tablespoons of Pajarito and two spoons of Campesino Anis. The best combination in my opinion.”
Mennonites across the region are already claiming that the Tims Yerba simply cannot be beat.
“It’s so good I think they must be putting crack in this stuff,” said Klassen. “I don’t think I’ll ever go back to coffee drinking again.”
The Gretna Tims is also planning to replace all their donuts with roll kuchen and platz.
(photo credit: liveandrock/CC)


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Lipsy is to launch its first menswear range as it becomes the latest retailer to take a slice of the growing menswear market.
The Next-owned fashion brand is launching Man by Lipsy, a 40-piece collection of products such as velvet suits, blazers, prints, roll neck cotton knits, chinos and T-shirts. It will be sold via from Next’s website from 8 October.
Lipsy is the latest womenswear retailer to move into the menswear market, which was worth £15bn in 2017, according to Mintel. In recent years Whistles, Quiz and Missguided have set up their own menswear ranges.
Lipsy reported a 23% rise in turnover and a 15% increase in operating profit for the year ending 27 January, 2018. The same month it stopped selling through its own website, to focus on in-store sales and channels such as the Next website and Asos.
Last month Lipsy opened its first central London store. It has 50 locations in the UK and more than 31 franchise stores worldwide.


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How's that for timing? Final Fantasy XIII-2's PC release date announcement caused me to wonder if it would be as bad a port job as FFXIII. Now, Square Enix has revealed that they're also improving the previous port. Final Fantasy XIII will soon be updated with resolution options and graphics settings.
"The FINAL FANTASY XIII team have been working hard to improve your experience on Steam and we're happy to announce the following changes will be rolled out at the beginning of December," the team wrote in a community announcement.
Here is the update's sole patch note:
- "Custom resolutions (720p, 1080p...) and graphic options will be added."
The update is due out at the start of December.


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Telarix has announced the launch of a comprehensive fraud management solution, aimed at conquering the challenges facing both domestic and international wireless, network carriers and over-the-top (OTT) providers.
Leveraging a best-of-breed approach, the Telarix fraud defense suite delivers enhanced protection solutions that focus on early detection, fast-blocking action and ongoing vigilance through testing and real-time business intelligence gathering.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) market continues to grow, telecom fraud prevention can no longer be seen as a single to-do list item that can be checked off once and forgotten. Though monetary losses and other fraud risks are traditionally the main concern, proportionally new fraudulent threats emerge with new technologies.
Mobile payment apps, OTT partners and issues like public safety and national security are all factors that have the potential to incur larger losses and greater instances of fraud. The ubiquity of today and tomorrow’s technology pushes the stakes much higher.
Telarix’s fraud management solution builds upon Telarix Unified Platform to tightly control a communications service provider’s (CSP) numbering plan strategy, provide origin and destination-based number management from rating to routing, and seamless integration with the CSP’s mediation systems and network. The solution features targeted FAS testing and detection, CDR, SIMBox, and IMSI/IMEI location fraud detection, international revenue share and abuse call termination protection.
“We recognize the nature of fraud is as dynamic as the industry in which we do business,” said Vic Bozzo, Telarix SVP of worldwide sales and marketing. “Voice minutes and SMS have given way to mobile data, OTT content, and IoT and M2M, which are the areas where tomorrow’s new fraud risks reside. We are pleased to deliver a fraud management solution that keeps our clients one-step ahead and out of the reach of risk.”
Rounding out the fraud management solution is a business intelligence module which provides real-time insight with alerts, user-defined thresholds, geo-maps, margin, cost and customer impact analytics, as well as tracking of the effectiveness of the FMS action.


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Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform has gained significant traction over the last year or so, but in terms of apps the platform still lags far behind iOS and Android. However, the good news for Windows Phone users is that Disqus has now rolled out an exclusive app for the platform.
Disqus is a popular commenting system which is used on many sites and blogs around the web. In fact, our very own site uses Disqus to allow the users to comment by signing in through their social media accounts or via a whole plethora of other options.
The best thing about Disqus is that not only can you maintain an account so as to keep track of all your comments on different sites and blogs, you can also take that account to any new website you visit, provided the site supports Disqus’ commenting system.
Disqus has rolled out an exclusive Windows Phone app. We say exclusive because currently, Disqus is not offering any iOS or Android app. This is certainly big news for Windows Phone users and may finally herald the time when tech companies start considering rolling out exclusive apps for the Windows Phone platform.
Disqus app for Windows Phone packs a number of cool features such as enabling notifications whenever someone replies to any of your comments, pen down comments, rate other comments and much more. Besides, the app is scaled so that the graphics are well suited to all Windows Phone devices and look crisp clear. You can download the app here.
Source: Windows Phone
Courtesy: WP Central


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China's largest search engine, Baidu, is facing a potential antitrust investigation after the company was accused of blocking and degrading the search query results of a Chinese online encyclopedia website.
French company 1plusV has accused Google of stopping smaller competitors from generating advertising revenue by abusing its dominant position in the search market. The company said it made the allegations in a complaint filed with European Union anti...
China Mobile and China's state-run Xinhua News Agency have launched a new search engine at Panguso.com that will also tap the country's growing mobile Internet market.
Google is rolling out several enhancements to its Social Search feature that make links from someone's online circle of friends and contacts more prominent in qu...
Google has decided to open its Public Data Explorer service to anyone wishing to upload data to it, significantly broadening the scope of contributors beyond the current handpicked roster.
Google Wednesday launched a payment system for publishers of digital content, one day after Apple unveiled a similar system for its App Store.
Google is still working to satisfy a request made by the Texas Attorney General's office last summer for documents and information about its advertising systems and practices.
Since his appointment as Yahoo's CTO last June, Raymie Stata has been on an intense ride. He is part of the executive team charged with building Yahoo's technology strategy and spurring innovation to drive growth and attract more users to the site. S...
Yahoo has gone a long way toward further dispelling the uncertainty around its BOSS search developer program with the establishment last week of a fee structure for it and with the pledge to upgrade its functionality in the coming months, analysts sa...
Yahoo has established a fee structure for the upcoming version of BOSS, a platform that developers use to create custom search engines on top of Yahoo's infrastructure.
Even if Microsoft did copy Google's search results the practice couldn't be scaled enough to mimic Google's algorithms in any widespread and meaningful way, search industry analysts and executives said.
Yahoo Labs has formed a team to improve the targeting and effectiveness of online advertising, the company said Thursday.
It doesn't get much better than this: two tech giants playing a game of "cheater cheater pumpkin eater" and "I know you are but what am I?" in public for all the world to see.
When involved in a spat over allegations of unauthorized copying or misappropriation of content and ideas, Google -- fairly or not -- usually plays the villain, accused of parasitically overstepping boundaries to profit from someone else's work.
Officials from Microsoft and Google sparred at an event on Tuesday over Google's accusation that Microsoft copies Google search results and feeds them into its Bing search engine.
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