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December is approaching, and the big XR players are staying busy as the holiday approaches. Events are also closing for the year, excluding a few end-of-year stand-outs, but XR firms are still platforming ideas and roadmaps for the future.
Namely, with the rising industrial Metaverse approaching, XR leaders are outlining the methods of integrating emerging technology into the workplace and everyday life – urging people to get hands-on with the technology.
Moreover, with the 2024 Metaverse wave approaching, the XR world is gaining some more insights into products and services that XR leaders are developing for the new year.
Meta’s Nick Clegg Calls Out Educators and Enterprise
Nick Clegg, the Meta President of Global Affairs, recently posted a video on social media, urging enterprise and education customers to use XR technology. In the video, he highlighted some current use cases of XR technology.
This announcement comes as Meta reinforces its commitment to immersive solutions for work and the industrial Metaverse. Following the disappointing debut of the Quest Pro, Meta now includes the industrial Metaverse in its restructured advertising material.
While Meta’s recent Connect 2023 event focused on consumer use cases of MR headsets and AR smart glasses, it is evident that the company is working with enterprise end-users to optimize its MR product for broader use cases.
During the promotional video, Clegg noted that “Metaverse technologies like augmented and virtual reality have the potential to revolutionize the way we work and learn.” Moreover, Clegg explained how European companies use AR and VR today to “improve industries and people’s lives.”
European business leaders such as Lufthansa, Iveco, Alstorm, and Decathlon are already using immersive technologies to develop products, to train employees, and engage customers. – Others, like virtual medicine, are using Metaverse technologies in groundbreaking ways to support medical professionals, educators, and students in fully immersive digital environments. The impact of the Metaverse is real, and it’s happening today, right now. – As Metaverse technologies continue to progress, more and more opportunities will open up.
Apple to Release Vision Pro in March
According to Bloomberg’s senior tech analyst Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce its Vision Pro MR headset in March 2022, despite previous plans to launch the head-mounted display (HMD) in January. The Cupertino-based company made the changes after it faced challenges with distribution and finalizing device testing.
However, Apple remains on track to release the premium headset in 2024, as previously announced by the executives. Nonetheless, the device will come at a hefty price tag of $3,499, as initially revealed at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.
The headset will first be available in the United States and later released in Canada and the United Kingdom. Analysts, including Gurman, predict that Apple will showcase the Vision Pro headset during its spring event in March.
Immersive Tech Week to Unite XR Industry
Immersive Tech Week is uniting the current XR industry to collaborate and network. The event takes place in Rotterdam from November 28th to December 1st.
The event aims to showcase how XR technology can be used in enterprise and education, with an exhibition hall featuring major XR firms and speakers who will share insights into the industry as it heads towards a potential landmark year. The VRDays Foundation is leading the event, having organized many successful industry events to promote enterprise XR in the past.
As 2024 approaches, industry leaders, firms, and vendors promote hardware scaling and software development to accelerate device adoption. The Immersive Tech Week aims to unite the industry and provide a networking opportunity for attendees before the holiday period begins.
Xreal Speaks on the Transformative Effect of AI
During a recent event at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Jon Li, the Head of Sales at Xreal, emphasized the profound impact of AI in various enterprise sectors. According to him, AI has become an area of significant interest among enterprise end-users, ranging from healthcare to security, due to its transformative effects.
Although Xreal has not yet integrated AI into its hardware, including its recently released Air 2 Pro device, Jon Li’s comments suggest the company’s inclination to explore AI’s possibilities. This is not surprising, considering the widespread impact of AI on every sector.
Furthermore, while speaking about Xreal’s hardware, Jon Li stated the company’s goal is to make augmented reality accessible to everyone at an affordable price. He added that spatial computing is the next evolution of computing and how we interact with data, and Xreal aims to bring it to the masses.
Microsoft “Committed” to Ignite Announcements Following Altman Reshuffle
Over the past weekend, there was a significant change in the emerging technology sector. OpenAI announced that its current CEO, Sam Altman, would be stepping down from his position. This decision came after OpenAI teamed up with Microsoft for a significant partnership in mid-2023. The association is aimed towards leveraging genAI technology for innovative workplace digital solutions. Despite the news of Altman’s departure, Microsoft confirmed that Ignite’s announcements would not be affected.
In a social media post, the Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, said:
We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap, our ability to continue to innovate with everything we announced at Microsoft Ignite, and in continuing to support our customers and partners. We look forward to getting to know Emmett Shear and OAI’s new leadership team and working with them. And we’re extremely excited to share the news that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, together with colleagues, will be joining Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team. We look forward to moving quickly to provide them with the resources needed for their success.
Satya Nadella has recently confirmed that Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, will continue to play a crucial role in the company’s AI initiatives. Microsoft is set to leverage OpenAI’s new leadership team and Altman’s new internal role to develop its AI roadmaps further, an essential part of Microsoft’s 2024 industrial Metaverse roadmap. Nadella’s comments suggest that Altman will remain important in Microsoft’s AI ambitions.


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Electric luxury cars represent the epitome of automotive excellence, blending the opulence of luxury vehicles with the eco-consciousness of electric power.This segment has seen significant growth and innovation in recent years both globally and in India. Automakers’ investments, government policies, awareness and acceptance, and technological advancements are some of the factors that have imparted momentum to the growth of electric cars in India.The recent events collectively represent a historic shift in India’s automotive landscape, signalling a transition towards sustainable mobility and the mainstream acceptance of electric vehicles, including luxury models.
In a recent initiative, the Government of India has greenlit a strategic policy aimed at positioning India as a prime manufacturing hub for electric vehicles. Under this policy, import duty concessions will be given to companies setting up manufacturing units in the country with a minimum investment of USD 500 million, a move aimed at attracting major global players like US-based Tesla. This move indicates the government’s ambition to make India a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2023 annual conference in Ingolstadt on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Andre Konsbruck, Vice President of Sales Overseas at Audi AG stated that more than 50 percent of luxury cars sold in India by 2028 will be electric vehicles and hence the German carmaker is very actively looking at localising electric vehicles in the country. The statement from Audi’s global boss underscores the increasing significance of electric mobility in the Indian automotive market.
Electric passenger vehicle sales grew 114.71 per cent to 82,105 units last year against 38,240 in 2022, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA). The global luxury electric vehicles market size was valued at USD 158.8 billion in the same year and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% from 2023 to 2030. This trend reflects both evolving consumer preferences and regulatory measures promoting cleaner energy alternatives. As major automakers adapt their strategies to accommodate this transition, it signals a transformative phase for the Indian automotive industry, with electric vehicles poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future landscape.
Some of the other trailblazers in this luxury EV sector bring their unique blend of style, performance, and innovation to the table. On one hand, we have the Rolls Royce’s Spectre, touted the world’s first super luxury EV car, it is probably the quietest, smoothest, softest with the most space Rolls Royce ever built. Adding greater diversity to this spectrum is the Taycan, the first all electric Porsche and a new breed of sports car.

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Hilton has announced further expansion of its portfolio in Fiji, following the signing of two management agreements with Carpenters Properties Limited for Hilton Suva and Hilton Garden Inn Suva.
Hilton Garden Inn Suva is scheduled to open Q2 2020, with Hilton Suva to follow two years later.
“We are deeply committed to expanding our presence in Fiji and are thrilled to be introducing more brands from our portfolio in the Australasian market,” said Guy Phillips, senior vice president, Development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton. “Our position of being one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality companies has been achieved through great partnerships, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside Carpenters Properties Limited to open Hilton Suva and Hilton Garden Inn Suva.”
As the capital of Fiji, Suva is the political, economic and cultural hub of the country and hosts many regional headquarters, government offices and international agencies. Both properties will be located on the waterfront of the central business district and are part of the Suva waterfront redevelopment which is poised to become a premier address in Suva.
“We look forward to introducing both our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and our award-winning mid-market brand, Hilton Garden Inn, to Suva,” said Sean Wooden, vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “We believe both brands will become a leading presence in the market, meeting the needs of both business and leisure travellers.”
Wooden added: “Hilton has had some great success in Fiji already with Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa in Denarau, which opened in 2006, and DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island, which opened in 2016. The signing of these two properties in Suva are a wonderful addition to our portfolio in Fiji and really showcases our growth ambition for the region.”
The hotel will feature 120 stylish guest rooms, including five spacious suites, a restaurant and bar, fully equipped gym, pool, executive lounge and one meeting room of 200-sq-m.
Hilton Garden Inn Suva
The hotel will feature 178 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar and a fully equipped gym and pool.
Daniel Whippy, director, Carpenters Properties Limited, said: “We plan on replicating the success of other waterfront entertainment and commercial precincts across Asia Pacific and are thrilled to have Hilton Suva and Hilton Garden Inn Suva as the anchor hotels for this project.”
Whippy added: “The development will be the first major mixed-use waterfront development in Suva, featuring more 40,000-sq-m of waterfront retail, entertainment and dining venues, as well as more than 50,000-sq-m of commercial and hotel space.”
Kuna Sabaratnam, director, Carpenters Fiji Group, said: “We have spent the last 15 years focusing on commercial and retail development, including the flagship MHCC Suva Shopping Centre and Carpenters Tower Suva. Now, with the increased popularity of Fiji as a leisure destination and the demand for additional hotel rooms in Fiji, we intend to focus on the development of hospitality assets over the next five years.”
Read full article at TradeArabia News Service


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|By PR Newswire||
|August 14, 2014 05:32 PM EDT||
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- SCA, maker of the Tork® brand of Away-from-Home professional hygiene products in North America, is proud to announce an extension of its ongoing partnership with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. Through an expanded collaboration, Tork continues its robust support with two interactive campaigns targeted to raise awareness and generate support in the fight against childhood hunger in America.
Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE
To underscore its commitment to solving childhood hunger, SCA joins forces with corporations across the country to support the seventh-annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE (NYCWFF), as the official napkin of this year's Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite Featuring KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations presented by MasterCard®. The Festival brings together culinary icons and Food Network star chefs in an effort to raise awareness of the ongoing hunger crisis in the United States. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry and the Food Bank For New York City. Last year, NYCWFF hosted more than 55,000 guests at 130 events and has raised more than $7.5 million to date for these hunger-relief organizations.
As the official napkin supplier, SCA will provide custom printed Tork napkins, Tork Xpressnap Napkin Dispensers and the recently introduced Tork Foodservice Cleaning and Sanitizing Wet Wipes for all presenting exhibitors at the Grand Tasting event presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations presented by MasterCard® as well as the Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Trade Tasting presented by Beverage Media Group. By using Tork's unique One Napkin, Every Time™ Xpressnap napkin dispensers at each sampling station throughout the weekend, attendees will use fewer napkins and reduce waste throughout the entire festival.
"Eliminating childhood hunger is a cause both the public and the restaurant industry are passionate about," said Suzanne Cohen, foodservice marketing director with SCA's North American Away-From-Home Professional Hygiene business. "As part of our strong brand presence in restaurants and foodservice establishments across the US, we are proud to be able to continue our support of No Kid Hungry at such a large-scale event. We hope this event further spotlights the issue of childhood hunger and inspires action across the country to get involved with No Kid Hungry and its critical work."
Tork will bring to life No Kid Hungry's message by collecting "Autographs for Access" on Friday, October 17, during the Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Trade Tasting. For each attendee who signs their name on an Xpressnap napkin, Tork will donate $1 to No Kid Hungry, which can provide a child access to 10 nutritious meals. The autographs will be collected and displayed on cork sculptures at the Tork booth.
Dine Out For No Kid Hungry Sweepstakes
Share Our Strength's Dine Out for No Kid Hungry fundraising program encourages the restaurant industry to unite for the month of September in an effort to increase access for children to nutritious meals. Restaurants can pledge their support and get involved in this year's campaign at www.dineoutfornokidhungry.org. To encourage restaurants of all sizes to participate in this nationwide fundraising effort, Tork is excited to announce a sweepstakes that directly supports the No Kid Hungry's core mission by donating funds to provide meals to children in need.
For each eligible entry in the sweepstakes, Tork will donate $1 to the No Kid Hungry campaign, helping to connect a child to up to 10 meals. For each entry that is shared via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, Tork will make an additional contribution of $1. With the potential to connect children in need with up to 40 meals per entry, Tork will donate up to 150,000 meals through a financial donation to No Kid Hungry. Not only will each entry generate meals for those who need it most, each entrant will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to attend the NYCWFF including:
- A three-night stay at Hudson, the Festival's Headquarter hotel
- $50 Hudson food and beverage credit
- Two tickets to Rock & Roll Night Market presented by Eater with Hot Bread Kitchen hosted by Masaharu Morimoto
- Two tickets to one Celebrity Cruises® Wine or Pairing Seminars hosted by FOOD & WINE
- Two tickets to Stacked: A Sandwich Showdown presented by Martin's Famous Potato Rolls hosted by Restaurant: Impossible's Robert Irvine
- Two tickets to Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations presented by MasterCard®
- Two tickets to an exclusive invite-only Chef After Party
- A voucher to accommodate travel costs
Additional prizes include Forbes Wine Club Wine Tasting Kits, four-month subscriptions to Pastoral's Cheese of the Month program and gift cards to Dine Out for No Kid Hungry restaurant participants. The sweepstakes will run from August 14 through September 30, 2014, and the winner will be announced on or around October 3, 2014. Visit www.torkusa.com/dineout for a full list of eligibility requirements.
Restaurants can learn more about Dine Out For No Kid Hungry at www.dineoutfornokidhungry.org and pledge their support of this year's fundraising program. Consumers are encouraged to patronize participating restaurants during the month of September. For a full list of restaurants participating in Dine Out For No Kid Hungry, visit www.dineoutfornokidhungry.org/maps.
For more information about SCA's support of Share Our Strength, contact Heidi Bobier at [email protected] or (952) 346-6027.
The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of SCA, and a committed partner to customers in over 80 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: torkusa.com or tork.ca.
In North America, SCA produces the Tork® line of dispensers, towels, tissue, soap, napkins and wipers used in commercial settings such as office buildings, restaurants, schools and healthcare facilities and the TENA® line of incontinence care products used by consumers at home and in healthcare facilities. TENA and Tork are the global leading brands in their categories. For more information visit www.sca.com/us.
Globally, SCA is a leading hygiene and forest products company. We develop and produce sustainable personal care, tissue and forest products. Sales are conducted in about 100 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and many regional brands. As Europe's largest private forest owner, we put great emphasis on sustainable forest management. SCA has about 44,000 employees. Sales in 2013 amounted to $14 billion. SCA was founded in 1929, has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm stock exchange. More information at www.sca.com
SCA delivers sustainable solutions with added value for our customers from safe, resource efficient and environmentally sound sourcing, production and development. Recent third party accreditations for the SCA sustainability work include Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2013, the WWF Environmental Paper Company Index 2013, and Ethisphere – World's Most Ethical Companies 2014.
About Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals. This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.
The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), sponsor of the IoTivity open source project, and AllSeen Alliance, which provides the AllJoyn® open source IoT framework, today announced that the two organizations’ boards have approved a merger under the OCF name and bylaws. This merger will advance interoperability between connected devices from both groups, enabling the full operating potential of IoT and representing a significant step towards a connected ecosystem.
Oct. 21, 2016 11:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,117
You think you know what’s in your data. But do you? Most organizations are now aware of the business intelligence represented by their data. Data science stands to take this to a level you never thought of – literally. The techniques of data science, when used with the capabilities of Big Data technologies, can make connections you had not yet imagined, helping you discover new insights and ask new questions of your data. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Sarbjit Sarkaria, data science team lead ...
Oct. 21, 2016 10:00 PM EDT Reads: 4,206
A completely new computing platform is on the horizon. They’re called Microservers by some, ARM Servers by others, and sometimes even ARM-based Servers. No matter what you call them, Microservers will have a huge impact on the data center and on server computing in general. Although few people are familiar with Microservers today, their impact will be felt very soon. This is a new category of computing platform that is available today and is predicted to have triple-digit growth rates for some ...
Oct. 21, 2016 10:00 PM EDT Reads: 33,890
Without lifecycle traceability and visibility across the tool chain, stakeholders from Planning-to-Ops have limited insight and answers to who, what, when, why and how across the DevOps lifecycle. This impacts the ability to deliver high quality software at the needed velocity to drive positive business outcomes. In his general session at @DevOpsSummit at 19th Cloud Expo, Eric Robertson, General Manager at CollabNet, will discuss how customers are able to achieve a level of transparency that e...
Oct. 21, 2016 09:30 PM EDT Reads: 623
Effectively SMBs and government programs must address compounded regulatory compliance requirements. The most recent are Controlled Unclassified Information and the EU’s GDPR have Board Level implications. Managing sensitive data protection will likely result in acquisition criteria, demonstration requests and new requirements. Developers, as part of the pre-planning process and the associated supply chain, could benefit from updating their code libraries and design by incorporating changes.
Oct. 21, 2016 09:30 PM EDT Reads: 1,587
SYS-CON Events announced today that Enzu will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. Enzu’s mission is to be the leading provider of enterprise cloud solutions worldwide. Enzu enables online businesses to use its IT infrastructure to their competitive advantage. By offering a suite of proven hosting and management services, Enzu wants companies to focus on the core of their online busine...
Oct. 21, 2016 09:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,194
SYS-CON Events announced today that Roundee / LinearHub will exhibit at the WebRTC Summit at @ThingsExpo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. LinearHub provides Roundee Service, a smart platform for enterprise video conferencing with enhanced features such as automatic recording and transcription service. Slack users can integrate Roundee to their team via Slack’s App Directory, and '/roundee' command lets your video conference ...
Oct. 21, 2016 09:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,979
SYS-CON Events announced today that SoftNet Solutions will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. SoftNet Solutions specializes in Enterprise Solutions for Hadoop and Big Data. It offers customers the most open, robust, and value-conscious portfolio of solutions, services, and tools for the shortest route to success with Big Data. The unique differentiator is the ability to architect and...
Oct. 21, 2016 08:15 PM EDT Reads: 341
In past @ThingsExpo presentations, Joseph di Paolantonio has explored how various Internet of Things (IoT) and data management and analytics (DMA) solution spaces will come together as sensor analytics ecosystems. This year, in his session at @ThingsExpo, Joseph di Paolantonio from DataArchon, will be adding the numerous Transportation areas, from autonomous vehicles to “Uber for containers.” While IoT data in any one area of Transportation will have a huge impact in that area, combining senso...
Oct. 21, 2016 07:15 PM EDT Reads: 254
Why do your mobile transformations need to happen today? Mobile is the strategy that enterprise transformation centers on to drive customer engagement. In his general session at @ThingsExpo, Roger Woods, Director, Mobile Product & Strategy – Adobe Marketing Cloud, covered key IoT and mobile trends that are forcing mobile transformation, key components of a solid mobile strategy and explored how brands are effectively driving mobile change throughout the enterprise.
Oct. 21, 2016 07:15 PM EDT Reads: 1,613
@ThingsExpo has been named the Top 5 Most Influential Internet of Things Brand by Onalytica in the ‘The Internet of Things Landscape 2015: Top 100 Individuals and Brands.' Onalytica analyzed Twitter conversations around the #IoT debate to uncover the most influential brands and individuals driving the conversation. Onalytica captured data from 56,224 users. The PageRank based methodology they use to extract influencers on a particular topic (tweets mentioning #InternetofThings or #IoT in this ...
Oct. 21, 2016 07:00 PM EDT Reads: 8,109
"Matrix is an ambitious open standard and implementation that's set up to break down the fragmentation problems that exist in IP messaging and VoIP communication," explained John Woolf, Technical Evangelist at Matrix, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at @ThingsExpo, held Nov 4–6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Oct. 21, 2016 07:00 PM EDT Reads: 8,930
What are the new priorities for the connected business? First: businesses need to think differently about the types of connections they will need to make – these span well beyond the traditional app to app into more modern forms of integration including SaaS integrations, mobile integrations, APIs, device integration and Big Data integration. It’s important these are unified together vs. doing them all piecemeal. Second, these types of connections need to be simple to design, adapt and configure...
Oct. 21, 2016 06:45 PM EDT Reads: 1,862
The IoT has the potential to create a renaissance of manufacturing in the US and elsewhere. In his session at 18th Cloud Expo, Florent Solt, CTO and chief architect of Netvibes, discussed how the expected exponential increase in the amount of data that will be processed, transported, stored, and accessed means there will be a huge demand for smart technologies to deliver it. Florent Solt is the CTO and chief architect of Netvibes. Prior to joining Netvibes in 2007, he co-founded Rift Technologi...
Oct. 21, 2016 06:45 PM EDT Reads: 2,815
For basic one-to-one voice or video calling solutions, WebRTC has proven to be a very powerful technology. Although WebRTC’s core functionality is to provide secure, real-time p2p media streaming, leveraging native platform features and server-side components brings up new communication capabilities for web and native mobile applications, allowing for advanced multi-user use cases such as video broadcasting, conferencing, and media recording.
Oct. 21, 2016 06:15 PM EDT Reads: 3,019


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FUJIFILM'S NEW CHALLENGER
The new Fujifilm X-T100 (photo above) is being touted as a challenge to the increasingly ubiquitous smartphone camera for those looking to take their photography to the next level.
The Latest entry in Fujifilm's X Series, the X-T100, is a sleek, retro-style, compact mirrorless digital camera for entry-level photographers with specs that blow any phone out of the water.
A powerful 24.2MP sensor is 14 times bigger than those in conventional smartphones offering superior low- light capability, colour reproduction and 4K movie recording.
It also comes with 11 film simulation modes, 17 filter options, a 3- way tilting touch screen and a newly developed autofocus algorithm for faster and more precise focusing.
An extended battery life makes 430 frames available per charge, while an improved Bluetooth capability makes transfer to paired devices faster than previous models.
Compact and lightweight at 448 grams, this easy to use model is available in dark silver and Black and will be in stores from June 18.
3SIXT ENTERS THE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER ARENA
3SIXT has released a new range of wireless speakers across Australia and New Zealand.
The new line-up features three speakers – the rugged SoundBrick (photo above left) powerful SoundTube and compact SoundBlock, all featuring 3-hour recharge, 8 hours' playback and IPX6 water resistance, perfect for a range of outdoor activities.
Designed with ease of use top of mind, the Bluetooth-enabled speakers have a built-in microphone to allow calls to be taken while your smartphone is hooked up.


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From butt portions to Texas Toast, Aldi’s US stores may look familiar to Aussies, but what they sell is very different – with one particularly odd product.
Chatting away to her husband, frankly stuffing shopping bags, Gertrude could have been in any Australian Aldi store.
“You get the same kind of food as down the road and it tastes just as good but with no labels,” she cheerily told news.com.au.
It all sounds very familiar. But Gertrude isn’t in Australia. She’s 16,000km away at an Aldi in North Bergen, a densely packed suburb of New Jersey hemmed in between wetlands and hillsides around half an hour from New York.
If you think Aussies are gaga about Aldi, wait until you meet the Yanks.
Around 3000 stores dot the United States making it the largest Aldi market outside its German homeland. Australia, in contrast, has a mere 500 Aldis.
Walking into an Aldi in New Jersey feels not unlike walking into an Aldi in Newcastle or Nowra. But there are differences. You won’t find Special Buys stateside, instead they’re called “Aldi Finds” and some of the one-off products might make an Aussie shopper – well used to Aldi’s weird and wonderful products – stop in their tracks.
Some of the everyday products will also be unfamiliar to an Australian.
But perhaps the oddest things about Aldi America is there are actually two Aldis, and one of them you’d never guess came from the same retail lineage at all.
Aldi now one of the US’ biggest supermarkets
Aldi first set up shop in the US in 1976 with a store in the state of Iowa. According to a report by real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle, Aldi has become the fastest growing US food retailer.
In 2021, it opened 88 stores. It’s now the nation’s third biggest supermarket chain, edging out Safeway and behind only Kroger’s and Walmart.
That’s similar to Australia where only Coles and Woolworths are bigger since Aldi overtook IGA.
Its success has not gone unnoticed by the big(ger) boys.
“I never underestimate them,” former Walmart USA Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran told an industry conference in 2019.
“I’ve been competing against Aldi for 20-plus years. They are fierce and they are good,” he was reported as saying by CNN.
Mr Foran should know. Now the boss of Air New Zealand, prior to Walmart he used to run Woolworths’ Australian supermarkets where one eye was always on Aldi.
Many prices cheaper than Walmart
The US prices in Aldi, as you’d expect, are cheap as chips. A price comparison with Walmart showed most prices – although notably not all – were a modicum cheaper at the German discounter.
Mince was $US5.09 ($A7.14) per pound at Aldi compared to Walmart’s $US5.77. You could pick up an avocado for 89 US cents rather than 94 cents at Walmart, and a half gallon of milk came in at $US2.20, a few cents below the $US2.36 at its rival.
The same strategy in Australia of smaller stores, fewer staff, easy to stack shelves, massive barcodes and registers where customers have to pack everything themselves allows Aldi to shave off the pennies.
Baffling US Aldi products
Australians would recognize some of the big name brands like Magnum ice cream and Nescafe coffee in the North Bergen branch. They also might spy on some familiar Aldi home labels like Moser Roth’s posh chocolate bars.
But when news.com.au visited, many on the products would be baffling to your average Aussie.
“Butt portion” of ham, anyone? Wrapped in foil and as big as a Christmas ham, it somewhat disappointingly is not the voluptuous rear of a pig. Rather, it’s short for the “Boston butt”, a shoulder cut would you believe.
Something called summer sausage immediately stood out. Plump with a shiny, viscous red-brown hue it looked, at first glance, like some kind of elongated blood pudding. It was, however, slightly less offensive, being a fermented pork sausage that doesn’t have to be refrigerated.
The pizzas were, predictably, enormous; the bread – just like they like it in the States – was full of sugar.
The freezer aisle seemed larger than in Australia. Products like “Texas Toast” – thickly sliced pieces of bread smothered in cheese and garlic – were in abundance. The saddest looking product was a frozen microwavable “breakfast croissant sandwich”. Literally a plastic wrapped, insipid croissant with a slice of cheese, egg and one of those round hamburger-like round snags you only see in Maccas.
Americana was in abundance, from Budweiser bangers to tins of meaty, tomatoey sloppy Joe sauce.
‘Aldi Finds’- the US version of Special Buys
And then there were the Special Buys, or rather the Aldi Finds.
“The Finds are very interesting,” Gertrude told news.com.au.
“You buy it, you love it and then you come back and it’s gone and you can’t find it anymore,” she lamented, echoing just about every Aussie Aldi shopper.
All the favorites were here – pot plants, garden gazebos, kids’ toys and those blankets you can wear as clothes.
One customer was unfurling a chindi rug. Made from recycled cloth and offcuts, the bright floor covering was a steal at $US14 ($A20).
For $US80 ($A115), you could get your hands on a towel warmer, an electric bucket that promised “luxuriously” hot towels in six minutes. Or how about a huge golden tea urn? It would bring a touch of razzle dazzle to any community centre.
But perhaps the wildest Special Buy, the oddest offer, was the Aldi pajamas. No, not pajamas by Aldi – that’s nothing new – but Aldi branded pajamas.
In sign of just how doolally the Americans are for Aldi, for $US10 devoted shoppers could pick up a “ladies Aldi Fan” pajama set. This bedroom passion killer, in blue and yellow with a dash of red for a somewhat nautical look, included a top emblazoned in enormous letters with the words “Aldi All Day”. And apparently Aldi all night too.
Indeed, Aldi merch was in abundance. To pair with your pajamas was a set of key rings and coin holders with the words “I’m at Aldi… Aldi Time”. It wasn’t clear what that sentence meant.
The US’ secret Aldi chain
Aldi doesn’t have it all its own way in the US. The likes of Walmart are not going to give up their number one spot without a fight. And, unlike in Australia where it has carved out an almost unique niche, in America Aldi is fighting against fellow German discounter Lidl. It has much the same game plan although far fewer stores. But it’s busily catching up.
Intriguingly, the US also has something of a secret Aldi which itself is one of the nation’s biggest supermarkets.
Founded in 1967 in California by Joe Coulombe, Trader Joe’s was bought up in 1979.
That both Trader Joe’s and Aldi stores exist alongside one another is due to Aldi’s unique corporate structure.
Aldi is in fact two companies, one called Aldi Sud and one Aldi Nord. Founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in Essen, the company split into two in the 1960s.
That split has continued with different arms of the Albrecht clan still playing a big role in the two Aldis.
Outside of Germany, the Albrechts neatly divided up the world. Aldi Australia, for instance, is part of Aldi Sud.
But in the US, both Aldi Sud and Nord are present and often in the same states and cities. However, there’s no confusion because only Aldi Sud operates Aldi branded stores; Aldi Nord trades as Trader Joe’s.
The two stores are quite different though with Trader Joes usually much larger than an Aldi and with more of a fresh food focus.
But they’re both hugely successful with Aldi Sud’s 2000 stores estimated at having US revenues of around $U18.5 billion ($A26.5 billion) in 2020 and the 500 stores of Aldi Nord’s Trader Joe’s bringing in $US16.5 billion ( $A24 billion). That’s around $A50 billion of cash flowing through the tills altogether.
The two are privately owned, however, and don’t publicly declare profits. But the longevity of both brands in the US suggests they’re making a fair bit of money.
Like in Australia, Aldi Sud is not only expanding but also smartening up its stores. It’s managed to coax customers shopping purely on price, now it wants to appeal to more middle class shoppers. The kind of people who might have gone to Trader Joe’s, perhaps.
If more people like Gertrude can be persuaded to give Aldi a whirl, Walmart down the road in North Bergen might just need to watch out too.


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Singer Dencia has come out to mock Instagram Billionaire Hushpuppi following his arrest by the Dubai police department. The skin care entrepreneur took to her Insta story to mock him and said he is not smart and her livelihood was legal.
She slammed him following his statement that Black Lives matter is not for those who have bleached their skin which was a swipe at her. She re shared Hushpuppi’s post condemning skin bleaching and added: “At least bleaching is legal, we buy and sell legal bleaching without fear of arrest. He was arrested a day after this post. How can you be so loud, old, acting childish and doing illegal sh*t but always talking sh*t, demeaning and insulting hardworking folks on top of their money you are stealing? “If you gonna be a criminal, be a smooth one. You can’t be smart and be dumb at the same time. N*ggahs ain’t street smart, they are social media smart”.


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After struggling through the pandemic, Sean and Nikeah Green are hoping a fresh start at Willow Grove Park will help their once-popular business, BBQ Unlimited, thrive again, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The pair created BBQ Unlimited in 2015, and soon they were living their dream. Their business took off amazingly as “catering jobs lined up like crazy,” said Sean. But once the pandemic hit, catering jobs dried up.
After a series of pivots, the pair set up two months ago in the mall food court at Willow Grove Park.
The price for sticking with their business is not small. Strapped for cash, the pair and their three children were recently evicted from their home.
“It’s tough, but I have a strong faith in God, so I try not to let it get me down because you can’t cry over spilled milk,” said Nikeah Green.
At Willow Grove Park, their eatery attracts a stream of customers. Many are instantly drawn to their delicious offerings, including a mouthwatering plate of ribs, giving the owners hope for the future.
Read more about BBQ Unlimited in The Philadelphia Inquirer.


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Yandex.Money—to the Banks of the World
October 18, 2012
Users can now transfer Yandex.Money to a bank account in any country except the US (transfers to US bank accounts will be possible in the near future).
This option is available to all identified users. Using this service, you can pay for anything from cooking courses at a Buenos Aires culinary school to sports gear rentals for your vacation in the Philippines. You can also send money to your relatives, colleagues, or friends abroad.
Users simply need to specify the recipient’s country, banking details, and the currency of the account. Money will be credited within a few business days. Commission is 3% plus 15 rubles.
Yandex.Money’s audience is becoming more and more international. Non-Russian users buy digital content, online games and advertising, and paid options on social networks. For this reason, Yandex.Money is focusing on developing new services for that user segment. For example in August of this year, Yandex.Money announced a new option that allows users to add money to Yandex.Money e-wallets from bank accounts in any country.


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Mobile’s share of online visits is still booming, but the shape of that traffic appears to be changing, according to a new report from Adobe Digital Index (ADI).
The report says that smartphones are not only being used more to access the web, but are actually being used differently than in the past. ADI hypothesizes that the release of larger-screen devices, such as the iPhone 6S, is behind this shift in consumption. The larger screens are turning smartphones into both “lean back” and “lean forward” devices, according to ADI.
“There was a time when tablet browsing surpassed smartphone browsing, and that trajectory was expected to continue,” says Tamara Gaffney, principal at ADI. “Since then, however, browsing growth by these devices has decreased significantly, and we think this is mainly because smartphone screens are getting bigger. Now, instead of buying both a smartphone and a tablet, people are opting for ‘phablets’ [with screens of 5.1 to 6.99 inches] and relying on just this one device—with a larger screen—for all of their browsing.”


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Microsoft exceeds 2.460 billion in value and takes the lead from Apple
Microsoft is once again the richest company in the world: with its $ 2.460 billion worth, Apple undermines the top step of the podium.
Microsoft is the richest company on the planet: it even surpasses Apple
The struggle between the giants of technology continues, to the sound of market actions and stratospheric values. This time it is to win Microsoftwhich returns to be the richest company in the world, undermining Apple from the record. This is confirmed by Ansa, which reports that the market value of the brand founded by Bill Gates reached i $ 2.460 billion. In second place there is the Cupertino company, with suns 2.430 billion. The two are the only US brands to be valid more than two trillion dollars.
The overtaking took place in the last few hours, in which Microsoft has registered some surges. On the other hand, the last quarter for the company was disappointing Tim Cook. According to the latter, the reasons for the decline are to be found in the slowdown in iPhone production in Asia. This, combined with the chip crisis that is gripping the sector, would have favored the rise of the Redmond giant.
Microsoft would instead have benefited from recent investments in cloud computing, successfully capitalizing on the last month. Ansa also reports that the Apple stock, at the end of the week, on Wall Street, has come to lose more than 3%.
But the battle between the two giants is far from over. A challenge that has been going on for years, and that has seen Microsoft overtake Apple several times, and vice versa. A struggle that goes far beyond bank accounts and investments. The two companies have their roots in the ideas of the two visionary geniuses who created them: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
The last month has been crucial for both companies: on the one hand, Cupertino presented the new Apple devices, while Microsoft launched Windows 11.


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PSA Group reveals new electrified platform plans
PSA Group has unveiled new plans for an electric car platform for larger vehicles.
The carmaker currently uses two multi-energy platforms, but will be more to two 100 per cent electrified platforms between 2020 and 2025 to help with its development of electric cars.
This new platform – called eVMP – will be used to underpin a variety of larger vehicles, with the first example arriving in 2023. It’s set to be a c-segment SUV.
It utlises ‘60-100kWh of embedded energy’, meaning that vehicles using the platform will be able to travel between 248 and 404 miles on a single charge, depending on the body style, according to the firm.
PSA Group also says that the platform will be used on hybrid variants ‘in certain markets’.
Nicolas Morel, research and development director at Groupe PSA, said: “With this eVMP platform, Groupe PSA once again demonstrates its ability to innovate by developing for its customer’s state-of-the-art and affordable technologies thanks to the frugality that has enabled a significant reduction in R&D and industrial investments.
“This global platform will make it possible to offer a range of vehicles that are perfectly respectful of the environment, meeting the changing expectations of our customers and guaranteeing driving pleasure and safety on board, values that are the basis of the Group’s reputation today.”
PSA Group has also attempted to keep the costs related to the platform down by using ‘existing high-performance battery modules’ as well as by utilising current manufacturing processes. The new platform has also been designed to ‘compliment parts developed and manufacturers with Groupe PSA’, meaning that it won’t require bespoke parts to be created for it, but will instead be able to utilise features already available across the group.
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Dutch retail sales growth reaches seven-year high
Dutch retail sales rose 2% in the third quarter of this year, the highest growth recorded since the start of the economic crisis in 2008.
In particular, high street chemists and shops selling furnishings have benefited from the rise, the national statistics office CBS said.
Improved consumer confidence and the upswing on the housing market are driving retail sales upwards.
Retailers are also optimistic about 2016 and 60% of supermarkets and electronic goods sellers expect a further improvement next year.


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OK Google, take over my TV.
Google Assistant, the company's voice recognition and control technology found in devices like Google Home, is coming to Android TV. That means devices that use Google big-screen operating system, namely select streaming boxes and recent Sony TVs, will soon get even better at responding to voice commands. They'll also gain the ability to operate smart home gadgets like thermostats and lights.
Google says the free update will arrive later this year, and Google Assistant will be retroactively applied to all Android TV devices back to Android M (Marshmallow).
Google Assistant on Android TV was first announced at CES in January with the Nvidia Shield, a $200 gaming/streaming device that's often first to get Android TV innovations. It comes with a game controller that has a far-field microphone, so you can leave the controller on a table and speak the catch phrase -- typically "OK, Google" -- without having to press a button. Nvidia will also sell a separate, $50 far-field mic add-on called the Nvidia Spot later this year.
For devices that don't include far-field mics, like Sony TVs, you issue commands into the remote control after pressing the mic button. Sony demonstrated an early version of the feature at an event in New York.
In addition to being able to turn on the lights, set the temperature of the thermostat, and watch Nest cam videos on-screen, Assistant adds context-sensitive, natural language commands. If a list of search results appears after you perform a voice search, for example, you can say "Play the first one" or ask "How many episodes does it have?" without having to name the specific result or show on-screen.
Google Assistant will also work with Google Photos on the big screen, and you can ask for stuff like "Show me photos of my ski vacation." Many responses are also accompanied by on-screen results, for example displaying a weather report on the TV.
Android TV is also getting a user-interface overhaul. Apps like Netflix will get their own separate rows to showcase individual TV shows and movies, and static thumbnails will be augmented by moving video. There's also a "What's Next" list that lets you easily resume an in-progress show, and add other shows to the list, watchlist-style.
Since its introduction Android TV has steadily improved, adding more apps and capabilities to better compete against platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. The integration of Google Assistant adds another difference to separate itself from those others. We're looking forward to putting it to the test later this summer.
Correction: Originally this article said Google Assistant would come to Android TV this summer as part of the update to Android O. In fact, it's separate from Android O and Google's official timing so far is "later this year."


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Kennebec will host a Hometown Holiday Festival
Over 20 vendors will be selling their products at the 3rd Annual Hometown Holiday Festival at the Kennebec Gym Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Organizers Sandy Mundlien and Stacie Gran stated a variety of vendors will be in attendance offering an unique holiday shopping experience that will include baked goods, Tuperware, jelly and jams, jewelry, holiday decorations and much more. Door prizes, donated by vendors, will be given away hourly plus kids will have a chance to win a $50 Visa card.
Marlene Reuman will sell concessions in the lunch room including; tators & toppings, hot dogs, walking tacos, many desserts and bars, iced tea, coffee and soda. The Lyman Greater Foundation with be in the lunch room with information about the organization and also selling half & half tickets.
The local Modern Woodmen group has designated the event as a camp activity and will provide a $2.50 coupon for lunch. “Come out and enjoy the day with friends and family, good food and lots of shopping to get you ready for the holidays,” said Sandy.
- Hunters average two birds in Lyman Co. during opener
- National Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15
- Hoops for Coop
- Lyman Celebrates Homecoming
- Fall Harvest Underway
- LHS to crown King & Queen Monday, Sept. 26
- Lyman PF Chapter plans Banquet
- Kennebec hosts Rodeo for Cowboys and Cowgirls, age 4 to 18
- GLF Update: "The Miller Challenge"
- Pheasant survey indicates Lyman County routes among highest in state
- Court rules on County State’s election
- Enrollment up at the start of the new year


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Berch named sales manager for Vicksburg Convention Center
Published 4:25 pm Friday, December 10, 2021
Billy Carson Berch has been named sales manager for the Vicksburg Convention Center beginning Dec. 20, VCC Executive Director Erin Southard announced Friday.
“I am excited to add Carson to our team. He has such enthusiasm and a great personality, I know he will make a great addition to the team,” Southard said. “He will be responsible for overseeing sales of event bookings and marketing for the facility.”
A native of Crystal Springs, Berch is a graduate of Crystal Springs High School and Hinds Community College where he received an Associate of Applied Science in Commercial Design and Advertising.
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He worked 20 years in the gaming industry as a marketing and advertising coordinator for various resort properties and presently serves as the president of the Vicksburg Association of Marketing Professionals.


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Gamers interested in learning more about the performance they can expect to receive playing Player Unknown Battlegrounds (PUBG) on the Xbox platform. May be interested in a new comparison video created by the team at Digital Foundry comparing the Xbox One X vs Xbox One frame rates. Check out the results below to see if your guess was correct.
It’s the biggest game in the world right now, and now available via early access on Xbox One and Xbox One X. Reports are rife about tis poor console performance though – so just how do frame-rates stack up between the two machines? Tom and Rich team up in a synchronised multiplayer game to find out.
Note: We’ve now confirmed that spectator viewing has a considerable performance hit compared to actual gameplay. Also, while Microsoft’s ATG team helped the developer, The Coalition’s involvement was limited to optimising controls.
Yesterday the highly anticipated new first person shooter and Battle Royale game Player Unknown Battlegrounds launched on the Xbox platform after previously being made available via early access on Steam for PC users. Even before any official launch over 20 million copies of PUBG have been sold for the PC. You might also be interested in learning more about the PUBG Xbox controls in our previous article.
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Leer en Español
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced a radical price control bill in Congress which would introduce a federal ban on “excessive price increases” during “all abnormal market disruptions” giving the FTC and state general attorneys the power to sue corporations for what they consider to be “excessive price increases.” Warren, who supported a bill that has played an undisputed role in increasing inflation, has said this bill is aimed as a response to corporations “using inflation as a cover to expand their profits.”
The bill comes at a time when the United States is facing record-high levels of inflation. The latest BLS report showed that Americans have experienced an 8.3% general rise in prices over the last 12 months, the report also showed an astonishing increase in energy prices, with gas prices rising 43.6% in the last year.
Warren was not the only Democratic lawmaker who supported the bill, and her proposal was cosponsored by a flurry of progressive members of Congress from both houses. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), were accompanied by Progressive Reps. like Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Senate candidate Rep. Val Demings (D-FL).
Warren’s radical price control bill expands the power of the federal government
The Warren price control bill comes after months of the progressive Democrats trying to blame inflation, not out-of-control government spending, on corporations increasing their prices. The legislation would make it illegal for a person or corporation owning more than $100,000 in gross revenue to “sell or offer for sale a good or service at an unconscionable excessive price during an exceptional market shock,” targeting companies or individuals that have been found to have “unfair leverage” or to have used the market shock as a “pretext to increase prices.”
The bill specifically criminalizes companies for selling a good or service at an “excessive price” compared to the average price sold by either the same person or competing firms over the last 120 days. It makes no exceptions based on the position in the supply chain or distribution network in which a company is located.
The only available defense for a company that is being accused of price gouging is to show with “clear and convincing evidence” that the spike was caused due to factors that are “not within the control of the person” and that are directly related to the final price of the good provided. Curiously, there is no provision that would allow corporations to raise prices under the rationale of providing a wage rise to its employees, as that would not fall outside the control of the corporation or person.
If a company or person is found to have increased prices excessively the bill sets out penalties ranging from $25,000 to 5% of the offender’s last year’s revenues per violation.
Not only do companies need to be extremely careful about rising prices amid an environment of economic chaos, but private companies will also have to provide ample and detailed explanations to the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) for the increase in prices of their own goods and services.
The price control bill assigns an immense amount of power to the FTC, which is composed of five Senate-confirmed bureaucrats serving seven-year terms, to police and enforce the nationwide ban on “excessive price increases” during times of emergency. According to the bill, the FTC will have the power to determine when the country is going through an “exceptional market shock” that is causing disruptions in the economy. After listing a large set of reasons why the FTC can declare the “market shock,” the law goes even further and sets out an open-ended rationale for the FTC to declare the emergency and impose the price controls.
Not only does the FTC have the power to effectively unilaterally declare the price control, but it also allows it to determine what constitutes a market and an excessive price increase, giving them the power to impose price control in wide sectors of the economy. The bill allows the FTC, and the state AGs to take potential violators to the district courts, where they can pursue punishment against those they consider to have raised prices too much.
The Warren Price control bill has critics —and history— against it
Critics have argued against the Warren bill, economist Chris Conlon posted a lengthy Twitter thread criticizing the bill, saying that the provisions in it would only disincentivize companies from raising wages, and it sets up very vague terms for which a company can be fined.
Others have argued that the bill would not even tackle inflation. In remarks to El American, PhD in economics candidate at Columbia University, Daniel DiMartino said that “Warren’s bill would empower the federal and state governments to sue any business they think overcharges for products or services. If implemented, it would lead to widespread shortages of everyday products as businesses couldn’t raise prices when demand increases, and some would resort to selling ‘overpriced’ products in the black market.”
History appears to be on the side of critics, as price controls have repeatedly failed at curbing inflation. In 2007 Zimbabwe imposed price controls, causing economic mayhem as a result, Venezuela did the same and ended up having hyperinflation and shortages, and even the United States tried a general price freeze in the 1970s to no avail.
Daniel is a Political Science and Economics student from the University of South Florida. He worked as a congressional intern to Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) from January to May 2020. He also is the head of international analysis at Politiks // Daniel es un estudiante de Cs Políticas y Economía en la Universidad del Sur de la Florida. Trabajo como pasante legislativo para el Representate Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) desde enero hasta mayo del 2020. Daniel también es el jefe de análisis internacional de Politiks.


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Sterling falls after weak retail sales numbers dent optimism
By Jemima Kelly and Saikat Chatterjee
LONDON, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Sterling weakened on Friday after disappointing UK retail sales data dented broadening optimism about a currency that is enjoying its best winning streak against the dollar since 2014.
Before Friday's drop, sterling had been rallying against the dollar, with traders welcoming positive noises from the European Union about negotiations for Britain's exit and growing risk appetite encouraging sterling bulls to add to their positions against a widely weakened dollar.
"The retail sales data paints a picture of a UK economy that is not enjoying a recovery that is being seen elsewhere across the world and the pound is reflecting that," said Timothy Graf, head of macro strategy for EMEA at State Street Global Markets.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed 2017 was the weakest year for retail since 2013 and a drop in sales of 1.5 percent from November, as consumers squeezed by high inflation continued to keep a tight grip on spending.
Sterling was down 0.4 percent at $1.3845 at 1600 GMT on Friday, a full cent lower from its daily high as the dollar staged a broad recovery. Sterling had earlier hit $1.3945, its highest since Britain's June 2016 vote to leave the European Union.
Sterling, however, remains on track for its longest winning streak against the dollar since 2014, with five straight weeks of gains.
Against the euro sterling was down 0.2 percent on Friday and 0.3 percent weaker versus the yen.
The tepid retail sales figures rounds off a week of disappointing data for sterling bulls, including a softening of UK inflation in December.
"Consumer activity is quite closely correlated to sterling, so retail data is actually something that's well focused upon in order to gauge sterling direction," said Mizuho's head of hedge fund FX sales in London, Neil Jones.
Long positions on sterling rose to their biggest since the third quarter of 2014 - a complete turnaround from March last year when pessimism over the currency peaked, according to positioning data.
Fuelling the optimism about sterling has been a decline in negative headlines about Brexit negotiations in recent weeks, which had been a dampener for sterling bulls for much of 2017.
"The bigger picture is we have seen some favourable overtures from Europe on Brexit and that is also lifting sentiment," SSGA's Graf said.
The probability of Britain leaving the EU without a deal has fallen to 20 percent, from 25 percent in December and 30 percent in October, according to a Reuters poll published on Thursday.
The president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said on Wednesday Britain was welcome to rejoin the trading bloc after it has left next year.
Still, Capital Economics said in a research note on Friday that the rise of the pound appeared to have more to do with the weakened dollar than reduced pessimism about Brexit, given sterling had moved far less against the euro.
Despite the gloom around the retail sector, investors have added to their sterling holdings in recent weeks betting that a steep undervaluation on a trade-weighted basis against its rivals would disappear amid growing appetite for risky assets. (Reporting by Jemima Kelly and Saikat Chatterjee; Additional reporting by Tommy Wilkes; Editing by Catherine Evans)
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A worker on an auto assembly line in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Luke Sharrett / Bloomberg / Getty Images
Concentrating price pressures in a handful of categories means markets shouldn’t be concerned about inflation after Wednesday’s US surprise, economists told CNBC.
The U.S. consumer price index for April rose 4.2% year-over-year, the sharpest increase since 2008, while the monthly rise in core inflation excluding volatile food and energy prices was the fastest since 1981.
The readings sparked significant sell-offs in global equity markets as investors feared the rise in inflation could cause the Federal Reserve to change its accommodative stance.
Used car and truck prices, viewed as a key inflation indicator, rose 21%, including a 10% increase in April alone. Airlines and accommodations were also heavily represented due to the sudden surge in demand due to the lifting of travel restrictions.
The automotive industry was hampered this year by a global shortage of semiconductors, which caused major automakers to cut production. Nissan was the last to announce on Thursday that it would produce half a million fewer cars in 2021 due to the shortage. The rise in the price of used cars has been attributed to the effects of this crisis.
“It’s not inflation, but it’s a legitimate supply problem, and any new car that doesn’t sell is a used car that wasn’t made, “said Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics.
“At the same time, the rental agencies are jumping into the used car market because they can’t get new cars either. So we have a shift in demand right and up and at the same time a shift in supply left and that’s causing prices to go up,” he added, noting, that this is not inflation.
Weinberg also noted, in line with the position of many Fed officials, that the sudden shift from total service shutdowns to a more even distribution of price pressures on the economy would ultimately stabilize inflation.
“We see temporary shocks, bottlenecks on the way when we get back up to speed, and everything will eventually settle down,” he added.
Marco Valli, head of macro research and chief economist for Europe at UniCredit, also told CNBC that the Italian lender believes the rise in inflation is temporary, but admitted that Wednesday’s numbers had created “a little less confidence” in the forecast.
Noting the concentration of price pressures in categories directly affected by supply problems in the auto industry or the reopening of the service sector, Valli suggested that the Fed needs to see much broader and more sustainable inflation. However, he forecast that the current robust price growth is likely to continue for several months.
“The risk has increased, but we also think it’s temporary. To understand where this will really matter to the Fed, you really have to look at the breadth of the categories of price hikes you see,” Valli said .
Further data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday showed that the producer price index (PPI) was up 6.2% year over year in April. This is the largest increase since the agency began collecting data in 2010.
The inflation spurt is the “least bad outcome” for the Fed
Fed officials have repeatedly suggested that inflation must rise in addition to employment in a substantial and sustained manner before policy changes.
Weinberg suggested that the employment rate is indeed the central bank’s priority, with above-the-line inflation a price it would be willing to pay.
“Is the problem inflation, is it the biggest risk right now, or is the problem persistent unemployment that could force the government to subsidize people’s incomes for an unaffordable period of time or cause it to crash?” He added that this is the scenario that the Fed wants most to avoid.
“So taking some risk of inflation may not be the best possible outcome, but it’s certainly the least bad outcome, rather than the risk of prolonged runaway unemployment.”


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October 22, 2013
Apple has announced new updates for its iWork suite. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are receiving new features on iOS, OS X, and Web. Collaborate is just one of hundreds of new features in the suite. The price: Each app is absolutely free with the purchase of new iOS and OS X devices. This is a breaking news story. Please come back for updates.


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BONN, Germany: Each year, the total amount of electric and electronic equipment the world uses grows by 2.5 million tonnes.
Phones, radios, toys, laptops – if it has a power or battery supply its likely to join a growing mountain of “e-waste” after use.
In 2019 alone, the world generated 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste. Thats about 7.3 kilograms per person and equivalent in weight to 350 cruise ships.
Asia produced the lions share – 24.9 million tonnes – followed by the Americas (13.1 million tonnes) and Europe (12 million tonnes), while Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 and 0.7 million tonnes respectively.
By 2030, the global total is likely to swell to 74.7 million tonnes, almost a doubling of the annual amount of new e-waste in just 16 years.
This makes it the worlds fastest growing domestic waste stream, fuelled mainly by more people buying electronic products with shorter life cycles and fewer options for repair.
These products can help improve living standards, and its good that more and more people can afford them. But growing global demand is outpacing our capacity to recycle or dispose of electronic products safely.
Once theyre obsolete and discarded, these products can end up accumulating in the environment, polluting habitats and harming people and wildlife.
Only 17.4 per cent of 2019s e-waste was formally collected and recycled.
Since 2014, the amount of recycled e-waste has only grown by 1.8 million tonnes each year. The total amount of e-waste generated increased by 9.2 million tonnes over the same period.
At the same time, the amount of undocumented e-waste is increasing.
In new research, we found that Europe has the highest collection and recycling rate, covering about 42.5 per cent of the total e-waste generated in 2019. Asia ranked second at 11.7 per cent, the Americas and Oceania were similar at 9.4 per cent and 8.8 per cent, and Africa had the lowest rate at 0.9 per cent.
What happened with the rest (82.6 per cent) of the worlds e-waste generated in 2019 isnt clear.
In high income countries, around 8 per cent of e-waste is thought to be discarded in waste bins, while 7 per cent to 20 per cent is exported. In lower income countries, the picture is less clear, as e-waste is mostly managed informally.
IMPACT ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Without a reliable system of waste management, toxic substances contained in e-waste, such as mercury, brominated flame retardants, chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, are more likely to be released into the environment and harm the people who live, work and play in e-waste scrapyards.
Mercury is used in computer monitors and fluorescent lighting, but exposure to it can cause brain damage. We estimated that about 50 tonnes of mercury is contained in these undocumented flows of e-waste that end up in the environment each year.
E-waste doesnt just pose a health risk though. It also contributes directly to global warming.
READ: Commentary: Rubbish is piling up as recycling, waste systems struggle to keep up during COVID-19 outbreak
Dumped temperature-exchange equipment, found in fridges and air conditioners, can slowly release greenhouse gases. About 98 million tonnes are thought to leak from scrapyards each year, equivalent to 0.3 per cent of global emissions from the energy sector.
Aside from toxins, e-waste also contains precious metals and useful raw materials, such as gold, silver, copper and platinum. The total value of all this discarded as e-waste in 2019 has been conservatively valued at US$57 billion – a sum greater than the GDP of most countries.


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Hard to believe, but obviously expected, NAB has been officially canceled.
Now that the show won’t be happening, we are approaching manufactures with this proposal in order to present you with alternative “virtual show coverage” through recorded videos and live streaming. After all, cinema5D is still committed to bringing the latest news to our audience and support respected manufacturers wherever they are.
cinema5D will be offering virtual show coverage without there being a show – planned to be taking place on or around the dates that NAB was supposed to happen in April.
Manufacturers Invited – Please get in touch
The idea is to make sure that companies who worked so hard to create and present their innovations during the show, will have a platform to present those products even without the real-world event happening.
We will be offering companies the following, free of charge:
– cinema5D live interviews and talk about the new products with individual manufacturers and creators from our industry
– In case that your company is offering a live-streamed event, we will consider to tie it into our live broadcast too
– cinema5D will pre-record and edit interviews that will be published during AND after the virtual show has ended, whenever a manufacturer embargo lifts. In our entire history, cinema5D has never broken any embargo, so manufacturers can be assured that the information will go live exactly at the right time. Those interviews will be recorded remotely via video conference OR be recorded on location depending on geographical placement of the manufacturer (we will decide on an individual basis).
We are looking forward to this opportunity and aiming to create a new valuable experiences to our audience and manufacturers. Let’s try to make something positive from the negative developments all around us.
Please contact us directly for more information, visit our contact page.
Johnnie, Nino and the entire cinema5D family.
(Note: As like with any other trade show, the amount of offerings is huge and products might be of a similar type. cinema5D reserves the right to decide which products to expose to our audience on a case-by-case basis.)


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The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have put tremendous pressure on companies, with tough trading conditions and dwindling revenues.
Many industries were prevented from operating or were only allowed limited operations, during alert level 4 and 5 of the lockdown.
In an attempt to stave off retrenchment, many companies introduced salary cuts and short time, but in some cases, it was not enough.
The tough trading conditions, combined with political and economic uncertainty, took their toll on executives.
Since the lockdown started in March, many South African CEOs have announced their resignations.
While many of the resignations are directly linked to the lockdown, others most likely considered it previously and saw the lockdown as an opportune time to step down.
Here is a list of prominent chief executives who have announced their resignations in recent months:
Webafrica CEO Tim Wyatt-Gunning
Wyatt-Gunning stepped down on 1 July 2020 and was replaced by Sean Nourse, who has served as MWEB CEO for the past three years. Wyatt-Gunning has been Webafrica CEO since October 2011, and said it was the right time to find a successor with fresh ideas.
Liquid Telecom South Africa CEO Reshaad Sha
In June, Reshaad Sha announced that he had resigned as Liquid Telecom South Africa CEO to head up a new artificial intelligence venture.
Sha was appointed as the CEO of Liquid Telecom South Africa on 1 June 2018, where he was responsible for the company’s successful turnaround plan.
Net1 CEO Herman Kotze
In August, Net1 announced that its CEO and director Herman Kotze would step down at the end of September.
Kotze has been at Net1 for over two decades and will consult with the company to ensure a smooth transition.
Jasco Electronics CEO Mark Janse van Vuuren
Jasco Electronics CEO Mark Janse van Vuuren resigned on 31 May 2020 following a restructuring of the company.
Janse van Vuuren has been at the company for 12 years and resigned to pursue new interests.
Uber Sub-Saharan Africa GM Alon Lits
Uber Sub-Saharan Africa GM and director Alon Lits announced in July that he is leaving the company after seven years.
Lits was part of Uber’s first venture into Africa in Johannesburg in 2013 and rapidly expanded Uber across 15 other cities in Sub Saharan Africa.
MTN CEO Rob Shuter
In March, MTN announced that its group president and CEO Rob Shuter will be stepping down from his role at the end of his contract.
In August, MTN said Ralph Mupita has been appointed as president and CEO of MTN Group effective from 1 September 2020, with incumbent CEO Rob Shuter set to step down on 31 August.
Denel CEO Danie du Toit
In July, Denel announced that CEO Danie du Toit will step down on 15 August 2020. It did not give reasons for du Toit’s departure.
Denel, which manufactures aerospace and military hardware, has been struggling financially and had difficulties paying salaries.
Spur CEO Pierre van Tonder
Spur CEO Pierre van Tonder announced in July that he had resigned after working at the company for 38 years. He served as Spur CEO since 1996.
One month later, the restaurant chain announced that its COO, Mark Farrelly, has resigned with effect from the end of August.
AngloGold Ashanti CEO Kelvin Dushnisky
AngloGold Ashanti CEO Kelvin Dushnisky announced that he would step down for personal reasons on 1 September 2020.
Dushnisky, who is currently with his family in Toronto, said he is available to assist with a smooth handover until February 2021.
Gold Fields CEO Nick Holland
Gold Fields CEO Nick Holland announced he will be stepping down in 2021 after leading the company for 13 years.
The company’s Cheryl Carolus said a global search for a suitable replacement will commence soon.
Delta Property Fund CEO Sandile Nomvete
Property Delta CEO Sandile Nomvete and CFO Shaneel Maharaj resigned with immediate effect on 24 August 2020.
The company’s chief operating officer and chief investment officer, Otis Tshabalala, also resigned.
Metair CEO Theo Loock
In May, Metair CEO Theo Loock announced he has decided to take early retirement and will step down on 31 December 2020.
Loock will also step down as chairperson and non-executive director of all Metair subsidiaries and associated companies.


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The Trump administration said Friday it will allow most borrowers with federal student loans to suspend their monthly payments until Jan. 31, 2021, extending by a month an earlier reprieve designed to support households during the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision, announced by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, will help most of the 42 million Americans who owe federal student loans.
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Posters Name: Kagato
Posters Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Subject: NOLF 2 Multiplayer Expansion Released
Looks as if there's some much wanted updating out today for fans of the hit PC title, No-One Lives Forever - A Spy In H.A.R.M.'s Way. The new 1.3 patch released today weighs in at 29MB and contains two new multiplayer modes as well as a whole slew of bug fixes and changes. On top of that, Monolith has also released another map pack, weighint in at 50MB, that contains 10 new multiplayer maps for the two new game modes.


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Questions about the components of Ugg boots have risen to the level of debate in some parts of the Orthodox community after testing revealed that some models of the clunky footwear contains shatnez — the forbidden interweaving of wool and linen in the same article of clothing.
Rabbi Gedalia Walls, a shatnez tester in Rockville, has seen his share of concerns in his 19 years in the field. The shatnez echo chamber often amplifies a marginal problem into a near-crisis, he said.
Similarly, although pertaining to the kashrus of food, when Trader Joe’s switched its chocolate chips from pareve to dairy, the outcry was, he says, an overreaction.
And when, in the United Kingdom, it became known that the hair used to make sheitels, or wigs worn by Orthodox women, had been shorn in Hindu temples — overreaction, Walls said.
The current Ugg crisis, though?
An overreaction, he said. “Generally speaking, shoes aren’t a problem with shatnez.”
Simply put, most shoes don’t mix wool and linen, Walls said.
Having said that, three shatnez testing facilities found that seven styles of Ugg boots did contain shatnez.
And after an Ugg customer care representative responded to an inquiry by writing last month that all of the Deckers UGG shoes do contain linen, word spread through social media. Warnings were uttered in chat rooms, by text, and on Facebook and Twitter: The popular boots might be breaking Jewish law.
That’s how what has been called the first major shatnez crisis of 2019 began.
Walls pointed out that the tests have not been run on all the brand’s styles, and the tests were conducted on a relatively few pairs of Uggs.
The only style that Walls warns against are UGGpure, boots where the wool is woven into the fabric, making it difficult to analyze for shatnez.
The Ugg company waded into the confusion by saying its customer care representative was wrong, and that Uggs don’t contain linen.
The company has “been contacted by numerous members of the Jewish community following the release oferroneous information that our products contain both wool and linen. Please be assured that none of our current UGG® footwear products contain both wool and linen,” Ugg senior service manager Mandi Geary wrote in an email to Vox, which wrote about the confusion.
Walls doesn’t know whether every Ugg product passes or violates the laws of shatnez, which are numerous and technical.
“The biggest problem is that the Orthodox world doesn’t have a knowledge of this issue,” Walls said. “And outside it, I don’t know if anyone knows shatnez is an issue.”
That’s why there are experts, trained to know what’s kosher and what’s not — and why.
If you are concerned about your Ugg boots or any other article of clothing, Walls recommended having it checked by a shatnez lab.


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ValidMind, an AI and model risk management platform for financial services, has announced it has raised $8.1m in a seed funding. The funding round was led by Point72 Ventures, with participation from Third Prime, New York Life Ventures, AI Fund, Notion Capital, FJ Labs, Angel Invest, and Gaingels.
This funding will advance ValidMind’s go-to-market plans and establish it as a partner to its customers in financial services. With this round, ValidMind’s total funds raised are $11.1m.
Funding arrives as more financial institutions embrace AI-powered solutions
43% of executives believe AI will be critical to financial businesses by 2025. However, as AI/ML, particularly large language models (LLM), adoption increases in financial services, adequately managing its unique risks has become crucial for model risk management (MRM) teams, especially amid consumer concerns surrounding AI’s trustworthiness and safety. For instance, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports banks that use chatbots run the risk of providing inaccurate information to customers (which isn’t compliant with federal consumer financial protection laws) and diminishing consumer trust.
In addition to increased pressure from regulators to comply with existing banking regulations, MRM teams are facing new regulatory challenges, such as EU’s AI Act and the recently announced AI Bill of Rights by the US administration, factors demonstrate that today’s financial institutions need an end-to-end solution that can promote trust and compliance at every step of the MRM lifecycle, which ValidMind provides.
Jonas Jacobi, CEO and Co-founder of ValidMind, said: “The MRM teams at financial institutions are struggling to keep up amid increased pressure from the business to deploy more AI solutions faster and from regulators to ensure compliance, relying on an already time-consuming process due to a lack of fit-for-purpose built tools and increased model complexity. This funding strengthens our commitment to help customers increase the speed and efficiency of their MRM processes, reduce time-to-market for new AI solutions, and ensure compliance with global AI and model risk regulations.”
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The impressive Murciélago LP640 was only introduced a few months ago on the Geneva Auto Show in March 2006, but in December 2006, Automobili Lamborghini SpA already unveiled their 'topless' edition, the long awaited Roadster version of this new flagship.
The canvas roof was still there, with 640hp on tap and looks like that, the Roadster edition would become an instant success.
The LP640 Roadster was an impressive looking work of art on wheels, the same new wheel design as available on coupé combined with the extremely impressive central mounted exhaust pipe surrounded by the new rear diffuser, deep front spoiler and extreme side air exhausts, the Roadster edition was one mean looking super car to say the least.
Waiting time would be long on this new model, as many potential buyers didn't order the outgoing Roadster but waited for this new LP640 Roadster, so you could be sure the orders for this 'fighter' on wheels started pouring in when it debuted at the Los Angeles Motor Show on December 1 and on the Bologna Motor Show on December 7.
Again, a true flagship V12 'open top' model from Sant'Agata.
The 2015 edition of the famous Techno Classica event in Essen, Germany shows a $10,000,000 Lamborghini ... along with nearly 30 other Bulls.
(added on April 26. 2015)
Rowen Customizing innovation is a Japanese tuner that has recently unveiled a rather innovative aerodynamic package for the Aventador
(added on April 23. 2015)
Production of the Aventador has reached 4000 units, so is the Superveloce the last of the series before a successor takes over?
(added on April 22. 2015)
During the press conference at the 2015 Auto Shanghai confimation was given the Aventador Superveloce will be limited to 600 units worldwide.
(added on April 20. 2015)
Luggage signed by Automobili Lamborghini and TecknoMonster: Bynomio, on display in Via Monte Napoleone in Milan
(added on April 17. 2015)
September 27. 2008
Text © Mark Smeyers
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Japan and India signed a bilateral economic partnership agreement Wednesday that will strengthen ties with the fast-growing South Asian market of 1.15 billion people.
The EPA will remove tariffs on 94 percent of the bilateral total trade in terms of value, which was about ¥900 billion in 2009, within 10 years.
Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma signed the agreement in Tokyo, making India the 12th country to sign a free-trade agreement with Japan.
At the ceremony, Maehara expressed hope that the newly signed agreement will “promote a strategic partnership between the two countries so that they can establish win-win relations and achieve growth.”
Hidehiko Fujii, chief economist at Japan Research Institute, said the bilateral partnership will have a positive impact on domestic companies already operating in or seeking business opportunities in the market.
“The Indian market and economy are rapidly growing, and it is a very big, attractive market for Japanese firms. It’s about accessing there,” said Fujii.
Rival companies from other countries are aggressively advancing into India, so the EPA will help Japanese firms compete, Fujii said, adding the pact is likely to push Japanese companies to move forward their investment plans in areas such as personnel training and building plants in India.
For instance, the agreement will benefit Japanese automakers in India — most notably Suzuki Motor Co., a dominant player in the Indian auto market — in procuring parts from Japan at lower costs.
Meanwhile, India also sees opportunities to strengthen its trade through the partnership with the world’s third-biggest economy.
“This agreement that we have signed will enable our institutions, our private and public sector, to bring about a major change and incremental growth in both investment and trade,” said Sharma during a news conference at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
He also said India is still facing many challenges, including building world-class infrastructure and creating more opportunities for its people, noting, “Japan has a great role to play, particularly bringing your value-added manufacturing and technology” that will help realize sustainable and environmentally sustainable development.
Once the EPA takes effect, it will immediately eliminate tariffs on India’s exports of nearly all steel-related products to Japan, while those on Japan’s exports of similar products to India will be abolished within five years.
The two countries, however, failed to reach an agreement on labor issues. India has demanded that its nurses and caregivers be allowed to work in Japan, which will badly need a larger labor force to support a rapidly aging society.
However, Tokyo and New Delhi agreed to continue the labor talks in an effort to reach a conclusion on the issue within two years after the EPA takes effect. The Diet must first ratify the EPA before any implementation.
The two countries also agreed to ease conditions in approving the import of generic drugs, which will benefit Indian drugmakers hoping to enter the Japanese market.
The pact will also give India improved access to Japan’s food market, especially items such as fruit, seafood, curry and tea.
In total, the tariffs on 90 percent of Japan’s exports to India and 97 percent of India’s exports to Japan will be abolished within 10 years.
The EPA will also eliminate tariffs of Japan’s export of DVD players, lithium-ion batteries and camcorders, all of which are currently slapped with a 10 percent tariff, within 10 years.
Fujii of Japan Research Institute also pointed out that by strengthening its competitiveness in the Indian market, Japanese firms can create value chains of products around Asia.
“It is not just Japanese companies making value chains by connecting India with countries like Vietnam and Thailand, EPAs are very helpful in creating cross-border value chains,” Fujii said.
India’s population is about 1.15 billion and is expected by some to surpass China as the world’s most populous nation in the near future.
Information from Kyodo added
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This Portland Start-Up Could Be the Yelp for Campgrounds
Around 40 million Americans a year go camping—many, only after suffering through a session on ReserveAmerica, an online campsite reservation system built in 2005 that still serves as the hub for nailing down a place to sleep on public lands. These would-be outdoorsfolk squint at grainy, thumbnail-size photos, hoping for the best as they reach for their credit cards. (When did you last visit a website from 2005? Talk about roughing it.)
“We were frustrated,” says Sarah Smith, a former international management professor. “I keep a journal in my car, and write down campgrounds I liked and ones I didn’t like. And I thought, why isn’t there a better way of finding this online?”
With the Dyrt, a year-old Portland start-up she founded with husband Kevin Long, Smith wants to yank the camping industry out of the pioneer era and into the modern, Yelp-filtered consumer world. Going live this month, the Dyrt will initially provide a bare-bones database of 20,000 campgrounds around the nation, culled from state and federal sites. (For the time being, Smith says they’re ignoring most uncharted backcountry campsites, which she says attract only 4 percent of the total demand.) From there, the Dyrt wants users to upload photos and reviews to create a robust virtual marketplace for campfire rings and RV hookups.
“With campgrounds, it’s hard to see what you’re going to get,” says Long, a digital marketing vet. “You wouldn’t go to a hotel without looking at Yelp or TripAdvisor.”
But the real opportunity arrives as ReserveAmerica’s aging contract with the federal government expires this September. Other websites—like the Dyrt—will be able to offer campsite bookings directly to their users, vying for a share of the commissions generated by all those bookings. “Our strategy is, win search this year,” says Long. “We’re going to be at the front of the line.”
The attack plan hangs on an aggressive goal: 75,000 to 100,000 user-generated photos and reviews by the end of this summer. The Dyrt is banking on a game-based approach: users will earn points for submitting photos and reviews, which can translate into prizes from a stash of $100,000 worth of outdoor and camping gear from major national brands like Clif Bar and Osprey. Long and Smith say a beta test last fall attracted 2,000 pictures and reviews over fewer than 45 days.
The two founders, who also employ three full-time developers, play to each other’s strengths: Smith handles product and operations, while Long thrives in sales and marketing. Another added benefit? “We would fight about finding a campsite,” says Smith. “The Dyrt is going to solve a lot of marital problems.”


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Employer compensation considerations for remote workers
Employers must set compensation policies for remote workers taking into account federal and state tax laws and state legal requirements.
Consumer goods industry outlook: Winter 2022
Retailers, restaurants, apparel companies and food and beverage businesses continue to navigate a volatile reopening and economic recovery.
How $15 an hour became the de facto minimum wage
The shock to the economy unleashed by the pandemic and the response by workers have radically transformed the wage-earning landscape.
The American labor market, business and the post-pandemic economy
Widespread labor shortages are hampering companies’ ability to capitalize on an expanding economy as the country recovers from a pandemic.


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Rumors about the launch of the Huawei P20 began to emerge a few months ago, this being the company’s next top-of-the-line smartphone. It will hit the market along with some variants, including the P20 Lite and P20 Plus. Now, Huawei itself published on his Twitter page a teaser that indicates the existence of a “Porsche Design” edition of that device.
According to what has been revealed, on March 27, a new device will be announced as the “Porsche Design.” We remind you that this is the date set for the launch of the new P20 smartphones and because of this, it is believed that this device “Porsche Design” is an edition of the P20. Of course, since there is still no confirmation from Huawei, we must wait for the official announcement of the company.
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) March 23, 2018
Unfortunately there is still not much information on the technical specifications of the Huawei P20 Porsche Design. However it is believed that it will be slightly more powerful than the traditional edition. In this case, it will have 256 GB of internal storage and improvements in visual and custom accessories. See below for the technical specifications of the Huawei P20.
- 5.84-inch Full HD + screen (2280 x 1080 pixels), aspect ratio 19 – 9, IPS, 2.5D glass, FullView
- HiSilicon Kirin 659 and MaliT830-MP2 GPU Processor
- 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage expandable up to 256 GB via microSD
- Dual rear camera 16 MP + 2 MP
- Front camera of 8 MP selfies
- Rear fingerprint reader
- Facial recognition
- Dual SIM
- USB Type-C
- 3000 mAh battery with SuperCharge support
- Dimensions – 48.6 x 71.2 x 7.4 mm; Weight – 145 g
- Android 8.0 Oreo on EMUI 8.0
Anyway, all that’s left is to wait for the official pronouncement of the Huawei P20 and its variants. The event will take place early next week on March 27, and Huawei will then confirm the technical specifications and prices of all editions of the P20.


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Amazon Kindle Fire to gain performance boosts in software update
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Amazon’s Kindle Fire is reportedly due for its first software update, partly in response to complaints about the performance of the hot-selling new tablet.
The retail giant, which has in the Fire a sales hit, is looking to improve the Web-browsing speed of its first tablet, among other things, according to a report from the New York Times.
‘In less than two weeks, we’re rolling out an over-the-air update to Kindle Fire,’ Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said in the report.
As well as the speed of its Silk Browser, the software update should improve the responsiveness of the Fire’s multitouch navigation and users will also be able to edit the Carousel of recent items they’ve used on the device, the New York Times said.
The Fire’s last software update came about a month ago and since the Fire first shipped about a month ago, a significant number of consumers have complained to Amazon about the performance of their devices, and some have returned the new gadget because they were so unhappy with it, the report said.
Amazon doesn’t disclose its sales or return numbers for the Fire, or any other Kindle devices, but reviews (myself included) did have a number of performance complaints with the 7-inch tablet. However, research groups have estimated that already, the Kindle Fire is the second-best selling tablet in the U.S.
The report also echoes the rumors that Amazon is working on a new Kindle Fire, possibly with a larger screen size, that could launch in the spring.
Amazon Kindle Fire review [Video]
Amazon’s Kindle Fire set to take No. 2 spot in tablet market
Amazon Kindle Fire: Rumors say 8.9-inch, 10-inch models planned
-- Nathan Olivarez-Giles
Nathan Olivarez-Giles on Google+