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Just Eat boss David Buttress may lead Europe’s biggest online takeaway food company, helping restaurants deliver almost 100m orders last year for anything from curries to salads. But it was through delivering newspapers, rather than kormas and noodles, that Buttress first discovered a taste for business.
“My older brother got a job delivering papers for the local newsagent,” he recalls in his lilting Welsh accent. “And when I was 11, I said to my dad, ‘I don’t want to do that – I want to buy the newspapers and build a round for myself.’”
So young Buttress did just that, maximising his profits by purchasing papers wholesale and going door-to-door, asking locals whether he could deliver their morning read. He eventually established a round that encompassed about 150 houses, delivering around 260 papers, he estimates.
“For a teenager in south Wales, my paper round was a nice little earner,” he remembers fondly.
Three decades later, and the skills he first developed selling papers as a boy have been put to good use transforming Just Eat from a tech start-up into a giant of the online takeaway world.
Last year, it handled 96.2m orders, a 57pc surge on 2014 and worth a total of £1.7bn. It operates in 15 countries, from Brazil to Australia, and has 64,000 restaurants on its system, acting as a middleman between takeaway firms and 14.2m users.
Hungry customers log on, filter restaurants by location and then place their order through Just Eat’s system, which display’s takeaway firms’ menus.
The FTSE 250 company charges a commission for orders made over its website and app, and leaves it to the restaurants to deliver. As people spend more and more of their lives online, watching films on Netflix and shopping on Amazon, Just Eat has enjoyed rapid sales growth. Last year, it generated revenue of £247.6m, up 58pc on 2014. Pre-tax profits were £34.6m.
“When I look back 10 years ago, when we were starting Just Eat, we wanted to build something that was genuinely a company that scaled,” says Buttress, chomping on a ham-and- cheese sandwich, perched on a stool in Just Eat’s offices not far from St Paul’s in central London. “We were naively ambitious in that we wanted to build a global company that was a UK tech success.”
In what is a competitive UK market, Just Eat is now the largest player, and is, in fact, the number one in all the territories in which it operates, except for the Benelux.
Despite its dominant position, Buttress claims there is still plenty of growth to go. In the UK, Just Eat estimates that six out of 10 takeaway orders are still made over the telephone, with the remainder placed online. It forecasts that phone orders will eventually shrink to fewer than four in 10.
In other countries where it operates the opportunity is even greater, with phone orders still accounting for about 80pc or 90pc of takeaways.
Buttress, a trim, rugby-loving 40-year-old, has been the architect of much of the company’s growth. The Just Eat chief grew up just outside Cardiff, before leaving Wales at the age of 18 to study business and law at Middlesex University’s business school. After graduating, he joined Coca-Cola in the UK.
“What I loved about it was first of all it was a competitive environment,” he says. “I loved the culture because you worked really hard, but if you actually performed, it was a meritocracy.”
It was while running the soft drink giant’s UK restaurant business, looking after customers such as Pizza Express, that Buttress first encountered Jesper Buch, the Danish entrepreneur who founded Just Eat.
The two hit it off, and within six months, Buttress had quit Coke to launch Just Eat in the UK, although not before he had first flown to Denmark to examine the takeaway firm’s operations in the country.
“I came back and it kept growing in my head. I thought, ‘My God, this is a brilliant idea’,” says Buttress. “I went home to my wife and said, ‘If I don’t do this, someone else is going to.’
“I thought if, after a year, it hadn’t worked out, I’d go back and get a proper job.”
Life at a fledgling tech start-up was quite different from Coke, Buttress concedes: Just Eat’s first UK office was a London flat owned by one of Just Eat’s backers, Bo Bendtsen.
“We literally put the desks and chairs together and got started,” he says. Building the business required the same determination that helped Buttress establish his boyhood paper round.
For the first three months, he went door-to-door in London, contract in hand, signing up restaurants one-by-one.
The hard work paid off. Just Eat grew, secured funding from venture capital firms, boosted its reach through acquisitions, and listed on the London Stock Exchange in April 2014, in a float valuing it at £1.47bn. Now, thanks to its share price rise since then, the company has a market capitalisation of £2.9bn.
Still, despite Buttress’s enthusiasm for Just Eat’s business model, it has its sceptics. Some analysts in particular are concerned about the ferocious competition it faces in the UK. It is up against the number two operator, Hungry House, and also upstarts such as Deliveroo, which actually delivers orders, focusing on high-end restaurants.
Giant tech firms such as popular taxi-hailing app Uber and Amazon are also eyeing food delivery operations in the UK.
But Buttress is bullish when talking about rivals, arguing the company has faced competition throughout its life.
“This is not an organisation that is, in any sense of the word, vulnerable to anything that’s going on in the wider sector,” he claims. “First of all, we’ve got a massive scale advantage: we’re literally miles bigger than anyone else you can name in our category. Second of all, we’ve got phenomenal underlying growth potential still.
“Lastly – and I would say this – but I think we’ve got the best team. We’ve got 10 years of know-how. I would hope that would count for something.
“So, to some extent, bring it on. We’re going to stay focused on our plan and delivering our business.”
Denmark is the only country where Just Eat actually delivers its orders, like Deliveroo, so Buttress knows the pitfalls of that type of model.
Most couriers can only deliver two to three orders per hour, he notes. That is limiting, considering takeaway food is mainly in demand during the evening, in a roughly three-hour period that constitutes dinner time.
“It’s not like Amazon when you can deliver in all parts of the day and even out the distribution supply curve,” he says.
Buttress is unconcerned, too, by the threat posed by restaurant chains building their own online ordering and delivery systems, and compares Just Eat to London’s two enormous Westfield shopping centres to illustrate his point.
“Nandos want a concession in Westfield because they know there’s lots of people there looking for food,” he notes. Just Eat, he argues is like a Westfield for restaurants – why wouldn’t a chain like Nandos want to be on its system and exposed to its hungry users browsing for dinner?
“We’ll work with any restaurant delivery business,” he adds. “I hope over time we can work more and more with chains.”
The strong results that Just Eat posted in March for 2015 helped to dispel the worries some investors harboured earlier this year about the company’s competition and model.
Unsurprisingly, then, it rattled shareholders when Buttress sold £12.5m of stock just three days after the annual results came out.
Mike Wroe, Just Eat’s finance chief, also offloaded shares worth around £6.6m.
Buttress is defiant about the sale, however, pointing out that when the business floated, management had said that if they wanted to dispose of stock they would do so only once a year, at the time of the results.
A father of two young children, he might put the money towards moving home. He claims his commitment to the company “hasn’t changed one iota” by the windfall.
“I understand why externally people might not like it,” he admits of the share sale. “But the reality is I would only ever have done it if I fully expected the company to continue to perform.”
Unlike the paper round he built as a youngster, which was limited by how many houses one boy could deliver to, Just Eat still has plenty of scope to grow, he argues.
It’s about “building a great company that stands the test of time”.


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BREAKING NEWS: Some Knoxville stations "out of gas"
RELATED: Some gas stations in the Houston area are running out of fuel amid a spike of up to 40 percent in fill-ups as Hurricane Ike bears down on the Texas Gulf Coast.
UPDATE: Refinery outages along the Gulf coast in the wake of Hurricane Gustav have created severe gasoline shortages in Knoxville and much of the Southeast as petroleum wholesalers and retailers scramble to keep their pumps flowing.
The threat of Hurricane Ike bearing down on North America's petroleum manufacturing capital, Houston, could make matters worse.
"Knoxville has been out of gas since Monday. We've been buying gas from Atlanta, North Carolina, Kentucky, anywhere we can get it," said Bill Weigel, head of the Weigel's chain of convenience stores in Knox, Blount, Sevier, Loudon, Anderson and Monroe counties.
Weigel said about a half-dozen Weigel's stores are out of gas and he fears that number will grow as gasoline shipments from Louisiana and Texas refineries through a network of pipelines are disrupted.
"We're working around the clock hunting. We're not even asking the price. It doesn't matter right now," Weigel said about his staff's efforts to locate supplies. He said Chattanooga and Nashville supplies are severely restricted, too, and he is turning to Birmingham, Ala., in hopes of finding reserves.
Aaaand Michael Silence causes a panic at the pumps.

domain: news


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Vivo, one of the leading smartphone makers from China, seems to be in full swing and ready to compete directly with the likes of Apple INC. and Samsung. The company is leaving no stone unturned in this direction.
What is Vivo Cooking in the Global Smartphone Space?
It was not long ago that the company announced the release of the Vivo Y6 and Vivo V5 Lite. Now the Chinese smartphone maker is planning to take the smartphone competition to an entirely different level.
Vivo is planning to release another flagship smartphone in the global smartphone market. This is going to be the Vivo V5 Plus. In Collaboration with the likes of Sony, the company has worked hard as well smart to give users something better than they have come to expect.
Let’s take a good look at the specifications of the Vivo V5 Plus and understand the way this smartphone will prove its smartness in the hands of users.
A Glance at Technical Specifications of the Vivo V5 Plus
Continue reading A Look at Vivo Effort to Empower Users Technologically with Vivo V5 Plus


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Delaware Will Become Second State to Offer Real Money Online GamblingPublished on October 31st, 2013 2:03 am EST
According to the Washington Post (link below), Delaware is set to become the second state to offer real money online gambling on Thursday.
According to the article, Delaware lottery officials will begin a "soft launch" on Thursday. This soft launch will include a "select group of preferred players" and is intended to test the stability of the software. Lottery officials will also be making sure that there are no issues when it comes to transferring money between casino and player accounts.
Assuming that things go well, a full launch is set to take place sometime in November.
With the "soft launch" on Thursday, Delaware will join Nevada as the only two states to currently offer intrastate online gambling. Nevada launched online gambling earlier in the year, with Ultimate Poker first opening its doors in late April. WSOP.com was the second site to launch in the state, as they opened their doors about a month ago.
By the end of November, three states - Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey - will offer real money online gambling.
Source: WashingtonPost.com - Delaware Officials Eye Launch of Online Gambling With Select Group of Initial Players
Filed Under: Other Poker News


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Addressing the underwhelming review for Windows 8 and its overhauled version Windows 8.1, Microsoft has unveiled the newest member of its growing roster of operating system – the Windows 10. According to some reviews, Windows 10 is what Windows 8 should have been and rumors have it that while Windows 8 is still fresh in the market, its successor is already in the works. This article will provide insider information as to what the public can expect in Windows 10.
Windows 10 will be available in seven versions, making sure that there is a specific one for your intended use. However, only the Mobile, Home, Professional and Enterprise are the confirmed versions as of writing. One great modification that Microsoft did for their latest installment is on the security features. Microsoft introduces two new features that will keep the users worry free – the Windows Hello and Passport. Hello lets you log in on your computer using biometric data. But it is not as simple as what you think. This feature needs to be linked to a hardware device that uses infrared which will carefully map a 3D format of your face. This will avoid spoofing the regular webcam based facial recognition feature that can be deceived by just showing your photo on the camera. The Passport on the other hand allows users to use a single username and password in signing in to different participating websites. Through this, users do not need memorize several password and usernames.
Microsoft Photos will be one of the interesting the apps of the new Windows OS. The Photos app scans your device for photos and organizes them into a giant collection. What’s cool about this app is that it automatically enhances your photo’s contrast and exposure levels as well as fixes the red eyes. If you do not like the enhancement, you can definitely undo them. Siri may also find its match with the presence of Cortana in Windows 10, Microsoft’s version of an intelligent personal assistant. Cortana was first introduce in Windows 8 and is still in development stage as of now for Windows 10. However, Microsoft promises a better Cortana that can comprehend and parse regular languages. In Windows 10, users also have the freedom of organizing and customize the tiles on the Start Menu. These tiles can be arranged depending on your preference and can be labeled.
Microsoft edge will still be the web browser of Microsoft 10 under the same codename, Project Spartan. Windows 10 will be available for free to existing Windows 7 to 8.1 users for one year. Users of older versions of Windows are not eligible for the free upgrade. As for the prices, Windows 10 Home will be available for $119 while the Windows 10 Pro costs $199 inclusive of security and software upgrades. Windows 10 will be available on the 29th of July this year.
Our hopes were high when Windows 8 was released, thinking that the operating system of the future is at reach. However, we were disappointed with the uninspiring results despite of the efforts to improve it in the 8.1 version. With the release on Windows 10 and the initial features that it is promising the users, Microsoft may have worked its way back in track.


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Samsung's plan to roll out 14in OLED screens by 2010 - revealed last week - turns out to be merely the first step toward the release of 40in and 42in panels a year later. Samsung's display operation, Samsung SDI, has a roadmap that calls for 14-15.4in, 1280 x 800 (WXGA) OLEDs for laptops and TVs in the 2009 timeframe, along with …
Well, after seeing 14in panels, I thought (and wrote) that it was a massive anticlimax. At least full HD 42in screens are on the board. Then maybe OLED will come into its own. Maybe.
- +Comment Trips to Mars may be OFF: The SUN has changed in a way we've NEVER SEEN
- Vid Google opens Inbox – email for people too stupid to use email
- Pic Forget the $2499 5K iMac – today we reveal Apple's most expensive computer to date
- Google+ goes TITSUP. But WHO knew? How long? Anyone ... Hello ...
- RUMPY PUMPY: Bone reveals humans BONED Neanderthals 50,000 years B.C.


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HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro camera reclaims the DxOMark photography crown
The boffins in the DxOMark labs have been busy putting the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro’s new camera through its paces. Surprise surprise, HUAWEI’s latest huge 40MP camera sensor regains the crown for the Chinese manufacturer. In total, the Mate 30 Pro scores 121 points in DxOMark’s camera test, a full four points higher than the Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G. Four points is a big deal in DxOMark speak. The phone also scores 100 for video, putting it right behind the high score of 101.
In its breakdown, DxOMark notes a few particularly strong points for the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro. Overall exposure is apparently excellent, as is the phone’s zoom capabilities and its ability to take pictures at night. The review also highlights a major overhaul of HUAWEI’s processing software, producing superior results compared to the already excellent HUAWEI P30 Pro.
If the Mate 30 Pro has any weaknesses, the selfie camera still isn’t the best out there. It scores a 93 versus the Note 10 Plus 5G’s 99. Although the handset has made notable improvements to selfie video, HDR, and color that edge it closer to the top five. The phone also very rarely suffers from “green casting,” or a slightly green hue, in low-light shots. Its wide-angle camera, although scoring the best for detail, also isn’t quite as wide as the competition.
On balance, the Mate 30 Pro is the best mobile photography package around. After all, it scored first place in around 70 percent of all of DxOMark’s tests.
Changing things up from the P30 Pro
Despite featuring the same main camera hardware as the HUAWEI P30 Pro, HUAWEI has managed to notably improve image quality with the Mate 30 Pro. This comes about from changes to the processing chain that converts the RYYB sensor data to an RGB picture. HUAWEI has also implemented more advanced AI processing techniques this time around. The Mate 30 Pro offers exceptionally low noise and huge amounts of detail from its pixel-binned 40MP camera (shooting at 10MP). Sadly, DxO didn’t get around to testing the 40MP shooting mode yet.
The most notable changes produce improved color reproduction in HDR scenarios where the P30 Pro often appeared slightly washed out. As a result, the camera’s white balance is much improved also. We noted the same in our early review of the device, which you can see in our shot below.
There is one major hardware change between the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro and P30 Pro: the telephoto camera. The P30 Pro offers an industry-leading 5x optical zoom while the Mate 30 Pro falls back to a 3x optical zoom level. However, this change apparently results in a better overall experience.
At zoom levels between 2x and around 4x, the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro takes the better looking pictures. I originally noted the P30 Pro’s zoom limitations below 5x when comparing the phone to last year’s P20 Pro. As expected, the P30 Pro remains the better shooter at 5x and beyond. However, improvements to HUAWEI’s AI super-resolution algorithms keep the Mate 30 Pro competent even at longer zooms. Ultimately most users are likely zooming between 3 and 5x, making the two phones quite comparable.
Finally, the new time-of-flight sensor used for bokeh effects has been improved as well. The new higher-resolution sensor, combined with depth information from multiple cameras, is more accurate than before, producing a more accurate blur. The camera can also accurately calculate depth even when zooming in, something that other cameras can’t do.
HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro camera: The best on the market
On paper, the Mate 30 Pro’s huge 40MP RYYB sensor, large wide-angle sensor, telephoto lens, and dual video sensor capabilities already made the handset a force to be reckoned with. It’s great to see this promise translate into excellent real-world results. With ever-improving software and post processing, HUAWEI appears to be making the most of its impressive hardware package.
We’re still busy putting the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro through its paces, including testing out the camera in a wide range of scenarios. For now, DxOMark suggests this is the best mobile photography package available on the market. Particularly if you’re looking to shoot with the rear camera in low light, at a distance, or into experimenting with bokeh blur.
Ultimately it’s a shame that the handset is stuck without access to Google apps. Otherwise, mobile photography enthusiasts would probably find the Mate 30 Pro an irresistible purchase.


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Korean tech giant, Samsung is about to introduce the new device in its Galaxy Note series. The second Unpacked event of 2019 is about to take place and will unveil the all-new Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and a couple of other Samsung devices. If you are supposed to be a tech enthusiast, you can watch the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch event live online. Here we have mentioned what to expect from the Unpacked event, and how to watch Samsung Galaxy Note 10 event live.
There are a plethora of leaks, which suggest that the upcoming beast will feature a punch-hole display to carry the front camera. Same we have seen in the Galaxy S10 series, which launched in February 2019. But in Galaxy Note 10, the position of the display punch-hole has been shifted to center.
Other than a new design, Samsung will introduce the new S-Pen stylus with new features and tricks. Some reports are speculating that the new flagship Note will ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, which we understand is a downside of the device.
We are expecting much more from the upcoming Unpacked event. Samsung has already announced the launch of Watch Active 2 along with the Galaxy Note 10 on 7th August.
Other than the different variants of Note 10, based on the specifications; we are also expecting the launch of Note 10’s 5G model too.
How to watch Samsung Galaxy Note 10 event live
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 launch event is scheduled for 7 August 2019, Wednesday. You can check out your region timings given below.
- New York – 04:00 P.M
- San Francisco – 01:00 P.M
- London – 09:00 P.M
- Mumbai – 01:30 A.M (8 August)
- Tokyo – 05:00 A.M (8 August)
[LIVE] Samsung Galaxy Note 10 event watch live online
- You can watch the Galaxy Note 10 event on Samsung’s official Youtube channel [STREAM NOW]
- You can also catch the live stream on Samsung’s official website. [WATCH NOW]
Nothing much to say, too much to write! Love to write about Tech & Games.


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Kanye West has ignited the most recent debate issue by causing social media to go crazy with confusion about his bizarre “sock shoes.” While Kanye is not a stranger to pushing the envelope regarding his style, his most recent item has already cemented its place as one of his most contentious.
This past weekend, the 45-year-old rapper and Yeezy designer went out in Los Angeles with his “wife,” Bianca Censori, where he sported the bizarre footwear and received a deluge of mockery on social media.
However, the area covering the foot seems to be constructed of thin sock-like material. The in question “sock boots” feature a cushioned boot-like construction that goes down the shins to the knee; many critics compare them to the protective padding used by soccer players.
Ye & Bianca in LA pic.twitter.com/XluTKVEHnR
— Ye Streams (@kanyestreams1) May 14, 2023
‘[These] they’re not shoes, those are my football knee pads my mom sold in the last garage sale she had,” one person joked on social media, while another chimed in, “Just because you have money doesn’t mean you have taste .’
On social media, Kanye West received harsh criticism for wearing an odd pair of “sock shoes” while out on a Saturday date with his “wife,” Bianca Censori. Social media users expressed their confusion about the so-called “sock boots,” with many remarking that they don’t appear to offer any protection for the bottoms/soles of the feet.
Users on Instagram and Twitter mocked the 45-year-old’s shoes relentlessly, making many jokes about how he may be in trouble if he walked on something sharp or hard. Even professional wrestler Matt Cardona mocked Kanye by remarking that the rapper’s shoes resemble the padding he uses to protect himself in the ring.
But even if Kanye had foreseen that his eccentric footwear would spark controversy in such a cheeky way, he didn’t let that stop him from embracing his excitement for sock boots to the fullest. The rapper even registered a trademark for ‘YZY SOCK.’ SHOES earlier this month, weeks before he was photographed wearing them in Los Angeles. According to TMZ, Kanye submitted the trademark registration on May 4 through his holding firm, Mascotte Holdings, referring to the sock shoes as “leather-soled socks.”
It also contained numerous apparel, shoes, hats, entertainment, and sporting goods. Unfortunately, a few days had passed since Kanye staged a private LA display for his Yeezy season 10 collection, “YZY FREE,” before he filed his lawsuit. As a result, the sock shoes were not displayed at the exhibition, which featured hairless models dressed in tight white shirts and black slacks with Frank Ocean’s music playing in the backdrop.
And following his “beef” with Adidas, it has declared that it will sell the remaining inventory of Yeezy sneakers, valued at more than $1 billion. As a result, Kanye would receive 15% of all sales due to their initial arrangement. In addition, charities will receive a portion of the profit’s earnings.


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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –Techtronic Industries (TTI), a global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of quality professional, industrial, and consumer products, is moving its U.S. headquarters to Fort Lauderdale. The move will bring approximately 75 executive and other new jobs to the area.
Since 1985, TTI has continuously expanded globally through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. TTI now boasts among its portfolio some of the world’s most famous and iconic brands, including MILWAUKEE, RYOBI, HOOVER, AEG, EMPIRE, IMPERIAL, STILETTO, HART, ORECK, VAX, and DIRT DEVIL. As a global leader in the home improvement, construction and consumer product markets, the company employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.
TTI’s office at 450 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale will be the U.S. headquarters location for its CEO and other executives as well as corporate functions such as finance, legal, and human resources.
The facility is expected to be up and running by the beginning of the third quarter of 2019. For more information on Techtronic Industries, visit www.ttigroup.com.
“We are excited to be moving into such a dynamic and growing area for our U.S. corporate headquarters. The new location will allow us to recruit and retain top talent, and we look forward to continuing to expand our presence in the area. We’d also like to thank our State of Florida, Broward County, and Fort Lauderdale partners – Governor Ron DeSantis, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, and the City of Fort Lauderdale– for helping this project come to fruition,” said TTI CEO Joseph Galli, Jr.
“The City of Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to welcome Techtronic Industries’ U.S. headquarters and its portfolio of dynamic and well-known brands to the heart of our city,” said City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.
“The Alliance welcomes Techtronic Industries’ U.S. headquarters to Fort Lauderdale. This powerhouse group of companies, including brands like Milwaukee, Hoover and more, is a significant addition to our community,” said Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s official public/private partnership for economic development.
“We’re delighted Techtronic Industries, a group of highly regarded companies has chosen Broward County as the home of its new U.S. headquarters,” said Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen.
- Techtronic Industries (TTI) is moving its US headquarters to Fort Lauderdale, bringing approximately 75 high-paying executive and other jobs to the area.
- TTI was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Hong Kong.
- TTI is one of only fifty blue chip stocks included in the Hang Seng Index.
- As a global leader, TTI employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.
About Techtronic Industries (TTI)
Founded in 1985 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 1990, TTI is a world leader in cordless technology spanning Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Floor Care Appliances and Accessories for the consumer, professional, and industrial users in the home, construction, maintenance, industrial and infrastructure industries. The Company has a foundation built on four strategic drivers – Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Exceptional People and Operational Excellence - reflecting a long-term expansive vision to advance cordless technology. The global growth strategy of the relentless pursuit of product innovation has brought TTI to the forefront of its industries. TTI's powerful brand portfolio includes MILWAUKEE, AEG and RYOBI power tools, accessories and hand tools, RYOBI and HOMELITE outdoor products, EMPIRE layout and measuring products, IMPERIAL accessories, STILETTO and HART hand tools as well as HOOVER, ORECK, VAX and DIRT DEVIL Floor Care and Appliances.
TTI is one of the fifty constituent stocks of the Hang Seng Index. The company is also constituent stocks of the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), FTSE Developed Index and Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index under the Hang Seng Composite Size Index. For more information, please visit www.ttigroup.com.
All trademarks listed other than AEG and RYOBI are owned by the Group. AEG is a registered trademark of AB Electrolux (publ.), and is used under license. RYOBI is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited, and is used under license.


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- 2 min read
IATO hails govt decision to scrap TCS on sale of overseas tour packages to foreign tour operators
IATO said a lot of foreigners book overseas tour packages for neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives through Indian tour operators. But since there was a levy, they preferred booking the tours directly with tour operators in those countries as there was no such charge there.
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has welcome the government's move of withdrawing a 5 percent tax collection at source (TCS) charged on the sale of overseas tour packages to foreign tour operators. The industry body said the same was earlier withdrawn only for individual foreign tourists but now on IATO’s representation, the government has announced the removal of tax, both on individual foreign tourists as well as foreign tour operators (FTOs). IATO said the removal would make the tour packages offered by Indian tour operators to foreigners a bit cheaper and would help provide some succor to the pandemic ravaged sector.
Rajiv Mehra, president of IATO said the impact of this notification is that both foreign individuals and FTOs (buyers) buying overseas tour packages from the Indian tour operators will be exempt from TCS provisions. "It is not necessary that the foreign tourist should visit India for an onward journey to the neighbouring country. Secondly, the FTO or corporate entity established in foreign country and not maintaining any permanent establishment or branch in India would also be exempted from TCS provisions," he added.
He also said Indian tour operators were losing a lot of clients because of this tax, besides the govt. was losing precious foreign exchange as the entire money was going to the other countries. "We made a presentation to the finance ministry on this and they found merit in our plea and thereby announced the withdrawal. We express our gratitude to the finance ministry and tourism ministry for this."


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ATA Unveils Newest Member of Image Fleet
- The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and ATA’s Intermodal Motor Carrier Conference have introduced their latest addition to the ATA image fleet.
- This new member will help promote the trucking industry and highlight its importance in the nation’s economy.
- The ATA image fleet includes various vehicles adorned with eye-catching graphics and messages to raise awareness about the trucking industry.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and ATA’s Intermodal Motor Carrier Conference have proudly presented the newest addition to the ATA image fleet. This vehicle is one of many in the fleet specifically designed to promote the trucking industry and emphasize its vital role in the nation’s economy.
The ATA image fleet is a collection of eye-catching vehicles that feature bold graphics and captivating messages to create awareness about the trucking industry. These vehicles travel across the country, capturing the attention of motorists and spreading the message of the industry’s significance.
With the unveiling of the newest member, the ATA aims to further strengthen the presence of the trucking industry and highlight its contribution to the economy. Through the colorful and attention-grabbing design of the vehicle, the ATA hopes to engage and educate the public about the essential role that trucking plays in their everyday lives.
Trucks are the lifeline of the economy, delivering goods and merchandise to every corner of the nation. As the newest addition to the ATA image fleet hits the roads, it serves as a rolling ambassador for the industry, reminding everyone of the crucial role played by trucking in keeping America moving.
The ATA’s image fleet has proven to be an effective way to raise awareness about the trucking industry. With the addition of this new vehicle, the ATA continues to drive its message forward and ensures that the importance of trucking is not overlooked. So, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant and informative trucks on the road, because they are not just delivering goods but also delivering the truth about the backbone of our nation’s economy.
This blog post has been generated using the information provided in the article:”ATA Image Truck Focused on Intermodal Transportation” by “News/Media Release”.
Check it out at: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10208289/ata-unveils-image-truck-focused-on-intermodal-transportation.


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Digital archetype, Ananse Africa, which has launched in two continental economic hubs of Lagos and Johannesburg, is set to dominate the global creative markets with products and designs that promote African culture.
The platform is in partnership with MasterCard and DHL to facilitate digital marketplace for over 1000 African fashion designers and artists who desire a common commercial platform to externalize their creations.
Then platform prides itself with capacity to “simplify global and local trade for African designers and artisans; creating economic opportunities for talented youth and women creatives across Africa.”
It added that it can deliver African creative output to over 200 countries and territories, making it easy for the world to shop beautiful things that are made in Africa.
Beyond creating a commercial platform for global connectivity, Ananse Africa also secures the intellectual and creative rights of writers, designers, sculptors and other creative artists under a common copyright platform.
President, Society of Nigerian Artists, Oliver Nwonwu, said that the platform had capacity to deliver greater promotion for the creative industry all over the world. He added that Ananse Africa would help protect intellectual rights and creative licenses of artists in the continent.
He described the common platform as a way of rebranding the continent, pointing out that creative artists have the spin for national image molding and branding. He also argued that propagation of culture through arts delivers greater reputational benefits than advertising.
In pointing at the cultural promotion and economic contributions of the Nigerian movie industry as part of the potentials the new platform holds, Mr Nwonwu pointed out that creative arts industry is interdisciplinary with capacity for employment and business creation along the chain of skills and talents.
“So you can imagine the volume of job creations and opportunities that will come with platforms like this,” he said.
He said the platform and its contents, when properly managed and harnessed, would catalyze the economy and boost productivity in monumental scale not earlier imagined possible in the creative industry.
He also pointed out that creative works like paintings and sculptures have become vogue for collectors and other people seeking to store value, explaining that paintings and crafts have become as important as jewels in storing value.
Oracle Intelligence reports that collectors buy artworks, especially paintings and sculpted works, and sell same at later auctions to recover their money or make profits.
According to Mr Nwonwu, Ananse Africa would also form the aegis for professional designers, artists, sculptors and painters of African origin to share their works with the world.
Anase Africa is already launched in Lagos and Johannesburg in a momentum that seeks convergence for African creative works in capturing huge space in the global market. The online platform will connect creators with market in the face of the limited physical closeness imposed by the prevailing global coronavirus pandemic.
Different designers, clothing artists and brands declared intention to use the platform for export of African culture and promote tourism. Some of the fashion brands already for free delivery on the platform include outfts by Ejiro; bag by Marte Egele and artwork by Richard Izege.
Others are dresses by For Styles Sake; scarf by My Q Lady; sandals by K Aspen; shoes by Keex and other clothing outfits by Olode and Thread.
Ananse Africa stated that all the promoted products could be delivered for free by DHL on Ananse.com this April.


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Canadian cannabis companies are on a fundraising spree. New York-based Viridian Capital Advisors has reported, that Canadian cannabis industry has got $2b as investment following the announcement of legalization processes.
The capital raised through 189 transactions will be used for cultivation, retail, and deal-making.
The capital exceeds by a significant margin than the US$937.4 million raised by the entire global legalized cannabis industry at this point of 2016.
Harrison Phillips, vice-president at Viridian said the adult use of Cannabis will exceed the medical market in next few years.
“While the medical market is expected to continue to grow over the next several years, the size of the coming adult-use market is expected to far exceed that of the medical side,”– he said.
The US$1.5775 billion raised in Canada also makes up more than half of the raised money tracked by Viridian this year in the legalized industry, which was a total of US$2.696 billion via 366 transactions.
“Companies have been raising significant amounts of capital, primarily to increase capacity to satisfy the coming surge in expected demand.” — he added.
Aurora Cannabis is pitching to more investors to capitalize the legal market.
In a recent note to his employees, Cam Battley, a senior executive at Aurora Cannabis said “we need to accelerate” mergers and acquisitions activity, because “we haven’t acquired any other companies in several hours.”
Aurora Cannabis bought three companies in 2 days last week in an effort become fully integrated, “globally dominant” player in production and retail.
“Additionally, companies have continued to invest in larger facilities with more advanced technologies (LED lighting and automation for cultivation, more scientific and precise equipment for extraction, etc.), leading to increases in the average raise sizes,” Phillips said.
President of a Seattle-based cannabis consulting firm, Dallas McMillan said – its high time for companies to woo the investors to get that competitive advantage.
“This means that in order for companies to compete they need to be large and efficient, and minimize overheads such as electricity and labor,” — McMillan wrote on Linkedin.


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Posted Wed Nov 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM PST by Tom Landy
The final farewell for one of the greatest performers of our time is rumored to be making its way onto Blu-ray early next year.
Sony had originally planned to release the film just in time for the holidays, but it seems theater owners had some concerns feeling a home video release this soon would have an impact on theatrical attendance.
Specs and supplements have yet to be finalized, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray will be $39.95.
You can find the latest specs for 'Michael Jackson: This Is It' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.


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In September this year, Sri Lanka Tourism hosted several roadshows in India to promote the country as a key destination to visit. These included one in New Delhi on 26th September 2022 and another in Hyderabad on 30th September 2022. Such roadshows are expected to draw more Indians to travel to Sri Lanka with diverse experiences to enjoy; from cultural attractions and sacred sites to pristine beaches and exotic wildlife, the island has much to offer, while travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka provide a wealth of insights for tourists.
India continues to be the top source market for the country and such roadshows are thus targeted at tour operators, trade associations, media outlets, influencers, and top industry stakeholders; the message was clear, Sri Lanka is not only a beautiful destination to visit but one that’s safe and secure as well. Apart from leisure, the island nation was also showcased as an ideal choice for business travel and MICE tourism, and it will be hoped that arrivals from India will increase in the upcoming months.


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Deals firm Groupon adds 20 jobs at Dublin hub
Groupon has announced 20 new full-time roles at its site in Dublin – and intend to further expand the Irish subsidiary in coming months.
Backed by IDA Ireland, this latest recruitment drive includes positions for experienced software engineers, data scientists, computer programmers and computational marketers. There are also opportunities for newly qualified graduates in related disciplines.
Located on St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin’s city centre, the rapidly growing internet company already employs about a dozen people in Dublin and plans to fill the advertised positions before the end of the year.
Groupon’s Chief Marketing Officer, Rich Williams commented on the expansion of the newly established software development centre. “Ireland is a strategic market in Groupon’s global operations – and we want the best and brightest technology and marketing minds to help us to continue to scale.”
Welcoming the company’s recruitment drive and investment, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, said, “A key part of this Government’s plans for jobs and growth is our ambition to make Ireland the internet capital of Europe. Groupon is a global brand name and a highly innovative company operating in a cutting edge part of online commerce.”


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A recent news article reported that Chinese imports of U.S. soybeans increased in February, contributing to a narrowing of the trade deficit between the two countries. Nonetheless, the imports were significantly lower than last February. Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continued trade negotiations with China in Beijing last week. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He travels to Washington, D.C. this week, as the talks continue.
China Soybean Purchases
Last week, Reuters writers Hallie Gu and Dominique Patton reported that, “China’s imports of soybeans from the United States in February surged from January as the cargoes booked following a truce in the trade war between the two countries arrived, according to customs data published on [March 25th].
China brought in 907,754 tonnes of U.S. soybeans in February, up from 135,814 tonnes in January, the General Administration of Customs said.
“However, that was just a fraction of the 3.35 million tonnes imported in February 2018 as Beijing’s hefty tariffs on U.S. shipments curbed purchases.”
The Reuters article pointed out that, “China brought in 1.986 million tonnes of Brazilian soybeans in February, up 13 percent from the 1.75 million tonnes in the same month last year, customs data showed.”
In a separate Reuters article last week, Karl Plume reported that, “Chinese state-owned firms bought about 1.5 million tonnes of U.S. soybeans on Thursday for shipment in July and August, in their second major purchase of U.S. supplies this month, three traders with knowledge of the deals said.”
“Most recently, Chinese buyers booked about 1.7 million tonnes following U.S.-China trade talks in Washington, during which U.S. officials said Beijing vowed to buy an additional 10 million tonnes of the oilseed,” the Reuters article said.
The article stated that, “Accelerated Chinese buying of U.S. soybeans helped to narrow the U.S. trade deficit by the most in 10 months in January, according to U.S. Commerce Department data on Wednesday.”
Thursday’s deals bring China’s total purchases of the latest U.S. soybean crop to around 12.7 million tonnes, compared with more tan 28.5 million tonnes sold at the same point last year, to according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
And on Monday, Reuters writer Mark Weinraub reported that, “U.S. exporters sold 828,000 tonnes of soybeans to China, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Monday, the second sale announced since the two countries concluded their latest round of negotiations last week to end their trade war.”
“The USDA, in its daily reporting system, said that private exporters indicated the deal was for the 2018/19 marketing year, which ends on Aug. 31.”
The Reuters article noted that, “China has stepped up its purchases of U.S. soybeans during negotiations to end the trade war between the two countries but the amount purchased remained well below typical levels. The U.S. soybean stockpile has ballooned to record levels during the dispute.”
Trade Talks in Beijing Last Week, and in Washington, D.C. This Week
Late last week, Bloomberg’s Sarah McGregor and Kevin Cirilli reported that, “The Trump administration is prepared to keep negotiating with China for weeks or even months to reach a trade deal that will ensure the world’s second-largest economy improves market access and intellectual-property policies for U.S. companies, a senior American official said.
“‘This is not time-dependent. This is policy- and enforcement-dependent,’ White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said in a speech in Washington on Thursday. ‘If it takes a few more weeks, or if it takes months, so be it. We have to get a great deal, as the president says, that works for the United States. That’s our principal interest.'”
The Bloomberg article indicated that, “U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with Chinese negotiators in Beijing for a working dinner on Thursday. Mnuchin called the meeting ‘very productive‘ before heading out for a full day of talks on Friday.
The Bloomberg article added that, “The discussions will continue next week when Liu will travel to Washington to meet with U.S. negotiators as well as President Donald Trump, according to Kudlow.”
Wall Street Journal writer Lingling Wei reported Thursday that, “The two sides are aiming for a package deal that includes substantial increases in U.S. exports to China and Chinese pledges to address some long-running structural issues, such as allowing greater market access to American companies and boosting protection of intellectual property. Important issues still to resolve include how to enforce a deal and the pace at which the U.S. and China will roll back the tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in goods imposed in the past year.
“Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters on Thursday that while some progress has been made, ‘much work remains to be accomplished.'”
On Friday, Bloomberg writers Jeff Black and Jenny Leonard reported that, “Chinese and U.S. negotiators made ‘new progress‘ in trade negotiations as both sides discussed the wording of an agreement that’s designed to resolve a bilateral trade dispute, according to Beijing’s official news agency Xinhua.
“The report echoed officials familiar with the talks who said negotiators have been working line-by-line through the text of an agreement that can be put before President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
“U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held meetings in Beijing Friday partly to ensure there were no discrepancies in the English- and Chinese-language versions of the text, and also to balance the number of working visits to each capital, according to the officials, who asked not to be identified because the talks aren’t public.”
Black and Leonard noted that, “As China nears agreement with the U.S., officials are keen to maintain an appearance of equality between the two sides, which explains the focus on matching visits to Beijing and Washington, the people said. While talks have taken place by phone over the past month, the last face-to-face meetings took place in Washington in February.”
As US-China trade talks continue, China clamps down on fentanyl, following through on last yr's promise to Trump. Bans whole classes of fentanyl-related chemicals https://t.co/hAVazSOHRq
On Monday, New York Times writers Ana Swanson and Keith Bradsher reported that, “Negotiators are still working out deal terms, but any agreement seems certain to involve China’s promise to purchase hundreds of billions of dollars of American goods. For Mr. Trump, this is an essential element that will help reduce the United States’ record trade deficit with China and bolster farmers and other constituencies hurt by his trade war.”
Keith Good is the Farm Policy News editor for the farmdoc project. He has previously worked for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, and compiled the daily FarmPolicy.com News Summary from 2003-2015. He is a graduate of Purdue University (M.S.- Agricultural Economics), and Southern Illinois University School of Law.
Bloomberg writers Hallie Gu and Tarso Veloso Ribeiro reported earlier this week that, "China’s voracious appetite for South American soybeans has continued into a period typically dominated by the US,…


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It could be a huge year at the box office for comic book movies, as studios look to serve up a number of sequels to some of their most popular franchises, while introducing a host of new properties.
The year has a number of milestones in store. The latest iteration of Sony's Spider-Man franchise merges with Walt Disney and Marvel Studio's cinematic universe. Warrner Bros. and DC Comics launch their answer to Marvel's Avengers with "Justice League." Meanwhile, Hugh Jackman portrays Wolverine one last time, after eight separate appearances in the role since 2000—a few of those in his own solo films.
For Marvel Comics and DC fans alike, 2017 is shaping up to be "comic book nirvana," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at comScore.
The coming year "is going to be a killer. I think it's going to be the biggest year ever," he told CNBC. "The superhero side of things I think is going to be kind of off the chart."
Here's why the box office could bulge on the strength of this year's superhero slate.


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Guidant Recalls Catheter Used To Unclog ArteriesFeb 16, 2005 | AP
Guidant Corp. on Tuesday said it is recalling a catheter used to unclog arteries because of potential leaks.
The Indianapolis-based medical technology company said it withdrew its Voyager Coronary Dilatation Catheters of sizes 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. Dilatation catheters use a balloon-like device to open clogged arteries.
According to Guidant's annual report released by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the withdrawal was voluntary but the company has contacted the Food and Drug Administration and international regulatory agencies.
"While the probability of a leak is low, the company is pursuing root cause analysis and corrective actions," Guidant said in its filing.


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Organizers invite you to join them for a free, open and thought-provoking conversation with leading advocates. The dialogue will take place at The Lucky Bean Cafe, 500 Montezuma Ave., 1:00-3:00 p.m. (within walking distance from and immediately following the Santa Fe farmers market at the Railyard, If you live in Albuquerque, Belen or Los Lunas, that means you can easily take the Rail Runner to the meeting).
Speakers are expected / invited from groups including La Montanita Co-op, Santa Fe Community Gardens, Carbon Economy Series, Earth Care, Farm to Table, Four Bridges Permaculture Institute, New Mexico Acequia Association, Occupy Santa Fe and more.
Speakers and participants will discuss efforts to support school gardens, expand community farms, protect New Mexico farmers from the threat of genetically engineered (GMO) crops, establish a GMO food labeling policy in New Mexico, safeguard traditional New Mexico chile from GMO contamination, and much more.
Ethan Au Green and Marjiel Danse.
For those planning to attend, organizers offer this food for thought:
What’s Next For The Food Movement?
In the last decade, the movement for healthy, sustainable food has been growing exponentially, with consumption of organic foods growing nationwide from $8 billion in 2000 to $31 billion in 2011. We’ve seen an equally dramatic rise in the number of farmer’s markets and CSAs. Still, it’s a big jump to move from 4
percent market share, to changing national food policy.
The food movement is growing fast, but as a political force, it’s still in its infancy. Big agribusiness still controls the purse strings in Congress, and runs the show at the FDA. At least for now.
An ABC News poll found that 93 percent of Americans want to know if their food is genetically engineered. Even after a narrow loss in California against a heavily financed and deeply entrenched food industry, the rapidly growing food movement may be just getting started.


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Hotel owners and operators looking to boost returns could do so by appealing to Millennials – or Gen Y – with a new report showing they are willing to spend more on hotel accommodation then Gen X and Baby Boomers.
The report, by CBRE, found Millennials – those aged between 24 and 39, and previously chided for their willingness to spend big on smashed avo on toast rather than save for a home deposit – spent on average $234 per capita per year on accommodation between 2014 and 2018.
By comparison, Generation X (aged 40 to 54) spent $231 per capita per year on accommodation while tight-fisted Baby Boomers (aged 55 to 73) spent a paltry $165.
The challenge for hoteliers is to lure Millennials from the more homely, eclectic and affordable Airbnb-style accommodation favoured by them and their younger cohorts, the post-Millennials, born from 1997 onwards.
According to the CBRE research, post-Millennials and Millennials make up a significantly higher share of total nights spent in private rentals such as Airbnb (56 per cent) relative to total nights spent in hotel accommodation (38 per cent).
However, the report noted most existing luxury brands are currently not addressing the needs of the young traveller.
"There exists an opportunity for the ‘new age’ luxury brand to distinguish itself from Airbnb and typical luxury and upper upscale brands," said CBRE Hotels national director, Wayne Bunz.
"Millennials desire not only a good product and service, but a shareable and transformative experience."
Mr Bunz also noted that at 27.5 per cent annually, the growth of private rental such as Airbnb within the Generation X market also presented a threat to traditional hotel brands, given that this generation currently accounted for the highest share of hotel guest nights nationally at 32 per cent.
“The immersive aspect of private accommodation coupled with Airbnb’s relatively lower pricing point provides a point of difference to typical hotel brands, meaning that hoteliers need to differentiate themselves by delivering authentic experiences tied to local cuisines, people and events,” Mr Bunz said
Mr Bunz said new-age brands were slowly entering Australia, notably the globally recognised Moxy (by Marriott) which opens its first Australian hotel in South Yarra in 2021.
"There is also an opportunity for dual-brand hotels to allow properties to target different market segments," he said.
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China/India, 20th December: Alibaba Group’s cloud computing arm, Alibaba Cloud, announced the company will open a new Indian data center in January. The new data center will be located in Mumbai and Alibaba Cloud maintains that it will help it to meet the surging demand for cloud computing services in India.
Alibaba Cloud will provide services including planning, implementation and after-sales support through its newly established local team. The new team will include experienced, professional consultants to assist customers as they migrate their data and business to the cloud.
Simon Hu, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Alibaba Cloud, commented, “We are excited to be officially opening our new Mumbai, India data center in early 2018, enabling us to work closely with more Indian enterprises. These local enterprises are innovative and operating in growth sectors, and we look forward to empowering them through our cloud computing and data technologies. As we build out the Alibaba Cloud network globally, India is another important piece that is now firmly in place. This continues our commitment to India, helping it to develop trade opportunities with other markets in the region and beyond.”
Source: Alibaba Group press release


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TOKYO, April 7 (UPI) -- Consumer spending in Japan has not recovered with monetary easing that is part of Tokyo's "Abenomics" policy toward stimulating the domestic economy.
Instead, the weaker yen and a consumption tax hike in April 2014 have resulted in driving up the cost of living for ordinary Japanese while lowering their real wages, reported The Japan Times on Tuesday.
The latest development is impeding a full-scale economic recovery that was the original mission of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policy, said Taro Saito, economic research director at NLI Research Institute.
Japan's labor ministry reported in January nominal wages rose for the 11th straight month, but when adjusted for inflation, dropped for the 19th straight month.
Average household spending dropped 2.9 percent in February, year on year.
Domestic private consumption makes up 60 percent of the GDP of Japan, the world's third-largest economy. In 2014, in real terms Japan sank into recession, with its economic activity shrinking 6.4 percent.
A Bank of Japan opinion poll showed economic conditions have deteriorated for more Japanese -- with 39 percent of respondents saying they are worse off in January, compared to 20 percent in March 2014. A three percentage point hike in Japan's consumption tax was to blame, said Saito.
Pay hikes, however, are expected.
In February, CNN reported Prime Minister Abe urged Japanese corporations to raise wages for workers. Mizuho Research Institute has forecasted real wages will rise 1.2 percent in 2015.
Critics of Abenomics have pointed out Tokyo's fiscal and monetary policies are benefiting the rich but are leaving the middle class behind.
The Japan Times reported the increasing pool of temp workers creates financial instability that prevents consumer spending from fully recovering.
Changyong Rhee of the International Monetary Fund pointed out structural setbacks in Japan are impeding Abenomics, which consists of monetary easing, flexible fiscal policy and structural reforms.
It will take time, Rhee wrote, for the effects of economic policy to translate into higher basic wages, given inflation expectations and tight labor market conditions in Japan.


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Chest 15.04.2021 13:25
Media company Sony and streaming service Netflix have agreed a huge deal. This should not only boost the businesses of the two companies, but also bring many interesting movies for Netflix customers.
The current trend is to open a streaming service as long as you have the rights to movies and series that can find an international audience. In addition to the big fish in the business, like Netfix and Amazon Prime, several smaller streaming services have also started in recent years. In addition to Disney + and Apple TV +, services like Paramount + will also be available in the future. One company appears not to be willing to participate in the hype. Sony has now decided to take a different approach with its films.
Sony and Netflix will work closely together over the next five years. The two companies signed a deal giving Netflix the right to show Sony movies as the first post-show broadcast service. This means that once a Sony movie is ready to land on the streaming service, Netflix must be ordered first before receiving other shows. Additionally, Netflix includes many Sony movies that have been shown in the past in its shows.
So far, the deal only affects the stream of films that have already been shown in cinemas. But if Sony decides to start playing one or even several movies live on its streaming service and not in the cinema, then Netflix will definitely be the first point of contact.
Unfortunately, the deal only affects the United States at the moment. It is very likely that this will also be transferred to the international business of the two companies.
“Alcohol buff. Troublemaker. Introvert. Student. Social media lover. Web ninja. Bacon fan. Reader.”


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Imagine a world where waiting hours for your smartphone to charge is a thing of the past. That future is now, with Navitas Semiconductor Corp’s latest innovation making waves in Torrance, CA. The company’s GaNFast power ICs are at the heart of Samsung’s 25W ‘Super-Fast Charging’ technology for the Galaxy S24, a leap forward in charging efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The Power of GaNFast
The Galaxy S24 isn’t just another smartphone; it’s a testament to the strides we’ve made in technology, boasting a 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and cutting-edge AI functionalities like Live Translate and Chat Assist. But what truly sets it apart is its charging capabilities. The 25W GaNFast charger can power the phone’s 4000mAh battery to 50% in a mere 30 minutes. This isn’t just fast; it’s revolutionary. The charger’s compatibility with a range of Samsung products, thanks to the USB PD 3.0 (Type-C) specification, marks a significant step towards a more integrated and efficient future for consumer electronics.
Efficiency Meets Sustainability
Navitas Semiconductor’s technology doesn’t just stop at speed. In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of technology, the GaNFast charger shines. It’s designed to reduce power consumption in sleep mode by a staggering 75%, thanks to its high-frequency, quasi-resonant topology that operates 3x faster than traditional silicon designs. This efficiency translates to a 30% reduction in size compared to standard chargers, making it not only more convenient but also significantly more sustainable. David Carroll, senior VP worldwide sales for Navitas, highlights this, underscoring the importance of creating products that not only enhance the user experience but also contribute positively to environmental conservation.
A Competitive Edge
The collaboration between Navitas and Samsung on the Galaxy S24’s charging technology is more than just a win for consumers; it’s a game-changer in the semiconductor sector. The adoption of GaNFast technology showcases the potential to not only enhance consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty but also to significantly disrupt market dynamics. As we move towards a future where efficiency and sustainability become paramount, innovations like the GaNFast charger pave the way for new standards in the electronics industry.
In a world where technology increasingly shapes our daily lives, the partnership between Navitas Semiconductor and Samsung stands as a beacon of innovation, efficiency, and responsibility. As we look towards the future, it’s clear that the path forward is not just about faster or more powerful technology, but about creating solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and integrated, setting new benchmarks for what is possible in our increasingly connected world.


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KaiOS has announced that the KaiStore has received an update which allows users to search for apps and allows the app store to update itself automatically. According to KaiOS, there are now more than 700 apps available on the KaiStore so the company decided to add search functionality to the store so that users can find software more easily.
For those unfamiliar, KaiOS grew out of Firefox OS and is designed for smart feature phones helping those on a low income get connected to the internet. With the KaiStore hitting 700 apps, it’s no longer convenient for users to navigate through categories to find new apps as lists are becoming too long.
The search feature can query user inputs across app names, categories, publishers, and descriptions to display the best results. This functionality works in all of the supported languages and compensates if the user makes a spelling error. KaiOS said that the new search tool will also benefit developers on the platform because their apps will be more discoverable.
The other change in this update is automatic updates for the KaiStore. KaiOS’ announcement explains that users will no longer see notifications about updating the KaiStore to the latest version, instead, it will be updated in the background and automatically. With the KaiOS developer team not having to support older versions of the app store, they will have time to build new features for the platform.
The new KaiStore is currently being tested in a selection of unnamed countries and it’s expected to arrive around the world soon.


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Heavy liftings Headlines
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News / Transporters of project cargo feeling the squeeze as global oil giants economise
Movers of project cargo are already feeling the impact cutbacks in capital expenditure being implemented ...
- 1.Volga-Dnepr stuns the market with multi-billion dollar order for Boeing freighters
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- 5. Finn on Forwarders put on alert over new Chinese freight scam


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This would melt any cheese lover's heart — a sushi train, but not for sushi … for cheese.
That's right. The world's first cheese conveyor-belt restaurant lets you sit back and relax as your favourite cheese slides on by. All you have to do is grab it off the 40-metre belt.
There's more than 25 fancy British cheese varieties to choose from including Silton and Gouda, but there's only one problem. You have to travel to London's West End for the ringside experience.
Pick & Cheese is the brainchild of the Cheese Bar team in Seven Dials Market, a new food hall in Covent Garden, news.com.au reports.
Judging by their Instagram post, all 38 seats have been on constant rotation since they opened doors just two days ago on September 7.
"Wow what a first day! Thanks to everyone who came down yesterday and visited the conveyor belt of (Cheese) dreams," thecheesebardldn post read.
"We're back on it from midday today with more of those little dishes of joy. Sunday = Cheese, right? See ya at the belt!"
The image of the conveyor belt was met with plenty of comments from people all over the world.
"Are we going to England I think so …," one person wrote, tagging their mates.
"We must go here!!" said another.
"Looking absolutely amazing congratulations. Will be visiting very soon," a third commented.
Similar to a sushi train experience, cheese plates are colour coded by price and can start from £2.95 ($A5) for Mayfield (sweet and nutty) cheese from East Sussex's Alsop & Walker or a £6.10 ($A11) bresaola made in Tottenham.
"Seems so surreal that 18 months ago we were talking about this on a beach in Mexico and now we're opening to the public for reals," founder Matthew Carver said on his Instagram page.
He told Lonely Planet he had been looking for the perfect spot in the West End for a while now.
"We think this style of cheese and wine bar will work so well here — it's the perfect stop for a pre-theatre snack or to refuel after a hard days' shopping," Mr Carver said.
One of his favourites is the Kingham served with walnut fudge for a classic salty-sweet combination.
"Over the years, we've built up a repertoire of our favourites and have been waiting for the perfect chance to put them on our menu," he told the publication. "We've tried to cater to the more well-known flavour profiles as well as trying to push people out of their comfort zone to try something new."
He said the conveyor belt had been a few years in the making.
"In our Camden restaurant, our customers always want to pick different cheeses from our house list and create their own bespoke cheeseboard," Mr Carver said. "We wanted to come up with a way to offer this while showcasing the cheeses at their very best."


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Leading-edge technologies and new products of flat panel display (FPD) converge on FPD International 2007. The exhibition is open for three days from Oct 24 to 26, 2007, at Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama City, Japan.
The number of exhibitors is 330 (269 domestic firms and 61 overseas firms), and the number of booths is 885.
"The ratio of FPDs to the volume of shipments of television sets goes on increasing and will exceed 60% in 2011," said Masayasu Tsunematsu, chief executive director of Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ), at the opening ceremony.
In 2011, the volume of shipments of television sets will reach 200 million. The ratio of FPDs to the volume of shipments of television sets will surpass 50% in Europe and the US in 2007, and the ratio will exceed 50% in China in 2010, Tsunematsu said. Also, the volume of shipments of FPDs is expected to go beyond that of CRT-based televisions in 2009.


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The Citizen-Times in Asheville ran a story earlier this week, suggesting that Deschutes Brewery from Bend, Oregon, is poking around their area. Deschutes has confirmed they are thinking about joining Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada and New Belgium by having both East Coast & West Coast Operations, the only question is where.
This is the official word from Deschutes:
“We’re looking at a number of locations in a number of states,” LaLonde said. “We’re looking in North Carolina, we’ve looked in Virginia, we’ve looked in Tennessee, as well as South Carolina.”
However, one particularly eye-opening line in the article suggests Deschutes may be further along in choosing the Asheville area than they would lead you to believe:
Among the sites company officials visited was the 137-acre parcel Buncombe County recently bought from Henderson County for $6.8 million to entice an undisclosed economic development prospect.
*Rumor Alert* – I had heard late last year that Deschutes was touring around the Warehouse District in Downtown Raleigh, which I’m trying to confirm with the brewery. Reading that article though, I’d bet that the mountains of NC have a pretty good chance of increasing their portfolio of established breweries to go along with the popular upstarts such as Green Man, Burial, etc.
Thanks for taking the time to contact us about our future expansion plans. We want to get our delicious craft beer to fans all across the US and that is difficult with shipping beer from the middle of Oregon. We are looking at several different sites including many cities in NC at this time and will make an announcement as soon as a location has been set. We are definitely looking for a great spot with similar recreation and outdoor spaces as we have here in Bend and Portland. Close to biking, hiking, and water activities is a plus, and there are lots of great spots like that across the country. We hope to have a location secured by the end of the year! Cheers and thanks for being a fan of Deschutes Brewery
Well, Asheville definitely hits all of that criteria. Heard anything about this expansion? Hit us up on Twitter.


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It is 'just' the next in the line of awards the car has recived in the last few months.
Jaguar made a huge buzz in the car industry with its I-Pace electric SUV, that has been presented earlier this year. After all, it was the first premium SUV, purposefully build (only) as an electric car by any major, or better yet, traditional car manufacturer in the world. It also presents the first real competition to likes of Tesla and its Model X, which is now (also) seen when being on the market for a while.
There are many indicators, that I-Pace IS a good car. One of them is definitely awards, that is receiving. After being selected as one of seven finalists for European Car of the Year award and crowned as Car of the Year in Germany and Top Gear's EV of the year I-Pace have now became a Car of the Year by Profesional Driver Magazine.
“The I-Pace generated unprecedented levels of enthusiasm at or two-day judging event in September, and we knew we had our likely winner even before we’d added up the scores.”“We’ve never had a car in such demand for test drives, and we’ve never had quite such a torrent of positive feedback as we had for our 2018 Professional Driver Car of the Year. As one judge commented: ‘This could be the game-changer we’ve been waiting for,’” said magazine’s editor Mark Bursa.
Bursa has also pointed out car’s 400 kilometers range, ability to be charged to 80 percent in only 45 minutes and its vast boot. In total – while providing enough head and leg room for all of its passengers – the car is offering 656 liters of space, making it easy to store several suitcases and bags in it. That is what we call a usable electric car.


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We don't have an iPhone 5 in our hands yet, so like many of you are living vicariously through the reviews of others. Those lucky enough to get about a week's early access to Apple's latest smartphone are tripping over themselves to dish out praise in write-ups and video reviews.
USA Today's Edward Baig anticipates feelings of "lust" for the new iPhone, which he says "should keep Apple at the front of the smartphone pack." Having said that, he doesn't concede the market to Apple, which he has plenty of competition from the Galaxy S III and other solid Android phones.
Baig touted Safari searching zipping along over 4G LTE, though he warned that performance could vary once more users pile onto the network. He lauded the new 4-inch screen, which he says makes the phone feel just the right size. The iPhone 5's camera, audio and newly designed earbuds also satisfied.
The Wall Street Journal's Walter Mossberg also gives the iPhone 5 a thumbs up, calling the iPhone the best on the market, especially given its 700,000 third-party apps.
Mossberg likes the taller iPhone 5, which he says is more natural to hold in one hand than some of the wider Android models. What's more, Apple adds a sixth row of icons to the screen for added convenience, given people are growing their must-have apps list.
The Wall Street Journal columnist concurred with USA Today's Baig that the phone is faster, in part due to the new A6 processor but also because it can access LTE networks. He says that while using the phone on LTE networks in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., he experienced 10 times faster download and upload speeds than experienced on 3G networks using the iPhone 4S.
One downside of the new phone is its support for Apple's own maps app, a changeover from support for Google Maps. While new turn-by-turn navigation is a plus, Mossberg writes that the Apple Maps app lacks the groundview you get from Google Maps, and dishes you off to third-party apps for some information, such as public transit routing.
Engadget's Tim Stevens calls the iPhone 5 "every bit the device that people were asking for when the iPhoen 4S came out."
The lightness of the phone, which is 20% lighter than the 4S, is the most noticeable physical aspect of the iPhone 5, Stevens writes. Although he also gives kudos to the screen quality, citing the higher pixel density vs. the iPhone 4S.
The most disappointing physical change is not with the phone itself, but with the Lightning adapter, which replaces the venerable 30-pin adapter on earlier iPhones and other Apple devices. Stevens says the performance is slower on activities such as syncing, and notes this isn't surprising given the technology is based on USB 2.0 rather than 3.0.
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Frontier Developments have just announced that they’ve landed a license to make several years Formula One management games in the next few years.
The exact shape of these games is a mystery for now, as Frontier announced the license without any mention of a specific game or genre.
That said, we know it’s going to be in the style of a management game, so continue reading for all the details.
“We are delighted to announce this multi-year licence deal with F1,” Frontier CEO David Braben said in today’s announcement.
JACK OF ALL TRADES: Frontier already has games in other genres, but now they are expanding to motorsport
“F1 is one of the most popular global sporting franchises in the world, and we believe the combination of the F1 brand together with our extensive experience in management games will deliver fantastic game experiences to a wide and varied audience around the world.”
READ MORE: F1 2019: Australian Grand Prix Setup Guide
Frontier is planning to make four F1 management games for PC and consoles, and there is a big gap in the market since we are lacking some bigger-budget racing management games on PC.
Sega made an attempt a few years ago with Motorsport Manager, but it failed to find a home in the racing community in the same way that Football Manager has found a place in the hearts of football fans.
Well, Frontier differ from Sega, as while they do not have much experience in the area, they do however have the biggest name in the space.
We're going to have to wait for more information before we post our next update, so stay tuned!


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The global sexual wellness market is expected to be worth a whopping $39 billion by 2024, with female pleasure increasingly becoming an openly spoken about wellness trend to have on your radar. Gone are the days of shameful conversations and attempts to hide your pleasure-inducing tech gadgets; now, they are loudly & proudly displayed on the shiny shelves of premium retailers, and women all over the world are now (quite literally) taking pleasure into their own hands.
Sexual pleasure brands are now positioning themselves alongside brands that champion self-care. Lucie Greene, worldwide director of trend forecasting agency JWT innovation tells Refinery29 that ‘we’re seeing a move away from sexual fulfilment and health as an overly eroticised tone
Sex-positive influencers like Ev’Yan Whitney and Shelby Sells are unapologetically snapping photos of sex toys and sharing valuable information, encouraging their audience to normalise the conversation and embrace sexual wellness as part of their self-care ritual. With the ongoing market shift, ‘sensual shopping’ is no longer something to be ashamed of, but rather a habit that ultimately makes our lives better. ‘Yes, I am a woman who has sex. No, I am not going to hide my tampons on the way to the bathroom. And, yes, lube and vibrators exist to make our sex lives better, along with a slew of other accessories’, says writer Hallie Gould in a piece for Byrdie. From next-gen vibrators to personal care formulas for down there, more and more women are turning to the array of products that promise pleasure to lift their mood and support their mental health. The endorphin kick induced by sexual pleasure has been proven to help support your all-over wellbeing and temporarily reduce stress; ‘those endorphins are like the ones you get from a great workout’, women’s mental health expert Kelley Kitely tells SELF for a piece exploring the benefits of female masturbation. The trend is now undoubtedly bigger than ever; research by female pleasure brand SmileMakers revealed that, in the UK, more women own a vibrator than a dishwasher.
Becoming more sexual-wellness conscious can be the ultimate confidence booster too; ‘you cultivate very good feelings with yourself, and you can transfer that to the rest of the world’ says clinical sexologist Dr. Tanginika Cuascud in a piece for Cosmopolitan.
For the sake of harnessing your feel-good hormones, introducing products that support your sexual wellbeing into your self-care routine can do wonders for your all-over mood. Destigmatising the concept and bringing sex-positive practices into your life not only allows you celebrate your body, but it’s also a power-move towards finally stopping the neglect of female sexual pleasure which, historically, has never come first. With old science having refused to study the matter until the 20th century, the current celebration of female bodies is not only empowering, but also very much needed.
The fact that you can now shop sexual wellness products in the same places you buy your skincare, shampoo or tooth paste is definitely a step in the right direction. The idea of self-care has long been associated with beauty regimes and aroma-therapeutical scents, accompanied by a Netflix binge and a glass of wine, but bringing pleasure into the mix is bound to up your #SelfLove game. Helen Normoyl, marketing director of a giant high street retailer Boots, tells Glamour that ‘80% of people believe that your sexual wellbeing can increase self-confidence, and nearly 60% of us believe it can improve general happiness’. With many of us becoming increasingly aware of the importance of our mental and physical wellbeing, there is no wonder why sexual wellness has created a buzz in the self-care world.
By journalist Maria Bita


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The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a potent tailwind to anyone selling stuff online. According to the Department of Commerce, e-commerce activity in the third quarter of 2020 jumped 37 percent over the same quarter last year.
Despite that shift, one thing hasn’t changed in the 25 years since Jeff Bezos started an online bookstore: Much of the merchandise you encounter online is marketed using a two-dimensional photo — perhaps three or four photos, if you’re lucky.
Several companies based in Boston, or with outposts here, aim to change that. They’re creating three-dimensional stores you can explore, or ways to take a digitally crafted item like a rowing machine or countertop appliance and see how it might fit into your home, using your smartphone or a tablet.
“For anyone shopping today, you’re not doing as much window shopping in a mall or browsing through the aisles of a store,” says Cosmo Kramer, the chief executive of Cambridge-based Bitreel. (Yes, that’s the name he was born with, not a “Seinfeld” tribute.) His startup sells software that can create 3-D digital stores and products that can be seen — and explored — on a desktop computer or mobile device.
“This technology presents you with a way to really browse again,” he says.
If you’re purchasing a toothbrush or paper towels, Kramer adds, “you may not need an immersive experience to do that, but we think it’s applicable to anything else you feel like you want to do some research on — any products with a visual component to them, like home goods or fashion.”
Boston-based Wayfair has been an early advocate of what is sometimes called “augmented reality” in retail — a way to blend virtual items you don’t yet own with the physical environment that you live in. Spokeswoman Susan Frechette says “tens of thousands of items” can be viewed that way on Wayfair’s mobile app, out of the site’s more than 18 million items.
Another startup run by two veterans of Wayfair, 3XR in Wakefield, is working to help manufacturers create 3-D models of products that can be viewed in a customer’s home. Among 3XR’s early customers are manufacturers of exercise equipment and hot tubs.
A June report from Forrester Research declared that augmented reality was finally “ready for prime time” and noted that Apple has found that consumers are 11 times more likely to buy furniture if they’ve had the chance to see it in their home environments first.
Kramer, the CEO of Bitreel, thinks the pandemic has the potential to create a higher expectation for what online commerce ought to be like. “Just like with video chats, COVID has knocked people on the head and said, ‘This is a new way to deliver these experiences,’ ” he says.


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Kimber is best known for their 1911s, but now they’re entering the polymer-framed compact carry market with the new R7 Mako
Kimber Mfg., Inc. has recently been made aware of opinion articles published respectively in the Sidney Herald (Sidney, Montana)
Kimber Mfg. is pleased to name Troy, Alabama, as its official corporate headquarters and to announce it is hiring aggressively in all departments.
Hogue is famous for their excellent rubber wrap-around grips and just added a set for the Kimber K6s revolver to their product lineup.
Due to the NYdecision to shutter non-essential businesses as part of the COVID-19 response plan, Kimber has stopped production at its NY facilities
Kimber Mfg., Inc., a leading American firearms manufacturer, announced today their new product lineup for 2020.
The Kimber Raptor 1911 “feels right” in your hand, and the simple fact is out of the box and at 10 meters it leaves bullet holes EXACTLY where is it supposed to.
The new Crimson Trace Lasergrips LG-952 feature a red laser diode and a distinctive full-length rosewood panel on each side of the grip.
Kimber Mfg., Inc., a leading American firearms manufacturer, is pleased to announce the addition of Jordan Hunter, who will serve as director of marketing communications.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation accepted a $50,000 donation from Kimber in response to strong sales of the Kimber Camp Guard 10.
Kimber Mfg., Inc., a leading American firearms manufacturer, today announced that it has finalized plans to expand manufacturing operations to Alabama..
The 2017 NRA World Shooting Championship Presented by Kimber is scheduled for Sept. 14-16 at Peacemaker National Training Center in Glengary, West Virginia.
This year’s event sponsors include Colt, sponsoring the Colt Championship Round; Kimber, sponsoring the Practical Event; Sig Sauer, sponsoring the Moving Target Event.
This month in Shooting Illustrated magazine readers will learn all about the new Kimber Micro 9 Raptor, a single-action offering from Kimber’s custom shop.
The Crimson Trace Lasergrips sighting system has been selected for new Micro 9 Desert Tan (LG) pistol by Kimber at SHOT Show 2017.
The Kimber Micro 9 Pistol is built by the Kimber Custom Shop and is in many ways similar to a miniature 1911 style pistol.
Veteran U.S. Navy SEAL Dom Raso is speaking out against President Obama’s weakness, which has allowed radical Islamic terror to fester, grow and spread across the globe.
In Colion Noir’s newest commentary on NRATV, he argues that elitist politicians ignore the actual issues causing inner-city violence.
Kimber, Mfg., Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of 1911style pistols is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring the 2015 International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) World…..
Kimber has joined the growing list of major sponsors supporting the 2014 Smith & Wesson IDPA Back Up Gun Nationals…


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October 22, 2022 - 9:01 pm
Drive down the main streets of Las Vegas and you’ll see an array of sign spinners promoting “Puppies!” in front of strip mall stores.
Unfortunately, the adorable animals in the windows are regularly purchased from poorly regulated, out-of-state commercial breeding facilities known as “puppy mills.” Bred under cruel conditions — in dark, filthy cages with improper air flow — many of these young dogs have both health and behavioral issues.
Thanks to a recent ordinance brought forth by Commissioner Michael Naft, Clark County residents have a chance to stop enabling these egregious breeding practices. The proposed change will ban the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits and potbellied pigs in local pet stores. But before we can turn a policy into practice, we need a better understanding of what’s at stake if we remain complacent about this animal cruelty.
Despite the widespread stigma and documentation of inhumane conditions in puppy mills, the Humane Society estimates there are 10,000 of these operations still active in the United States alone. Fewer than 3,000 are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, but the regulatory standards for these facilities remain exceptionally low.
Commercial breeding facilities sacrifice the health and humane treatment of animals to keep overhead costs low and profits high. Females are expected to give birth to two litters a year, putting an exceptional tax on their bodies. When they can no longer breed, they are abandoned or taken to shelters where they are left emotionally scarred. Others are killed.
Newborn puppies taken to strip mall stores are riddled with hidden health issues, largely from their lack of proper nutrition and essential veterinary care, including vaccinations. Many suffer from distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo. In recent years, some bacterial outbreaks among puppies in pet stores were even linked to infections in humans.
The majority of these animals end up in pet stores — more than a dozen of which are in Clark County. The number of pet stores in Southern Nevada increased significantly after California passed its own similar ordinance in 2018. Store owners were scrambling to find a new location to conduct their business.
Beyond exploitation, puppy mills are contributing to overcrowding in local animal shelters, which has ignited a crisis in Clark County. The addition of animals for sale on virtually every street corner is exacerbating this problem.
Thankfully, animal advocates have the power to catalyze change, starting with the proposed humane pet store ordinance.
Those opposing the ordinance — primarily pet store owners — claim they do not obtain the animals they sell from mills or that they come from USDA-regulated facilities. Both of these arguments are irrelevant.
First, responsible breeders do not outsource their animals to pet stores, per their codes of conduct. Second, the low regulatory standards of the USDA lead to continued negligent practices in breeding facilities, many of which have been reported on extensively by the Humane Society.
Other opponents of this ordinance argue consumers will turn to online purchasing of pets, which can be equally dangerous to animals. And while more needs to be done to stop commercial breeding facilities, it is inexcusable to block policies which help move us in that direction.
While many government entities and nonprofit organizations are working to pass laws that stop these mills at the point of sale, advocates should also enact change in their own lives. It is up to each one of us to be educated, responsible and empathetic pet adopters.
Local shelters, such as The Animal Foundation and the NSPCA, offer any number of sweet and loving companion animals in need of a good home. A quick online search will turn up many breeds, sizes and ages of available pets. If your desired breed is not available for adoption, breed-specific rescues are another great option.
Awareness of inhumane breeding practices in commercial facilities needs to be at the forefront of prospective pet owners’ minds. When we have the knowledge, we can take action to make the world a more compassionate place.
Rachel Glaze is a board member for the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She was formerly a community services specialist in the office of Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft.


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Futures Fall Ahead of Economic Data
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Stock futures were pointing to a lower open Tuesday as the markets nervously shifted their attention from the eurozone debt crisis to a slew of U.S. economic reports that will paint a picture of the state of the U.S. economy.
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average were falling by 140 points, or 120 points below fair value, at 12,079. Futures for the S&P 500 were slipping by 18 points, or 15 points below fair value, at 1252, and Nasdaq futures were behind by 33 points, or 28 points below fair value, at 2341.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.8% while Japan's Nikkei slipped 0.7%. The FTSE in London was shedding 1.3%, and the DAX in Frankfurt was losing 2.7%.
A slew of economic reports are scheduled for Tuesday, beginning with the ICSC/Goldman Sachs chain-store sales for the week ended Nov. 12, at 7:45 a.m. ET. Sales increased 1% the week before.
The Labor Department will release the October Producer Price Index, or PPI, at 8:30 a.m. Economists surveyed by Reuters are expecting a 0.1% fall compared with a 0.8% rise in September. Excluding food and energy items, PPI is likely to increase rise 0.1%, compared with a 0.2% increase the month before.
The Commerce Department will release October retail sales data at the same time. Economists surveyed by Reuters forecast a 0.3% rise in October, compared with a 1.1% rise in September. Excluding automobiles, sales are likely to rise 0.1%, compared with a 0.6% increase in September.
Also scheduled for 8:30 ET is the New York Federal Reserve's Empire State Manufacturing Survey for November. Economists polled by Reuters are expecting a reading of -2.10, pointing to moderately unfavorable business conditions for New York manufacturers, compared with -8.48 in October.
At 8:55 a.m., Redbook will release its retail sales index of department and chain store sales for November. Sales increased 1.4% the month before.
Finally, the Commerce Department will release its business inventories data for September at 10 a.m. ET. Economists polled by Reuters expect a rise of 0.1% percent, compared with an increase of 0.5% the previous month.
In corporate news, retail behemoth Wal-Mart(:WMT) reported a 1.3% increase in U.S. comparable sales. Management predicted sales between down 1% and up 1%. Shares were falling 2.3% to $57.52.
Retailer Home Depot(:HD) reported a third-quarter net income rise of 12% to $934 million, or 60 cents a share, compared with $834 million, or 51 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of 59 cents a share on revenue of $17.11 billion.
The December crude oil contract was shedding 52 cents to trade at $97.62 a barrel. Gold for December delivery was down by $15 at $1,763.40 an ounce.
The benchmark 10-year Treasury was up 17/32, diluting the yield to 2.002%. The dollar strengthened against a basket of currencies, with the dollar index up by 0.42%.
U.S. stocks finished lower Monday over doubts about Italy's ability to contain a debt crisis and the U.S.' ability to find a resolution in the congressional deficit-reduction debates.
-- Written by Andrea Tse in New York.