text:
The classic comic book Tintin in the Congo has been removed from the children's section of Borders stores in Australia because some customers may consider it "offensive", the bookseller says.
The move is in line with action by Borders stores in the US and UK, sparked by complaints that the book was racist.
"We are committed to acting responsibly as a retailer and with sensitivity to all of the communities we serve," Borders said in a statement issued today.
"Therefore, with respect to the specific title Tintin in the Congo, which could be considered offensive by some of our customers, we have decided to place this title in a section of our store intended primarily for adults."
Tintin in the Congo would remain in the adults graphic novels section because "we believe adults have the capacity to evaluate this work within historical context," Borders said.
Borders Australia did not respond when asked if there had been any complaints here.
David Enright, a London-based human-rights lawyer, was shopping recently at Borders with his family when he came upon the book, first published in 1931, and opened it to find what he characterised as racist abuse.
"The material suggests to (children) that Africans are subhuman, that they are imbeciles, that they're half savage," Enright said in a recent interview.
In Britain, the book also will be stocked with graphic novels and it is receiving similar treatment in the US.
The move comes as the world marks the centennial of author-cartoonist Herge, the pen name of Georges Remi who created the Tintin series.
The book is the second in a series of 23 tracing the adventures of Tintin, an intrepid reporter, and his dog, Snowy. The series has sold 220 million copies worldwide and been translated in 77 languages.
But Tintin in the Congo has been widely criticised as racist by fans and critics alike.
In it, Remi depicts the white hero's adventures in the Congo against the backdrop of an idiotic, chimpanzee-like native population that eventually comes to worship Tintin - and his dog - as gods.
Remi later said he was embarrassed by the book, and some editions have had the more objectionable content removed.
When an unexpurgated edition was brought out in Britain in 2005, it came wrapped with a warning and was written with a forward explaining the work's colonial context.


text:
Today's action suggests stocks may still be able to advance with oil at $100, but it's dicey above that. Mid-morning stocks weakened as oil moved to $102, but stocks gradually recovered even as oil has held in near $102. At 2pm ET major indices were flat, more up stocks than down stocks.
Stocks broke three consecutive sessions of losses to end higher amid light volume, led by financial and tech stocks, and as oil prices stabilized. Intel rose, while Microsoft fell.
Stocks broke three consecutive sessions of losses to climb higher, led by the technology and financial stocks, as oil prices stabilized at lower levels. Boeing fell, while Wal-Mart rose.
Stocks came off the highs of the session but still rose after a mixed batch of economic news, but as oil prices stabilized at lower levels. Intel gained, while Wal-Mart stumbled.
Stocks opened higher Friday, even after the second estimate for Q4 GDP, at 2.8 percent, came in well below expectations of 3.3 percent; the prior estimate was 3.2 percent. The recovery is clearly going to be slower than hoped, and joblessness is going to remain higher longer.
As the most volatile week in months winds down, investors are more likely to quietly square positions Friday, ahead of the weekend and month end.
What follows is a roundup of corporate earnings reports for Friday, Feb. 25.
Consumers are facing higher prices at every turn—interest rates, food, apparel, and now gasoline, all are on the rise. However, as crude oil prices crossed the psychologically important $100-a-barrel mark, there are a number of analysts who are not concerned about the impact energy prices will have on consumers and the economy—at least not yet.
The S&P is now up 6.8 percent for the year, and analysts and traders keep watching for the pullback that just doesn't seem to come. Turmoil in the Middle East, recurring sovereign debt concerns in Europe and now the idea of inflation all hang over markets.
While many analysts expect holiday sales numbers to be strong, Wall Street is expecting earnings conference calls next week to serve more as inflation strategy sessions than as quarterly reviews.
Thirteen retailers will give quarterly results next week, but which retail name has pricing power? The "Fast Money" traders discuss.
Here's our Fast Money Final Trade. Our gang gives you tomorrow's best trades, right now!
The most recent whale-watch filings at the SEC become more interesting when you contemplate not merely who is betting on what but who is betting against whom.
See what's happening, who's talking and what will be making headlines on Tuesday's Squawk on the Street.
Retailer JC Penney should be trading “meaningfully higher” than where it is now, according to activist investor William Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital and a newly-appointed JC Penney board member.
Retailers such as JCPenney, Target and Walgreens are partnering with magazines like Glamour, PeopleStyleWatch and Modern Bride to leverage their fashion authority to help sell everything from tops to bridal gowns to lipstick.
Fears that winter weather would result in disappointing retail sales may have been overblown, as several retailers have not only reported better-than-expected monthly sales reports, they are also raising fourth-quarter earnings estimates.
January retail sales surprise mostly to the upside, with little whining about the weather. They did it again: despite a lack of clearance inventory, tough comps, and snowstorms, most retailers posted gains in January.
Investors slammed retail Wednesday worried that record snowstorms will impact same store sales numbers out Thursday. What should you expect?
Stocks ended sharply higher as the Dow and the S&P 500 hit new multi-year highs, easily erasing losses from Friday's sharp sell-off on turmoil in Egypt as investors focused on upbeat earnings and economic news.

domain: news


text:
We Can ALL Relate to Bud Light’s New Same-Sex Marriage Commercial
Bud Light has officially come out in support of same-sex marriage — with a little help from their trusty spokespeople Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen, of course. America’s fave beer released a brand-new commercial on Wednesday featuring the marriage of Steve and Greg, whose wedding is just like any other wedding. You know, the same cringe-worthy speeches, the girl who's a little too excited about catching the bouquet, and cake. Lots of cake.
“Bud Light proudly supports everyone’s right to marry whoever they want,” states Rogen, following a Bud Light toast to the groom and groom.
This commercial is part of Bud Light’s 2016 presidential election advertising campaign, “The Bud Light Party,” which parodies the candidates as they travel around the country pitching their beer to fellow Americans. Ellen DeGeneres released the spot on social media, and then it aired for one night only in California and New York on June 1 — the start of LGBT pride month.
“We created this spot because equality for all Americans is a concept that unites many Bud Light drinkers,” Bud Light Vice President Alex Lambrecht Lambrecht told WSJ. “All weddings — regardless of who is getting married — share many similarities and moments to celebrate.”
And cake. Lots of cake. Oh yeah, did we mention cake?


text:
Coronavirus is already changing the book industry. Here’s how
How bad is it for local bookstores, really? Will publishing change for good after the coronavirus pandemic?
Like most others, the book industry is holding its breath and counting its meager blessings. As California bookstores reopen with curbside pickup, here’s a closer look at the state of the industry.


text:
Russia has nationalized the Renault plant: Moskvich and LADA brands will be produced there; want to revive the production of cars "Volga" and "Victory"
In Russia, the production of Soviet cars "Volga" and "Victory" will begin again. And Renault factories will now produce the Lada and Moskvich brands. Read more about the "innovations" told the publication RBC.
The Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov said that in the Russian Federation they plan to revive the production of Volga and Pobeda cars that existed during Soviet times.
“Colleagues have plans to revive, for example, one of the Volga or Pobeda brands. Or both,” he said.
At the same time, Manturov said that this project could be implemented at different sites, but did not specify the possible dates for the start of production.
The GAZ-M-20 Pobeda was produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) from 1946 to 1958. In total, more than 240 thousand cars were produced under this brand.
Cars under the Volga brand have been produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant since 1956 (GAZ-21, GAZ-24, GAZ-3102, GAZ-3110).
After the collapse of the USSR, GAZ tried to create new Volga. For example, in 2008, the production of Volga Siber began. However, the car was not popular. In 2010, its production was curtailed, and the plant in Nizhny Novgorod focused on the production of commercial vehicles.
But already on May 16, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that the production of the Moskvich car would be resumed. They will be assembled on the basis of the former Renault plant, which became the property of the Russian Federation.
The signed agreements provide for the transfer of Renault-Russia shares to the city of Moscow, AvtoVAZ shares to the state represented by FSUE NAMI, subordinated to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, writes Economic truth.
As a result of operations, the parts in assets will be distributed as follows:
- 100% of the shares of CJSC Renault Russia will be owned by the Moscow government.
- 67,69% of the shares of the AvtoVAZ auto concern become the property of the Russian Federation represented by FSUE NAMI.
- the remaining shares of the AvtoVAZ auto concern will be retained by the Rostec DC.
You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York
Also reported is an option for Renault to buy back its stake in AvtoVAZ, which can be exercised over the next 6 years.
“Under existing licenses, the production of the entire line of LADA cars at AvtoVAZ plants will continue. He, among other things, will provide service for Renault cars in the Russian market,” the ministry says.
According to Sobyanin, KamAZ will become a partner of the revived Moscow Automobile Plant Moskvich. Production will start with classic cars with an internal combustion engine, with plans for electric vehicles in the future.
Read also on ForumDaily:
stdClass Object ([term_id] => 3165 [name] => USSR [taxonomy] => post_tag [slug] => sssr)the USSR
stdClass Object ([term_id] => 3376 [name] => cars [taxonomy] => post_tag [slug] => avtomobili)cars
stdClass Object ([term_id] => 12602 [name] => Russia [taxonomy] => post_tag [slug] => rossiya)Russia
stdClass Object ([term_id] => 13334 [name] => In the homeland [taxonomy] => category [slug] => novosti-rodini)At home
Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? Subscribe to our page in Facebook. Choose the "Display Priority" option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram - there are many interesting things. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily Woman и ForumDaily New York - there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information.


text:
Insomnia: The anxiety-alleviating and sleep-prolonging qualities of CBD oil make it a good option for many people with insomnia. Those who experience insomnia due to pain or discomfort may also find that using CBD oil alleviates their physical symptoms to a noticeable extent. CBD oil may also promote daytime wakefulness when taken in small amounts; people with insomnia can use it as a pick-me-up if they feel excessively tired due to lack of restful sleep.
My husband was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) when he was 61 years old 4 years ago. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help him. The medical team did even less. His decline was rapid and devastating. His arms weakened first, then his hands and legs. Last year, a family friend told us about Rich Herbs Foundation (RHF) and their successful ALS TREATMENT, we visited their website www. richherbsfoundation. com and ordered their ALS/MND Formula, i am happy to report the treatment effectively treated and reversed his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), most of the symptoms stopped, he is able to walk and able to ride his treadmill again, he is pretty active now.
Support for legalization has steadily grown over the last several years. Today, medical marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. And even federal officials have begun to soften their stances. Last fall, outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder signaled his support for removing marijuana from the list of Schedule I narcotics. “I think it’s certainly a question we need to ask ourselves, whether or not marijuana is as serious of a drug as heroin,” Holder said. This summer, Chuck Rosenberg, the acting administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, acknowledged that marijuana is not as dangerous as other Schedule I drugs and announced his agents would not be prioritizing marijuana enforcement. Still, as long as marijuana remains illegal under federal law, the haphazard system in which it is studied, produced, and distributed will remain, and Americans will not be able to take full advantage of its medicinal properties.
We use ethanol/alcohol to extract our hemp, the most historically used method for cannabis/hemp extracts. It is a clean and cold extraction method that allows for optimal retention of terpenes and other sensitive compounds. We also employ low-temperature and relatively low-pressure CO2 extractions for some of our products. For the CBD isolate and CBD vape products, further processing is required to obtain the purity level achieved.
Did you know that 83 percent of Americans drink coffee regularly? In a fast paced world, with the pressures of life pulling us down, it is no wonder we need coffee, but also carry anxiety. Not only does coffee help wake you up in the morning, but it actually has more lot of health benefits than you might realize. However, adding a little CBD oil can increase those benefits even more.
Stephanie Kahn, who with her husband, Jeffrey, runs the Takoma Wellness Center, a medical marijuana dispensary in Northwest Washington, says that about half of her 1,200 patients use CBD-rich products. Her dispensary offers several strains of high-CBD cannabis as well as CBD oil, with different ratios of CBD and THC, each of which she recommends for particular conditions. “We get questions about it every day,” she says. “A lot of our patients get relief with this, and a lot of times this works better than pharmaceutical drugs.”
Third party laboratories analyze all of our full-spectrum hemp extracts and supplements for cannabinoid potency, heavy metals, bacterial/microbial life, mycotoxins (fungus), and pesticides. Our isolate is tested for potency, heavy metals, and pesticides. The unsummarized results of testing for all produced batches can be found in our online batch database.


text:
Surfing for the latest info about James Rothschild?. We posted it for you.
IN PHOTOS: Nicky Hilton marries James Rothschild in London
11 July 2015 | 3:15 am MANILA, Philippines Socialite and businesswoman Nicky Hilton married her England-based boyfriend, banker James Rothschild on Friday, July 10, at Kensington Palace. According to a report from People, Nicky, 31, wore a … http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/99025-nicky-hilton-james-rothschild-wedding-london
Nicky Hilton Weds James Rothschild at Kensington Palace
11 July 2015 | 1:35 am The 31-year-old fashion designer got married to her fiance James Rothschild in a lavish ceremony held at Kensington Palace in London on Firiday, July 10. Nicky's sister Paris Hilton served as the maid of honor. Nicky looked … http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00085720.html
Nicky Hilton Wears Valentino Gown On Wedding Day SHEfinds
10 July 2015 | 8:47 pm The hotel heiress married England-based banker James Rothschild. Their wedding was held at the Orangery in Kensington Palace. Nicky wore an absolutely gorgeous long-sleeve lace Valentino gown, which had a dramatic … http://www.shefinds.com/2015/nicky-hilton-stuns-in-valentino-on-her-wedding-day-marries-james-rothschild/
Click here for more information about 'James Rothschild'.


text:
Due to the impact of the Sino–U.S. trade war and Chinese economic downturn, foreign companies in China have been moving their production lines out of the country to reduce costs. On Jan. 5, Ricoh, the Japanese producer of electronics and office equipment, announced that it would be relocating a factory out of China, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA), citing Japan’s Kyodo News.
The Ricoh Company, Ltd., a multinational imaging and electronics company, primarily produces cameras and office equipment, is preparing to transfer its printer production line to Thailand. The company currently exports printers from Shanghai and Shenzhen to the United States.
Once the decision comes into effect, Ricoh will be able to restart production in Thailand within two months.
An employee who has worked at Ricoh’s Shenzhen branch for 10 years confirmed to RFA that some of the company’s factories are moving their production lines to Thailand. The employee, who did not want his name to be publicized, said the company relocated its factories for reasons of cost-effectiveness. Ricoh is also building a new factory in Dongguan, a Chinese city near Shenzhen.
Four hundred U.S.-funded companies have announced that they will withdraw from China since the beginning of the trade war. On Dec. 31 last year, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics shut down its smartphone factory in Tianjin, a port city in northern China. Apple Inc. will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will have made the product in the country, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Chinese economist Mr. Zeng, identified by surname only, told RFA that under the environment of economic depression, high land prices, and rising labor costs, foreign investors are bound to withdraw from China sooner or later.
“It is natural for foreign businessmen to withdraw from China. It can be foreseen because China’s economy is getting worse and the economic situation is in downturn,” Mr. Zeng said.
“The withdrawal of foreign capital is related to China’s economic and political conditions, and even the recent state of Chinese society.
“Chinese society is increasingly showing itself to be unwelcoming and intolerant to foreign investment and foreign businesses. This is also a big reason for the withdrawal of a large number of foreign investors amid China’s economic downturn.”
Mr. Zeng added: “Not only Japanese capital, American capital and even Hong Kong businessmen and Taiwanese businessmen are now withdrawing from mainland China in large numbers. They are moving to Southeast Asia.”
A scholar surnamed Zhou told RFA, “While the United States is facing the competitive rising big power in the form of China, which does not follow rules, universal values, and has no integrity, the U.S. is likely to take some drastic measures.”
Among the manufacturing giants that have withdrawn from China or shut down factories last year are more than 10 world-class companies, including General Motors, Samsung Electronics, Omron, Nitto Denko, Olympus Corporation, and AU Optronics.
Reuters contributed to this report.


text:
In the wake of investigations by French regulators, appeals against American tech giants are mounting in Europe.
Rebel. Google’s lawyers can put their robes on. As soon as the last sanction was pronounced in France, last year, by the Competition Authority (ADLC), a new complaint was filed against the advertising practices of the Mountain View group. On September 14, the Belgian law firm Geradin Partners announced that a class action lawsuit would be launched in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in the coming weeks. Based on a French antitrust ruling, European and British publishers accuse Google of abusing its market position and favoring its own ad service, Ad Manager. They ask for 25 billion dollars in compensation.
“Our claim for damages is largely based on the facts found by the French Competition Authority, namely that Google violated the rules to the detriment of French publishers,” explains Master Damien Geradin. In June 2021, the ADLC sentenced Google to a fine of 220 million euros. A transaction negotiated by the group, which promised to modify its practices and open its auction platform to publishers’ IT tools. The Authority thus created a strong incentive for the actors in the sector.
As appeals against US tech giants multiply in Europe, the question is on everyone’s lips. What if the French regulators had managed to “terrorize” the Gafa? On September 14, whistleblower Peiter Zatko, a former Twitter employee, shocked US senators with this revelation: “Twitter is terrified of the Cnil, much more than the FTC.”
The sanctions imposed by the National Commission for Informatics and Freedoms (Cnil) would be, he said, more restrictive than the decisions of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Surprising when we compare the US agency’s massive $376 million budget and the limited means on the French side: 24[…]


text:
NEW DELHI, Jan 25: The 10 per cent stake sale of state-owned manganese miner MOIL today got fully subscribed, with retail investors outbidding the portion reserved for them and ensuring Rs 480 crore for the exchequer.
Retail investors bid for over 38.63 lakh shares against the 26.63 lakh reserved for them. The bidding by individual investors took the retail subscription to 1.45 times, data showed.
Retail investors are being given 5 per cent discount to the share allotment price.
The share sale, which was open to institutional buyers yesterday, saw subscriptions worth over Rs 580 crore coming in on the first day. It attracted bids for over 1.60 crore shares as against 1.06 crore offered to institutional investors, garnering a subscription of 1.51 times.
In all, the government is selling 1.33 crore shares through the OFS route at a floor price of Rs 365.
With all-round participation from retail and institutional buyers, MOIL share sale is expected to garner Rs 480 crore.
The stock of MOIL was trading at Rs 367.70, down 0.15 per cent, on BSE.
The government currently holds 75.58 per cent in MOIL, formerly known as Manganese Ore India Ltd. Earlier this fiscal, the government had raised about Rs 794 crore through share buyback of MOIL.
MOIL is the fourth disinvestment through the OFS route in the current fiscal. The government had sold 15 per cent in NBCC to mobilise Rs 2,200 crore in October, 7 per cent in Hindustan Copper to raise Rs 400 crore in September and 11.36 per cent in NHPC to garner Rs 2,716 crore in April.
About Rs 30,000 crore have been raised through minority share sale by way of OFS, share buyback and CPSE ETF so far in the current fiscal.
Last week, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) launched the second tranche of CPSE Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), which was over-subscribed 2 times. The sale fetched Rs 6,000 crore to the exchequer. (PTI)


text:
Fareva expansion adding 100 jobs in Henrico County
Luxembourg-based Fareva held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday for an expansion of its Henrico County aerosol plant, which is expected to create up to 100 jobs.
The contract-manufacturing firm makes drug, over-the-counter and beauty products at the facility, which it acquired in 2011 from Pfizer.
The expansion follows a first-phase $40 million investment at the plant. The company said it is considering a second expansion at the plant, which would require as much as a $20 million investment and 150 additional jobs.
Fareva employs 600 people in Henrico County and nearly 10,000 people worldwide.


text:
Nissan Premiere 370Z in Need For Speed
Published by Yoshi on Oct 30th 2008
have reported that Nissan are to unveil their new 2009 Nissan 370Z in the upcoming EA title Need For Speed Undercover, for the Playstation Portable.
The car won't be in out before the game is, so this will be the first glance of the new Nissan 'in action' for many. Nissan have recognised the promotional impact that the Need For Speed series has for the automotive industry and have teamed up with EA to give gamers a treat by premiering a car that is a sporty, powerful, sleek, sexy car which just oozes Need For Speed - a perfect combination!


text:
HUNTINGTON -- Big Sandy Furniture, Inc., is suing after it claims a company failed to honor its agreement.
On June 1, 2009, Big Sandy and Jars entered into a sublease agreement of certain real property or business location in the Merritts Creek Business Plaza, according to a complaint filed July 31 in Cabell Circuit Court.
Big Sandy claims the sublease agreement called for sublease monthly rental payment of $3,000 per month.
Jars has failed and refused to pay in accordance with the terms of the sublease agreement, according to the suit.
Big Sandy claims the defendant owes $11,920.41 pursuant to the sublease agreement.
Jars breached its sublease agreement by failing and refusing to pay its monthly rental payment, according to the suit.
Big Sandy is seeking judgment in the amount of $11,920.41. It is being represented by Charles C. Amos.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge F. Jane Hustead.
Cabell Circuit Court case number: 12-C-494


text:
Naomi Campbell might be on the verge of retiring — and of her own accord, no less! The supermodel stole away from community service in the soup kitchen to chat with the London Times about her charity efforts and the lack of model diversity in the fashion industry. She said she’s stayed in the business so long because black girls were underrepresented. But now times are a-changin’:
[F]or 20 years Campbell felt that she couldn’t retire. But now she can, she says, after listing several black models, such as Jourdan Dunn and Tyra Banks, who have appeared on major magazine covers in recent months: “This time they [designers and editors] have stepped it up. I feel positive. That means that I can go soon.”
Hm. We’re not sure where she’s planning to go, but it seems like there’s a lot more work to be done on the diversity issue. Campbell says, “The black issue of Italian Vogue shouldn’t make it briefly fashionable to be black, then unfashionable again.” One should hope, but how many black girls have appeared in their subsequent issues? And though runways at New York’s recent Fashion Week were more diverse than at the last Fashion Week, they were still pretty damn white; the Shophound notes, for example, only 3.3 percent of models in Phi’s show were non-white and only 6.4 percent of models in Jill Stuart’s show were non-white. We’re glad Tyra landed the September Harper’s Bazaar cover, but that doesn’t mean the problem’s solved. So if Campbell really bows out, other important industry people will have to speak up, too.


text:
Guests at Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld will welcome the Year of the Pig with traditional festivities and food when the theme parks of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi celebrate Chinese New Year starting Feb. 1, 2019.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park, is getting ready for its grand opening on July 25, 2018.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, an indoor theme park in the United Arab Emirates, has officially set its opening date for July 25, 2018. [Read more…]
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is introducing a new attraction to the United Arab Emirates, Yas Waterworld’s Cinesplash. [Read more…]
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has revealed details of the rides in Gotham City, the land themed to the Batman universe. Designed to look just like Gotham, guests will walk the street with characters like the Joker, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, the Riddler and Catwoman. [Read more…]


text:
Indo Count Grooms Organic Output
June 2, 2008-- Home Textiles Today,
Indo Count recently joined the league of sustainable textile producers by earning certified status from Control Union (which absorbed the SKAL certifying agency) for 100% organic cotton, as well as Cotton Exchange for products that blend organic cotton with other fibers.
"Indo Count now boasts of being one of the large-scale organic cotton manufacturers who are vertically integrated, right from spinning, weaving, finishing, printing to made ups," said Mohit Jain, director.
The manufacturer is currently producing organic cotton products for U.S. retailers — including mass market — as well as a designer brand.
Jain noted that with the upcharge for organic running approximately 40% vs. an upcharge of about 8% for blended, "We see customers going for a mix of both products."
Earlier this year, Indo Count expanded into the quilt and curtain categories.
Related Content By Author
Previewing Heimtextil 2017


text:
Apple and Adobe are teaming up for a special in the Middle East in which Arab users can get Adobe’s InDesign layout application with the purchase of a new Power Mac system, according to an
, a Middle East business resource.
“We are certainly delighted to extend our strategic partnership with Adobe Middle East,” Jacques Chammas, managing director of Arab Business Machine Ltd. (ABM), told AME Info. “Through our latest offer, Apple’s Arab clientele can save more than $1000 with every PowerMac G4 they purchase, as it shall be coming along with InDesign 2.0 for a very limited period.”
Apple launched a similar promotion in the United States in September.


text:
Wal-Math is not taught in your local school system. It’s a form of mathematics employed by developers and big box retailers who want to impress local officials with financial promises of tax nirvana. Companies like Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Target use Wal-Math to make outlandish claims about their economic impact on the local economy. This form of voo-doo economics only enumerates the gross number of new jobs, property tax revenues, or sales taxes that a development will pay — never adjusting the figures for the real, net impact on a community. Jobs lost, sales lost, property devalued — these impacts are not calculated by the Wal-Mathematicians. Case in point: Concord, New Hampshire. According to Richard Gsottschneider, the president of RKG Associates, a multi-disciplinary economic, planning and real estate consulting firm, Concord, NH in the last dozen years added more than 2.8 million square feet of new commercial and industrial development, including stores like Home Depot, but during that period the city’s overall assessed valuation dropped by -19%, from $1.9 billion in 1990, to $1.5 billion today. Gsottschneider explains that his research shows that “the much-touted new retail development was a mixed blessing. While retail property values were relatively high in the major development corridors, they were stagnant in the older areas, in part because of the new competition.” So Peter got paid, while Paul suffered. “Commercial and industrial encroachment into some residential neighborhoods had a negative impact on residential property values,” Gsottschneider notes. In Concord, the state capital, residential property was 57% of the municipal tax base, and so the impact was substantial. “Because Concord was so focused on economic development,” RKG says, “it was inadvertantly undercutting the private sector and harming property values.” Gsottschneider warns local officials that they must understand how different land uses contribute to the tax base. In Concord, residential values were declining faster than the city could add new commercial and industrial values. Concord needed a residential neighborhood revitalization strategy rather than more big boxes. “A shopping center may be a boon for the community at large,” he writes, “but it may also have an adverse impact on other shopping areas. As a result, the community may gain tax base in one location, only to see values decline in another.” Gsottschneider recommends that communities should involve their tax assessor in any development decisions. Poor tax base management has led many communities to misread what a Wal-Mart or a Home Depot really contribute to their bottom line.
For further information, see the November, 1998 issue of the American Planning Association, or you can contact Gsottschneider directly at: RKG, 277 Mast Road, Durham, NH 03824-4712. Email: [email protected] This firm says they have handled over 1,000 projects since 1981. One of their clients has been Wal-Mart stores, Inc. RKG performed the economic impact study for a Wal-Mart project in Greenfield, MA, and was involved in a controversial report on Wal-Mart’s impact in Ithaca, NY. In the latter, citizens claimed that the RKG study understated the true impact of a Wal-Mart on that community. In both towns, Wal-Mart was defeated.


text:
Jerry Applegate said he was returning from his vacation to Mexico when he got a call from a Best Buy installer, telling him Best Buy was standing outside his San Jose condo with his new dishwasher.
The problem: Jerry had purchased the dishwasher for his rental unit in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, more than 450 miles away.
What began as a simple mistake turned into a six-month-long ordeal for Jerry.
Jerry said it started in May 2017 when he logged on to Best Buy’s website to find a new dishwasher for his tenant’s apartment.
“What they had apparently done is got my billing address confused with the installation address,” Jerry told NBC 7 Responds.
Jerry said Best Buy told him it would take seven-to-ten weeks to correct the problem and deliver the dishwasher to its intended location in San Diego.
“So I said, 'You know what, nevermind,” Jerry said, “Let's just cancel this whole thing out, I'll make some other arrangements.”
Jerry said he went back online and ordered a new dishwasher from another retailer, assuming Best Buy would refund him his money and the mix-up would be over.
Weeks turned into months and Jerry said he still had not received his refund. He said he called, emailed, and even mailed a handwritten letter to Best Buy but he received no response.
“It wasn't so much about the money, although it was several hundred bucks,” Jerry said, “And it became less and less about money as time went on. I didn't want to make a career out of it but it was going to be a part-time job."
In November of last year, Jerry said he had enough and searched online for a consumer advocacy group to help him out. That’s when he found and later contacted, NBC 7 Responds.
NBC 7 Responds contacted Best Buy and explained Jerry’s situation. Within a few days, the company called Jerry to apologize and issued him a refund check for the dishwasher as well as the installation he had paid for.
“What happened to Mr. Applegate is unacceptable,” Boua Xiong, a spokesperson for Best Buy, wrote in an email to NBC 7 Responds. “There was a lack of communication on our part, which caused delays. We appreciate Mr. Applegate’s patience as we worked to resolve the issue.”
As for Jerry’s takeaway from the six-month delay, he says he’s going to be extra cautious how he makes future purchases.
“Go in the store. Don't do it online,” Jerry said, “Go in the store, make sure you can review all of the paperwork involved and follow it real carefully.”


text:
Copying and distributing are prohibited without permission of the publisher
Deutsche Telekom seeks US deal with MetroPCS
10 May 2012
Deutsche Telekom considers merging T-Mobile USA with rival operator MetroPCS
Deutsche Telekom is planning to merge US mobile operator MetroPCS with its unit T-Mobile USA, reported Bloomberg citing people close to the development.
Sources told Bloomberg that the deal may see Deutsche Telekom preparing for a stock-swap deal in order to have a control of the new unit that will be publicly listed. This development comes as the operator is evaluating options to strengthen business as it is losing customers to competitors such as Verizon Wireless.
Deutsche Telekom failed in a bid in late 2011 to sell T-Mobile USA to AT&T Mobility, thanks largely to opposition from rival operators Verizon Wireless and Sprint. Both Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS declined to comment to Bloomberg. GTB
More from GTB
T-Mobile USA hires advisors for tower sale 30 Mar 2012
Sprint 'scraps plans' to buy MetroPCS 27 Feb 2012
T-Mobile USA 'in fund-raising moves' 09 Jan 2012
AT&T 'may target' MetroPCS or Leap 30 Dec 2011
MetroPCS and Samsung launch 4G Android phone 11 Feb 2011


text:
US consumers splashed out on autos, electronic gadgets and appliances last month, easing fears of an economic slowdown and dampening expectations of a quick interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
Headline retail sales rose 0.5 per cent month-on-month in May, the commerce department said on Friday, offering evidence that consumption had accelerated from the upwardly revised retail sales growth of 0.3 per cent in April, even as the trade war with China deepened.
The strong data on consumer spending caused some forecasters to upgrade their estimates for US economic growth in the second quarter of the year, with economists at JPMorgan Chase raising their projections to 1.75 per cent from 1 per cent, suggesting the US was grappling with a modest slowdown at this stage.
While Fed officials have sent strong signals that they were prepared to cut interest rates on the back of a deterioration of the economic outlook and growing uncertainty over US trade policy, economists tempered their expectations for monetary easing in light of the stronger data.
“Decent US retail sales numbers suggest consumers are shrugging off the negative trade headlines and support our view that markets may be too aggressive in their interest rate cut expectations,” said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING.
“Without doubt economic growth is slowing, but May’s retail sales data suggests second quarter consumption growth could be as strong as 4 per cent annualised, with GDP growth around 2 per cent,” said Paul Ashworth, chief US economist at Capital Economics. “That is much better than we previously feared.”
The Fed was “unlikely to unveil a panic rate cut”, Mr Ashworth added.
The US central bank’s monetary policy-setting committee will gather next week for a meeting, followed by a press conference by Jay Powell, the Fed chairman. Most economists are expecting it to keep rates on hold.
“The goal of Powell’s remarks, we believe, will be to maintain optionality for a July ease, while not conveying that such a move is a foregone conclusion. This will be a difficult balancing act,” said Michael Feroli, an economist at JPMorgan Chase.
Retail sales have been on a wild rollercoaster ride this year, growing at a healthy clip in January, then dropping in February, followed by the biggest gain in 18 months in March.
One countervailing indicator on consumption on Friday came from the preliminary reading of the University of Michigan’s monthly consumer sentiment index, which sank to a three-month low of 97.9.
Investors moved out of Treasuries following the release of the retail sales data, pushing yields higher. The yield on the benchmark 10-year note reached 2.1081 per cent, having been as low as 2.058 per cent earlier on Friday morning, but much of the rise had been reversed by lunchtime in New York. The two-year Treasury yield also gave back about half its post-retail sales gain.


text:
Bill Allen has lived his whole life without experiencing thrill of seeing the leaves turning colors in the fall.
This year, new glasses could change that.
Allen, 49, is one of thousands of people living with color blindness in Kansas City. He is also one of many who tested out the newest developments in eye-wear for the colorblind at a recent event at Brill Eye Center in Mission.
“It’s like being able to see for the first time,” Allen said of trying on EnChroma glasses at the Sept. 9 event. “It’s kind of like learning to walk again, I suppose.”
The event, sponsored by Brill Eye Center and Plymouth Owners Club — a local group of car enthusiasts — was held in the eye center’s parking lot, at 5820 Lamar Ave. Guests were invited to test EnChroma glasses in front of a display of colorful vintage cars and a handful of balloons.
After trying on the glasses, Allen said he saw a world he had never experienced.
“The red car doesn’t look brown,” the Overland Park resident said of one of the vintage cars.
Raymond Brill, owner and chief optometrist of Brill Eye Center, said the purpose of the event is to raise awareness that there are options for people with color blindness.
“It’s rare that you can make a difference in everyday life at a nominal cost,” Brill said. “We are changing their perception of the world.”
EnChroma glasses, developed for people with red-green color blindness by mathematician Andrew Schmeder and glass scientist Don McPherson in 2010, create a filter between the two colors to prevent the normal blurring people with color blindness experience.
Most people assume that color blindness means people can only see black and white, Brill said. Instead, they have a deficiency in which one color blurs into another.
According to the National Eye Institute, about 8 percent of men and 0.5 percent of women of Northern European descent have red-green color blindness.
In Kansas City, Brill said red-green color blindness — the most common type — could affect up to 80,000 men and 5,000 women in the metro area, or one in 12 men and one in 200 women.
Participants like Allen experienced similar sensations.
Ronan O’Brien, 6, was able to distinguish different shades of colors for the first time.
“He can point out purple, which he normally doesn’t do,” said Ronan’s mother, Rachel, of the colored balloons.
The glasses can range anywhere from $200 to $500. Options include indoor and outdoor glasses as well as prescription glasses.
Dave Hayes, 64, said he heard about the event on Facebook and wanted to see if the glasses worked.
Hayes said he experienced crisper colors once he put on the glasses, adding the pricetag is worth the investment.
“Being able to see colors how everyone else sees colors has always fascinated me,” he said.


text:
Universal Studios Japan’s ‘We are One’ Summer Festival Begins This July
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) reopened on June 19, 2020 after temporary closure as a result of COVID-19. The park is now running with strict measures in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, including practicing the 2m social distancing rule, making it mandatory to wear face masks, and so on. The park has posted a full video demonstration of the rules on their official website.
That means summertime is set to shine on USJ once again this year. The new ‘Universal Summer Parade: We are One’ event will begin on July 23 as the first parade held by the park since its reopening. Guests will be able to enjoy a fun and exciting summer at USJ with all the necessary precautions in place to ensure their safety.
Many familiar faces will gather at USJ to celebrate summer with guests, including the Minions, Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and more. Each of them will board colourful floats for the parade during the parade, which will open with the fittingly-titled “Opening Float” followed by a flurry of unique floats like the flashy “Latin Float,” cute European-inspired “Europe Float,” the mysterious “Indian Float,” and the finale “America Float,” amongst many others. There will be music to entertain guests for laughs, smiles, and fun energy while characters and entertainers ride the floats and serve summertime vibes.
The peak moment of the parade will be when confetti rains down on guests in huge quantities. Flags can also be bought for the parade for the first time in this year. Performers and the park characters will be able to entertain guests at a distance while still connecting with them through the fun performances. A special “social distance” performance created in cooperation with the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education will also be part of the parade. This year’s parade plans to have guests dancing and smiling even more than previous years to lift some of that stress away and give them the fight and energy to continue into tomorrow.
Universal Summer Parade: We Are One
Put your hands into the air as the sun beats down and the floats arrive to a lively rhythm. ‘We are One’ is the catchphrase, so get your boogie on and explode with excitement together with the entertainers and park characters for a heated summer parade!
Running: July 23, 2020 – August 27, 2020
Location: Parade Route
Time: One per day from 11:00am (approx 40 mins)
Buy yourself a parade flag for ¥500 and wave it around to the beat of the festival!
Cool yourself off with some summer merch
Get your hands on some merch for cooling off, including the must-have summer “Handy Fan,” a “UV Poncho” which keeps you cool in the heat of the sun, a classic “Sensu” folding fan, and more.
Feel the Japanese festivities with the Universal Market
The Universal Market will give that Japanese ‘matsuri’ festival vibe. Enjoy some cool desserts, spicy food, and more.
Left: Super Hot! Turkey Leg ¥1,000 / Centre: Peach Jelly Soda: ¥650 / Right: Frappe Sundae ~Strawberry & Blue Hawaii~ ¥750
Since guest safety is the number one priority this summer, the park will not be holding its famous splash performance where guests are soaked with water by water shooters.
Additionally, the parade will also not stop in any of the usual designated places and will instead keep on moving, meaning the parade can be enjoyed from anywhere along the parade route. Guests will be able to keep plenty of distance from others as they watch the parade.
The park also released a statement on its ‘enhanced sanitation in park operations’ on its official website so you can find out more about what USJ is doing to tackle the COVID-19 spread.
If you’re in Osaka this year, you can still enjoy summer at Universal Studios Japan with all the necessary precautions in place.
Universal Studios Japan – Noticed of Enhanced Sanitation in Park Operations:
Atarashii Gakko! to Perform Solo at Zepp Venues in Tokyo and Osaka in Spring 2023
16.January.2023 | MUSIC
Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.
These performances will be held almost a year after the girls held their solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo last May. This year’s events will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30 and Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo on May 2.
ATARASHII GAKKO! – HANAKO (Official Music Video)
ATARASHII GAKKO! – Pineapple Kryptonite (Official Music Video)
Atarashii Gakko! at Tokyo & Osaka Zepp
-We’re working on some amazing new songs and we’re dying for everyone to see our newest evolution (Tentative title)-
April 30, 2023 – Zepp Osaka Bayside
May 2, 2023 – Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Fan’s Presale Tickets (Starting January 1)
Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi to be Illuminated for Christmas & Valentine Theater Event
26.December.2022 | SPOT
The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.
Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per day
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, Yamaguchi
Universal Cool Japan 2023 Announces SPYxFAMILY Collaboration
SPYxFAMILY continues to take the world by storm. In 2023, fans will be able to test their skills as part of the Forger family at Universal Studios Japan! From February 17 until July 2, the SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will be underway at the Osaka location. Guests will need to decipher a mysterious code to take part in an immersive experience with the popular characters.
SPYxFAMILY is the fastest-selling comic in the history of Shonen Jump. It ranked in the top spot in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, pulling in audiences with its blend of hard-hitting action and sweet family comedy.
This special attraction is the first-ever interactive experience inspired by the series. Guests can enjoy two separate instances: a puzzle-solving rally taking place at different locations around the park, and a live show that only those completing the rally can enjoy. During the rally, guests will act as rookie WISE agents as they decipher mysterious codes around the park. Of course, fans can expect to see Loid, Yor, and Anya while on their mission!
※1 The first-ever puzzle-solving rally & live show in the history of the series!
※2 Shonen Jump+, which began publishing the series in 2014, has announced that for the first time in its history, the total number of copies sold, including digital copies, has exceeded 10 million as of the release of the seventh volume.
※3 SPYxFAMILY won first place in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, seeing a sharp increase from the previous year.
SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission – Attraction Details
The SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will allow fans of the hit series to step into the shoes of a WISE agent as they seek to unravel a mystery at Universal Studios Japan!
Guests will take on a top-secret mission with the Forger family as a new WISE agent connected to Operation Strix. Using their wits, they must decipher a series of codes hidden around the park. Successful spies will be granted a top-priority mission from Loid to participate in a live show featuring all three members of the beloved family.
Come enjoy the world of SPYxFAMILY at Universal Studios Japan in 2023!
© 2023 青山剛昌／名探偵コナン製作委員会
© SCRAP All Rights Reserved.
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Universal Cool Japan – SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission
Running: February 17 – July 2, 2023
Venue: Universal Studios Japan, Park-wide
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan Reveals First Winter Decorations
Universal Studios Japan is holding its NO LIMIT! Christmas event from November 11, 2022 until January 9, 2023.
During this period, the new Super Nintendo World area will be decorated with winter decorations for the first time since it opened. The area’s entrance is bringing the holiday cheer with Mario and Luigi snowmen, perfect for using as a photo spot. Upon entering the area, visitors will find a Christmas tree decorated with familiar Nintendo items along with wreaths and garlands.
Fans won’t want to miss visiting during this special season, as special menu items and merchandise will be available for a limited time. This is a winter experience you won’t find anywhere else!
During the NO LIMIT! Christmas event, Minions and other popular characters will appear around the park in Christmas costumes. Two special Minions meet and greet sessions will be held as well! Come spend the holidays with your favorite characters dressed as Santa, reindeer, trees, angels, and more!
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Super Nintendo World Winter Decorations (USJ)
On Display: November 11, 2022 – January 9, 2023
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
13th BT21 Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo
The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.
Magical Tea Time Set
Food Plate (7 varieties)
Dessert Plate (7 varieties)
Magical Milk Tea
Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee
Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)
Satin Sticker (7 varieties)
Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Handkerchief (7 varieties)
Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick
Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)
[Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters.
In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.
Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?
BT21 Cafe #13 ~MAGICAL TIME~
BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Running: November 3 – December 10, 2022
Address: SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi
Running: January 13 – February 19, 2023
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 1F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023
Address: Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
Running: December 2, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Address: LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
Running: November 11 – December 18, 2022
Address: 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Cafe Interlude, Coach & Four Shinakawa
Running: November 3 – December 29, 2022
Address: 18-chome 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Open: November 3, 11:00 – December 4, 23:59
Grand Front Osaka to Hold Harry Potter Christmas Event
The Grand Front Osaka mall has announced an incredible Christmas celebration in collaboration with the magical world of Harry Potter! Fans will want to visit the massive shopping center between November 10 and December 25 to take part in the festivities.
Harry Potter-Inspired Decorations
The highlight of the event is the 13-meter-tall Christmas Tree, which will be set up on the first floor of the mall’s North Building. The tree will be decorated with Harry Potter-inspired ornaments like moving staircases and window frames, which will look as though they are floating in the air. At night, a light show will take place around the tree, complete with projections inspired by the four houses of Hogwarts.
Decorated Ted E. Bear
Stamp Rally Card
House Flag Decorations
Tully’s Coffee and Harry Potter Collaboration Goods and Menu
Special Harry Potter-themed decorations will be attached to many trees in the area around the nearby Umekita Plaza, and fans can also find a Harry Potter panel exhibition. An Instagram photo campaign will be held in which visitors can enter to win collab merch, so don’t miss out!
Come make some magical memories at this Harry Potter event in Osaka this winter.
Grand Wish Christmas 2022
Harry Potter: An Invitation to the Wizarding World of Christmas
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Excluding certain contents
Venue: Grand Front Osaka North & South Wings, Umekita Plaza, etc.
Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop to Open in Tokyo
A story-based digital GPS rally inspired by Chainsaw Man will be held within Tokyo’s subway system from November 1 until November 28. Fans of the anime series won’t want to miss it!
Participants will be tasked with one vital mission: to find five senior devil hunters who are currently undercover at subway stations around the city.
Participants will download an app from the special website and follow the instructions within to find stamp locations at stations throughout Tokyo. When they reach the designated location, they’ll find a special poster, and they’ll just need to press a button in the app to earn a stamp. By collecting stamps in all six locations, fans will receive a unique key visual which can only be obtained through this event.
During the event period, fans will also find a limited-time pop-up shop inside Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Original collaboration items will be on sale, and a game will be set up with winners able to walk away with unique prizes. From November 1 to November 20, admission to the shop will be by advance reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce crowding. Reservations can be made through the official website.
Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop
Running: November 1 – November 28, 2022
Location: Various locations in Tokyo
Participation Fee: Free
Special Website: https://www.edith.co.jp/lp/CHAINSAWMAN-GPSRALLY/
Hello Kitty Autumn Event ‘Apple Halloween 2022’ Running Until October 31
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, a theater and restaurant offering Hello Kitty-themed shows and meals on Awaji Island, and HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, an apple-shaped observation theater based on the popular character’s home, are both currently holding the Apple Halloween 2022 event until October 31!
Guests can enjoy a mystery-solving event and some adorable photo spots inspired by apples and the Halloween season. By solving certain riddles, visitors will be rewarded with candy!
Come have fun this Halloween with Hello Kitty, friends, and family!
Started in October, the New Show ‘HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES’ Gets Rave Reviews
HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES, a new show at the theater and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, will run until December 30, 2022. The show features a new theme each month and currently features a jazz band.
October’s theme is Happy Halloween Party, and visitors can listen to a number of famous songs while enjoying tasty and healthy dishes packed with autumn flavors. At the end of the performance, a meet and greet with Hello Kitty will be held. November’s theme will be Hello Kitty’s Birthday Party, while December will focus on a Christmas Party!
Apple Halloween 2022
Running until October 31, 2022
Venue: Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land ( 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji, Hyogo)
Official Website: https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittyshowbox/
Luxury Brand Montblanc Announces Naruto Collaboration Collection
Today, luxury brand Montblanc launched a new collaboration collection with the popular anime and manga series Naruto. Items from the collection are available to purchase worldwide.
Since its release 20 years ago, Naruto has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its inspiring story and beloved characters. The designs featured in the new collection feature illustrations of the character printed in dynamic poses. The collection features everything from leather goods to writing instruments.
The new items highlight Naruto’s relationship with his mentor Jiraiya, stressing the importance of mentors and knowledge. The brushstroke-like curves on each piece emphasize the anime style, and all bags come in a refined black color with orange accents.
To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, a special short anime was created to highlight the power of writing and communication. The brief animation shows Jiraiya reflecting on Naruto’s journey and the ample advice he passed down while focusing on what’s important in life. Meanwhile, Naruto uses a fountain pen to write down what it really means to be a ninja.
The collection also features a new edition of Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück. The special-edition fountain pen features a Hidden Leaf Village motif in gold with a matching nib and a ruthenium-coated embellishment.
A special pop-up store is open on the first floor of Hankyu Men’s Osaka until October 18. By snapping a photo of the collaboration products and posting it on social media with the hashtag #MontblancXNaruto, fans can snag an original Montblanc x Naruto memory card game. Additionally, those making a purchase will get an original furoshiki!
Whether you’re a fan of Naruto or a fan of Montblanc’s goods, this collaboration might be impossible to pass up.
Montblanc x Naruto
Release Date: October 12, 2022
Venue: Hankyu Mens Osaka 1F
Running: October 12 – October 18, 2022
The #KuromifyTheWorld Project Celebrates First Anniversary with Special Week of Events
06.October.2022 | FASHION
The #KuromifyTheWorld campaign is already one year old! Created to share the adorable Sanrio character Kuromi with the world, fans will be invited to celebrate this milestone from October 20 until October 31 with special events in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Kuromi’s Drink Stand will be open for a limited time in Tokyo and Osaka. Customers will be invited to choose the color of their drink according to their mood, and will also be able to customize it with tags, acrylic stands, and stickers! An original photo spot will also be set up beside each drink stand, and those wanting to attend can enter the lottery to win tickets now.
Sanrio’s first and largest Kuromi ad truck will also be driving through the streets of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka during the event week.
Kuromi will also be teaming up with (G)I-DLE, a popular five-member global idol group from South Korea. Campaigns are planned to appear in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Taiwan, Korea, North America, and Europe.
Kuromi ranked in the top three in this year’s Sanrio Character Awards, and her popularity is steadily growing with Gen-Z. Keep an eye out for more Kuromi-inspired events in the future!
・Kuromi’s Drink Stand:
Shinjuku, Tokyo: October 20 – October 24, 2022
Shinsaibashi, Osaka: October 29 – October 31, 2022
・#KuromifyTheWorld Ad Truck:
Tokyo: October 20 – October 24
Nagoya: October 26 – October 27
Osaka: October 29 – October 31
Popular Swimming Anime Free! to Hold 10th Anniversary Event at Saitama Super Arena in Summer 2023
The popular anime series Free! will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event at Saitama Super Arena on August 13, 2023. Cast members from the series, including Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, and Daisuke Hirakawa, will be in attendance. Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2023, and will include a priority purchase application ticket for the special event. Check out the official website for details!
The Free! anime franchise, which is loosely based on the High Speed! light novels by Kouji Ooji, began in 2013 and includes three TV series and multiple films produced by Kyoto Animation. The three anime series–Free!, Free! Eternal Summer, and Free! Dive to the Future–have been incredibly popular around the world. The first part of Free! The Final Stroke was released in theaters last year, with the second part hitting theaters in April 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on the exciting 10th-anniversary activities in 2023!
Free! 10th Anniversary Special Event
Date: August 13, 2023
Venue: Saitama Super Arena (8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama)
Cast: Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, Daisuke Hirakawa, more
Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume Blu-ray＆DVD
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Price: ¥11,000 (Tax Included)
Official Site: http://fs.iwatobi-sc.com/
Japan’s Largest Fireworks Show Opens with 800 Drones and 45,000 Fireworks
01.October.2022 | SPOT
To promote the 2025 Osaka Expo, hundreds of drones and thousands of fireworks lit up the sky at the planned site for the event. SKYMAGIC LIVE PTE. LTD., known for creating original shows using drones, put on the show on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on September 25, 2022. The event was the first large-scale outdoor drone show in the Kansai region, with 800 LED-equipped drones flying through the night sky.
Nearly 15,000 visitors were in attendance at this spectacular event. The event aims to promote a hopeful future in which Japan thrives after the impact of the pandemic, and also aims to promote the upcoming Expo to people around the world. 45,000 fireworks were set off, marking one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. Launched to rid the area of bad luck, guests will likely never forget the unique display of futuristic technology and traditional fireworks.
As the fireworks show began, countless drones took off one after another into the sky. As many would expect, Myak Myak, the official character of the Osaka/Kansai Expo, appeared above the crowd, standing 135 meters tall and 80 meters wide. A countdown to the Expo appeared after, with the Let’s Go Expo 2025 logo shining in the sky, made entirely by synchronized drones.
Archived live footage of the event is also available.
Ryota Shirahama, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, made a comment regarding the impressive event. “Japan’s resurgence is about to begin,” he said. “The world has been looking down, and we want it to look up. We want people to look towards the future–that’s the goal of this project. Yes, there was a pandemic. But like the phoenix seen during the drone show, we can start over. I hope that those who saw the show will be inspired to take a new step forward.”
Let’s Go Expo 2025 Countdown 3 ~Yumeshima Fireworks~


text:
Samsung plans to release a special ultrasonic cover for its upcoming Galaxy Note 4 phablet that could assist visual impaired users that own the device.
The phablet, which is expected to get its big unveil at IFA 2014 next month, will have the cover as an option, according to T3, and it works by emitting ultrasonic sound waves to detect objects that are nearby.
Samsung has gone for the ultrasound cover route before with a specialist skin for its Galaxy Core Advanced smartphone that didn’t sell particularly well over on these shores.
That cover worked by giving off a vibrating alert or a sound to warn phone owners when an object was close and it’s still unclear whether an ultrasonic cover for the Galaxy Note 4 would work in the same way.
One thing the case did add to the Galaxy Core Advanced was a 1in sized prong on the top of the smartphone and if this is still the case with the Galaxy Note 4, it would add even more size to the already considerably large phablet.
Details on the Galaxy Note 4 have been slowly seeping out over the past month or so and it culminated in a full spec list for the device coming out last week. That listed a 5.7in display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor under the hood that is supplemented by 4GB of RAM.
Samsung is also ready to pack it with a 16-megapixel camera that is capable of recording UHD video [3,840 x 2,160 resolution] at 30 frames per second with a 3.7-megapixel lens on the front for selfie-hungry owners.
Even if Samsung doesn’t end up releasing the ultrasound cover, the Galaxy Note 4 will have enough features to make it one of the most powerful on the market right now.
You can check out all the latest rumours on the handset with our rolling live coverage here: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 design, specs and release rumours


text:
Activision simply doesn’t understand. Rather than follow in the footsteps of Harmonix’s great work, they instead choose to saturate the market with new games that feature little improvement or changes besides a new track list. Outside of the previously announced Guitar Hero Metallica set for release this month, Activision has already announced Guitar Hero: Greatest Hits for a June 2009 release. GH: GH is a collection of 48 tracks from their previous four titles retooled for band play. Another sequel to their Guitar Hero DS series is set to also release in June called Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits. This is also nothing more than another game with a new setlist of 25 songs.
Besides officially releasing three GH titles this year, Eurogamer reports Activision’s plans for a handful of more new “Hero” titles set to release this year. Hard Rock Van Halen (August), Guitar Hero 5 (possibly a working title – September), DJ Hero (October), Band Hero (November), as well as another title in their GH DS series is rumored to be in production. DJ Hero has been unofficially confirmed, but the others are still up in the air. There are also reports of Activision registering Sing Hero as a trademark.
I just hope more people continue to realize the exploitative tactics and inferior products Activision is putting out versus Harmonix’s Rock Band platform. With The Beatles: Rock Band set to come out in September, I’m more excited about that than any of the Guitar Hero games. I think their cash cow is going to run dry before they’re done milking it.


text:
Consumers in Alberta pulled back a bit more on their spending to kick off 2016, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
In January, retail sales in Alberta fell by 0.2 per cent compared to December to $6.13 billion dollars. (The figures are adjusted for seasonality, so any regular pull-back in spending after the Christmas holiday shopping season is taken into account). That was the lowest monthly total for retail activity since August of 2013.
Over the last complete twelve months, total sales are down by 3.6 per cent compared to the previous twelve months. But given the severity of the economic situation and the plunge in other measures of consumer sentiment (such as the consumer confidence levels), the fact that sales are down by only this amount is a bit surprising. Indeed, it could even be considered positive news.
Nationally, the picture was brighter as consumer spending shot up in January. As Statistics Canada states in this morning’s release: “Retail sales rose 2.1 per cent to $44.2 billion in January, led by five subsectors that rebounded from lower sales in December.” At the national level, auto sales and part were the most impressive, rising 4.8 per cent.
For Alberta, the slumping retail sales figure is another discouraging sign of a weakening economy. Sales may dip further yet as 2016 grinds on, but there is hope as well. With crude oil prices rising in the last several days to above $US 40 per barrel, Albertans may start feeling a bit more optimistic in the coming weeks and months.*
*Courtesy of Todd Hirsch • Chief Economist< ATB


text:
Toyota recalls 1.7 million vehicles in North America over potentially dangerous Takata airbags
- Takata front passenger airbag inflators, which have caused at least 23 deaths worldwide, can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel into drivers and passengers
- The recall includes multiple product lines including the 4Runner, Corolla, Matrix, and Lexus models
Toyota is recalling 1.7 million vehicles in North America to replace potentially deadly Takata front passenger airbag inflators.
The move announced on Wednesday includes 1.3 million vehicles in the US and is part of the largest series of vehicle recalls in the nation’s history.
Takata inflators can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 23 people have been killed worldwide and hundreds have been injured.
The Toyota recall includes the 4Runner (2010 through 2016 models), the Corolla and Matrix (2010 through 2013 models), and the Sienna (2011 through 2014 models).
Also covered are Lexus models including the ES 350 (2010 through 2012 models), the GX 460 (2010 through 2017 models), the IS 250C and 350C (2010 through 2015 models), the IS 250 and 350 (2010 through 2013 models), and the IS-F (2010 through 2014 models). The Scion XB (2010 through 2015 models) are also included.
Takata used the chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate the airbags. But the chemical can deteriorate over time due to high humidity and cycles from hot temperatures to cold. The most dangerous inflators are in areas of the South along the Gulf of Mexico that have high humidity.
Toyota and Lexus dealers will either replace the inflator or the entire airbag assembly with equipment made by other manufacturers that does not contain ammonium nitrate. Owners will be notified by mail or other means in late January.
Toyota wouldn’t say if anyone has been injured in vehicles covered by the latest recall.
Toyota’s recall is part of a phased-in replacement of Takata inflators. Car makers are scheduled to replace 10 million starting this month. Ford and Honda have already announced recalls.
The recalls forced Takata of Japan to seek bankruptcy protection and sell most of its assets to pay for the fixes.


text:
Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs
Splunk (NASDAQ: SPLK) shares touched a new 52-week high of $54.09 after the company lifted its sales view for the year.
Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) shares reached a new 52-week high of $41.986. Analysts at Stifel raised price target on the stock from $38 to $50.
Tree.Com (NASDAQ: TREE) shares touched a new 52-week high of $25.25. Tree.Com's trailing-twelve-month profit margin is 9.81%.
Ark Restaurants (NASDAQ: ARKR) shares jumped 2.94% to create a new 52-week high of $22.39. Ark Restaurants has a dividend yield of 4.80%.
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


text:
You will see in this video, a Tesla Model 3 owner deals with about 20 minutes of crazy road rage, and reportedly, he couldn't get any help from the police. The Tesla owner, whose name is Gunnawuat, was picking up food from a fast-food restaurant and listening to loud music in his Model 3. Some
Tesla has delivered the first cars from its new German factory. CEO Elon Musk handed over 30 Model Y Performance crossovers to customers in an opening ceremony at the factory, which is variously known as Giga Germany or Giga Berlin. First announced in November 2019, the factory is located in Grunheide, near the German capital.
YouTuber and Tesla owner Ryan Shaw recently went over a number of common mistakes you can make when buying a Tesla. A useful guide for potential Tesla owners, his list was as follows: (1) Buying Too Much Range... Often people buy the Tesla with the most range, for example opting for the Long Range Model
Tesla has made planning applications to adapt a former Porsche dealership in Dorset into a new showroom for its electric cars. The property at West Parley was originally constructed as the home of Inchcape's Porsche Centre Bournemouth, which has now relocated to a larger new-built site at Wimbourne. It was built in 2008 after Inchcape
Video shows a Tesla Model S Plaid handles itself with FSD engaged in New York and it’s pretty clear the road from beta to final is still very long. Black Tesla decided to really challenge his Plaid’s autonomous driving by trying pitting it against NY’s chaotic traffic, maze of roadworks and bus lanes. It does
We all know Norway is the most charged country on the planet—in September, electric vehicles accounted for 78% of the total auto market. Adding hybrids and plug-in hybrids brought the total share for electrified vehicles to 92%. The most popular models were Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, which accounted for 40 percent of total
Posted on EVANNEX on October 16, 2020 by Charles Morris How long can you expect a Tesla battery to last? And how do maintenance costs compare to those of legacy vehicles in the real world? There’s a fair amount of anecdotal evidence indicating that Teslas perform very well in both these categories. We’ve reported on several Model S and/or X
Tesla's updated mobile app reveals three new Tesla factory paint colors. Buyers have been waiting years for Tesla to offer new paint colors, and now with the new Gigafactory in Berlin to open soon, it appears Tesla will finally bring some new, attractive paint colors to market. Tesla isn't known for launching new paint colors.
Tesla Hype (@TeslaHype) on Twitter recently shared a short video of a Tesla Cybertruck out testing. The video originally came from Jesse Sandoval via Drive Tesla Canada. We've heard that Tesla may be making design updates to the Cybertruck, though it's hard to know what (or who) to believe. According to Tesla Hype, the Cybertruck
According to the latest sales report, BMW Group sold 61,652 electrified vehicles in the first half of 2020. The numbers include both plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. In contrast, California-based automaker Tesla sold, so far in 2020, 179,050 units of their electric lineup. Overall, BMW still has a sizable lead over Tesla with 842,153


text:
Both Facebook and twitter are competing!
Both are competing with other technology giants, including Google, Apple, paypal and the top credit card companies to own the newly formed mobile payment sector,that is outstandingly popular with customers and has proven fruitful area for newly established business.
More particularly, the biggest technology companies are soliciting a favorable position in peer-to-peer payments, they are relatively small payments sent from one person to another. people would use such payments, for instance, when they are choping a bill or wiring money.
More than a week ago the Financial Times reported that Twitter users in France now are able to tweet payments to others in their social network. recently, news reported out that Facebook will soon enable payments via Facebook messenger from debit cards.
A payment division of Groupe BPCE, S-Money one of the largest banks in France is behind this deal, but it’s not yet clear when U.S. consumers will have access to the payment service.S-Money provides Twitter users in France a new system of sending money to each other, regardless of their bank and without having to fill in the beneficiary’s bank details, with just a simple tweet,” Said Nicolas Chatillon ( chief executive of S-Money, BPCE’s mobile payments )”.
There is going to be a serious competition between the big banks and social media but the advantages that social media Firms like Facebook is greater because your contacts includes friends and family, such payment could prove to be specifically good for consumers without bank accounts or wiring money overseas.
- Facebook Messenger Launches Its First Ever Music Integration With Spotify
- Facebook To Open Its Second European Data Center Facility In Ireland
- Facebook Launches A New Internal Program Known As 2G Tuesdays For Free Internet To All Employees
This is not a Paywall, but Newslex Point's journalism consumes a lot of time, hard-work and money. That's why we're kindly requesting you to support us in anyway they can, for as little as $1 or more, you can support us .
Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.


text:
Havaianas has enlisted a Bondi-based clean-up crew to comb the beach following the annual Thong Challenge tomorrow.
Earlier this month B&T revealed brands were gaining a bad reputation around the iconic beach with a group called Responsible Runners constantly clearing up debris left after large-scale activations.
The brand has moved to cut-short any bad publicity off the back of the event, now in its eighth year, which has become an Australia Day staple for many.
Trash generated includes the giant inflatable thongs used by the participants to create the giant floating rafts, with the aim of the Challenge to get as many people on the water as possible.
It is run at five locations, North Bondi, Cottelsoe, Mooloolaba, Glenelg and Torquay main beach by experiential agency Urban, and last year saw more than 7,000 people taking part.
A Havaianas spokesman said: “Our original brief to Urban was to create an Australia Day tradition and promote its association with Havaianas.
“The event’s year on year growth is testament to our success. The Havaianas Thong Challenge has really transcended our original objectives to become a significant part of Australia Day festivities around the country.”
Urban co-founder Ryan McDonough, claimed the Thong Challenge has become Australia’s most “successful and enduring” experiential campaign.
He added: “There are not many people you meet who do not know about it, or know someone who has participated in it, which is a powerful litmus test for any experiential marketing campaign.
“In addition, our success developing in-land ‘backyard’ Thong Challenges in 2012 is further testament to the growth potential of the event.”
Please login with linkedin to comment
The brainchild of co-founders Gina Williams-Folau (main photo) and Greer Bland, the talent agency Liquorice was born out of a desire to make things easier for brand managers. Liquorice offers social talent for brands wanting to hit the sweet spot with Kiwi audiences. Launching with a roster of big names on board including Millie Elder-Holmes, Athena […]
9000 Western Australians experiencing homelessness are about to face cold winter nights. To call for donations to the 2021 Winter Appeal, Anglicare WA has released a chilling video with renowned actor Liam Graham, best known for his starring roles in Greenfield and The Heights, experiencing mild hypothermia after spending one hour in a commercial freezer. […]
Blackmagic Design has shared how its products were used to shoot the latest commercial campaign for Chris Hemsworth’s fitness training app, Centr. The new campaign, which promotes the progressive 10 week workout plan ‘Power’ replicates the same protocols used to prepare the actor for his latest appearance in the upcoming Marvel franchise film, Thor: Love […]
Airtasker has chosen leading independent digital growth consultancy, Webprofits as a strategic partner to help them expand to new markets. Following a successful IPO in early 2021, Airtasker set its sights on the next strategic objective — expansion and growth in the UK market. After careful review, they partnered with the growth marketing specialists at […]
Cresta Awards has announced that despite having a few more weeks before entries close, this year’s Cresta Awards has surpassed its entries for the whole 2019 Season. Cresta sees this as evidence, not just of evolution in its own awards but of a wider measure of industry confidence and resilience in many markets. The awards […]


text:
The Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, is the tech industry’s biggest bash. It’s where nearly every big name in the space, with the notable exception of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), goes to show off their latest and greatest gadgets and game-changers. The consensus read on this year’s CES show, which wrapped up Friday, was that it was a bit lackluster in terms of new product buzz when compared to years past. However, the show always offers up tradable trends that smart investors can put to work.
By far, the biggest tradable trend to come out of CES is Ultrabooks. These are laptop computers with (finally) excellent battery life, fast boot-up and SSD storage capabilities. Not only do they work well, they also look great, a trend we can thank Apple’s MacBook Air for inspiring. Ultrabook computers will be priced around $1,000 depending on manufacturer, and they likely will be huge sellers in 2012. Benefiting from this trend is chipmaker Intel (NASDAQ:INTC). The company announced at CES that its third generation of Core microprocessors will power the new ultra-thin devices, and the move to these devices could translate into big gains for investors who hold INTC shares.
Software behemoth Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) stands to benefit from the Ultrabook wave — as its current operating systems will be the brains of these new devices. Later this year, Microsoft plans to release its new Windows 8 operating system, and that should further spark sales of its core product. During the past month, Microsoft shares are up nearly 10%, and part of that is because of expectations for a strong year. Investors who boot up MSFT shares now could be very happy in the months ahead.
Computer maker Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) is one of several companies unveiling Ultrabook models at CES. The direct seller’s XPS 13 laptop has a 13.3-inch display and features edge-to-edge screen glass. The sleek device will have Intel’s Core processors, as well as Microsoft’s latest OS. The XPS 13 is less than a quarter of an inch at its thinnest point, and Dell claims it is the most compact Ultrabook on the market. If consumers embrace the $999 device, investors also might embrace DELL shares.
Optical glass maker Corning (NYSE:GLW) made a giant ape-sized splash at CES with its new and improved Gorilla Glass. The very thin and damage-resistant optical glass is widely used on smartphones and tablets, and thanks to the engineers at Corning, the glass now is 20% tougher. What this means is manufacturers of smartphones and tablets can get their products even lighter and thinner without sacrificing durability or strength. The new Gorilla Glass is likely to be a big revenue winner for Corning, and that could mean King Kong-sized returns for GLW investors.
Sirius XM Radio
Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) showcased its new Lynx satellite radio receiver at CES. It’s a small, well-built device with a user-friendly interface. It also comes at a reasonable price of $250. The big driver here, however, is the recent improvement in U.S. auto sales. New cars are relying more and more on technology and sophisticated interfaces, including the integration of Sirius XM Radio. If consumers continue visiting the lots and buying new cars, Sirius XM Radio — and SIRI shares — could witness one of its best years in a very long time.


text:
It was almost a year ago that Wells Fargo revealed its employees had created checking and credit card accounts for a million or so customers without their knowledge or consent.
Since then, the bank has fired thousands of employees and brought in a third party investigative team to provide an independent account of what happened. The investigators have now turned in their report, revealing that there may have been as many as 3.5 million unauthorized accounts, 1.4 million more than originally reported.
Consumer groups are saying the revelation is further evidence that consumers should not be forced to give up their right to sue when dealing with financial institutions.
“Congress now has 1.4 million more reasons to protect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s arbitration rule," said Allied Progress executive director Karl Frisch in an email to ConsumerAffairs. "Eliminating the arbitration rule, as some Republicans in Congress are calling for, would allow big banks and other financial institutions to continue these and other illegal and damaging practices unchecked."
Frisch said customers affected by banking scandals and errors "should be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to have their day in court, rather than being forced into a secret arbitration tribunal where big banks call the shots and individuals hardly stand a chance."
The additional unauthorized accounts turned up when investigators expanded their search back to 2009, a time period not covered by the bank's initial report. The new report, long anticipated, is part of Wells Fargo's nearly year-long effort to put the scandal behind it.
'Unacceptable sales practices'
“We apologize to everyone who was harmed by unacceptable sales practices that occurred in our retail bank,” said Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan. “To rebuild trust and to build a better Wells Fargo, our first priority is to make things right for our customers, and the completion of this expanded third-party analysis is an important milestone."
The bank has faced class action lawsuits and has already settled with U.S. regulators, paying $185 million in fines.
In recent weeks, the bank had telegraphed to employees and Wall Street that the independent investigation would likely result in more negative news for the San Francisco-based bank. While consumers might be upset with the new disclosure, it isn't going over very well on Wall Street either.
Today's disclosure moved CNBC's Jim Cramer, co-host of "Squawk On The Street," to be especially harsh in his characterization of Wells Fargo, appearing dumbfounded that the bank had discovered an additional 1.4 million unauthorized accounts.
"A million extra? I mean that's not a rounding error," Cramer said on the broadcast.
CNBC said it reached out to Wells Fargo to respond to Cramer's comments but had received no reply.
In the meantime, Wells Fargo said it will take "significant steps" in the coming weeks to compensate the latest group of consumer and small business customers who may have been harmed when accounts were set up in their name.


text:
The Meeker County Holiday Project will go on, despite challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual drive, organized by United Community Action Partnership, collects toys for local children who might otherwise go without a Christmas. And this year, with the local economy hurting, many more families are likely to need assistance.
As it has for the past 31 years, Center National Bank's toy drive plays a significant role in collection of toys and cash for the Holiday Project. People can bring new items or cash to Center Bank during regular business hours 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Toys must be new and unused for children ages infant to 16 years old. Deadline for donations is Thursday, Dec. 17.
This year, toy distribution will be run differently, because of COVID-19 restrictions. Rather than having a "toy store" open for parents to walk through and pick items, volunteers will bag items for each family while trying to fulfill the wishes of children signed up for the program.
Families in need, or people willing to sponsor a family, can call Rochelle Brummond of UCAP at 320-693-7911.
Along with toys for children, families enrolled in the program will receive a holiday meal.


text:
Tomatoes genetically modified to have high flavonoid content could
reduce the levels of a protein in a mouse that is associated with
inflammation, diabetes and heart disease in humans, says a study by
BASF, TNO and two universities...
Food and beverage makers could soon tap into a range of new
ingredients with a healthy twist as sugar and sweetener firm Tate
& Lyle launches a new venture capital arm to focus on
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of 'bacteria
eating' viruses as food additives in ready-to-eat meat and poultry
to protect against Listeria, and offer the industry an interesting
Israeli flavours and ingredients supplier Frutarom has reported
sales growth in Q2 2006 to US$72.3m. Although profits were impacted
by price drops in natural raw materials and energy price hikes, new
acquisitions are still on the...
The Healthy Start scheme, which offers vouchers for fresh fruit and
vegetables, milk, and infant formula to low income families and
teenage mothers, has been a success in its pilot area of England,
the Department of Health announced...
Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) could prevent
weight and fat gain at times of the year when people are most
susceptible, as well as during the natural ageing process, says a
new study supported by Cognis.


text:
Brazil-based JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company, announced on May 31 that a cyberattack had disrupted IT systems in the United States, Canada and Australia and brought all affected systems to a halt.
The company made it clear that recovery progress had been made on June 1 and that most factories are expected to resume operations on the 2nd. However, the affected factories supply a fifth of U.S. meat production, causing temporary global concerns about a meat shortage. Meanwhile, the US government issued a statement expressing its view that the June 1 attack was by a Russian-based criminal organization.
Huawei’s own operating system, Harmony OS, is in full swing. On June 2nd, Harmony OS 2 held an online presentation and announced that smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches with operating system functions and installed models were also applied to existing models. In the case of the existing target, although it is limited to the announced Chinese market model, the number reaches a whopping 100 models.
Like the Huawei Watch 3, the first smartwatch to be equipped with Harmony OS, Huawei also announced new products such as MatePad Pro and MatePad 11, a tablet equipped with Harmony OS.
Microsoft is hosting a major Windows update announcement event online on June 24th. It is said that the event announcement has already been sent to the major media.
This event is held after Microsoft stopped developing Windows 10X for dual screens. Microsoft is announcing that it will introduce some of the new features and UI that were prepared through Windows 10X to Windows 10. The event will be attended by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and others to give details.
Market research firm Counterpoint Research and IDC have released smartwatch and wearable device shipments and market share data for the first quarter of 2021.
According to Counterpoint Research, global smartwatch shipments increased by 35% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year. IDC also reported that smartwatch shipments worldwide in the first quarter of 2021 were 104.6 million units, an increase of 34.4% from 77.8 million units in the same period last year.
TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, which supplies semiconductors from famous manufacturers such as Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and AMD, announced that it has begun construction of a new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Arizona, USA.
It is known that the Arizona plant will invest 12 billion dollars, and according to CEO Wei, if the construction proceeds smoothly, mass production by the 5-nano manufacturing process will actually start in 2024. It is reported that some of the Arizona plant’s production capacity may be used for automobile chips that use AI and the like.
Meanwhile, TSMC is also planning to build a new factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan, to manufacture on the 2nm manufacturing process. Thank you.


text:
Cacola Furniture International
Furniture maker Cacola will broaden its product range through a partner scheme with reputable operators in the industry.
It will also expand its distribution network in China while entering other South Asian markets as well as South Korea and Australia.
These decisions were made after a recent business review conducted to enhance shareholder value, it announced yesterday.
"The management has carefully reviewed the performance of the China property and furniture sectors and concluded that investment in the furniture business has proven to be low-risk relative to the potential for returns," the company said in a statement to the Singapore Exchange.
Cacola shares last closed at 0.3 cent on Sept 7.
Lum Chang Holdings
Columba Holdings, a subsidiary of a joint venture between property and construction company Lum Chang and Lao V Serangoon, has sealed an agreement to acquire property investment firm Corwin Holding for around $189.75 million.
The acquisition was undertaken "as part of the group's strategy to expand its business by acquiring a site with redevelopment potential", Lum Chang said in a statement to the Singapore Exchange.
Corwin's primary asset is The Verge, which is valued at $150 million.
Lum Chang shares closed down half a cent or 1.37 per cent at 36 cents yesterday.
Halcyon Agri Corporation
Rubber company Halcyon Agri told shareholders yesterday that the public free float of its shares is expected to be around 10.35 per cent of the total issued shares of the company - a level that meets the free-float requirement - after the allotment and issue of 6.13 million new shares.
Halcyon is offering 0.9333 Halcyon share for each GMG Global share in a recently announced buyout offer.


text:
A smart phone app that can warn you when your parking meter is about to run out, then lets you pay from that app, is expanding to Belmont Shore.
Called Passport Parking, the app has been in use in other parts of Long Beach for about two years, according to Lea Eriksen, director of the city's Technology and Innovation Department. The expansion to the Shore was promoted by the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Advisory Commission, President Matt Peterson said.
"It (the app) allows you to pay, and to reload the meter," Peterson said. "The meter gives you an alert when it's about to run out, too. It's just a matter of ease of transaction."
The new smart parking meters installed citywide have had the capability to communicate with the app since they have been installed. That includes the "gang" meters covering multiple spaces in parking lots or along the street.
"We have seen this program be fairly successful in all the locations we have rolled it out to," Jennifer Carey, Public Works community relations officer, said in an email. "We do not have any immediate plans for further expansion, but are looking for other ideal areas for the program."
The app is available at the Apple App store and the Google Play store.
Peterson said adding the smart phone app in Belmont Shore is part of efforts to bring shoppers and diners back to Second Street. The Parking Commission also is promoting the free 15 minutes parking the green button on meters allows, letting people get a cup of coffee or do a quick errand without paying for parking.
"It's all designed to make the Shore more customer-friendly," Peterson said. "Next we're going to start working on making some of the parklets permanent. They have really impacted the pedestrian traffic already."
Parklets are blocked off parking spaces primarily in front of restaurants, added to allow for more outside dining during the coronavirus pandemic. Peterson said some of those spaces could remain, with the permit fee making up for the lost parking meter revenue. That decision would have to be approved by the City Council.
"We think it would be for the overall benefit," Peterson said. "If you don't innovate, you will go down. The parklets add to the environment, and the foot traffic."
Meter rates in Belmont Shore are scheduled to increase by 25¢ an hour next week, April 7. That puts meter rates at $1 an hour, the rate on meters in much of the rest of the city.