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This origin story is the stuff of legend in the cannabis world.
Back in 2012, A Nevada medical marijuana cultivator working under the under the uniquely spelled pseudonym “Joesy Whales” was trimming a new plant born from a happenstance encounter between established strains Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel.
The phone rang.
When Whales, whose real name is Jackie Don Peabody, answered the call, the resin secreted by the flower caused his hands to stick to the phone like glue.
The hybrid marijuana strain was thus christened: Gorilla Glue #4.
But the branding inspired by what has been called an innocent story of inception has landed the fabled breeders of the highly decorated, extremely potent and wildly popular Gorilla Glue #4 in an even stickier legal situation.
The Gorilla Glue Company — maker of adhesive products such as Gorilla Glue, Gorilla Epoxy and Gorilla Tape — is suing GG Strains LLC, the company founded by Peabody and business partner Ross Johnson, alleging trademark infringement, dilution, unfair competition and cybersquatting. By licensing and marketing products under “confusingly similar” names, GG Strains is ultimately trading on the reputation and goodwill that the family-run, Sharonville, Ohio-based company built over 23 years of business, according to the March 24 complaint.
Although not the first litigation of its kind in the cannabis industry, the case represents another coming-of-age moment for the maturing legal industry: The fun-loving, guerrilla marketing of marijuana’s underground heyday is now being viewed in the same light as that of traditional industry.
As Gorilla Glue Co. moves to protect a brand built over more than two decades, the entrepreneurs behind GG Strains said a loss wouldn’t just be detrimental to their company, it would also set an awful precedent for intellectual property in the cannabis industry.
“We’re not millionaires, we’re cannabis breeders and cultivators,” GG Strains’ Johnson told The Cannabist. “Most people have backed down from corporate businesses, so no case has set precedent as of yet. Down the line, this (case) will set the precedent.”
No longer an underground concern
The court complaint filed by Gorilla Glue Co. is 140 pages, laden with lists and images of the company’s trademarks juxtaposed with pictures from GG Strains’ state trademark applications, which include cartoon art such as a sunglasses-wearing gorilla smoking a blunt with one hand and holding an award chalice in the other.
Another exhibit includes a screenshot of Facebook search results for “gorilla glue” — it shows an alternating mix of posts about repaired coffee mugs and images of trichome-covered nugs.
GG Strains’ apparent ambitions with respect to continued use and growth of the name has increased as medical and recreational use of marijuana have been legalized in more and more states, Gorilla Glue Co.’s complaint alleges.
“This lawsuit is not a comment on any federal or state policy matters, medical or pharmaceutical issues, or choices in recreation,” the complaint states. “But Gorilla Glue has a famous, valuable brand built through tremendous products and strong consumer confidence, and as a business matter must take appropriate steps to protect its rights.”
GG Strains is no longer an underground concern, said Gorilla Glue Co.’s attorney Thomas F. Hankinson, a partner with the Cincinnati firm Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL.
“It is a business that should be held to the same standards of fair play in branding that apply to all other businesses,” Hankinson told The Cannabist. “GG Strains not only took the name, but intentionally traded on Gorilla Glue’s reputation for high-quality adhesives’ ‘stickiness.'”
Gorilla Glue Co. officials declined to be interviewed for this story, citing the ongoing legal matter and referred questions to attorney Hankinson.
“Gorilla Glue (Co.) just wants to protect its brand and communicate reliably with its customers through that brand,” Hankinson said.
“GG Strains’ side of this case is ironic,” he added. “Their whole business model is making cannabis industry players pay a license fee for the name, which they don’t even own. So when they pitch it as ‘Gorilla Glue versus cannabis,’ that is far from the case.”
“The dominoes have already started to fall”
While the outcome of Gorilla Glue Co. v. GG Strains could influence future trademark cases in and beyond the cannabis industry, the lawsuit isn’t terribly surprising, intellectual property attorneys told The Cannabist.
The case should stand as a stark reminder for other marijuana firms that they’re no longer operating in the shadows, said Amanda R. Conley, a partner at Oakland, Calif.-based Brand & Branch LLP, which provides intellectual-property legal services to the cannabis, technology, gaming and publishing industries.
“If anything, it’s surprising it took so long,” she said.
Mainstream brands already have been eyeing the cannabis industry, said Shabnam Malek, a Brand & Branch partner and president of the National Cannabis Bar Association.
In 2014, The Hershey Co. sued Colorado Springs-based TinctureBelle for breaching design and name patents by selling edibles that resembled Reese’s, Almond Joy and Heath candy bars. Months later, TinctureBelle settled, agreeing to recall and destroy its edibles — with names such as Reefers, Ganja Joy and Hasheath — that looked like Hershey products.
The Girl Scouts of the United States of America have sent out demand letters to dispensaries, requesting they cease selling marijuana with the Girl Scout Cookies name, Conley observed.
Several of Brand & Branch’s cannabis clients have been approached by mainstream companies alleging infringement, Malek said.
“The dominoes have already started to fall,” she said.
The cannabis industry does have unique concerns relative to trademark matters, both attorneys said.
For instance, businesses that previously operated in the shadows don’t have the luxury of establishing years of use for a trade or design mark. Likewise, the companies might not have been able to avail themselves of legal services because of bar association restrictions.
Furthermore, strain names can be considered varietals, and thus are not capable of serving as trademarks, and common-law trademark rights are limited to geography, creating issues when a cannabis company looking to expand out of state via licensing encounters another company of the same name.
“One issue that we still haven’t really tested,” Conley said, “is to what extent a cannabis company can assert trademark rights in federal court.”
The bottom line, she said, is that cannabis companies should be prepared to rebrand if they believe they are violating another firm’s trademarks.
“We’re not selling glue”
Faced with the prospect of conflict with The Gorilla Glue Co., GG Strains did indeed remarket their award-winning marijuana strains this spring, said the company’s interim CEO Catherine M. Franklin. Gorilla Glues #4, #1 and #5 are now marketed as GG#4, GG#1, and GG#5.
However, it’s tricky for GG Strains to ensure those rebranding practices extend everywhere cultivators are growing, dispensaries are selling and consumers are seeking the famous strain, Franklin said. And sometimes, strains advertised and sold as Gorilla Glue #4 aren’t actually grown from GG Strains’ proprietary plant genetics, she added.
Following GG Strains’ rebranding efforts, Gorilla Glue Co. offered to settle the case, Franklin said. That initial settlement offer was a no-go, she said, because it required GG Strains to relinquish its website, gorillaglue4.com, and trademarks.
Said GG Strains company partner Johnson: “If we settle with these guys outside of court, they’re going to go after everybody,” referring to the cultivators and dispensaries that grow and sell the strain, along with the merchandise they produce referencing the strains.
The cannabis company argues that the two brands should coexist — much akin to Delta Airlines and Delta Faucet, or Dove soap and Dove Chocolate.
“We’re not selling glue,” Franklin said, claiming that Gorilla Glue #4 was denied a federal trademark because it was cannabis, not because they were violating trademarks on similarly named products.
“It was a name that kind of stuck,” she said. “We didn’t piggyback off anything. Nobody is buying this thing because they like glue.”
Another fight: Which court should hear case?
Jurisdiction for the case is also a serious concern for GG Strains.
The Gorilla Glue Co. filed the suit in its home state of Ohio. GG Strains, on the other hand, argues that the battle should play out in Nevada, where the company operates.
The lawsuit was filed in Ohio federal district court because Gorilla Glue Co. alleges that “one or more residents in Ohio have purchased clothing directly through defendant’s website, the defendant received payment from Ohio through its website, and the clothing was shipped to Ohio.”
GG Strains officials claim they were “baited” into the Ohio courtroom. They allege that only two purchases from Ohio were made through GG Strains’ website, and that those purchases were made by Gorilla Glue Co.’s chairman and a vice president.
Gorilla Glue Co.’s attorney denied the baiting claim.
“I can’t argue legal matters in the newspaper. There are many reasons that this case is properly in Ohio and facts supporting those reasons. The strain is in Ohio. Their interactive marketing and promotion are reaching Ohio. And yes, they also sold shirts to Ohio,” Hankinson wrote. “There’s no ‘baiting’ here. If anything, they are talking about some purchases that prove their national clothing offerings, including but not limited to Ohio, are real — not a dead link or something that is advertised online but not real when you place an order.”
GG Strains company partner Johnson said that were the case to move forward in Ohio, it would put immense strain on the Las Vegas-based company and adversely affect the health of defendant Peabody, who requires dialysis.
“We’re not the youngest,” Johnson said. “(Peabody is) 63, I’m 59. For us to go fight a battle in Ohio … it would literally be impossible for us to do it correctly.”
“They’re going to listen to Joesy Whales”
Settlement talks between Gorilla Glue Co. and GG Strains have been rekindled in recent days.
On Wednesday, attorney Hankinson told The Cannabist that Gorilla Glue planned to reenter settlement talks. He confirmed that he had previous settlement talks with GG Strains’ founders, interim CEO and lawyer, but said he could not comment on the specifics of the discussions, citing confidentiality agreements.
“We can say that GG Strains backed away from prior conversations and shut down the negotiations,” he said. “We’re certainly still open to it.”
GG Strains’ Franklin confirmed that a request to reenter settlement talks was made, but said her firm had some needs of its own.
The cannabis company is seeking a two-year transition period during which it can work with cultivators and dispensaries to rebrand Gorilla Glue #4 to GG#4.
The transition period would also help GG Strains rein in the unauthorized activity, Franklin said.
“It would allow the celebrity status that GG#4 has achieved and maintain that (status) without having more people come in and be able to manipulate her,” she said, adding that she was confident the growers of GG#4 — even those growing unauthorized strains — would work with GG Strains to stay on the right side of the law.
“They’re going to listen to Joesy Whales before they listen to the Gorilla Glue (Co.),” she said, referring to Peabody’s popular pseudonym.
Considering Peabody’s state of health and inability to travel, GG Strains officials said they’ve requested that Gorilla Glue Co. executives travel to Las Vegas for any settlement discussions.
“We want to see if we can work together,” Johnson said Wednesday. “Sit down mano to mano, owner to owner, creator to creator and see what happens.”
Read the lawsuit


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Subject: Your solar payments are under threat
Dear fellow Tasmanian
The future of solar power in Tasmania is under threat.
From 1 January next year, Aurora will cease to exist as a retailer and the household and small business customers (that’s you) will be sold to one of two private retailers. Solar PV owners in Tasmania currently receive around 27c for each kWh they export under Aurora’s tariff 31. But there won’t be an Aurora next year! Despite repeated requests, submissions and lobbying, all that the Minister for Energy, Bryan Green will say is that there will be a ‘fair and reasonable’ feed in tariff and the government is still taking advice on the issue. The ‘fair and reasonable’ tariff paid to customers in Victoria is 8c/kWh. In NSW no feed in tariff is mandated, some retailers pay nothing for the power fed into the grid, and some pay just 5.2c!
What does this mean for you?
If you are an existing solar owner: it means right now there is no certainty over the future of the payments for the clean safe energy you are generating and feeding into the grid.
If you are a Tasmanian that hopes to one day install solar on your roof: it means that while your investment will help you lower your own power bills, you are likely to get a much lower price for the excess energy you create – effectively subsidising the big power companies!
Sign the petition to ensure current and future Tasmanian solar owners receive a fair price for the solar power they feed into the grid: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/savesolartasmania
All this is why Save Solar Tasmania - a new alliance of businesses, householders and community groups - has come together to call on the State government to act urgently to safeguard investment in Tasmania's solar homes.
We are teaming up with the soon to launch Solar Citizens project - to bring together the 10,000 solar homes in Tasmania, as well as everyone who one day hopes to go solar - to tell the Tasmanian government to give solar a fair go.
Sign the petition here: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/savesolartasmania
For most Tasmanians using the power of the sun to generate energy just makes sense. Solar brings many benefits including new jobs, reduced wholesale power prices and new generation of clean safe energy. It helps build a network of renewable energy generation across a range of sources (solar, wind, hydro) and enhances Tasmania’s reputation of being clean and green.
We look forward to working with you to ensure a strong future for solar in Tassie. Please sign and share the petition today. We will keep you up to date with our Tasmanian campaign and you will also receive news on the national Solar Citizens campaign.
On behalf of Save Solar Tasmania

domain: news


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4K made big waves at CES 2013, but it's at NAB Show where the technology is really coming into its own.
In addition to panels and sessions on 4K and other display technologies of the future, there's tons of 4K product on the show floor.
Sony announced pricing and availability of two of its 4K Ultra HDTV sets first unveiled at CES. The XBR-55X90A (55-inch) and the XBR-65X900A (65-inch) will retail for $4,999 and $6,999, respectively, beginning April 21.
Now, $5,000 is a lot of money for a TV, but keep in mind that this is still significantly less than the $40,000 price tag on Samsung's 85-inch stunner.
Of course, the big issue with 4K is content — specifically, where is it? And, when can consumers get it? While that's the subject of much chatter at NAB Show itself, Sony is hoping to ease the content issues with its new FMP-X1 4K Media Player.
The media player isn't cheap — it will cost $699 when it becomes available this summer. The player will come bundled with 10 feature films, including The Amazing Spider-Man, Taxi Driver, Total Recall (the 2012 version) and The Bridge on the River Kwai. This fall, Sony promises that it will have its own fee-based distribution service for 4K films.
What do you think of Sony's pricing on 4K TVs? Let us know in the comments.
Image courtesy of Sony


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The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 66.8 for November, according to preliminary data released Friday, Nov. 12.
According to CNBC, “That was the lowest since November 2011 and well below the Dow Jones estimate of 72.5. October’s reading was 71.7, meaning that the November level represented a 6.8% drop.”
Sources: Trading Economics, University of Michigan
Forbes noted, “The preliminary index comes as consumer prices rose 6.2% in October compared to the same month last year, marking the fastest annual pace in 30 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”
Sources: Bespoke Investment Group, Bureau of Labor Statistics
The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers chief economist Richard Curtin said the following about the survey results:
Source: University of Michigan
Reuters reported the following on another related economic report released on Friday, which showed that more than 4.4 million workers left their jobs in September:
Related to the issues of inflation and wage growth, Bespoke Investment Group points out, “Each month, small businesses are asked what their number one problem is, and recently it’s been all about inflation, the cost of labor, and the quality of labor. … The inflation data in the monthly NFIB Small Business Sentiment release is also quite telling.”
Sources: Bespoke Investment Group, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Trevor Cochrane, CRPC • Fort Worth, TXReverb Financial • Securities America Inc.Read full biography belowProactive Advisor Magazine: Trevor, talk about how you see your firm’s mission.The naming of our firm, Reverb Financial, was very intentional. “Reverb” is a term...
Followers of a rules-based, trend-following investment approach know that whipsaws can be the “cost of doing business”—especially if you want to avoid the devastation that can come during severe bear markets. [dropcap style="font-size: 60px; color:...
he U.S. Dollar Index is climbing up to its highest level since 2002, which is getting a lot of currency traders excited. U.S. manufacturers are a lot less excited. A more valuable dollar makes it harder to...
Richard F. Grant Jr., NSSA, ChFEBC • Gilbert, AZ RFG Capital Management LLC have been in the financial-services industry for more than 30 years, working with clients across the U.S. and abroad. I tell...


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NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO), a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel for young women and men, today announced a partnership with STOMP Out Bullying™, a national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization supported by Nick Cannon and Taye Diggs, during Nation Bullying Prevention Awareness month this October. Additional STOMP Out Bullying™ supporters include Tyler Blackburn, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Kingston, Brittany Snow and Bella Thorne.
Back-to-School season is a time of year that should be exciting for students. However, harassment and bullying is increasing at an alarming rate, leaving many students fearing their return to school and activities this fall. To signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness month, Aeropostale has created 750,000 anti-bullying bracelets; a colorful cloth bracelet, which will be handed out at Aeropostale stores in the United States and Canada beginning October 4. Consumers are encouraged to pick up a free bracelet at their local store and be a part of the fight to stop the harassment. Each bracelet is adorned with a powerful message - "Stop the Drama, End the Hate, STOMP Out Bullying." To raise awareness, Aeropostale's brand ambassadors will distribute flyers and bracelets in their local schools and communities to educate their peers and teachers about bullying prevention. Aeropostale's brand ambassador, actress Chloe Grace Moretz, will be lending a wrist and wearing the bracelet to show her support for this important cause.
"Aeropostale truly cares about the issues facing young people, and we are proud to partner with STOMP Out Bullying to generate awareness around this important cause," says Scott Birnbaum, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Ecommerce at Aeropostale. "We believe all students should have high self esteem, confidence and an overall positive quality of life in school, online and during extracurricular activities."
"I'm thrilled to partner with a brand like Aeropostale, a brand that recognizes the value of our children's mental and physical well-being," said Ross Ellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of STOMP Out Bullying™. "Kids, who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies and cyberbullies often experience low self-esteem and depression. Together we continue to raise awareness that bullying is wrong, and all forms of bullying, hatred, cruelty and homophobia must end."
Ellis added, "Unfortunately, bullying does not end at the school yard as it has taken on a new life via cyberbullying. Through social media destinations like Facebook, Twitter, and other sites popular with kids and teens, bullying can reach students everywhere they go. This social online cruelty is used by individuals or groups intending to harm our youth, starting as early as kindergarten. It's up to parents, schools, law enforcement, businesses, and the students to work together as a community to educate and prevent – putting an end to the violence."
STOMP Out Bullying™ offers students a safe haven. From offering information and resources, to providing an online area where youths can talk about issues, STOMP Out Bullying™ is an important outlet for kids today. Supported by celebrity PSAs, STOMP Out Bullying™ also helps kids become involved in social media efforts, create petitions, raise awareness, and offers a HelpChat Line for kids. The organization offers students an area where they can upload videos about their experiences with harassment and discuss their reasons to end bullying.
To learn more about how to help a child or teen handle bullying visit www.stompoutbullying.org. For additional information, please visit www.aeropostale.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aeropostale, or follow the brand on Twitter at @Aeropostale.
About STOMP Out Bullying
The leading, national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens is a signature program of Love Our Children USA. Created in 2005, it focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating kids and teens in school and online, providing help for those in need and at risk of suicide, raising awareness, peer mentoring programs in schools, public service announcements by noted celebrities, and social media campaigns. An additional focus educates parents on how to keep their children safe and responsible online: www.stompoutbullying.org, http://www.facebook.com/StompOutBullying Twitter: @STOMPoutBullyng Hashtag #STOMPOutBullyng.
About Aeropostale, Inc.
Aeropostale®, Inc. is a primarily mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aeropostale® stores and 4 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale® stores. The Company provides customers with a focused selection of high quality fashion and fashion basics at compelling values in an innovative and exciting store environment. Aeropostale® maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale® products can only be purchased in Aeropostale® stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale® products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale® stores and online at www.ps4u.com and www.aeropostale.com. The Company currently operates 913 Aeropostale® stores in 50 states and Puerto Rico, 76 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 97 P.S. from Aeropostale® stores in 21 states. In addition, pursuant to various licensing agreements, our licensees currently operate 22 Aeropostale® and P.S. from Aeropostale® stores in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Christina Stejskal, DKC- Public Relations
(212) 981-5135 or firstname.lastname@example.org
Christine Miller, Public Relations
(646) 364-0517 or email@example.com
SOURCE Aeropostale, Inc.


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Linda Liukas: Hello Ruby - out on the market to bring you happy and whimsical moments with coding
The year was 2011 when Linda Liukas, recently graduated from Aalto University won a Women in Tech Award handed out by Aalto University, the Finnish N-PoC of ECWT for co-founding in November 2010 Rails Girls, an open source non-profit model based programming and community to help girls to discover the joy of coding.
The year after ECWT decided to further promote Linda through including her in the women in tech workshop of the final conference of e-skills Week 2012 in Copenhagen. And the rest is history!
has become a worldwide movement encouraging women to try app building and programming
and go from online consumers to web creators. Since that first event in October 2010, Rails Girls has spread around the world, from Beijing to Paris and from Budapest to Lisabon, Kiev to Shanghai, from Okayama to Sao Paolo. Guides for local organisers are today available in a variety of languages, including Japanese and Russian.
Linda is today a global coding ambassadrise and since 2012 the Digital Champion for Finland and she has made success also in the US as community manager of Codecademy.
As a true entrepreneur
Linda has in 2014 made one of the biggest success stories on Kickstarter raising funding for releasing her book in the making. Linda´s goal was to raise minimum 20k and already the first day - 23 January 2014 - she tweeted: What a day. 24 hours and $100k. And in the end: 9,258 backers pledged $380,747 to help bring Linda´s project to life.
Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding is a 112 page fairytale into the wonderful world of technology, computers and coding. It comes with a set of activities to support the learning of computational thinking skills for 5-7 year old kids.
Once you hold it in your hands, you will for sure enjoy it from the start to the end continue inspired by the new mindset!


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The current generation MacBook Air were quite successful when they were launched last year, thanks to their new design and lower price, as well as a smaller 11-inch model. But it seems Apple is now ready to take them to the next level.
According to Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Quo who talked with AppleInsider, Apple has placed an order for the production of 380,000 Sandy Bridge-based MacBook Airs this month. Out of these, roughly 55% will be the more popular 11-inch models while the rest will be the 13-inch models.
Also, about 80,000 of the current generation MacBook Air models will be made this month, which will be the last of the lot, bringing the total to 460,000 for this month.
Although the source does not specify so, one can imagine that Apple’s Thunderbolt technology will also be part of the new generation model.
According to a latest update by Engadget, the refreshed models could go on sale as early as the coming Wednesday.
The current generation MacBook Airs are sold with Intel Core 2 Duo processors and start at a price of $999 for the base 11-inch model.
Source 1 • Source 2


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The Board of Trustees has been thinking of projects that could compensate for the recent state-wide budget cuts, and its latest idea, pending approval, is to build an organic grocery store on campus.
Although the official plans are still being discussed, the store would be located at the intersection of Alafaya Trail and Centaurus Boulevard.
UCF Chief Financial Officer William Merck said that UCF has two options: lease the 11-acre site to a developer so that they can build a facility or let the university take on the construction of the building and lease it to a vendor once it is complete.
If the project is approved by the Board of Trustees at its next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, it will release a request for proposals from interested organic grocers.
“The idea surfaced a year or so ago as something that might be of interest to our students, faculty and staff,” Merck said in an email. “The connection between providing a service to the university community that would at the same time generate revenue for the university seems appealing.”
The idea to bring an organic grocer to UCF has its roots in the university’s desire to find a way to offset recent budget cuts from the state. If approved, Merck said, this opportunity could plant the seed for more profitable projects that could provide revenue that excludes tuition and taxes.
The nearest organic or natural grocery stores to campus are located more than six miles away in Oviedo or at least eight miles away in Winter Park. Senior business major Maritza James can’t manage that without a car.
“I think it’ll be more healthy and more convenient for students, especially for those who live on campus, to have the opportunity to eat healthy,” James said. “I think more people would try to eat healthier. I know a few people who actually like to eat organic foods, and they would go to the store. I feel like people would try to eat more from the organic store.”
Projects like the volunteer-run Arboretum express the need for a closer organic food source. This could also start some healthy habits for students who aren’t accustomed to an organic lifestyle, such as sophomore electrical engineering major Pedro Perez, who isn’t sure he would get much use out of the store.
“I think it would be good for the community, but I don’t know if I would get much use out of it,” Perez said. “It will make some students happy because there are some that are really into organic food. I never had any interest in it. My family never got into it.”
The decision to commence with the project will be made by the Board of Trustees on Thursday at 9 a.m.
“Since one of the primary purposes of the proposed project is to generate a new revenue stream for the university, it will need to be substantial,” Merck said. “If it is not, then the project will not proceed.”


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Khartoum- State Minister at the Ministry of Investment Osama Faisal has affirmed the state’s keenness on boosting relations with Kenya in all political, economic and social fields.
Addressing Kenya-Sudan Tea Industry Business Forum in Ewa Hotel yesterday, the State Minister called for upgrading the forum to expand further tea commodity and other investments during the third forum next year, which would comprise the Ministries of Industry, Investment and Trade.
He referred to the challenges that had faced the Sudanese economy in the past, affirming that the economy is now progressing well in a good manner.
The State Minister pointed out that Sudan is endowed with vast investment opportunities and conducive environment including fertile lands and infrastructures.
Sudan Ambassador to Kenya Al Sadik Abdallah Elyas, on his part, stressed the importance of increasing trade and investment exchanges between the two countries, calling for entering into other investments besides the tea commodity.
The Ambassador affirmed that the relations between the two countries are excellent and making steady steps forward, calling on the Sudanese and Kenyan businessmen to exchange visits to get acquainted on the investment opportunities in the two countries.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Sudan, Arown Suge, on his part, called for increasing trade transactions between two countries in the field of tea and other investments, referring to the efforts exerted by the leaderships in the two countries that succeeded in removing the impediments that had been affecting trade exchanges in the past.
Contacts between Haftar and Libyan Gangs to Release JEM Abductees
VP: Government will Press Ahead with the Weapons Collection CampaignNext >


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- Sophie Sierra Dates With New Man Amid Relationship Issues With Rob? - December 2, 2023
- ‘Counting On’: Jill Duggar Shares Rare Grown-Up Pic Of Kids - December 1, 2023
- ‘Sister Wives’ Janelle & Christine Brown Expose The Monster In Kody - November 30, 2023
90 Day Fiance star Yara Zaya has been keeping in touch with the fans by sharing wholesome updates about her family. Recently, Yara took social media to reveal that they’ve been preparing for Halloween. She also impressed the fans by sharing her healthy diet. Additionally, fans can’t get enough of her fashion. Most of the time, Yara posts pictures of her wearing high-end brands. Now, it seems that Yara wants to take the opportunity of the love that she’s been receiving by planning to launch her own cosmetic brand.
90 Day Fiance: Yara Zaya Planning To Launch Her Own Cosmetic Brand
In a social media post, 90 Day Fiance star Yara Zaya shared an update with the fans about her plans to launch her own cosmetic brand. “My own line of cosmetics, I was even afraid to dream of this before,” Yara said. “It’s too early to talk about it, we are still in the process. But everything is almost ready,” she added. According to Yara, they will have all kinds of cosmetic products. She also promised the fans that she’ll sell high-quality items. Yara also said that it took some time to work on her cosmetic brand because she wants it to be the highest quality possible. At this point, Yara has yet to share the name of her brand. However, it seems that it’s only a matter of time before she officially announces it.
Yara Zaya Prepares For Halloween
Aside from sharing her plans for her own cosmetic brand, 90 Day Fiance star Yara Zaya also revealed that they’re currently preparing for Halloween. In a social media post, Yara shared a picture of her with her daughter, Mylah, posing on Halloween-themed houses. “Halloween is coming soon. Will you dress up ??? I still have not figured out how we will dress up, who would you like to see us on Halloween, do you have any ideas ???” Yara said. Moments later, fans took Yara’s comment section to throw suggestions about what she and Jovi Dufren should wear. Jovi himself also took social media to ask the fans for costume ideas.
90 Day Fiance: Yara & Jovi Staying In New Orleans?
90 Day Fiance star Yara Zaya previously revealed that she and Jovi Dufren have decided to move after Hurricane Ida’s devastation in New Orleans. However, fans haven’t heard any update about their move since her announcement. Instead, Yara often shares pictures of her in Louisiana, suggesting that they decided to stay. It also appears that they’ll stay in NOLA for a while after Yara’s post about planning to decorate her house for the Fall season.
At this point, Yara has yet to share why they haven’t moved yet. However, fans think that Yara and Jovi are picking between NYC and Dallas.
Come back to Entertainment Chronicle for all your TLC updates and news.


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Food, Wine and Retail Innovators
Getting in the box
Getting space on Costco’s shelves can catapult local food producers to stratospheric heights, or dismal defeat
(Page 2 of 3)
“They can come to us at any stage and we will help them,” Padilla said. “Size doesn’t matter. We grow, they grow. If we buy more, then they have to be growing.”
Businesses that get their products into Costco warehouses get great exposure for their brands, but not without some potential setbacks.
Brent Knudsen, founder of Partnership Capital Growth and the former vice president of business development and marketing at Costco Wholesale, said he has seen companies either rocket to success or crash and burn after landing accounts with Costco.
“You’ve got to have consumer traction on a regional basis and the capacity to produce the type of volume that Costco can sell. Costco is not really in the business of nurturing young companies,” Knudsen said.
PCG invests in and advises companies with products that promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles. It has helped numerous Northern California companies get their products into Costco, including Wild Planet Foods, located just outside Eureka, and Numi Tea, based in Oakland. Knudsen said “Costco is not a necessary part of any business,” but that PGC has helped well-established products such as Naked Juice and Vitaminwater enter the mainstream market, using Costco as a springboard.
“Costco can be a great, great relationship if done right. It is certainly not right for everyone. It can be a blessing or a curse,” Knudsen said, emphasizing that young companies don’t always have the working capital to expand at the rate that Costco demands.
“Young brands should get traction in other channels before they go to Costco. (If there’s a problem,) it’s not Costco’s fault usually. It’s usually the fault of the vendor or company that is being too aggressive,” Knudsen said.
Hannah Albarazi is an intern in the San Francisco Business Times newsroom.
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Tuesday September 23, 2014 0 comments
BOULDER - The total worldwide capacity of advanced batteries is expected to grow from 30.4 megawatt-hours (MWh) this year to more than 28,000 MWh in 2023, according to a new report by Navigant Research.
While lithium-ion batteries offer many advantages over traditional battery technologies, the Navigant report says R&D of new battery chemistries is surpassing lithium-ion in many ways and is expected to have a major impact on the battery industry over the next few years.
The new chemistries are anticipated to enable even more applications for batteries, increasing the size of the battery market, the report says.
"The limitations to Li-ion, including input costs, safety issues and materials scarcity, could leave it vulnerable to new chemistries that solve some or all of those problems," said Sam Jaffe, Navigant principal research analyst.
"Although most of the chemistries explored in this report are only at laboratory-scale production levels today, they could reshape the market for advanced batteries in the next 10 years."
Among the emerging chemistries are ultracapacitors, lithium sulfur, magnesium ion, solid electrolyte, next-generation flow and metal-air.
The report says overall battery demand is expected to increase from approximately 66.2 GWh today to more than 225.3 GWh by 2023.
An Executive Summary of the report, "Next-Generation Advanced Batteries," is available for free download on the Navigant site.


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07 Jul Residents Invited to Register for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale
ADIRONDACKS, USA – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and local leaders are encouraging residents to register for the 10th annual Great Adirondack Garage Sale. Traditionally held each Memorial Day Weekend, the sale this year will take place on Aug. 7, 8, and 9.
The garage sale stretches over 150 miles through the Adirondacks, and includes residents in the towns of Old Forge, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Cranberry Lake, Piercefield, Newcomb, and Speculator. An interactive website showcases sale locations and allows unlimited photos of the items for sale to be uploaded.
Registration is free, and listings on the website include dates and times for each sale. Each community will also receive paper maps of local sale locations to hand out. To register and for more information, go to www.GreatAdirondackGarageSale.com.
“Visiting garage sales and looking for hidden gems is a summer tradition,” Christy Wilt, Director of Hamilton County Economic Development and Tourism said. “We’re looking forward to our residents cleaning out their garages and catching up with neighbors, as well as encouraging visitors to get out and explore all of our wonderful communities. This initiative is always win-win, and we’re glad that garage sales can take place!”
Garage and yard sales are allowed under New York’s Phase 4 reopening plan, and both sellers and buyers should continue to follow social distancing and mask-wearing advice.


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There is bound to be a little extra green under the tree this the first Christmas marijuana is legal in Canada.
‘We’re standing up for cannabis culture,’ says Christopher Mennillo, co-owner of a head shop chain.
‘They … told us that we weren’t allowed to have the word ‘cannabis’ printed anywhere in our store’.
Shortly after seizing thousands of pipes, bongs and grinders from The Chad Smoke Shop, another Prince Rupert business has been warned they could face punishment for selling similar products.
If you've ever been arrested on a drug charge, if you've ever spent even a day in jail for having a stem of marijuana in your pocket or "drug paraphernalia" in your gym bag, Assistant Attorney General and longtime Bill Clinton pal Lanny Breuer has a message for you: Bite me.
Sometimes a pipe really is just a pipe. And in Montel Williams' case, that's a good thing.


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- Apple has around 300 retail stores in the United States and Canada
- Apple’s operations team will decide where the order will be shipped from
- The company is expected to announce new products Tuesday
Apple expects to deliver its products a day after receiving orders by shipping them directly from its network of about 300 retail stores across the United States and Canada, finding new ways to utilize its stores amid restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apple informed its staff that customers who live within 100 miles of an Apple store will benefit from this strategy, Bloomberg reported.
The tech giant usually ships iPhones, iPads, Macs and other products from its warehouses or directly from China. Apple will use the United Parcel Service in Canada and FedEx in the United States to ship products faster.
This will not be an optional service and customers will not be


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2 min read.Updated: 04 Dec 2018, 07:52 PM ISTLata Jha
All current JioMusic and Saavn users will migrate to the integrated JioSaavn platform, which will be available across app stores
New Delhi: Saavn Media Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), announced the launch of JioSaavn, a streaming, entertainment and artiste platform that represents the official integration of JioMusic and Saavn.
Saavn was acquired by RIL in March this year after. The implied valuation of the combined entity stands at over $1 billion.
All current JioMusic and Saavn users will migrate to the integrated JioSaavn platform, which will be available across app stores, including the Jio app store, on JioPhone, as well as on the JioSaavn website. All users having access to the ad-supported product. Jio subscribers will gain access to free services of the integrated app, besides a 90-day extended free trial of JioSaavn Pro, the streaming service’s premium product.
“JioSaavn represents a turning point for the music streaming industry in India, as the country continues to experience accelerated technological innovation, rapid adoption of digital services and a digital music industry at par with global leaders," said Akash Ambani, director, Reliance Jio, in a statement.
For industry experts, a large player like Jio promoting music streaming aggressively is good news.
“Piracy continues to be a big problem for the music industry. Streaming has already meant a revival of the music market in India and having low-cost streaming available on a large platform will inculcate in users the habit of using a good product and interface and push competitors to do more," according to Jehil Thakkar, partner at management consulting firm Deloitte India.
The music streaming market has grown tremendously in the last two years to around 150 million monthly active users, a 10% penetration, according to Prashan Agarwal, chief executive officer at rival streaming service Gaana. “The market is expected to grow to 400 million users in the next two years. We believe that a competitive market is a healthy development as it will help deploy massive investments required on educating users to consume music legally. This will allow the market to grow much faster."
According to the Ficci-EY media and entertainment industry report 2018, sale of music through digital channels accounted for around 65% of overall music sales in India in 2017. The industry is currently valued at ₹ 1,280 crore and 93% of the people surveyed for a study by the Indian Music Industry reported using mobile devices for music consumption in 2017.
“We are very excited about the JioSaavn integration and hope it will push subscription-based (music) revenues in India, providing music labels the much-needed revenue line," according to Vikram Mehra, managing director at music label Saregama India.
JioSaavn will continue to build on Saavn’s original programming and artist development platform, Artist Originals (AO), which the latter initiated in 2016.
“Since announcing our merger in March 2018, Jio and Saavn teams have been working to integrate and reimagine a combined platform in JioSaavn," said Rishi Malhotra, co-founder and chief executive officer, JioSaavn, in a statement. “Today, we have one of the most personalised and capable media platforms in the world, an unmatched content catalog, regionalised editorial and original programming and music that’s redefining how artistes and creators connect directly with audiences worldwide."
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MEXICO CITY, Sept 9.- Mexico’s industrial production ticked up for the third month in a row in July, growing a bit faster than expected as factory output rose by the most in nearly a year, data showed on Friday September 9.
Mexican industrial output rose 0.3 percent in July from June in seasonally adjusted terms, the national statistics agency INEGI said, compared with expectations for 0.1 percent increase in a Reuters poll.
Mexico’s economy shrank in the second quarter for the first time in three years, due largely to a slump in industrial output.
Uneven demand for Mexican manufactured exports in the United States, Mexico’s top trading partner, and declining oil production have weighed on Latin America’s No. 2 economy.
Among components of industrial production, factory output rose 0.8 percent, its fastest expansion since last August. Mexico sends mostly factory-made goods like televisions and cars to its northern neighbor and automobile exports have been stronger than many other goods this year.
The utilities sector, which includes power, gas and water distribution, expanded by 0.4 percent in July. But construction fell 0.3 percent in July versus June while mining, which includes oil production, was down for the sixth month in a row, dropping 0.4 percent.
Despite the recent uptick in monthly data, industrial production was down 1.0 percent year-over-year, the
biggest drop since March, compared with expectations for flat growth.
(Reporting by Michael O’Boyle Editing by W. Simon for Reuters)
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Verizon Wireless has a new Motorola Q TV advertisement out. It shows the Q doing a lot of different things, including what appears to be streaming video.
Problem is, this violates the Verizon Wireless smart device terms of service. Under Verizon’s terms of service, no data card, PDA, or smartphone can stream video over the network. Standard Verizon phones are permitted however to stream video over Verizon’s V CAST mobile video service. Such a service is not available on Smart Devices, such as the Moto Q.
Per Verizon’s BroadbandAccess/NationalAccess terms of service: “Unlimited NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess services cannot be used (1) for uploading, downloading or streaming of movies, music or games…”
This is not the first time Verizon has stumbled over this portion of their TOS. A previous TV ad spot for Verizon’s HTC XV6600 featured the device streaming CNN in what appeared to be a live manner. While Verizon may be able to respond saying that these were local streams, and not over the network… the advertisement disputes even that. All other features in these ad spots were transacted over Verizon’s “It’s The Network” moniker.
As this article was going to press, Verizon did indeed confirm in a statement to PCS Intel that the TV ad demonstrated video playing from the device, and not streaming, despite all other features shown in the ad taking place over-the-internet.


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Creating a simple user experience is “a fairly difficult thing,” says Motorola’s Metcalf. “The one huge key is trying to make it not like it’s instant messaging or a PC on your TV, but like it’s sharing an experience.” Based on earlier user studies, her team is now experimenting with specialized software installed in smart phones as the interface between users and their TVs. But they haven’t yet hit on a solution that’s ready for mass adoption, she says.
The Motorola and BT groups are also both working on how to tie such systems into existing social networks and on filtering access to users’ information and ranking recommendations from other viewers. “It will probably be a subset of your normal social network,” says Patmore. “I probably have 130 or 140 friends on social networks, but they’re global, and not necessarily people I would chat to about what I was watching on TV.”
All of this should be solvable, says Marie-Jose Monpetit, an invited scientist at MIT’s Research Lab for Electronics who has studied social TV for several years. “At this point none of these things is a technology issue,” she says. Programming interfaces such as Facebook’s FriendConnect make it easier for third parties to create software that draws on information from social networks, and interactions between cable and other broadcast operators have been simplified through initiatives like the Open Cable Application Platform. “The real question is–is there anyone who could find a business model for this,” she says.
The answer is most likely yes. Despite the technical hurdles, more and more consumers are canceling their cable subscriptions and figuring out how to connect their computers and TVs. “If the cable operators don’t have something more to offer, they’re going to lose to the Internet,” Monpetit says.
Both BT and Motorola are in the advanced stages of prototyping and testing, and although neither company’s representatives would discuss specific plans, both said it’s likely that the first fully integrated social TV systems will be available to consumers later this year. “Companies all believe that this has value for them, and people are stepping into this space fairly quickly,” Metcalf says.
Patmore agrees. “Things will move very rapidly [in social TV],” he says. “These days, it’s very noticeable–technology is probably going to give you only three or four months of commercial advantage over the opposition.”


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Choice Hotels Appoints Jeannie Lin As VP Of Sales Strategy And Operations
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The Plasencia Group Promotes Two To Managing Director
TAMPA–The Plasencia Group, a leading, privately-owned lodging investment advisory firm, is pleased to announce two promotions among its team. ...
Choice Hotels Welcomes Terri Ryan As Vice President Of Brand Operations For Cambria Hotels
ROCKVILLE, MD–-Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors, announced Terri Ryan has joined the company ...
Atrium Hospitality Promotes Bloom And Ruble To Area Management In Springfield, MO
SPRINGFIELD, M0--Atrium Hospitality today announced Michael Bloom and Christine (Chris) Ruble have been appointed to area management positions in Springfield, Missouri, ...
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Miami, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/31/2015 -- It's the iconic image of luxury: Lounging on the deck of a sleek and powerful yacht, the sea spray in your hair, the sun on your tanned skin, as the captain capably steers the vessel into the wide open blue.
Chartering a yacht is a luxury experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetimes, although most people think is out of their reach. That's why Varmax Yacht Charters in Miami began offering affordable yacht charters in Miami.
"Yachting has always been considered an activity for only the very rich or well connected – and rightly so," said Varmax Yacht Charters owner Angelos Varmaxidis. "Until now, there have not been very many options for people of more modest means. I wanted to change that."
"I wanted to level the playing field for visitors to Miami who want to enjoy a day on the water with friends, family or colleagues," he said.
This winter, Varmax is offering a number of promotions to make the yacht experience even more attractive to visitors. From Jan. 1, 2016 through Feb. 28, 2016, Varmax customers can choose one or more of these experiences on the luxurious 60-foot Ferretti Yacht:
1. A free diving excursion with purchase of a three-day Bimini Bahamas trip.
2. In Miami only, the special rate will be $2000.00 for 4hrs (market rate is usually about $3000+) and $2500.00 for 8hrs (market about $5000+)
3. In Miami only , enjoy a three-hour cruise for only $100 per person (with a minimum registry of 12 people).
4. Miami residents also will receive an additional 10 percent discount off regular advertised prices; 15 percent off weekday charters.
"It's my hope that everyone have a chance to experience the sea from the deck of a luxurious yacht," Varmaxidis said. "It's the least I can do."
About Varmax Yacht Charters
Varmax Yacht Charters, 1275 NE 79th St, Miami, FL, offers affordable charter packages for business, pleasure and everything in between.
More information: http://www.boatchartersmiami.com
Varmax Yacht Charters


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James Cole Clay has been working as a film critic for the better part of a decade covering new releases, blu ray reviews and the occasional drive-in cult classic. His writing is dedicated to discovering social politics through diverse voices, primarily focusing on Women In Film and LGBTQ cinema.
It’s no surprise that there is another PARANORMAL ACTIVITY on the horizon this Halloween. Blumhouse, the production company behind the franchise since 2009, claims that PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION is the last chapter. In my opinion, when horror franchises start implementing the colon rather than the sequential number it’s time to pack up the ectoplasm and leave.
Reaction to the trailer isn’t surprising– it’s going to be shown in 3D, and from what it looks like, the horror is going to be mostly made up of the jump-scare variety. All hope is not lost because we saw earlier this year that very same production company released INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 to great success and not just in box office sales (it’s actually a solid movie).
That may not be saying much, but Blumhouse has done great work for independent films since this franchise started by creating three effective sequels that successfully caused me to click on the nightlight for weeks.
Not much competition this fall for PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION, which will hit theaters nationwide on October 23. With another high box office tally, the franchise could continue in the future.


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The Payment Council of India (PCI) and the industry are working together to bring a secure card with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as there is no longer a need to memorize the 16-digit card for payment when shopping online.
“We are working with the RBI to come up with a solution to introduce a secure card so that it can be adopted by the online industry and customers do not have to remember the 16-digit card when making online payments,” PCI said on Thursday.
The council said a solution is being worked out in collaboration with the RBI, which will ensure that customers do not have to enter 16 card numbers when making online payments. Payment through this solution will be completely secure and subject to the RBI’s action plan. Customers will get this facility till January 2022.


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SMB security solutions from Hikvision September 2018, Hikvision South Africa, CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring The latest-generation of SMB surveillance solutions support enhanced site security for end-users, while providing significant revenue opportunities for Hikvision’s resellers.
Read more...Dahua launches first deep-learning powered NVR IVSS August 2018, Dahua Technology South Africa, CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Dahua Technology has launched its first deep-learning powered Network Video Recorder (NVR), offering advanced artificial intelligence features for a variety of applications.
Read more...‘Keep it simple’ – now more than ever June 2018, Forbatt SA, CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring While many CCTV brands have jumped on the me-too ‘brand-wagon’, some brands have taken a step back to focus on the practical user experience. The age-old adage KISS ‘Keep it simple, stupid’ rings true now more than ever.
Read more...A trailblazing quarter century in 2018 May 2018, Editor's Choice, Conferences & Events Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery is proud to present the 25th edition of Securex South Africa 2018, Africa’s leading security and fire trade show, taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 22 to 24 May 2018.
Read more...Know what’s in store March 2018, Retail (Industry), Integrated Solutions Fidelity ADT Commercial has recently been re-awarded the exclusive distribution rights for the Sensormatic Retail Solutions’ portfolio, as a Gold Business Partner of Tyco Retail Solutions, in sub-Saharan Africa and has its sights set on African expansion.
Read more...EAS: Why we re-invent it every day March 2018, Retail (Industry), Asset Management, EAS, RFID, Integrated Solutions The RFID Retrofit Panel is a simple, cost-effective upgrade to the Sensormatic Synergy 2.0 and 2.5 ABS pedestals.
Read more...The Battle: Human vs Machine October 2017, C3 Shared Services, Editor's Choice, CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring The concept of video analytics technology is to present only the information that will require an operator’s immediate attention.
Read more...When Dahua Technology meets AI August 2017, Dahua Technology South Africa, CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring, Integrated Solutions Video analytics has been evolving over the past 10 years and receives much more attention these days due to the use of artificial intelligence.
Read more...Elvey Ignite Expo 2017 July 2017, Elvey Security Technologies , Conferences & Events Passion, cutting-edge technologies and high-quality solutions are just some of the offerings sparking the dynamic platform that is the Elvey Ignite Expo 2017.


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The subscribers argue that T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint drove up the prices of their wireless package
This week, a federal judge has ordered T-Mobile US must face a lawsuit from Verizon and AT&T customers over price increases.
More specifically, the customers (all seven of them) are claiming that T-Mobile’s $23 billion merger with Sprint back in April 2020 damaged competition in the market to such an extent that AT&T and Verizon were able drive up prices for their wireless services.
Prior to the merger’s completion, there was significant worries that the merger would be anticompetitive. Democratic senators urged the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department to reject the merger proposal in 2019, emphasising that the merger was “likely to raise prices for consumers, harm workers, stifle competition, exacerbate the digital divide, and undermine innovation”.
The lawsuit alleges that at least some of these fears have indeed become reality, with the court agreeing that the higher prices charged by AT&T and Verizon could “plausibly” be directly linked to the T-Mobile–Sprint merger.
“The merger also eliminated the two “maverick” firms that were responsible for much of the price competition and innovation among the carriers. Before the merger, T-Mobile and Sprint aggressively competed with the bigger brands (AT&T and Verizon) through offering discounts and new plans,” read court documents seen by Reuters.
“Sprint was financially viable and would have continued to compete vigorously absent the merge… Additionally, Plaintiffs allege that by making the newly merged T-Mobile’s scale and cost structure more like the other two big players, the merger curtailed its incentive to compete.”
The subscribers in question are seeking monetary compensation and a range of additional penalties, even including the reversal of the merger entirely.
“If plaintiffs are unhappy with Verizon and AT&T, there is a remedy available in the highly competitive market that wireless consumers enjoy today — they should switch to T-Mobile, not sue it,” lawyers for T-Mobile told the court.
T-Mobile have yet to comment on the situation directly.
Join the US operators in conversation at next year’s Connected America in Dallas, Texas


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MGS Mugs Arrived
After a lot of anticipation, our 'MGS Mugs' have arrived!
These mugs were pre-ordered by members of the MGS community as part of the MGS Academy Business. Mr Baker, a Business Studies Teacher at MGS, led and launched the 'MGS Mug', the newest product from the MGS Academy Business. The profits will be re-invested into the academy in order to fund new business ventures in the near future.
The MGS Academy is also a fantastic academic resource. The Business Studies Department have been able to incorporate the MGS Academy into their lessons. Giving students a taste of selling a product with a real world business.
Due to the pandemic the delivery of these mugs were severely delayed. However, Mr Baker persevered and continued to liaise with the supplier and courier to ensure a safe delivery.
The company used to supply the mugs, although they have a London based sales office are a Spanish company that manufactures personalised products at its factory in Barcelona.
They tried to deliver them in March just after lockdown but as the school was closed, they were then shipped back to Spain, however this was not communicated.
After using the tracking number given, Mr Baker was able to establish where they were and tried to arrange a redelivery date, however despite paying another delivery charge they still didn't arrive. Their customer service team was of no help.
In the meantime, the school received a message through the website from a US soldier serving at Nato headquarters in Belgium, saying she had our mugs in her garage. She had her own order but received ours instead. She had contacted the company, but they had not responded. As there was no paperwork, she had performed a google search on the logo on the mug to trace the intended receiver.
Mr Baker was then able to book a courier online, to make sure they arrived before Christmas, and after being picked up on Thursday last week they arrived yesterday.
A special thank you to Mr Baker for all of his hard work on this product and thank you to all MGS community members who bought a mug, in turn supporting our school.
Anyone who purchased a mug can now collect it from the front office.


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It’s that time of year when the streets of Tijuana are filled with vendors selling Mexican flags. The flags range from postage-stamp-sized ones that you stick to your car windshield to banderas that are the size of a bedsheet. Most of the vendors are bused in from Mexico’s interior for these short-term flag gigs leading up to Mexico’s Independence Day on Sept. 16.
(News alert to some: Independence Day is NOT Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is the day that Mexico shook off the French occupation)
As in most Mexican cities, the Sept 16 holiday is set off by the final “grito” or shout for Independence on the night of Sept. 15. Residents gather around City Hall for food and drinks and wait for the mayor to re-enact this historic call to arms originally made by Miguel Hidalgo in the state of Guanajuato. It usually takes place between 10 p.m. and midnight. Watch a YouTube video here from last year’s celebration in Mexico City.
The Tijuana border area, which is inextricably linked to the United States, poses a unique exploration of Mexican identity that once inspired me to write a story pegged to Independence Day and the flag vendors’ annual pilgrimage to this border city. You can read it here.


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The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was officially launched in India on Thursday. The refurbished C-Class is only available in the diesel version as of now. It is available in three variants – C220d Prime, C220d Progressive and C300d AMG Line. The ex-showroom prices are Rs 40 lakh and Rs 44.25 lakh and Rs. 48. 50 lakh respectively.
The exteriors and interiors have been changed with a new silver paint job, improved bumpers, new alloys and addition of LED head lamps, tail lamps and the A- class range’s signature diamond- pattern grille design available on the C300d AMG Line on the outside.
A new steering wheel with a dual touchpad control system, rain-sensing sunroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch screen for the COMAND infotainment system and NGT 5.5 smartphone integration have been added on the inside. The C300d AMG Line comes with an Active Parking Assist.
The 2018 C-Class now comes with a new 2.0-litre diesel engine in 2 states of tune and the heart of the new C Class has been changed to a new BS6 compliant 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, diesel engine.
The C300d, having the most powerful engine among the three, will be the quickest diesel sedan in the segment. It has a 2-litre engine that puts out 241 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque and a 0-100 kmph done in just 5.9 seconds. The 220d comes with a 2-litre engine that churns out 192 bhp and 400 Nm torque. It clocks 0-100 kmph in 6.9 seconds.
The current-gen C-Class has received an update after four years after being launched in 2014.
“This model update is the biggest in the history of the C-Class. In total, we have changed some 6,500 components, more than half the number of components in an average C-Class sedan. The C-Class we launched today is the sportiest and most dynamic of all time and it perfectly underlines its positioning of ‘Never Stop Improving’. The new C-Class is loaded with a variety of technologies and features that enhance driving pleasure, and offer unmatched luxury. We are confident that these enhancements will add a dash of athleticism and uniqueness to one of the most popular models in Mercedes-Benz’s rich product portfolio.”, said Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz India.
The new C-Class is supposed to compete with its German rivals, the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4 and the Jaguar XE from Britain as well.


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The trade sales team at P&O Cruises is in need of four new hires.
Rob Scott, vice-president of sales, marketing and brand, revealed the line was hiring a trade training manager and three partnership development managers to secure new agents.
Scott stated on the Arvia vessel last week that the product sells well but that they need to support agents.
The president of P&O Cruises confirmed that they would be hiking prices.
The partnership development managers would be in charge of the north, south and central areas. They are supposed to get back out on the road.
Scott said that the training manager will continue to build on the breadth of training tools available online and face to face.
He said that they could support more agents and more new-to- brand agents.
Scott said that the trade sales team is now over 30. We are returning to pre-pandemic levels.
One partnership development manager has already been hired to test the water and we have seen great results. We will continue if we can prove the success.
You have to keep going when you have 40% capacity growth. We will push every distribution channel because there are opportunities for everyone here.
The line's major accounts were supported by business managers in the sales team.
He said that the partnership development managers that secure new accounts and agencies that normally wouldn't get air time or face-to-face time do quite strongly for them. Currently, we can't get to them.
P&O Cruises boss insists a lot of people liked Arvia debut.


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On the high heels of Barbie doll’s recent announcement that she’s selling her Malibu mansion, the style icon revealed that, for the first time ever, fans worldwide will now be able to literally step inside her world with Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience.
Two life-sized houses – complete with pink elevators, a walk-in “glitterizer,” an endless closet and a dazzling “diamond” ring display — will be unveiled in South Florida at Sawgrass Mills and Berlin, Germany in March 2013.
The Dreamhouse has been a fictional Malibu landmark as well as one of the most coveted toy homes for more than four decades. The original Barbie Dreamhouse debuted in 1962, providing girls with the backdrop to “play house” with Barbie, which is a brand from toy company Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT).[ Also Read: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset from Barbie ]
In March, the real life Dreamhouses will provide an opportunity to interact with Barbie, her friends and family, and truly see what it’s like to live her dreamy life.
Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology bracelets and LED touch screens, fans can also create their own personalized experiences during the tour – including digitally “trying on” Barbie doll’s fabulous fashions.
“This year, Barbie is inviting fans into her world to explore what they’ve only played with in doll size,” said Lori Pantel, vice president, global marketing for Barbie. “Barbie’s life-sized Dreamhouses will provide fans a new way to interact and engage with the Barbie brand while providing a memorable experience.”
Inspired by the house in the web series, “Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse,” Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience was designed, developed and built by EMS Entertainment, a global live exhibition company.
The Dreamhouse was built in less than a year, using more than 20 pounds of glitter and 100 gallons of pink paint to decorate the 25,000 square foot Berlin and the 10,000 square foot South Florida Dreamhouses.
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You may have heard that staring at your phone all day can cause sleeplessness and memory lapses. But now, there’s something else you can blame it on.
The reason behind their popularity may be that more people are using digital devices, including cell phones and computers, which emit blue light. Whether the glasses work, however, is unclear.
Lots of folks get depressed when dealing with cold, grey winter days, but one lighting expert has found a way to fight back: Your winter blues could be caused by blue light.
A green light in the sky Wednesday night left many in the D.C.
region saying, \”did you see that?\”
Recreating the District in video game form was no small task. Here's how the developers did it.


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Good news for Peloton Interactive (NASDAQ:PTON) fans. The struggling and unprofitable exercise bike and fitness class company, beloved by suburbanites looking to shed some pounds while overly excited trainers scream at them to pedal faster, appears to have gotten a lifeline from TikTok, the social media app favored by the teen children of all those Peloton-using moms and dads.
Shares of Peloton soared nearly 15% Thursday and were up another 12% Friday morning on the news of the TikTok partnership. Peloton and TikTok said that they are creating #TikTokFitness, which they described as “a dedicated, co-branded hub that houses custom Peloton content.” What’s particularly notable about this is the fact that it’s the first time Peloton is producing original content outside of its own channels.
Peloton Wants Partnerships to Work Out
It makes sense for Peloton to do this. The company has fallen on extremely hard times after getting a huge boost during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Shares soared in 2020 as people stopped going out as much to gyms and exercised more at home. Peloton shares hit an all-time high of about $171 in January 2021. It’s all been a painful downhill ride since then.
Even after the stock’s surge this week, shares still trade for a little less than $7 apiece. Can TikTok save Peloton?
Peloton has inked other strategic deals in the past two years, including a partnership with athletic apparel leader Lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) as well as deals to sell equipment and accessories on Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and at Dick’s Sporting Goods. (NYSE:DKS).
But despite these and other deals (Peloton also has partnerships with the NBA and WNBA, the University of Michigan and the Liverpool soccer team) the company continues to bleed red ink. Peloton posted a net loss of $159 million in its most recent quarter. That follows a nearly $1.3 billion loss in its last fiscal year. Most alarmingly, Peloton is also losing customers. The company ended its latest quarter with 6.4 million members, down from 6.7 million a year earlier. Revenue generated from selling equipment tumbled 12% too.
To be sure, CEO Barry McCarthy, who joined Peloton in 2022 after previously serving as CFO of subscription-based streaming media giants Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) and Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), has taken steps to try and boost Peloton’s subscriber base. But growth in both the number of people subscribing for its training services as well as overall subscription revenue has been sluggish. What’s more, Peloton posted a year-over-year 13% drop for subscribers to its paid app in its latest quarter. McCarthy conceded in Peloton’s most recent shareholder letter following earnings that the company has been “less successful at engaging and retaining free users and converting them to paying memberships than we expected.”
2024 Resolution: Avoid PTON Stock
It’s no wonder then that many on Wall Street are still skeptical that the turnaround strategy will succeed. Of the 17 analysts who cover the stock, a dozen have a “hold” rating on it, with just four “buys” as well as one “sell” recommendation. Analysts are predicting more losses for this fiscal year as well as through fiscal 2025. Revenue is expected to tumble 2% this year and only rebound 5% next year to about $2.9 billion. To put that in perspective, Peloton’s sales hit a peak of $4 billion in fiscal 2021. The company boldly predicted after reporting those results that revenue would hit $5.4 billion in fiscal 2022. It wound up coming in at just $3.6 billion.
So even though many people may be looking to get in shape as one of their New Year’s resolutions, investors should still resolve to avoid Peloton stock. Despite the TikTok deal, the company faces an arduous uphill climb to get back to its glory days of 2020.
As of this writing, Paul R. La Monica did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.


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Microsoft Demos tighter Windows Phone and Kinect
Microsoft has shown off some tighter Windows Phone and Kinect integration.
The software giant revealed the interactivity between Windows Phone and Kinect at Mobile World Congress earlier this year. Microsoft has now taken the chance to demonstrate some further integration between Windows Phone and Kinect. The company revealed that Windows Phones will be able receive reminders from Xbox for Live TV scheduling. Microsofts Bing listings will also be shared to Windows Phone. Xbox users who use Bing to search can then text the details of their search results to a Windows Phone. Its not clear whether this functionality is available to other phones but as the system appears to use SMS it will likely work on every phone. WPCentral notes that the integration will minimize effort for end users.
Microsoft has been quiet on the Xbox Kinect and Windows Phone gaming front. After the initial demonstration in February, its not clear when the company plans to announce games that make use of both platforms simultaneously. The software maker is currently working on a big Windows Phone update codenamed Mango. Microsoft unveiled a number of new Windows Phone Mango features at a VIP event in May. Mango will include over 500 new features ranging from multitasking through to some major Bing search improvements. For more information on Mango check-out our special Mango section.


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Meat prices are expected to fall by 20 per cent in time for Christmas.
A fifth generation butcher from Queanbeyan, NSW, Peter Lindbeck, said his prices would fall by 20 per cent in time for the Christmas lunch.
He said his cutlets were about 10 per cent cheaper than three months ago and they would continue to fall.
"Cutlets were selling for $70 a kilo a couple of months ago and now they're at $50. We will continue to see a fall in prices by Christmas," he said.
That comes after three years of good weather and good prices as the nation's beef herd and sheep flock have grown to their highest levels in about a decade.
According to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), cattle prices have dropped about 60 per cent so far this year and sheep prices by 70 per cent.
Lack of competition drives prices higher
Bungowannah beef farmer Andrew Watson said livestock prices had dropped by half within the last 12 months yet supermarket prices "haven't budged".
Mr Watson said the supermarkets could get away with upping prices during a cost of living crisis because "there's no competition".
"Prime lambs and prime steers have reduced by 50 per cent, but there has been no reduction at all from Coles and Woolies, and that's because we have a duopoly and no competition," Mr Watson said.
"Mince meat should be at four or five dollars a kilo but now they're are north of 10 dollars. There's no reason for that. They'll say supply chain issues and labor problems, it'll all nonsense and they're getting away with it."
Independent butchers were paying record prices for cattle during the La Nina years and Mr Lindbeck said the recent fall in livestock prices had given locals the chance to bounce back after years of record prices.
"They stayed high for years. They increased up to 120 per cent [and] a lot of butchers could not make any money at all," Mr Lindbeck said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Now that the price has started to drop, everyone has started to drop their prices, but a few people are trying to hang onto the high prices."


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Trump Says Trade War Could Drag On, Stokes France Spat -Wall Street Journal
"President Trump suggested a trade war with China could drag out past the 2020 election and stoked a tariff spat with France during a visit to Europe for a NATO meeting. Mr. Trump said he had 'no deadline' to conclude a trade deal with China, adding that 'in some ways I like the idea of waiting until after the election,' during a sitdown with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday in London.
The president’s comments injected fresh uncertainty over the future of a 'phase-one' trade deal between the U.S. and China. Looming closer are the administration's plans to impose tariffs on smartphones, toys and other products from China on Dec. 15. Mr. Trump also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for comments he made about the 29-member military alliance, and expressed frustration with France’s new digital-services tax. 'I don't want France taxing American companies. If they're going to be taxed it's going to be the United States that will tax them,' Mr. Trump said...The French tax, which was signed into law July 24, applies a 3% tax on revenue that tech companies reap in France from such activities as undertaking targeted advertising or running a digital marketplace. In response, the Trump administration has proposed tariffs of up to 100% against $2.4 billion of French imports."


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BANK OF ENGLAND: BRITISH FEEL PRICE PRICE
British consumers are under increasing pressure, which leads to an increase in inflation, but at the same time, plans for investment in business have strengthened, and the weakness of the dollar has increased exports, the Bank of England said, Reuters reports.
The evaluation of the Bank of England regional agents is generally consistent with what was contained in the political statement last week, when three of the eight members of the regulator’s committee unexpectedly voted to increase the interest rate.
“In the light of the further increase in the inflation of prices for retail goods, the growth of annual revenues in kind continued to slow down, higher price inflation in areas such as foodstuffs also reduced the ability of consumers to finance discretionary large purchases such as household goods,” the statement said. Bank of England.
The central bank also noted that enterprises reported a reduction in the inflow of migrants from mainland Europe due to the low cost of the pound and concerns about their residence status after Britain left the EU.
The head of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, said it is still too early to talk about a possible increase in the key interest rate for the first time in a decade, since it is necessary to see how Brexit talks will take place.
In a speech to bankers in London, Carney said that weak wage growth has raised questions about the strength of domestic inflationary pressures and he is not sure how the economy will react to the negotiations between the UK government and the rest of the EU on the terms of the split.
“From my point of view, given the mixed signals about consumer spending and investment in business and considering the still suppressed internal inflationary pressures, in particular the weak growth of wages, now is not the time to begin the adjustment,” he said.


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The Department of Telecom has assigned the mobile phone tracking project — aimed at bringing down counterfeit cellphones and discouraging theft –to the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT). “Decision was taken in July 2017 to get the project done through BSNL. Now, the decision has been reviewed to assign the project to C-DoT,” an official source told PTI. C-DoT will have to develop and implement the project which is named Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). The government has proposed to allocate Rs 15 crore for setting up CEIR in the country that will bring down the number of counterfeit handsets and discourage theft, according to the Union Budget 2018-19. The CEIR system will block all services on stolen or lost mobile phones on any network even if the SIM card is removed or IMEI number of the handset is changed.
CEIR is also expected to protect consumer interest and facilitate law enforcement authorities for lawful interception. CEIR will connect the IMEI database of all mobile operators. It will act as a central system for all network operators to share blacklisted mobile terminals so that devices placed under the said category in one network will not work on the other, even if the SIM card in the device is changed, it said. IMEI number -– a unique 15-digit serial number of mobile devices -– is allocated by global industry body GSMA and bodies authorised by it. When a mobile phone is lost, the victim is required to mention the IMEI number of the handset for tracking. “C-DOT has been asked to complete pilot project of CEIR covering all telecom operators by March 2018 in Maharashtra telecom circle,” the source said.
CEIR will be regularly updated with IMEI of lost, stolen or counterfeit handsets. The DoT has barred telecom operators from providing service to any mobile phone with fake IMEI number but the operators face problem in identifying handsets with duplicate IMEI number. CEIR will also help operators in identifying handsets with fake IMEI numbers as it will have details of handset model to which the IMEI had been originally allocated.


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Apple plans to transform its sapphire production plant into an all-green data center.
Based in Mesa, Ariz., the factory will serve as a command center for the company's global networks, employing 150 full-time Apple employees, and providing 300 to 500 trade and construction jobs.
In a statement, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Apple will power the facility with 100 percent renewable energy. Cupertino will build and finance "solar projects that will take advantage of Arizona's excellent solar resources," the governor said, which will produce 70 MW of clean energy, which is enough to power more than 14,500 Arizona homes.
"This is a great day for Arizona, and we have moved rapidly to make this happen and take advantage of Apple's interest in our state," Gov. Ducey said. "Apple is by far one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. Its decision to bring this new facility to Mesa is a huge win for Arizona and a high testament to our business-friendly climate and talented workforce."
In November 2013, Cupertino promised at least 700 new jobs at the Mesa facility, which was developed in partnership with GT Advanced Technologies, which produced sapphire screens. Apple provided GT with a $578 million pre-payment, which GT would pay back over five years.
But after Apple introduced its new iPhones without a sapphire screen, GT filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October. Now, Apple will convert the empty floor plans into data storage.
"This expansion will bring a significant economic investment, and propel Arizona's position as one of the best states in the nation in which to do business," Ducey said. "I'm proud to continue our partnership with Apple with this new project."
"We're proud to continue investing in the U.S. with a new data center in Arizona, which will serve as a command center for our global networks," Apple said in a statement. "This multi-billion dollar project is one of the largest investments we've ever made, and when completed it will add over 600 engineering and construction jobs to the more than one million jobs Apple has already created in the U.S. Like all Apple data centers, it will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy, much of which will come from a new local solar farm."
AT&T, meanwhile, is selling its own data centersworth about $2 billion. Anonymous sources told Reuters that the No. 2 U.S. wireless provider has recently been exploring ways to settle its debt and raise funds for future investments. AT&T declined to comment on the rumors.
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Shampoo production plant with 140 workplaces will be launched in Bashkiria
UFA, 25 May 2018. /Bashinform News Agency, Natalia Ovcharuk/ translated by Tatiana Aksyutina/.
During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Government of Bashkiria and the director of the company Unistroy signed an investment agreement. It refers to the launch of a shampoo, cosmetic and textile auxiliaries shop in Blagoveshchensk.
Upon completion of the construction, about 140 people will work at the plant.
"The shop will produce preparations, including, to endow the fabric with water-repellent properties. In parallel, the plant is organizing a line for the production of shampoos, liquid soaps, lubricating and cooling liquids for metalworking and additives to solutions used in drilling wells", writes RBC-Ufa reports.


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The sixth annual FNB Franchise Leadership Summit takes place at Indaba Hotel Fourways on Thursday 16 November 2017, under the theme, “Exponential growth through entrepreneurship.” The event is attended by premium franchisors and companies that are interested in and those providing extended services in franchising as an expansion mechanism.
This year's speaker line-up includes:
• Brian Altriche, founder of RocoMama’s (RocoMama’s journey) • Gerry Thomas - MD of Krispy Kreme South Africa (Investing in foreign brands: The case of Krispy Kreme) • Ina Paarman - founder of Ina Paarman (The Ina Paarman story) • Simon Alston - Executive Director at Infinitus Holdings (Creating a business that attracts investment) • Emma Sadleir – Social Media expert (Navigating the minefield of social media) • Jeff Zidel from Resilient Properties (The exponential growth of Resilient Properties) • Mamello Matikinca, Head of FNB Economics (Economic overview)
Morne Cronje, head of franchising at FNB Business
Morne Cronje, head of franchising at FNB Business says, “Franchising remains one of the most resilient and powerful ways to stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation in South Africa despite the constrained economic climate. This year, we are putting the spotlight on entrepreneurship in the context of franchising, with insights from a great line-up of experts, who will shed important insights on how their businesses continue to defy the odds.”
According to the latest survey of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA), the franchise market contributes 13.3% to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and projected turnover is R587 billion. As a result, the sector employs over 300,000 people, with the retailing sector being the major employer.
The FASA survey further reveals that one in eight franchisors are represented outside of Africa, which means more franchise brands are looking at opportunities outside South Africa and the African content. The latter clearly epitomises the core of this year’s theme. Different franchisors and franchisees will unpack and offer strategies for entrepreneurs who want to use franchising as a model for expansion.
The latest franchise survey shows growth in the franchise sector despite challenging economic conditions, but optimism about continuing growth has dropped...
4 Sep 2017
“Franchising remains one of the key tenacious and growing sectors despite the floundering economy; more often than not this fact is often overlooked. These are among the many key topics that we will tackle at this year’s summit,” concludes Cronje.
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Are you ready to catch the new phone release? Yes, it’s true. Realme has announced that it will launch its Realme 9 Pro Series today at 1:30 pm IST. Customers across India will now have two smartphones as part of the Realme new number series that is being launched. This is part of the plan that looks into providing budgets to the Indian populace.
Along with the launch, Realme has another great offer, the Realme 9 pro Plus 5G, that would also be made available here. The launch gets hosted live virtually through the company’s official youtube channel. The live streaming could be watched with the video link that is provided.
Features of the Realme Pro and Pro Plus
The company is kind enough to share the specifications that these phones offer Indian customers. The Realme 9 Pro plus happens to have a MediaTek Dimensity of 920 SoC. It also has a triple camera set-up at the back of the phone with a 50Mp Sony IMX766 main camera with an Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). The customers can find the Realme 9 Pro phone in a subtle vanilla color range that comes with a Snapdragon 695 SoC. The phone may also feature a 120Hz IPS LCD. Those going in for the Pro plus version will have 90Hz AMOLED display features.
Each of these phones will run on Android 12 based on Realme UI 3.0. The Realme Pro will have a 33W charging capacity and the Pro plus will have a 50W/65W fast charging option. (All the features out of the box).
For more information, check out the live stream launch today!


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A "Naughty Leopard" Halloween costume for little girls has been pulled from Walmart shelves after complaints that it sexualized toddlers.
"It was never our intention to offend anyone and we apologize to any customers who may have been offended by the name of the costume," a Walmart spokesperson told KATU.
It wasn't the costume itself that parents and bloggers found offensive. In fact, there wasn't anything sexy about the cute fuchsia and black outfit, which didn't look very leopard-like to begin with. What they didn't like was use of the word "naughty" to describe a costume for little girls.
The word "naughty" has a history of being used to describe misbehaving kids. However, critics argued that it has been sexualized, especially in the context of Halloween dress-up. A quick search for the word on the Party City website brings up skimpy "Naughty School Girl" and "Naughty Nun" costumes.
Feministing argued that marketing a "naughty" costume to little girls encouraged them to "invoke one side of the virgin-whore dichotomy whilst dressing up for Halloween this year."
But others didn't see it that way. Consumerist, who first let the cat out of the bag about the costume, said they were "actually more troubled that Walmart was calling the costume a 'leopard' when it really doesn't look anything like a leopard at all."
"The "naughty" part was bad, too, but that word has a history of actually being used to refer to small, mischievous children," they said.
Either way, KATU reported that the costume has since been pulled from stores and Walmart's website, here it was listed as "Leopard Child Halloween Costume."
On a mobile device? Watch the video here.