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Dog and cat food and treats manufacturer Nestle Purina PetCare appointed Nina Leigh Krueger as its new chief executive officer as Joseph R. Sivewright prepares to transition to his new role as chairman at the end of this year, the St. Louis-based company announced in a release Monday.
In addition to the role of CEO, Kreuger was also named President of Nestle Purina PetCare for the Americas. The 27-year company veteran most recently served as President of Nestle Purina PetCare US. The positions become effective on Jan. 1, 2021.
“Joe’s depth of experience, sound judgement and ability to skillfully lead a large organization has led to amazing growth and has Purina positioned for a bright future,” Nestle Zone Americas CEO Laurent Freixe said in a statement. “Nina Leigh’s business acumen, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and ability to bring out the best in people make her the ideal successor to guide Purina for years to come.”
Since joining Nestle Purina 35 years ago, Sivewright has occupied a number of leadership roles in Marketing on PetCare, cereals, and new products. In 1995, he was promoted to Vice President. Sivewright worked in the Global Strategic Business United following Nestle’s 2001 acquisition of Ralston Purina and became the leader of Nestle Purina PetCare Latin America in 2004. During his tenure as President of North Purina North America, Sivewright led the company’s purchase of Merrick Pet Care in 2015 and worked to build and grow a e-commerce business.
In his new role as chairman, Sivewright will work with Kreuger to ensure a smooth transition and provide strategic and operating support.
“Nina Leigh is the perfect choice to lead this company into a winning future,” Sivewright said in the release. “Throughout her 27-year Purina career, she has played a vital role in our many successes during a time of great complexity in the pet care business. She has a proven track record of bringing innovation to market and leading key global brands and initiatives.”
Kreuger joined Ralson Purina in 1993 and became Chief Marketing Officer, Nestle Purina US, in 2015. The following year she was named President, Nestle Purina US.


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The enterprise has produced 13 million tonnes of synthetic rubbers since the company’s
The products of "Togliattikauchuk", which has celebrated the company’s 60th anniversary this year, are popular in more than 30 countries of the world and they are consistently included in the top hundred of the best goods in Russia. The synthetic rubber is used in the production of tyres and rubber products, as well as in the construction, medical and food industries.
Presently, Togliattikauchuk is actively developing as a part of the TATNEFT Group and produces every seventh tonne of the rubber in Russia. The production reached a record volume of 208 thousand tonnes in 2020.
The company pays great attention to the technical upgrading, production modernization and environmental improvement in Togliatti.
Togliattikauchuk is implementing a long-term comprehensive program of measures aimed at reducing environmental impact, which eliminates sources of emissions, turns the waste into the products, increases the quality of wastewater treatment and the degree of raw materials conversion, and is engaged in resource conservation.
Yuri Morozov, General Director of the "Togliattikauchuk" enterprise commented on the event: “We have reached another milestone. Practically all employees are involved in the production of synthetic rubbers of various brands: collectives of styrene-butadiene, isoprene and butyl rubber production works, those of the workshops for the production of monomers and raw materials, energy production, service departments and maintenance services.
Colleagues, I would like to express my gratitude to each of you for the work done. This is our common accomplishment!".

domain: news


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EA Sports FC 24 is just around the corner as fans gear up to try the latest soccer game from EA Sports, but will there be a demo for this highly anticipated release?
Video game demos are a great way to get a feel for a title if you are unsure whether to pick it up. In the past, they were a key part of EA’s release cycle, but more recently, they have not released one.
However, with the name change and rebrand, a trial version of the game would make sense. Fans are undoubtedly eager to know whether one will be arriving, so let’s dive in and discuss the possibility of an FC 24 demo.
Will There Be an FC 24 Demo?
No, the chances of an FC 24 demo are extremely slim. While demos were previously a core part of EA Sports soccer games, there have been none in recent years.
FIFA 20 was the last EA Sports soccer game to release a demo. No game has received one since, and the developers have not said one is coming.
Instead, EA Sports has opted to release a closed beta to a select number of players. These chosen gamers provide feedback and allow the developers to make changes or fix potential bugs and glitches.
Essentially, the beta does the job that a demo would typically provide.
Additionally, EA Sports has decided to provide fans with early access rather than letting them play a demo build of the game.
For those who have purchased the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 24, you can make your way onto the virtual pitch on September 22, 2023.
Meanwhile, those with the Standard Edition will have to wait a week later to play on September 29, 2023.


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Soaring demand looks set to make the Forest of Dean more popular with new staycationers than traditional holiday hotspots such as Cornwall and the Cotswolds say Airbnb.
Airbnb looked through their records to find out the top ten growth areas in the country for British holidays after lockdown restrictions are lifted.
And the growing number of people searching for somewhere to stay in the Forest of Dean has placed it at number two in the whole UK.
Only St Clears in Pembrokeshire, Wales had more demand than the Forest with picture postcard Clovelly in Devon coming in at number three and Mullion in Cornwall reduced to number six. You can see the full list below.
Although the area has had a major boost through TV programmes such as Netflix's Sex Education highlighting the stunning scenery after taking over a rented chalet in Symonds Yat, local tourism chiefs do not attribute this solely to the boom in internet searches.
They believe it is because during the pandemic people are becoming more aware of what it has to offer at the same time as attractions and accommodation providers upping their game.
"We have been trying for years to put the Forest of Dean on the tourism map but if I'm honest we were still pretty gobsmacked to see it at number two," said Mark Terry-Lush of Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism.
"It is gratifying because it shows that all that plugging away by the tourism association and it's members has paid off and the Forest of Dean is now seen as a place people want to go to.
"I don't think people will ever tire of the British seaside but they also want something a bit different and we can offer them everything from wide open spaces to valleys and mountains.
"Until now we have been a hidden gem on the tourism map and it seems that now people are starting to find us."
Last summer was a boom time in the Forest of Dean as demand for campsites and self catering accommodation soared and supply fell as some large sites stayed closed after lockdown was lifted.
Forest Holidays at Bracelands stayed closed last year saying a review had concluded that it was not viable to open from a safety, operational and financial perspective.
But the biggest site in the Forest near Coleford opened the Monday this week. (April 12 ) and other sites are reporting high demand for holidays this year after they invested in covid safety measures.
"We reopened Bracelands on Monday all according to plan," said a spokesman for Camping in the Forest.
"In terms of bookings, pitch night sales across the Camping in the Forest campsite network is 95 per cent ahead of where we would expect them to be, but there is still plenty of availability."
Airbnb say rural areas in the UK are seeing a revival because of the pandemic and Mr Terry-Lush believes pictures of crowded famous beaches might have made some people looking further afield than the usual.
Amanda Cupples of Airbnb said: "Our trending destinations show that travel this year is likely to be a little different, with many using a summer closer to home to explore lesser-known rural destinations in addition to the well-loved favourites."
And she said more householders should follow hosts who made £225 million last summer, an average of nearly £1,000 each, by renting out part or all of their properties.
You can find out about it for the online service for people to find out more which has a tool to assess potential earnings depending on geography, type of listing, and previous demand.
The Top Ten
Saint Clears, Pembrokeshire
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Primrose Valley, Yorkshire
Noss Mayo, Devon
East Wittering, Sussex


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Joe Freshgoods Reveals New Balance 'Inside Voices' Apparel Collection
News on this release was first published on February 18, 2022.
Update May 13, 2022: Joe Freshgoods has taken to socials to share campaign imagery of his upcoming New Balance collaborative collection called 'Inside Voices'. It focuses on the apparel and also features better looks at the anticipated 9060 silhouette. A release date for the footwear portion of the collection still hasn't been revealed however you can purchase the 'Inside Voices' apparel on May 17 via the JFG web store.
Update May 9, 2022: You can now expect Joe Freshgoods' upcoming New Balance 9060 'Inside Voices' colab to be a double-header! Back in January this year, the designer shared an image featuring a duo of 9060 boxes, and recently revealed a look at a beige and pink pair. Now JFG has confirmed the existence of the 'exclusive' second colourway, known as 'Baby Shower Blue'. Keep it locked to SF for a release date!
Update April 28, 2022: Joe Freshgoods has once again taken to Instagram to share another look at his upcoming New Balance 9060 'Inside Voices' collaboration! This time however, he's posted up a full in-hand look of the pairs and you can expect them to drop within the next few weeks. Keep it locked to SF for an official release date!
Sneaker Freaker Issue 45 cover star Joe Freshgoods has been busy teasing his third collaboration with New Balance over the past few weeks – he provided a look at two colourful boxes on January 3, and also tweeted '550' on January 31, leading many to speculate that he had a New Balance 550 colab on the way.
It turns out that Freshgoods was just stirring the pot with that tweet though, as he's now given us the first real look at his third shoe with New Balance: a colourful 9060 dubbed 'Inside Voices'. The 9060 is a new lifestyle silhouette that seems to draw light inspiration from the 990 series for its layered upper, but its key detail is a bulbous, bulky midsole that almost seems a little Balenciaga-esque.
As seen in Freshgoods' teaser image above, the 'Inside Voices' features an earthy tan, clay and green colour scheme with gum soles. Its 'Inside Voices' moniker is embroidered on the heels, serving as a counterweight to 2021's 990v3 'Outside Clothes' colab. Freshgoods explained the importance of colab naming in his Sneaker Freaker Issue 45 profile, saying '[Outside Clothes] is super deep for certain people. My mom used to tell me, “You smell like outside!” or “Don’t get on the bed with your outside clothes!” That was a thing growing up. I wanted to focus on what city life was like in the late 90s in urban areas.'
Though the designer has yet to officially confirm this, 'Inside Voices' is likely a continuation of the story started on the 'Outside Clothes' – besides reminding their children to not wear play clothes inside, mothers (including this writer's mother) would often tell their rambunctious kids to use their 'inside voices', a reminder to mind their manners and not talk too loudly when indoors.
At the time of writing, we're still awaiting a release date or pricing information for the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 9060, though previous tweets from Freshgoods have hinted at an April 2022 release. Keep it locked here for updates!


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The base rate of interest has been held at five per cent, the Bank of England has announced.
Most analysts anticipated that the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) would hold fire on the cost of borrowing this month in light of the latest economic data.
A cut in the base rate could have offered some relief to homeowners and consumers facing a debt management struggle but the inflation situation around the country is thought to have forced the MPC’s hand this month.
In response to the latest decision from the bank, David Kuo, head of personal finance at Fool.co.uk, accused the MPC of “sitting on its hands”.
He suggested that by taking no action on interest rates, the committee was neither helping consumers to improve their financial situation nor decreasing the prospect of inflation.
According to Credit Action, consumers in the UK pay out around £258 million each day to service the interest on their collective debt management mountain.
Written Frank Charlton


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Council bosses in Oldham are in advanced talks to bring Marks and Spencer to the town in a bid to kickstart the rebirth of a rundown area.
The M.E.N. understands town hall officials have been working hard to persuade the retail giant to open a new store at Mumps.
They believe that such a move, part of a planned shopping zone close to the new Metrolink stop, would trigger a regeneration boom and spark the arrival of more top high street names.
A source said: “Talks are at an advanced stage. They are hoping to make announcement in weeks rather than months.
“There may be some financial incentive to bring them here but the council believes that is a risk worth taking.
“The rewards could be enormous.
“M&S has a reputation and the hope is that there will be a knock-on effect.
“It’s a gamble on the future. There has been talk of Next coming to the area as well as M&S.”
Currently Mumps, at the bottom of the town centre, is home to a series of fast food takeaways, a small number of local businesses and several empty, dilapidated premises.
It is also home to the Metrolink stop which opened last year while services are expected to run on the town centre extension next year.
The announcement would provide further desperately needed cheer for a town centre many believe has been left behind by nearby rivals.
Last month work started on transforming the historic old town hall, empty since 1980, into a cinema and entertainment complex. The town has been without a cinema since the Roxy, at Hollinwood, closed in 2005, with residents heading to Ashton-under-Lyne and Rochdale to watch a movie instead. When approached for comment, both Oldham council and M&S played their cards close to their chests.
A spokesman for the authority said: “People in Oldham have been promised a lot before that failed to materialise.
“For that reason we never comment on commercial negotiations or investments nor confirm or deny the identity of potential partners. Speculation is unhelpful.”
An M&S spokesman added: “We are always looking to ensure that we have a relevant local offer for our customers but don’t have anything to confirm at the moment


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MuggleNet’s “The Hogwarts Collection” by Black Milk Clothing giveaway
MuggleNet has teamed up with Black Milk Clothing to bring you one of our biggest giveaways to date! The innovative brand from Australia recently launched “The Hogwarts Collection” to amazing reviews and fan demand. From the official press release:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products Australia and New Zealand and Black Milk Clothing are creating fashion magic for female Harry Potter fans around the world with the online launch of a collection inspired by the films, releasing today.Featuring the Australian fashion powerhouse’s signature body-hugging leggings, swimsuits and dresses, the collection showcases iconic moments from the Harry Potter films, including Maurauder’s Map leggings, a Deathly Hallows swimsuit, “Wanted” Bellatrix dress, and Gryffindor House shooter tops, to name a few.
The inspiration for the range comes straight from the Black Milk Clothing social media community, one of the largest across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a fashion brand in Australia.
Black Milk Clothing marketing manager, Cameron Parker, said he’s never seen such a reaction in anticipation for a collection.
“The Harry Potter collection is one of our most exciting yet. All of our releases always resonate with a particular group of people, and Harry Potter is such a fan-favourite that crosses generations,” Mr Parker said.
“The coolest thing about the Harry Potter collection is that the garments are designed with fashion and wearability in mind, yet they’re a bit subtle – almost like a secret handshake between fans.”
Echoing Parker’s sentiments is Warner Bros. Consumer Products Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Preston Kevin Lewis, who agrees the range will delight Harry Potter fans and fashionistas alike.
“Black Milk Clothing has firmly cemented itself as a leader in Australian fashion design with its very unique style, so we’re thrilled to continue our ongoing partnership, this time showcasing one of the most beloved brands in the Warner Bros. family,” Mr Lewis said.
“The Harry Potter range is a strong example of the power of this iconic film series – and if the fan excitement in the lead up to this launch is anything to go by, this collection is set to be one of the strongest yet.”
MuggleNet is excited to be working with the amazing team over at Black Milk Clothing to bring you this incredible giveaway. Enter below to win one of FIVE $100 gift certificates for the brand’s online store! The giveaway is open worldwid,- so don’t waste any time! Winners will be chosen at random and announced on September 28. You can enter daily, so remember to come back to earn multiple chances at winning! Good luck!
Are you excited for this line of clothing? Did you already purchase a few pieces? Share your thoughts with us below (after you enter, of course!).
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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The Harley-Davidson Museum will host a custom bike show and the 2015 Harley-Davidson models will be on public display from Thursday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 31.
“Our annual Custom Bike Show Weekend puts customization at center stage,” said Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum. “Visitors will see motorcycles that can only be described as rolling sculptures, and they will also enjoy the amazing work of the custom culture artisans who will be here. We look forward to hosting this event every Labor Day weekend.”
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer re-introduced the Road Glide and Road Glide Special as part of its 2015 motorcycles after the motorcycle had been discontinued last year.
To honor the riders who have spent time customizing their motorcycles, the organizers will also hand out awards for best of show in several classes, including the Willie G. Davidson Award.
Here’s a list of the events:
Thursday, Aug. 28 - Starting at 5 p.m.
The Museum’s largest Bike Night of the season
Riders and non-riders are invited to come and enjoy live music, food and drink specials inside and outside Motor Bar & Restaurant, as well as extended Museum hours.
Friday, Aug. 29 - 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Milwaukee Rally Women's Ride
This annual ride is limited to the first 111 riders. Staging begins at 9 a.m. at the Harley-Davidson Museum with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. Visit www.milwaukeerally.com to register.
Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31 - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The Invitational Pro Class Custom Bike Show
This show features custom motorcycles from top professional builders from around the country, being displayed in the Chrome special event space. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
Sunday, Aug. 31 - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The 6 th Annual H-D Museum Custom Bike Show
Some of the most impressive works of art, using a motorcycle as the canvas, fill the museum grounds. Awards for best of show in several classes, including the coveted Willie G. Davidson Award, are presented at 4 p.m. Registration is now open and closes Aug. 22. All interested entrants must submit their information online at h-dmuseum.com/custombikeshowweekend.


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Wii U Skylanders bundle and Luigi’s Mansion 3DS bundle coming this holiday
Two new Nintendo bundles have been leaked by Black Friday ads that have only now begun emerging online.
For the Wii U, Nintendo and Activision are teaming up to release an 8GB White Skylanders Swap Force bundle that will cost $299. It will also come with three figures.
For the Nintendo 3DS Nintendo is releasing a blue Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon regular 3DS bundle for $169. The Luigi’s Mansion game is already installed on the system.
Hopefully these aren’t the last of Nintendo’s US holiday bundles. They’re releasing more Wii U bundles in Japan and Europe, so hopefully some of those make the trip over here.


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I.C.R. S.p.A., a printing company on the outskirts of Milan, in its almost 50 years of activity has always distinguished itself for the importance given to the research and development function, with a pioneering approach to the market’s technological innovations and promoting close collaboration with all the companies involved in rotogravure printing: from machinery manufacturers to producers of inks, adhesives, varnishes, etc.
ESKO‘s WebCenter software, which simplifies and tracks approval cycles, has been operational in the Repro department for a few weeks now, providing customers with the tools to verify the required features with maximum convenience and flexibility. The software completes the automation of non-priority manual steps by seamlessly integrating with the Automation Engine software.
Hell’s Cellaxy, a machine for direct laser engraving on copper, but also on other materials, will soon be installed in the engraving department. This is the first installation in Italy at a rotogravure service.
The investment opens up new markets and possibilities for the company, allowing it to continue offering its customers and technology partners innovative solutions for the gravure market, according to sustainability projects for printing new materials and the use of green inks, and more.
The new direct laser engraving technology already looks to the future as an alternative solution to engraving cylinders on copper and then on chrome, for the possibility of engraving different materials that are being studied by technology manufacturers.
ICR continues to invest in Rotogravure, firmly believing that this technology is still the market reference for Brand Owners whose goal is quality, sustainable and repeatable packaging.


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COVID-19 dealt a major blow to Charlotte’s brewers, which couldn’t get beer out to their retail accounts and could only sell to-go out of their taprooms during the shelter-in-place order.
As difficult as it has been for brewers, there have been silver linings for consumers. Online ordering and curbside pickup have made it easier than ever to pick up beers; core beers that were never available in cans now are; and some breweries even sold kegs to consumers at steep discounts.
And now, COVID-19 seems to have ushered in the summer of lager.
Want to read more? Please click… HERE!!!


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It seems Sony still believe niche phones are better than all singing all dancing smartphones, they have a Walkman based phone, the Xperia Play gaming phone but now are rumoured to be preparing a Cyber-shot centred phone hailing back to the days when their phones were more camera than phone.
The phone will have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve as it will be powered by Android, no indication on which version but the most logical choice would be Gingerbread. At this stage the Cyber-shot smartphone is purely speculation born from a blurry spy shot leaked on the Xperia Blog.
The photo shows a three buttoned device similar to the Xperia Arc and a logo which looks a lot like Cybershot branding. The cyber-shot phones of old were arguably the best camera phones around at the time and Sony will hope the goodwill associated with cyber-shot will make a new Android powered phone as popular as the original range.
Do you think there is still a Market for high quality camera phones or are current handsets man enough to cope with people’s needs?
Source: Xperia Blog


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Survey Shows Over Half of UK Parents Feel Guilty On Their Child’s Smart Device Usage
• The majority of parents (53%) feel guilty about their child’s smart device use
• 70% of parents believe smart devices content are addictive
• 41% of London parents don’t allow children under 10 use a smart device
• 44% of children first start using a smart device at the age of 3
Sitters, the nation’s favourite babysitting agency, have conducted a survey of 1,000 UK parents with children aged between 2 and 10 years old to identify the truth about smart device usage.
However, there are huge national disparities. In London, 41% of parents don’t allow smart device usage. On other parts of the country, over 90% of parents do.
Given that overall, 76% of parents do allow smart device usage; this brings out the benefits that the technology can bring such as educational boosts and relaxation for both children and adults.
However, parent’s concerns regarding smart device use are very real including concerns regarding eye damage, social isolation, and prone to inappropriate content and communications.
A staggering 70% of parents believe smart devices are addictive, but they consider that a tablet or smartphone is the necessary evil the children will have to be familiar with.
The Sitters report focuses on the truth revealed by the survey: that parents are far from alone allowing their young child to use a smart device.
The report goes on to advise parents who may be struggling in this area on how to allow a child to use a smart device appropriately to reap the true benefits of this technology.
Emma Tindall at Sitters states: “The survey results are fascinating. Parents often feel guilty about smart device usage. In this instance, we are able to demonstrate that smart device use by young children can be immensely positive if appropriate boundaries are in place, such as clear expectations, time limits and parental monitoring.”
The Positives of Children Using a Tablet or Smartphone
The Negatives of Children Using a Tablet or Smartphone
Emma also reassures parents who allow their child to use a smart device so that they get downtime or life tasks completed by saying: “It’s about seeing the pattern. If you’re using a smart device in this way, you need to recognise you have other options. Trading childcare with friends, calling in the grandparents, booking clubs or even getting a daytime babysitter can help you find the time you need in a busy life.”
You can read the full survey results and the accompanying advice regarding smart device use by young children here: http://www.sitters.co.uk/blog/should-you-feel-guilty-about-your-child-using-a-tablet.aspx.
Notes to Editors
The term “Smart Devices” refers to the article covers both tablets and smartphones.


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MoneyGram International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGI) today released financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Second Quarter 2022 Business Highlights
MoneyGram International Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results
“Against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain macro-economic environment, we delivered 5% year-over-year revenue growth in the second quarter on a constant currency basis. Results for the quarter were driven by record digital revenue, partially offset by continued softness in the walk-in retail business in certain markets,” said Alex Holmes MoneyGram Chairman and CEO. “As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we anticipate consumers globally will face challenges as the impact of rising inflation places more pressure on their disposable incomes. However, our services also rise in importance during challenging times. We remain confident in the dedication and loyalty of our customers to their families abroad, as we look to further support them by investing in our digital platforms and customer experience initiatives.”
Recent Management Updates
As announced yesterday, Brian Johnson, who currently serves as Head of Corporate Finance and Global Treasurer, has been named Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1, 2022. He succeeds Larry Angelilli, who has been appointed Executive Vice Chairman of MoneyGram, effective on the same date. In this role, Angelilli will help ensure an orderly transition of the CFO role and assist on external relations and other strategic matters.
MoneyGram also announced that Anna Greenwald, who currently serves as Chief Readiness Officer, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In addition to her existing responsibilities, which include oversight of global go-to-market, product, customer care, agent network oversight and engagement and global regulatory exam readiness, Greenwald will also assume responsibility for the global IT organization.
Recent Merger Updates
MoneyGram and Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC (“MDP”) continue to make progress toward completing the closing conditions of the previously announced merger transaction. To date, money transmitter regulators in 32 U.S. states and territories have provided their approval or non-objection of the transaction. All supplemental U.S. state filings have been submitted. The required pre-transaction notifications and applications to international money transmitter regulators have been made or are on track to be filed shortly, and the parties continue to engage with the regulators.
As previously disclosed, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 has expired and MoneyGram stockholders have overwhelmingly approved the transaction. The parties have submitted all applicable foreign antitrust and Foreign Direct Investment filings.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals.


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Iran’s export to Ghana up 170%
Tehran, Iran, June 25
By Mehdi Sepahvand –- Trend:
Iran’s annual export to Ghana increased by 170 percent last fiscal year (which ended March 20) compared to the preceding year.
This meant a jump from $1.307 million to $2.226 million, Farzad Piltan, director of the Arab-African Office of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization told IRNA news agency June 25.
The main exported goods were industrial oil, oil products, bitumen, petroleum jelly, engine oil, and household chemical products, dairy products, home appliances, chocolate, marble, and carpet, he said.
In February 2016, Iran and Ghana signed new documents for cooperation as President John Dramani Mahama visited Tehran at the head of an economic and political delegation, hailing the trip as the “beginning of a new epoch in bilateral ties.”
“I am proud to be the first African leader to visit Iran after the nuclear agreement and also the first Ghanaian leader to come here after the Islamic Revolution,” Mahama said at a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani back then.


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Environmentalists want more ambitious government plans. Subscribe to the Electric Vehicle News Bitesize Podcast for FREE.
Environmentalists have called for more ambitious targets, and industry has called for incentives to buy Electric Vehicles.
Experts say plans to ensure half of all new cars sold in the UK are fully electric by 2028 will bring electric vehicle prices down “further and faster”.
According to proposals from the Department of Transport (DfT), 22% of cars rolling off Production Lines will need to be fully electric by 2024, rising to 52% of all cars by 2028. The target for vans is 8% by 2024 and 34% by 2028.
Electric vehicle prices have fallen sharply in recent years due to cheaper batteries and a growing market, but experts predict that plans to require all automakers to comply with the target should “have a fairly positive impact on prices”.
“More manufacturers trying to sell more Electric Vehicles, trying to get us to buy them is going to be a more competitive and therefore better market for the consumer,” said Richard Allan from New AutoMotive, a research group aiming to accelerate the switch to Electric Vehicles.
Economies of scale, competition and penalties for automakers that don’t hit the mark make electric cars cheaper, he said.
The mandate aims to speed up the phase-out of petrol and diesel cars, which will be banned from sale from 2030.
In making the proposal, however, the DfT said the Russian invasion of Ukraine showed that the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels made it vulnerable to “geopolitical issues” and that the increase in the number of cars using domestic renewable energy was “significant for the UK’s future energy security”.
Industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warned that regulation “needs to encourage consumers to buy, not just force manufacturers to produce”.
Market transformation works fastest “when mandates are matched with incentives and, for automotive electrification, we also need commensurate and binding targets for infrastructure provision,” said SMMT’s chief executive Mike Hawes.
The DfT plans to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles to 300,000 by 2030, which is almost five times the number of public chargers today.
Mr Allen said government incentives should target high-mileage diesel drivers, assuming incentives would be limited by cost.
“It’s not just about switching cars, but switching miles because it’s the miles that save the CO2,” said Mr Allan. Currently fewer than 2% of miles driven on British roads are powered electrically, he added.
The initial cost of an electric vehicle is still much higher than a diesel or gasoline equivalent. On the other hand, they are much less expensive to maintain, so the costs level off in about three to four years, depending on model and mileage, according to the Transportation and Environmental Action Group.
The group’s director Matt Finch welcomed the targets as “more ambitious than anything in the European Union,” predicting they would “drive the price down further and faster”.
But the target of 22% by 2024 “could be much better,” he said. Environmentalists also agree.
All-electric vehicles have accounted for 15.4% of new vehicle sales so far this year. The government’s independent adviser to the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has recommended that zero-emission vehicle sales should reach 30% by 2024 and 73% by 2028 to meet the UK’s net-zero climate commitment.
Some Environmentalists would like to see the government go further. While other Environmentalists would like more support for Active Travel.
A DfT spokesperson said its plans, subject to further consultation “shows our commitment to switching to greener electric vehicles”.
The department said it would continue to work with industry to develop future regulations.
In other news, Dozens of electric vehicle charging stations could be installed in Walsall as part of a £340,000 scheme.
Walsall Council is considering initiatives to encourage more people to switch and ultimately reduce pollution.
A report has identified the location of the charging points, and residents will be consulted before plans go ahead.
The government’s On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme Fund provides 75 per cent of the funding required.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said there could be five each in St Matthews and Willenhall South wards; four in Willenhall North; and three each in Birchills, Leamore, Pleck and Palfrey.
There may also be two in Aldridge North and Walsall Wood and Pelsall, and one each in Bentley and Darlaston North; Birch’s; Lemore; Brockswich West; Brown Hills; South Dallas; Phasey Park Farm; Paddock; and the Streetly.
The report said the scheme “will provide the opportunity for residents who do not possess off-street parking to purchase and charge an electric vehicle”.
It also said the sites were chosen to fill a void left by the private market, and that more funding bids are likely in the future.
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For more Articles and Episodes visit SNP commits £25m for electric car chargers in Aberdeen.


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Electric car maker Tesla Motors (s TSLA) hasn’t just blazed its own trail when it comes to designing and building a hot electric car. It’s also made breakthroughs in many aspects of the automotive business (the sales channel, the servicing, the over-the-air-software updates) and now it’s doing the same thing for the core part of the electric car: the battery.
This week Tesla revealed more details about its plans to build a massive — the largest of its kind in the world — battery factory in the U.S. that will produce enough lithium-ion batteries by 2020 to outfit 500,000 electric cars. While Tesla only released a few details of the plan, the company said that by 2020 the battery cell output of the factory would be 35 gigawatt hours per year, and battery pack output would be 50 gigawatt hours per year.
Let’s put these production numbers in perspective. As Tesla has said itself, its cars are constrained by global battery production, and it would need to use all of the batteries produced for electric cars in 2013 (and then some) to make those 500,000 per year by 2020. According to Navigant Research analyst Sam Jaffe, Tesla already used half of all the batteries made for electric cars in the world in 2013 for its Model S car (22,477 cars sold).
In terms of global lithium ion and advanced battery production — beyond just for electric cars — Tesla’s so-called “gigafactory” is still massive; it’s jaw-dropping actually. According to Navigant’s figures, battery factories in the world produced close to 27 gigawatt hours of advanced batteries (the vast majority of these, over 90 percent, are lithium-ion batteries) in 2012. The bulk of those batteries — 23 gigawatt hours — were for consumer electronics, like our laptops and cell phones.
Given Tesla’s production goals outline above, the planned factory would more than double the current entire world’s lithium ion battery production. Of course, global lithium ion battery production would also ramp up outside of Tesla as well, as more gadgets and cell phones are sold and more devices get connected.
And now, if you look beyond just batteries, Tesla’s factory could be the largest factory of any kind, anywhere in the world in terms of inputs in and outputs out, said Jaffe, though he notes that such a thing is pretty hard to measure.
A manufacturing win for the U.S.
The country that made the most advanced batteries in 2012 was China, which produced about 13 gigawatt hours of batteries. Chinese batteries traditionally have been the cheapest in the world, but they’ve also been of lower quality compared to those made in Japan, Korea and the U.S.
However, battery expert and founder and CEO of battery startup GELI, Ryan Wartena, told me that he’s seen the quality of Chinese batteries go up substantially over the past year. Chinese battery giants also have been trying to boost production as well, and Chinese lithium battery manufacturer Thunder Sky Group had been looking to build a battery factory in Russia working with Russian state run agency RUSNANO — this would have been the largest lithium ion battery factory in the world (I’m not sure of the current status of this factory).
The second largest producer of batteries in the world in 2012 was Japan, with about 7 gigawatt hours. South Korea follows with about 2 gigawatt hours. The U.S. had about 1.2 gigawatt hours — and that’s following the attempts of Obama’s stimulus package to boost battery production in the U.S. through companies like A123 Systems and LG Chem.
So as you can see, Tesla’s plans to generate 35 and 50 gigawatt hours per year in cells and packs, just in the U.S., all of a sudden tilts the world’s lithium ion battery production in favor of the U.S., which has never been much of a battery manufacturing powerhouse. No doubt, all of the states in the running — including Arizona, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico — will be vying for those 6,500 jobs.
Tesla’s factory will also be a competitive threat to Chinese battery production dominance and will help lower the overall price of lithium ion batteries globally. “Just the threat of (Tesla CEO) Elon Musk building this huge factory will lower prices,” says Wartena, as the companies will be willing to lower their margins to compete.
Innovative partner approach
Like Tesla has done with many of its strategies, it’s taking a novel approach to working with partners to build the battery factory. Tesla is selling debt (convertible senior notes) to the tune of between $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion to fund part of the battery factory, but Tesla said its partners will likely poney up the extra $2 billion to $3 billion (though, it could be even higher).
Panasonic is Tesla’s chief battery supplier, but in recent months Tesla has also been talking with Samsung SDI for batteries. Traditionally auto makers have multiple suppliers for core components so that they can get the best price and use the other suppliers as leverage.
It should be noted that Tesla hasn’t confirmed that Panasonic is the battery supplier partner for the planned factory. Musk even told Bloomberg that the Panasonic deal wasn’t 100 percent done. Essentially Tesla is keeping its options open for other suppliers to come in and it’s using an unusual way of working with Panasonic. Navigant’s Jaffe called the method “a unique combination of carrot and stick.”
Cheap batteries will change the world
Tesla said that it intends to use some of the battery output for stationary energy storage, which means batteries used for buildings, the grid and even homes. As we’ve reported before, Tesla and solar financier and installer SolarCity (Musk’s other energy company) have been quietly selling small volumes of Tesla batteries as energy storage paired with SolarCity’s solar projects.
If Tesla is able to reduce the cost of lithium ion batteries by a third with its new factory, it could make energy grid storage much more economical. Batteries for the grid — at current prices — are largely too expensive for most projects. There’s a handful of companies that are trying to innovate around using batteries for grid storage, but if Tesla could get the battery price low enough it can potentially disrupt grid storage, too.
Lower-cost lithium-ion batteries could make clean energy much more viable. Pairing battery farms with wind and solar panel farms would enable clean power to store energy when the wind stops blowing and the sun goes down.
The end goal for Tesla is that cheap batteries could help Tesla deliver its $35,000 third generation electric car. It might not be able to get to that price with battery cost reductions alone, but it gets Tesla a whole lot closer.


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By Nathalie Rasmussen, Head of Business Conduct Engagement at GES
With climate change becoming more and more of a hot topic as the COP 21 in Paris is approaching, I find myself at a deforestation conference in Oslo in mid-October listening to the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, the executive secretary from the UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) and representatives from companies such as IKEA, REMA 1000 and NorgesGruppen. Besides the companies, several experts on deforestation were present, such as Scott Poynton from The Forest Trust and Glenn Hurowitz from the Center for International Policy.
I was interested to see how Norway views the palm oil sector today, after the country’s use of the ingredient in consumer products dropped with 66% in 2012 following a campaign from the Rainforest Foundation Norway pointing out palm oil’s negative impacts on deforestation. Several investors also divested from palm oil producing companies in South East Asia. Even though Norway only has about 4 million citizens, the boycotting of palm oil by consumers and some supermarkets had nonetheless been noticed by related companies, perhaps fearing that other, larger markets would follow suit. Likewise, the divestment by some Norwegian institutional investors has perhaps not created a ripple-effect, but has definitely raised questions around the sustainability of these companies. It seems that while some companies have completely phased out the use of palm oil in their own products (such as the supermarket chain REMA 1000), others are trying to work with the sector to try and prevent deforestation in the supply chain.
What struck me the most was that even though all the big players in palm oil and logging have signed ‘no deforestation’ and sustainability pledges in recent years – Nestle (2010), Golden-Agri Resources (2011), Asia Pulp & Paper (2013) and finally Wilmar (2013) – the implementation at suppliers seems problematic. Palm oil companies need to work more closely with their suppliers to ensure no deforestation takes place, and traceability plays a big part in holding companies and suppliers accountable. With Wilmar now taking the lead on transparency and listing its suppliers on its sustainability dashboard, a step in the right direction towards preventing deforestation has been taken, but a lot remains to be done. The urgency is clear and was put simply by the UNFCCC secretary: “If not now, then when?”. GES is looking forward to the Palm Oil Engagement trip to Malaysia and Singapore at end of November 2015, where we will talk to palm oil producers about what seems to be holding back implementation of the no-deforestation policies and how the commitments and efforts are playing out in reality.


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American consumers believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will provide solutions to complex societal problems such as climate change, according to a new survey. Sixty-three percent of U.S. consumers believe AI will help solve complex problems, and 59 percent say it will contribute to a more fulfilling life, according to a PwC survey released Tuesday. Majorities of consumers believe AI will help tackle major issues like climate change, global health, economic growth and cancer. Forty-six percent of consumers think developments in machine learning will hurt people by taking away jobs that otherwise would be occupied by humans, according to the survey.
Ultimately, lean supply chain processes improved efficiency, but they limited the variability and adaptability within a company. The move to agile supply chain management inherently required more data sources than traditional supply chains, reports GT Nexus. Also, it bridged the divide between manufacturing operations and service (logistics) operations, explains Springer Link. When a company's whole logistics operation, including procurement, is considered cohesively, different means of reducing costs may become evident.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily growing more sophisticated, particularly in regards to advanced decision making capabilities, making it increasingly appealing to corporations. To make truly intelligent decisions about the world, AI takes impressive system resources, which often go above and beyond what a company has or is willing to dedicate. It's quite simple for AI to predict a temporary employee's success in completing a single task. When developing artificially intelligent software, companies have been tasked with giving the software a human touch that encourages people to welcome AI into their business and personal lives.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily growing more sophisticated, particularly in regards to advanced decision making capabilities, making it increasingly appealing to corporations. It's quite simple for AI to predict a temporary employee's success in completing a single task. When developing artificially intelligent software, companies have been tasked with giving the software a human touch that encourages people to welcome AI into their business and personal lives. Specialising in cloud business management, Tithof leads Unit4's business, being responsible for developing new business, strategic account selling and continuing the successful partnerships with Agilyx, Connexxion and S1 Consulting within the region.
Thus, the use of AI in supply chains is helping businesses innovate rapidly by reducing the time to market and evolve by establishing an agile supply chain capable of foreseeing and dealing with uncertainties. Let's look at some examples where AI is revolutionizing the supply chain: Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing and supply chain automation: AI is changing the traditional way in which companies are operating. Artificial Intelligence in supplier management and customer service: Organizations are also increasingly leveraging AI for supplier management and customer management. Artificial Intelligence in procurement: AI is helping drive cost reduction and compliance agenda through procurement by generating real time visibility of the spend data.
The supply chain needs to pay attention to the potential ways that augmented reality can revolutionize the industry, and artificial intelligence (AI) will be a driving force behind this change. You might already know that AI can help you get directions, play chess, or order a pizza, but are you aware of how it can transform supply chain management? Whether it's autonomous car technology or facial recognition software, AI taking over and the supply chain needs to get on board. Research and development time can be slashed by using AI to interact with digital 3D models instead of taking the time to make 3D ones.
Over the years, competitions have been important catalysts for progress in Artificial Intelligence. We describe one such competition, the Trading Agent Competition for Supply Chain Management (TAC SCM). We discuss its significance in the context of today's global market economy as well as AI research, the ways in which it breaks away from limiting assumptions made in prior work, and some of the advances it has engendered over the past six years. TAC SCM requires autonomous supply chain entities, modeled as agents, to coordinate their internal operations while concurrently trading in multiple dynamic and highly competitive markets.


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Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding retail fraud call by a Rochester Schools bus driver Friday afternoon.
Rochester Hills substation deputies were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Adams at 2:40 p.m. Friday on a retail fraud complaint with one female in custody. Upon arrival, the suspect was taken into custody for retail fraud where it was discovered she was a Rochester Schools bus driver and the bus she was driving was in the parking lot.
The suspect, a 53-year-old female resident of Rochester Hills, was transported back to the substation and the Rochester Schools bus garage was contacted to retrieve the school bus. The suspect was later transported to Oakland County Jail. A warrant for her arrest was submitted.


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Google introduced a new processor – a 72-chip chip, which can become part of a universal quantum computer with quantum error correction. The technology can be used in quantum simulations, optimization and machine learning. In the future, Google will be able to sell similar processors or lease their computing power for rent.
Home users can not rely on the advent of quantum computers at their disposal – their work requires special equipment and conditions for functioning due to instability of qubits. In addition, the scope of their application is far from home in the form of games or surfing the Internet.


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Nest, a Google-owned company that manufactures internet-connected home devices, cautioned users Wednesday against joining the growing list of customers to have their “smart” products hacked due to exercising poor security practices.
Owners of Nest products including the company’s popular home security cameras received the warning in an email sent by the company, following a rash of recent incidents in which customers complained of being harassed and tormented as a result of compromised devices.
“We’re reaching out to assure you that Nest security has not been breached or compromised,” wrote Rishi Chandra, Nest’s general manager. “For context, even though Nest was not breached, customers may be vulnerable because their email addresses and passwords are freely available on the internet.
“If a website is compromised, it’s possible for someone to gain access to user email addresses and passwords, and from there, gain access to any accounts that use the same login credentials,” Mr. Chandra said. “For example, if you use your Nest password for a shopping site account and the site is breached, your login information could end up in the wrong hands. From there, people with access to your credentials can cause the kind of issues we’ve seen recently.”
Nest users can prevent being hacked by practicing security measures such as using strong, unique passwords to secure their accounts, enabling two-step verification and ensuring their routers are running updated software, Mr. Chandra wrote.
“We take protecting our users’ security very seriously. For added password security, the team looks across the internet to identify breaches and when compromised accounts are found, we alert you and temporarily disable access. We also prevent the use of passwords that appear on known compromised lists,” he added.
“While we can’t stop password breaches across the internet, we’re committed to limiting the impact of compromised credentials on Nest Accounts.”
Nest’s warning came on the heels of several reports involving customers who recalled having their homes digitally invaded by hackers who managed to commandeer their internet-connected cameras by leveraging previously compromised log-in credentials — a tactic colloquially known as “credential stuffing.”
In Chicago, local news outlets reported last month about a family that said their Nest cameras and thermostat were hacked by someone who used them to broadcast racial slurs and remotely adjust the home’s temperature, respectively.
“I couldn’t believe that these devices that I had put up in my home to watch over it, my family, were now being used against me,” Arjun Sud told the local NBC affiliate.
San Jose’s Mercury News similarly reported days earlier about a California woman who said she was subjected to “five minutes of sheer terror” as a result of a similar prank in which a hacker used her home Nest camera to remotely broadcast a bogus message about a purposed intercontinental ballistic missile attack coming from North Korea.
“It warned that the United States had retaliated against Pyongyang and that people in the affected areas had three hours to evacuate,” said Laura Lyons. “It sounded completely legit, and it was loud and got our attention right off the bat.”
Launched in 2010 by a former Apple engineer, Nest was acquired by Google in 2014 for $3.2 billion. It was subsequently operated as a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, prior to merging with Google’s home devices team in 2018.
Nest products, including cameras, thermostats, doorbells and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, among other devices, were sold in 21 products as of 2018, according to the company.


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Many of us have been 'grafting' for our 'type on paper' when it comes to clothing, and now Love Island fans will be pleased to know that they can 'crack on' with Primark's new range.
Islanders on the show have conjured up their own version of the English language over the past few weeks, and there's no denying that some of the most used slogans such as 'pied' and 'muggy' are entertaining.
High street retailer Primark has now launched a line of Love Island T-shirts, available from Saturday 8 July, and they're just £6.
The cheap as chips tops are emblazoned with some of the show's most used phrases, including '#grafting,' '#100% My Type On Paper,' '#muggy' (perhaps one for Mike Thalassitis?) and '#absolute melt' among others, and they'll please Love Island viewers no end.
The range will also be offering a collection of fun socks and bags emblazoned with the show's famous one-liners, and if they prove to be as popular as the TV series, they'll sell like hot cakes.
Some of the biggest Love Island storylines from the past few days have included Amber Davies and Kem Cetinay finally becoming girlfriend and boyfriend, and new boys Jamie Jewitt and Theo Campbell entering the villa.
It emerged today that 25-year-old athlete Theo had a girlfriend before signing up to the show, and she's not too happy.
24-year-old Chloe Demaret from Newport has vented her fury over her ex-boyfriend's behaviour on her Twitter profile, posting a screenshot of a recent conversation with him on Whatsapp.
She captioned it: "'You're not going to see me with any girl anywhere I promise' only on national TV wasn't going to do this but I'm fuming."
Love Island continues tonight (7 July) at 9pm on ITV2.


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Credit, Debit Card Data Stolen From Coffee Shops
Jake Judd | Feb 19, 2019 AT 5:27 pm
(KNSI) - Customers of a coffee shop in St. Cloud and some other stores in Central Minnesota could have had their credit or debit card information stolen.
The data thefts occurred at Dunn Brothers Coffee in St. Cloud between January 4th and January 10th. Dunn Brothers locations in Buffalo, Elk River, St. Michael and other stores also had data stolen.
Customers at Charlie's Sports Bar and Grill in Becker could also have been victims.
A press release from North Country Business Products, a retail technology business, says the data breach happened last month might have resulted in the unauthorized access of credit and debit card payment information.
The businesses potentially affected by the breach span the country, from Arizona to Ohio. However, many of the businesses are located in Minnesota.
North Country Business Products says it learned of suspicious activity on client networks on Jan. 4 and immediately called on outside help to investigate.
After nearly a month of work, investigators found that malware collected credit card and debit card information at North Country’s client businesses, specifically gathering the cardholders’ names, credit card numbers, expiration dates and credit card security codes.
North Country Business Products says those who believe they could have been affected by the breach should monitor their credit card reports for suspicious activity. If found, those concerned are advised to call the bank that issues their credit card.
For those seeking more information on the breach, North Country has set up a dedicated assistance line at 1-877-204-9537.
Information on freezing a credit report can be found here, along with a complete list of affected business.


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The Plateno Hotels Group's luxury Portofino brand is set to launch in Sri Lanka
As part of its Asia growth strategy, the Plateno Hotel Group will launch its Portofino luxury brand in Sri Lanka. The China based hotel group recently took over the management of the Ranna 212 Beach Resort in Tangalle and will launch the rebranded resort as the Portfino Resort Tangalle in September 2015.
After taking over the management of the Ranna 212 Beach Resort in Tangalle, China’s Plateno Hotels Group- the seventh largest hotel group in the world, is set to launch its luxury Portofino brand in the south coast of Sri Lanka. The resort will be rebranded as the Portofino Resort Tangalle and is scheduled to open its doors in September 2015.
With 34 rooms, 21 suits, an outdoor swimming pool and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean the Portofino Resort Tangalle is expected to be a favourite among travellers interested in luxury holidays to Sri Lanka. The securing of the management deal for the Portofino Resort Tangalle forms part of the Plateno Groups South and Southeast Asia growth strategy. This marks the group’s second hotel in Sri Lanka after signing the ZMAX hotel in Colombo, scheduled to open in 2017, earlier this year.
Plateno’s first foray into the Sri Lankan market comes at a time when the country’s tourism industry is booming. Recent statistics indicate that Sri Lanka has already surpassed the one million visitor mark during the first seven months of 2015, a notable 16.8 per cent growth on the same period last year. Western European countries, China and the rest of Asia are said to be the largest source markets to Sri Lanka thus far for 2015. Despite the milestone Dr Rohantha Athukoral the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau is however advocating a shift from focusing on the number of arrivals to a focus on attracting travellers with larger budgets. He said:
"Sri Lanka must stop chasing visitor arrival numbers but focus on attracting the $250 per day guests into the country if we are to make the industry financially viable"
According to Dr Athukorala, due to the high cost of construction and labour in Sri Lanka hotels would struggle without targeting luxury travellers. Based on Dr Athukorala’s logic, the Plateno Group’s luxury Portofino brand is well positioned to make a valuable contribution to the Sri Lankan tourism industry by attracting the coveted luxury travellers.
Founded in 2005, the Plateno Hotels Group now has 14 different brands in its portfolio including luxury brands such as Portofino, MaisonAlbar and H12 hotels, midscale brands like Zmax, James Joyce Coffetel and Lavande Hotels as well as more affordable brands such as 7 Days Premium, 7 Days Inn and IU Hotels.
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Private tour visiting many great cities such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy
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Embark on a holiday of a lifetime with this amazing twin centre special offer
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Take advantage of a this twin destination combination treat
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Update: Google has pushed back registration by a week. Original follows.
Google I/O, the annual conference for all things Google and developers, kicks off registration for the 2014 edition tomorrow, April 8th. If you've been waiting for your opportunity to get in on the two-day event, this year may be your best chance considering Google's new registration policy.
Rather than a mad dash to lock up the very limited number of tickets all at once, Google is leaving open registration from 5am PT on April 8th until 5pm PT on April 10th. This means you can get through and complete registration at your (relative) leisure, ensuring that you're in the running. Google will then randomly select the maximum number of tickets from the pool of registrants and hand out tickets.
If you plan on trying to attend Google I/O this year on June 25th and 26th, there are just a few things to keep in mind:
- Tickets are $900 per person, or $300 per student.
- You'll need a Google+ account to register, if you don't already have one.
- You'll also need a Google Wallet account to complete registration and pay for a ticket, which will just be a pre-authorization until you are actually accepted for the event.
- If you're approved for a ticket, the tickets cannot be resold or issued to someone other than yourself.
- If for some reason you choose not to go, you'll have until June 1st to request a refund.
- Photo ID will be mandatory for receiving your badge when you check in at Google I/O.
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Aukey 26800mAh 65W USB-C battery review: My new go-to travel power bank
There's been a steady improvement in really big portable batteries with high outputs for us with laptops as they shift to USB-C, and the latest I'm relying on is the Aukey 26000mAh portable battery.
Bethesda won't be holding a digital E3 showcase this year
We have some unfortunate news to share (and no, it's not an April Fool's joke). Bethesda Softworks has confirmed that it will not be holding a digital E3 showcase this year. Instead, news about Bethesda games will be shared in different ways in the months ahead.
Daily Coronavirus updates: UN says COVID-19 threatens global stability
COVID-19 has already infected over 877,000 people globally and caused over 43,540 fatalities. It has also had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here are all the ways the coronavirus is affecting the world.
These are the best Ring devices you can get right now for your smart home
Despite having its share of negative publicity throughout 2019, Ring has continued to make some of the best home automation and security devices on the market. Here are some of our favorite Ring products for 2020.


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BOISE -- This weekend, a kids fashion show is being held to benefit a family whose young daughter is battling a fatal disease.
It's Boise's first city-wide Kids' Fashion Rulz, a posh, catered fashion show featuring kids' and teens' fashions from The Village, Boise Towne Square, boutiques and local designers.
Proceeds will benefit the Rodgers Family, whose young daughter, Hannah, is battling fatal Batten Disease. Hannah's biggest wish is to someday be a supermodel. This weekend, Hannah will get her wish as she walks the runway as the evening's star model.
According to organizer Tanya Carnahan, the event will allow local youth to help each other.
"During this huge fall fashion show kids and teens will model back-to-school clothes, and support Hannah as she walks down the runway," says Carnahan. "She is completely blind, so she will be escorted by her sister and her best friend."
Hannah's mom, Trina Rodgers, says that the proceeds will allow them to build Hannah a new, bigger bedroom.
"It will accommodate all of her medical equipment and care," said Rodgers. "Combined, these projects are a huge financial challenge."
According to Batten Disease Support and Research Association, over time, children affected suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Children with Batten Disease eventually become blind, bedridden and unable to communicate, and, presently, it is always fatal.
The show is Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Saint Alphonsus McCleary Auditorium, 1055 N. Curtis Rd., Boise, ID, 83706. Tickets and show details are available by going to Kids' Fashion Rulz.


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Car supermarket Motorpoint says it is driving down the cost of owning a new car by offering “over £7,000 off list price” on selected 14-reg models.
Deals being promoted include:
£7,166 off the Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 Sport 4 x 4 CVT, available for £13,999.
£4,011 off the Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Titanium, available for £12,999.
£3,986 off the Ford Fiesta 1.0 Eco Boost Titanium, available for £12,999.
£2,936 off the Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta, available for £13,999.
Mark Carpenter, managing director of Motorpoint, said: “There really has never been a better time to own a brand new car, especially with savings of over £7,000 on models such as the Suzuki Kizaski.”
Motorpoint currently stocks over 4,000 new and ‘nearly new’ cars from over 30 manufacturers.
Last year it sold over 36,000 cars across the UK.


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Pilot Program to Train Two Dozen Social Entrepreneurs
Santa Clara University Launches "GSBI Online"in Collaboration with the World Bank Development Marketplace
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb 23, 2012 — Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society has received funding from the World Bank Development Marketplace to expand its highly successful mentoring and training program for social entrepreneurs—the Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI™)—to an entirely online format.
Developed in collaboration with the World Bank, the new program, called GSBI Online, will be piloted starting in May 2012 to a select group of social entrepreneurs running business-oriented organizations that aim to solve major social problems related to poverty, such as hunger or lack of power.
Based on the successful GSBI model, GSBI Online will match the entrepreneurs with mentors and provide interactive training modules to help them build sustainable and scalable organizations. The new online delivery format will reach a greater number of entrepreneurs, including earlier stage ventures and those unable to travel.
“We are delighted to make the GSBI’s proven capacity development program available to more social entrepreneurs,” said Thane Kreiner, Ph.D., executive director of CSTS. “The World Bank’s leadership in launching a pilot demonstrates their deep commitment to supporting the long-term growth and self-sustainability of the high-potential organizations alleviating poverty they have identified through their Development Marketplace.”
Up to 25 grantees, identified through the Development Marketplace and GSBI, will go through the initial pilot, designed to help participants create sustainable business plans to grow their organizations. During the nine-module program, participants will produce elevator pitches, business plan summary presentations, and investment profiles necessary to attract business and financial partners.
The curriculum will use GSBI’s proven methodology, be available on-demand, and incorporate best practices of online learning. Entrepreneurs will be able to work at their own pace over a maximum of eight months. They will be, guided throughout by a Silicon Valley mentor and a local mentor, who volunteer their time to give feedback to the entrepreneurs about their ventures.
The modules will include: (1) mission, opportunity, strategies; (2) external environment; (3) target market segmentation; (4) value chain analysis; (5) organization and human resources; (6) business model; (7) success metrics; (8) one-year operating plan; and (9) financing strategy.
“The World Bank Development Marketplace and the GSBI collectively have over 25 years of experience working with social entrepreneurs who develop and distribute public goods and services to the poorest of the poor,” said Andy Lieberman, Program Manager for GSBI Online at Santa Clara University. “With its emphasis on business skills training, GSBI Online is a natural next step for both organizations.”
GSBI Online offers several advantages over other capacity development programs, including lower cost, no travel, greater scheduling flexibility, and customizable curriculum. GSBI Online pilots will continue throughout 2012 and into 2013, sponsored by organizations seeking to provide additional capacity development and business model support to select groups of social entrepreneurs.
The GSBI Online pilot commences during the 10th year of the GSBI program, which is the signature program of the Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Santa Clara. The GSBI’s track record is exemplary: over 90 percent of GSBI alumni enterprises remain in operation, with almost 50 percent growing revenues faster than expenses.
GSBI alumni include: the micro-lending website Kiva.org; African solar-radio maker Lifeline Energy; Indian safe-drinking water distributor Naandi; “cloud phone” service provider Movirtu; Indian rural electrification pioneer Husk Power Systems; physical mobility device producer and advocate MAARDEC; optical health leader VisionSpring; and the earthquake-resistant construction nonprofit Build Change.
About the Center for Science, Technology, and Society (CSTS)
The mission of the CSTS is to promote the use of science and technology to benefit underserved communities worldwide. The CSTS implements its mission through its signature program, the Global Social Benefit Incubator, its partnership with The Tech Museum in The Tech Awards program, Frugal Innovation, a focus on social capital, and numerous education and public engagement activities. Now in its tenth year, the GSBI has provided sophisticated capacity development opportunities to nearly 140 social entrepreneurs, affording us unique insights into leading business models and innovations for the developing world and emerging markets. More information can be found at www.scu.edu/socialbenefit. Those wishing to support the Center and the GSBI should contact Tomitha Blake at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Specialist plants centre Love Plants is supporting pupils of Meole Brace School in Shrewsbury to create gardens as part of a life skills course.
Love Plants, which is based at caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure’s headquarters at Emstrey, Shrewsbury, has given the school £100 worth of plants, seeds, flowers and compost to establish the gardens on areas land that were previously unused.
Pupils aged from 12 to 16 years will be growing vegetables, flowers and plants and learning to tend to look after the garden, which will also have bird feeders and bug hotels, to encourage independent living skills.
Pupils and teaching assistants Ange Powell and Tracey Thompson are pictured with Love Plants’ manager Tim Robinson and assistant manager Heather Evans and Nikki Jardine, Salop Leisure’s marketing officer.
Teaching assistant Ange Powell said the group of 12 pupils were creating the gardens as part of their ASDAN life skills course and were excited to be given the donation by Love Plants.
In addition to a main vegetable patch of 12 square metres, they are creating a patio garden. “They are areas that people didn’t previously bother with and the children are so excited to have the plants, seeds and other products from Love Plants,” said Ange.
“They are selling cakes to raise money to put picnic benches and are all digging out the vegetable patch. The gardens give the children a focus and will make the school look beautiful.”
Love Plants’ manager Tim Robinson said the specialist plants centre is this year celebrating its fifth birthday and it was delighted to be able to support the school’s new gardens and to introduce pupils to the joys of gardening and growing plants.
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The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office warns consumers against using latapatia3ca.club, which is masquerading as Goleta restaurant La Tapatia on Hollister Avenue. The webpage is a fake, the DA’s Office states, and appears to take orders and credit card information, but the order is never sent to the restaurant. According to the DA’s Office, the website is affiliated with OrderHero.
Guadalupe Vela, who owns La Tapatia in Old Town, was upset by the scam and worried about her customers. She said her restaurant could take orders through UberEats, GrubHub, or DoorDash, but she didn’t know how she could get rid of the fake website. It was even offering discounts in order to get people to give their credit card information, she said.
Information about this and other online scams can be phoned in to DA investigator Greg Hons at (805) 568-2390. Victims of this or other fraud can contact the law enforcement agency in the city or location where the scam occurred, in this case, the Sheriff’s Office, which contracts with the City of Goleta for law enforcement services.


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Sausages lose sizzle as health fears cut sales by 2billion a year: Number sold has fallen by a quarter since 2008 as shoppers turn to chicken and steak
- 260million fewer packs of sausages being taken off the shelves than 2008
- Shoppers turned off by high levels of fat and salt and 'mystery' ingredients
- In the same time, sales of beef- especially steak - soared by up to £3billion
- Sales of fresh chicken have also risen by nearly half since 2012
They have been a favourite on our dining tables and barbecues for generations.
But now, it seems, sausages are falling out of favour as shoppers opt for healthier options.
Sales have plunged by more than two billion a year, equivalent to 260.7million fewer packs being taken off the shelves.
That is a drop of more than a quarter compared to 2008, official figures for last year’s sales reveal. Consumers have turned instead to chicken and steak as they become more aware of foods seen as fuelling the obesity epidemic.
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Off the menu: Sales of sausages have plunged by more than two billion a year, equivalent to 260.7million fewer packs being taken off the shelves
The mystery which has traditionally surrounded the ingredients of sausages also seems to have dampened demand.
They are often bulked up with cheap fillers, like breadcrumbs or wheat rusk, with an off-putting list of chemicals and preservatives. Health campaigners have also long demonised bangers for having high fat and salt levels.
But until recently, diners have turned a blind eye to this because they loved them in everything from the breakfast fry-up to sandwiches as well as the barbecue. In contrast, sales of beef, especially steak, have soared by £1billion to £3billion – or 50 per cent – since 2008.
Demand for fresh chicken has pushed up sales by nearly half since 2012 to £2billion. The decline of the sausage, most of which are pork, is a major twist in the nation’s culinary history as it is one of our oldest processed foods – they apparently arrived with the Romans.
They have been made in bulk since the 19th century but even then there was doubt about their contents. The Victorians suspected large amounts of horsemeat, dubbing them ‘little bags of mystery’.
During the First World War, food shortages led to a big reduction in meat levels in sausages, which were then packed with scraps, cereal and water. This made them pop and hiss when cooked over open fires in the trenches, giving them the nickname bangers.
Today, the sausage still has a suspect reputation. In March, government vets reported that as many as one in ten carry the hepatitis E virus, which can be passed to humans if not cooked thoroughly.
In fact, today’s sausages are healthier, tastier and of a much higher quality than ever before.
Most stores also offer gourmet or artisan versions from named producers which command premium prices.
The drop in demand was revealed by the Office for National Statistics. If the trend continues, sausages could become a novelty within ten to 15 years, going the same way as offal and faggots.
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Worker Killed in Forklift Accident in Amazon Warehouse
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says a worker was killed Tuesday afternoon after a forklift fell on him.
The accident happened at the Amazon.com warehouse on Newlands Road around noon.
The man who was killed worked for a company that Amazon uses to rent the forklifts.
The sheriff's office says he was loading the forklift onto a flatbed truck when it began to roll forward so the worker started running alongside it to try and stop it. The forklift then fell on him and was crushed to death.
The man's identity has not yet been released.


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The business-to-business services sector is set for a gloomy Christmas trading period, according to the latest Sensis Business Index.
The survey, conducted quarterly, saw 1,800 SMEs interviewed between October and November about their perceptions and activity in the lead-up to Christmas.
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The survey reveals a third of businesses are expecting conditions to be quieter this year. These businesses were typically in finance, wholesale, manufacturing and construction.
Report author Christena Singh says those operating in the business-to-business services sector will experience a particularly sharp slowdown as many of their clients shut up shop over the Christmas break.
She says the Christmas trading period is typically more active for customer-focused sectors like retail, hospitality, accommodation and personal services.
“This Christmas period is set to further polarise conditions for Australian businesses, with some sectors and states expecting bumper conditions, while others face the Christmas Grinch,” she says.
“However, one in five businesses are taking proactive steps to manage conditions by increasing advertising, adding new products and services, introducing sales promotions, increasing staff, as well as extending trading hours and making contact with their client base.”
Singh says start-ups should keep a close watch on their competitors’ activities and have a clear understanding of the economic conditions in their local area.
“Make sure you make the most of your opportunities by ensuring your advertising is targeting where the demand might be in your sector,” she says.
Another trend that emerged from the survey was that just over half of businesses are planning a staff Christmas party this year, and only one in 10 is planning a party for their clients.
Singh attributes the low numbers to weak business conditions, saying many businesses can’t justify the cost of a party.
However, she says start-ups should look at holding both kinds of parties, particularly one for their clients.
“It’s a chance to network with your customers… Having strong customer relationships is the key reason behind business confidence so start-ups should certainly look at building those relationships,” she says.


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John McAfee wants to create a device to block the NSA.
Are you ready to turn your finger into a speaker? Called Ishin-Den-Shin after the Japanese phrase “what the mind thinks, the heart transmits,” technology developed by Disney Research uses the body as a sound transmitter — a recorded message can be heard by touching your ear to another person’s finger.
How It Works
A computer connected to a handheld microphone records the message, transforming it into a sound loop that’s converted into a harmless high-voltage audio signal, which is then transmitted to the microphone’s conductive casing. The signal creates a modulated electrostatic field around the body of the person holding the microphone, allowing him or her to become a sound transmitter. Researchers say the technology can extend beyond the body, turning everyday items into interactive sound devices.
Digital currency is becoming actual cash in Vancouver. The world’s first Bitcoin ATM became available in late October, followed by rumors that four more Robocoin ATMs will be installed in Canada. It’s been reported that the machine doesn’t look much different from a standard ATM, with the exception that users are verified through a palm scan instead of the traditional card and PIN combination.
Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai have demonstrated network technology that could be 10 times faster than traditional Wi-Fi by transmitting data as light instead of radio waves. To carry the signal, the light needs to flicker very rapidly and a camera connected to the user’s device needs to be positioned so that it can see the light. The downside is that users need to be within sight of the light bulb, but overhead lights in an office, for example, could be wired to the Web. Source: Quartz
John McAfee, eccentric founder of anti-virus software giant McAfee Inc., wants to create a device that blocks the National Security Agency — and other snoopers — from accessing private information. He calls his idea the D-Central, a gadget that would work with smartphones and other devices on a small, private network to prevent unwanted access. While no prototype is available yet, the design is complete. McAfee’s looking for development partners. Source: Mashable


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The Digimon Survive release date came up during Digimon Con 2022 Q&A. However, it will still be some time before we see it. Producer Kazumasa Habu noted it will “take a little longer,” as they are “adjusting internally” and figuring out a date. Bandai Namco’s last delay pushed the title into 2022.
Habu apologized for the delays and wait during the session. He noted a change in its development team led to “rework on the game” and “uncertainty.”
Bandai Namco first revealed Digimon Survive back in 2018. It is a strategy game with visual novel elements. The goal will be to follow characters after a major incident as they suddenly encounter Digimon and are striving to survive. 113 total Digimon will appear. The actions players take will determine how the story will go. For example, it will be possible for characters to die. During the Digimon Con 2022 Q&A, Habu said the story will be 12 chapters long. There will be 3 routes to potentially follow.
The Digimon Survive is in development and its release date is expected to fall in 2022. Back when Bandai Namco first announced the game, it said that it would come to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.


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Pets at Home shakes off cost of living crisis as sales continue to rise as post-Covid demand for its products and vet services remains strong
- Group like-for-like sales rose 6% to £404.7m in 16 weeks to July 21
- Retail revenue up 5.6% and vet arm revenue up 8.6%
Pets At Home has posted rising sales in its first quarter as pet owners continue to spend on their beloved fluffy friends despite the soaring cost of living.
The retailer and veterinary services provider said like-for-like sales rose 6 per cent to £404.7million in the 16 weeks to 21 July, with growth across both divisions.
Retail revenue increased by 5.6 per cent on a like-for-like baiss, with sales rising both in store and online, while its vet arm recorded an 8.6 per cent increase in revenues in the period.
Family friends: Pets at Home expects spending on pets to continue
It said it expects spending on pets to continue as it grew its customer base further, attracting 1.1million new customers last year.
Sign-ups to its puppy and kitten club - a subscription service for pet owners - averaged 25,000 a week, three times higher than before Covid.
It also reported a record number of loyalty club members, growing 10.7 per cent year-on-year to total 7.4million people paying for the service.
New client registrations across its First Opinion veterinary practices 'remained strong', averaging over 8,500 per week.
The update comes after the group reported record annual profits in May, surging 65 per cent to £144.7million for the year to the end of March.
Profits for the current financial year are expected to be a bit lower, at £131million, in line with the company's previous forecasts.
In May, the group's outgoing chief executive said households would rather cut back on eating out and buying a new car before spending less on their beloved pets.
The company has not been immune from rising energy and raw materials costs.
But it said it was continuing to 'proactively manage' these inflationary pressures 'through a planned series of productivity and efficiency initiatives' - meaning it will try to avoid price rises for customers.
'Our performance has remained strong in the first quarter, underpinned by continued customer growth and high levels of retention,' said new chief executive Lyssa McGowan.
Mark Crouch, an analyst at eToro, said rising inflation could threaten spending on non-essentials like pet toys.
'While the pandemic pet mania may have faded, spending on food and vet bills for many owners is non-discretionary. In other words, they have to do it,' he said.
'Having said that, inflation, which is predicted to soar to 13 per cent next year, is still a threat to Pets at Home, particularly for non-discretionary items such as toys, and so that will be something investors will be looking out for in future updates.'
Pets at Home shares were down 0.3 per cent to 336.60p in late trading on Friday. The stock has fallen by around 28 per cent over the last year.
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UK: Mars to launch mini ice creams
Confectionery giant Mars is to launch a range of mini-format ice creams in the UK.
The US-based group will sell Galaxy Minis and a multi-pack dubbed A Little Bit of … Mars, Snickers and Bounty.
To support the launch, Mars is planning a GBP£9m (US$17.5m) media spend behind the Galaxy brand.
"Both products are strongly placed to help establish sharing in ice cream as our brands already exist in other sharing formats, and importantly, the two packs target very different consumers and distinctive sharing occasions," said Bep Sandhu, Mars trade relations manager.
The company will also launch a Galaxy vanilla and chocolate cone and a Starburst Smoothie lollie.
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Oh dear, Gap is in the social-media spotlight because of one of their ads. While the fashion industry has never been shied to utilise thin models, it seems that the US retailer has found itself in the midst of a social media disaster. And it all started with a tweet.
Gap tweeted,”Dress up your days in pastel plaid. #since1969,” read the caption to the pic, accompanied by a lanky young woman wearing a pastel plaid dress.
The image sparked an endless amount of controversy from the Twitterverse, with some users defending the brunette beauty’s frame, while others expressed outrage over the controversial shot.
Gap has since responded to the controversy via a statement to E! News. “Our intentions have always been to celebrate diversity in our marketing and champion people for who they are,” Edie Kissko, Gap Inc. spokesperson said. “Upon reflection, we understand the sensitivity surrounding this photograph. Customer feedback is important to us and we think this is a valuable conversation to learn from.”
First of all, what makes it okay to body shame a person just because she looks thin? Second, what makes it okay for anyone to so quickly assume that she has an eating disorder?
The world has a plethora of body types and this happens to depict someone who is naturally skinny, is she not allowed to be represented? GAP also happens to be one of the most progressive retailers who has been consistently trying to depict diversity within their ads. Do you remember this ad featuring Sikh model, designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia from House of Waris?
And their response regarding this particular ad was commendable too.
“Recently, the ad featuring Waris Ahluwalia was found covered with racist graffiti on a New York City subway wall. “Make Love” was crossed out to read “Make Bombs.” Someone scrawled beneath it, “Please stop driving TAXIS.”
The racial epithets were familiar, but what happened next was altogether new. The photograph went viral on Twitter. Within 24 hours, Gap set out to replace the defaced ads, made the ad its background image on Twitter and Facebook and released the statement, “Gap is a brand that celebrates inclusion and diversity.” The company’s response set off a chorus of #ThankYouGap posts.”
What are your views on Gap promoting age, race, gender and weight in their ads? And should we as a society be more accepting of the way people look?