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Testing on Nexus 6 shows dramatic decrease in NAND read and write performance
While initial reviews of the anticipated Google Nexus 6 device were decent, a few reviewers pointed out some confusing performance metrics. Initial examiners of the device are reporting that implementation of Android 5.0 Lollipop's Full Disk Encryption (FDE) cuts NAND random read speeds dramatically, from over 16.6MB/s with encryption off, to 6.18MB/s with the feature active.
Workaround: Use Firefox or Chrome, switch Safari ID to other browser
Users are starting to chime in on Google and Apple's support forums about a sudden incompatibility with video hosting service YouTube. Some users of OS X 10.10.1 are complaining that YouTube videos with leading advertisements either fail to load, play a discordant sound with no video, or crash Safari itself. Firefox and Chrome are not affected by whatever is causing the problem.
Siri fails and iOS 8.1.1 comments
This week in the MacNN forums, members share amusing tales of times that Siri has failed them, providing examples of how Siri doesn't always understand what is really going on. Comments are piling up faster than the snow in Buffalo about the latest update to iOS 8, with some saying it made things better while others aren't so sure it has helped much at all.
First beta comes with known problem, but no focus areas for testing
Just days after issuing the OS X Yosemite 10.10.1 update that has reportedly fixed a raft of Wi-Fi and Mail issues (but not all of them), the company has seeded the first beta of 10.10.2 for developer. The new build, 14C68k, is now available through the Yosemite Software Update mechanism or Apple's developer portal. The release notes for the beta curiously do not mention any focus areas, but do warn testers of a known flaw in opening documents from iCloud Drive.
Joined by Camera Raw 8.7
Adobe has released the final incarnation of Lightroom 5.7, an update to its photography workflow software. The most important addition is a promised migration tool for people switching from Aperture or iPhoto, though it does not bring in all data. Apple is slowly discontinuing Aperture and iPhoto in favor of a new Photos app for OS X Yosemite and iOS in 2015, and while Photos will be able to import Aperture libraries more fully, the program may not provide the professional-level features of something like Lightroom.
private browsing, custom colors and more
Yesterday, when trying to figure out how to set up Safari's private browsing feature in Yosemite, Mac Elite "jeff k" turned to the MacNN Forums looking for some help. Earlier today, forum-goers assisted "Ralph Tomaccio" with trying to change the color of the text under a folder icon on their desktop on Yosemite.
Patch solved issues for some, not nearly all
Apple's latest patch to OS X 10.10 Yosemite, version 10.10.1, has brought along fixes for Wi-Fi and Mail issues for some users. The Apple support threads regarding the matter, however, suggest that not all users are getting relief. While the update has helped some, users are still reporting frequent disconnects and very slow speeds through Wi-Fi, even after the patch.
Appears unconnected to OS X, iOS updates
[Updated with status information] Some people are encountering problems with Apple's iMessage system, according to complaints on social networks such as Twitter. Affected users will find messages taking a long time to send, if they go out at all. Apple's system status page doesn't currently display any warnings.
Yosemite update fixes serious Wi-Fi issues
Apple has released simultaneous updates for OS X Yosemite and iOS 8. OS X 10.10.1 for Mac copes mainly with significant bugs, such as a glitch with Wi-Fi that would cause a system to repeatedly disconnect. It also solves problems with sending Mail messages, displayed updates at the Mac App Store, Mac minis not waking from sleep, and disappearing items like Actions, sharing services, and Notification Center widgets.
Clerks expected to ditch lanyards
Apple is planning some minor changes at its retail stores in preparation for the holiday season, sources say. One of these includes dressing clerks in red holiday shirts. A permanent adjustment, though, will involve removing neck lanyards from the standard uniform; to compensate for the lack of ID, clerks will reportedly be asked to introduce themselves more often.
Fixes Swift, Interface Builder, other components
Apple is now seeding a gold master version of Xcode 6.1.1 to developers, listed as build 6A2006. The update is a relatively minor one, dealing with bugfixes for Xcode Server, Interface Builder, and handling of Apple's Swift programming language. It can be downloaded through the official OS X developer portal.
iPad mini rants, Siri fails and more
Yesterday in the MacNN forums, Grizzled Veteran "chasg" needed to rant about how he is beginning to hate his iPad mini for a variety of reasons, and a few others have chimed in with some advice on how to reconcile the relationship, and make things right again. Forum-goers continue to discuss which of the new iPhones are best in the thread titled "iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus?"
Google makes data-erasing full restore images available for download
Google is now offering a number of methods by which users of four selected Nexus devices can upgrade to Android 5.0 "Lollipop." The primary method, an "Over The Air (OTA) update" is rolling out in phases to users of Google's mobile devices now, and is expected to be available to all owners of the four devices in the next month. Additionally, the company has posted full-restore factory images to its website, should a user want to completely erase a device, and start from scratch (otherwise known as a "clean install").
WTF, memory leak in Messages?
Today in the MacNN forums, Clinically Insane member "turtle777" was bashing their head against the wall trying to figure out why the Messages app seems to have sprung a memory leak which took up more than 50GB, and brought his iMac to a halt. Forum Regular "imdipped" was trying to figure out how to get rid of their Master Boot Record formatting, and do a clean install of Mavericks.
New build doesn't list any new areas of focus; still testing Wi-Fi, Exchange mail, Notification Cent
A week after offering developers and public beta testers a first release of OS X 10.10.1 Yosemite, the company has issued a smaller second beta with the same focus areas as the previous version. The new build, 14B23, again asks testers to focus on Wi-Fi, Exchange email accounts and tracking down bugs in Notification Center, just as with the first beta. Those who signed up for pre-release builds for the Yosemite public beta will also receive the 10.10.1 betas.
Copes with serious glitch encountered by former iPhone owners
Apple has launched a new web tool for deregistering a phone number from iMessage. When a person begins using the Messages app on an iPhone, it links their phone number with an iMessage account so that conversations are seamless whether messages are being delivered via SMS or Apple's own network. The trouble is that if that person decides to switch from an iPhone to a different cellphone, such as an Android or Windows device, other iPhone users trying to message them can end up sending those messages into the ether.
Is the 1,000 app limit storage size or quantity of file related?
Ever since reports of issues with large libraries on Apple's new iPhone 6 Plus surfaced, rumors have been flying around -- all claiming to know the true source of the problems, and Apple's future intentions for the iPhone and iOS. MacNN began some tests about a month ago to try and nail down the root cause of the issue -- and as we alluded to last week, we believe that the "problem" lies in the iOS, and not a hardware flaw related to NAND cells. Read on for our methodology, as well as our specific findings.
Home mechanics and pros alike may benefit from this app-driven code scanner
There's no doubt about it, having the check engine light pop on just might top the list of "most dreaded events" that car owners face. The warning doesn't have to herald disaster to home mechanics with the help of OBD 2 scanner tools. One such device, the Lemur BlueDriver, is designed to provide peace of mind and guidance to anyone who might have come down with a case of the check-engine-light-blues. We've had some check engine lights ourselves -- check our review to see how the Lemur BlueDriver did.
something cool about dictation, GPU replacement and more
Professional Poster "moonmonkey" was letting fellow MacNN forum goers know "something cool about dictation on Yosemite" in a thread started late last week. Today one Fresh-Faced Recruit was asking fellow forum goers if anyone had any suggestions for legitimate places to have graphics cards replaced on some 2007 and 2011 motherboards.
data restoration, Mavericks notifications and more
Today, forum-goers attempt to assist "l008com" with restoring data from an erased SSD/TRIM-enabled Mac, and wonder if Data Rescue will find nothing in the free space. Yesterday, Mac Elite "Matt OS X" turned to the forums looking for a way to completely disable notifications using a command line in Mavericks, and has yet to get a response.
Concentrates on bugfixes, speed boosts
In tandem with the OS X 10.10.1 beta, Apple has simultaneously released an initial iOS 8.1.1 beta to developers. The code is listed as build 12B432. So far, the update appears concentrated around bugfixes and performance increases, rather than adding new features, as in iOS 8.1.
Several support threads discussing issue related to GPU switching
Some early Retina-equipped MacBook Pro users are seeing graphical issues in Safari and other browsers following an upgrade to OS X 10.10 Yosemite. The severity of the issues vary, but a growing series of support threads on the Apple user forums show users experiencing problems ranging from minor text entry issues, all the way through persistent crashing. A pair of workarounds are available, but not all users are reporting success with them.
Testers are to focus on Wi-Fi, Mail and Notification Center fixes
On Monday, Apple released the first beta of OS X Yosemite 10.10.1, the forthcoming first update to Yosemite. This first beta is the first to arrive after the release of OS X Yosemite on October 16. The new build, 14B17, can be obtained by registered developers through Apple's Software Update. Apple is asking developers to focus on Wi-Fi, Exchange accounts in Mail, and Notification Center. No release notes have yet been published detailing any changes or fixes present in 10.10.1.
Fixes vary from preference deletion all the way through OS X reinstall
Complaints from Yosemite upgraders about Wi-Fi connectivity are beginning to stack up. Reports are circulating about strange Wi-Fi issues, with issues seemingly related to corrupted preference files or bad configurations left over from previous installs. Fixes abound for the issues, with seemingly no commonality to the problems beyond just being related to wireless networking.
new Mini mysteries
Since the release of the updated Mac mini, there has been a lot of chatter in the MacNN forums regarding some of the choices made by Apple to use slower processors and take away the ability to upgrade RAM, among other things. Yesterday, Professional Poster "badidea" took to the forums, reporting serious problems with re-partitioning their startup disk, and he is pleading for help from fellow forum members.
2011 Core i7 iMac vs Retina i5 iMac
After having some display backlight and logic board issues with an older iMac, Mac Enthusiast "Boochie" has decided now would be a good time to start thinking about a new iMac. A post they made in the MacNN forums sparked a debate about what would be a better choice, a 2011 iMac with a Core i7 processor, or a new Retina iMac with an i5 processor. Yesterday, one Forum Regular was trying to determine the best cable to use to connect a Mac mini to a Dell UltraSharp monitor, and asked fellow forum members for their thoughts.
Apple failing to acknowledge video defect, suit says
Following up on earlier talk, lawfirm Whitfield Bryson & Mason has filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple on behalf of owners of the 2011 MacBook Pro. For some time, users of the laptop have been complaining about visual artifacts, blank screens, and/or crashes, which appear to be linked to problems with AMD graphics hardware. Apple, though, hasn't offered to fix affected systems outside of warranty coverage without charging high fees, and using replacement parts that may cause the exact same trouble.
Blames distribution system, not code
Via Re/code's first annual Code/Mobile conference, Apple's VP for iPhone marketing, Greg Joswiak, has apologized for the botched iOS 8.0.1 update in September. "It wasn't the software itself it was the way it was distributed," he explains in an interview. "We're very sorry."
Will replace bank-sponsored system with competing mobile wallet platform next year
Following reader complaints of Rite-Aid stores no longer accepting Apple Pay or Google Wallet payments (following a brief period where both worked properly) and a "cone of silence" from PR representatives, leaked documents have revealed that the reversal by Rite-Aid on accepting NFC-based payments was deliberate, and that it may never accept Apple Pay, since it is planning to go with a rival mobile payments platform -- sometime next year.
Fix for card images in progress, sources say
Although the service appears to be working in general, some banks supporting Apple Pay are encountering some early technical problems. One issue is that in some cases, the correct card designs aren't being displayed in Passbook. Affected cards will show generic logos for their associated institutions, and possibly lack descriptions as well, which can make numbers the only way to distinguish between them when a person has multiple cards from the same firm. Sources claim that a fix for the bug is already underway.
All iOS apps must support 64-bit code??
One headline on MacNN this week has caused a bit of a stir in the forums, when Mac Elite "WizOSX" pointed out that Apple has announced that all iOS apps must support 64-bit code by February. One Fresh-Faced Recruit is having trouble playing video with their Windows notebook computer, and is wondering if the MacBook Air would be able to handle it better.
Includes delayed SMS Relay tech, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth fixes
As planned, Apple has released iOS 8.1 to the public. The main addition is support for Apple Pay, but a number of other important features are present. These include beta support for iCloud Photo Library, and the return of the Camera Roll to the Photos app. SMS Relay enables SMS/MMS messaging via a nearby Mac or iPad, and people can now force a device to use 2G, 3G, or 4G for data, instead of it selecting networks automatically. A minor photo-related improvement generates alerts whenever there's too little storage to start a timelapse video.
Socketed CPU, same components as previous model shown in breakdown
Apple repair purveyors iFixit have given their regular disassembly treatment to Apple's new 27-inch 5K iMac. As the machine has re-used the chassis from the last generation of iMac, and has only minor changes to the internals apart from the display, the repairability score remains the same at a five out of 10. Notably, the company has found a larger display data connector, with the fused LCD and taped-down display hindering repair efforts.
Time for a new iMac?
Since yesterday marked the release of the new 27-inch iMac, the MacNN forums have been abuzz with chatter about this latest addition to the Mac family, and finally there is an answer to the age-old question "is it time for a new iMac?" and it looks like that answer is a resounding "yes." The official OS X 10.10 Yosemite thread was started yesterday by "Eden Aurora," where users can share their experiences and first impressions.
Disabling, re-enabling to happen through software updates
Apple is planning to temporarily disable blood glucose tracking in iOS 8's Health app, the company says in a new support document. It explains that the app is currently set to track glucose levels using mg/dL, a value adopted in the US and some other countries. But some regions, such as the UK and Australia, depend on mmol/L; the discrepancy can cause problems, even though iOS' underlying HealthKit platform supports both measurements.
Plan only pegged for 'the near future'
Authorized Apple service providers -- and presumably Apple itself -- will soon start servicing Beats speakers and headphones, according to a memo to providers obtained by a Greek website. The message states that "in the near future, Apple will be responsible for providing service" for Beats products. The company adds that it is now sending out contract addendums, and will publish articles explaining the exact processes for handling Beats gear.
Yosemite…the time is nigh.
MacNN forum-goers anxiously await the official release of OS X Yosemite, with some spreading rumors about the possible release date, and others still reporting bugs they have found in GM releases of the OS. "Waragainstsleep" is looking for a way to quickly add plist files to a spreadsheet, and wonders if anyone has any suggestions.
List of affected Belkin devices, cause of incident both unknown
Some of accessory manufacturer Belkin's router customers are experiencing connectivity issues, predominantly with older models. For reasons unknown, possibly due to a silent, automatic firmware update, some Belkin networking products are refusing connection to the Internet, but maintaining local area network connectivity. Some models can be restored by pointing Domain Name Services to Google's or other providers' services.
Could enable Apple Pay testing
Apple is seeding a second beta of iOS 8.1 to developers, users note. The contents of the code are unknown, but it likely builds out upcoming Apple Pay support, references to which were found in the first beta. If recent rumors are true the new beta may enable Apple Pay testing, and prefigure a public launch of v8.1 on or around October 20th.
Should halt further infections
Apple has issued a silent update to Xprotect, the anti-malware system in OS X, to detect and block the inaccurately-named "iWorm" trojan uncovered last week. The new definitions actually mention three variants, identified as "OSX.iWorm.A," "OSX.iWorm.B," and "OSX.iWorm.C." It's not clear what the differences between them might be.
Search engine has scrubbed 'tens of thousands' of links to stolen photos
Google has responded to the letter threatening legal action should Google not purge the Internet of stolen, and sometimes intimate, photos of celebrities. The search engine has denied that it is intentionally profiting on the scandal, and instead has acted quickly and appropriately to takedown requests by removing "tens of thousands" of images from Google search results.
Formerly used Reddit as go between to steal user data
[Updated with corrected information and further details] A new Trojan threat, possibly disguised as a fake unauthorized build of OS X 10.10 Yosemite, is making the rounds by taking in users who attempt to pirate software. The new malware, dubbed "iWorm" by Russian research firm "Dr. Web," has supposedly been installed by duped users on over 17,000 unique IP addresses worldwide thus far. Users would have had to have downloaded and installed the software in order to be victimized by the Trojan, which is mostly aimed at gathering user data.
Mac OS X optimization utilities, iPhone 6, iOS 8
This week has been rather slow in the MacNN forums, however debates rage on about the new iPhone 6. Conversations continue about problems with iOS 8, and of course our helpful forum-goers assist with troubleshooting. One Fresh-Faced Recruit has recommended some good Mac utilities to use for optimizing OS X. In the thread titled "iPhone 6 or iPhone 6+," members continue to debate the usefulness of each device, and why they would pick one over the other.
refurbished Mac Pro for $2,549, 4K TVs and more
At Apple's Online Store, save $450 on the refurbished current-generation Mac Pro, which has been reduced to $2,549 from $2,999. That discount makes this around $300 less than buying it in brand new condition anywhere else. This Mac Pro features a 3.7GHz Intel quad-core Xeon E5 processor, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of flash storage and dual AMD FirePro D300 graphics cards. A one-year warranty on parts and labor is provided by Apple.
Issue inconsistent between users, devices
Customers trying to use the App Store are currently experiencing a variety of problems, according to complaints. Some are seeing vague error messages, while others are simply unable to finish downloads; many users are unaffected. For those who are impacted, the trouble can interfere with both the iOS and Mac App Stores, and any version of iOS or OS X.
Editor issues open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook
Apple has dropped a German publication, Computer Bild, from receiving review units or covering company events, according to the publication's editor-in-chief, Axel Telzerow. Like some other websites, CB recently decided to produce a video testing whether the iPhone 6 Plus can be bent more easily than other phones. The clip (below) has managed to gather over 510,000 views so far on YouTube; its popularity apparently caught the attention of Apple, which contacted CB to revoke press privileges.
Apple developing fix
The current versions of iOS 8 is creating problems for people who pair their iPhones with Bluetooth devices, particularly car audio systems, according to complaints. In the case of cars, devices with the firmware may refuse to pair, fail to play audio, or disconnect when a phonecall comes in. The problem can't be solved with iOS 8.0.2, and is affecting many automotive brands, including BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, and others.
Apparently tied to iOS 8
A bug involving the iOS App Store is causing it to display inappropriate apps under the various Kids categories, according to complaints. Browsing those categories' Top Charts sections, users can currently spot many apps that would normally fall under the All Categories umbrella. This includes obvious mistakes, such as gambling and dating apps.
Solves unusual bureaucratic obstacle
Apple is now allowing people to participate in its iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program even if they've had their phone's display fixed using third-party components, according to a notice on the company's private website for service providers. Apple's previous position was that it wouldn't replace batteries in phones that may have seen damage, and as such it required broken displays to be fixed first. If someone fixed a display on their own, though, Apple would deny them a new battery.
Apple may have unjustly denied repairs for older iPhones, iPods
Participants in a class action lawsuit regarding liquid damage indicators for the iPhone and iPod touch are beginning to receive settlement checks, accounts say. In April 2013, Apple agreed to pay $53 million to compensate people who may have been denied warranty coverage because of the indicators. Their maker, 3M, admitted that they could be tripped simply by humidity. Apple later adjusted its policies to require additional checks before blocking repairs, but the lawsuit continued.


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A number of developments are on the horizon for Shovel Knight, including new content, a name change, a new platform, and a price increase.
Developer Yacht Club Games announced all of this on its blog today. Shovel Knight and the Specter of Torment expansion are both set for release on Nintendo Switch. A release date wasn’t shared, but that could be because Switch itself doesn’t yet have an exact date. We should be hearing more on that front during Thursday’s livestream presentation.
Meanwhile, the format of Shovel Knight itself is changing. Yacht Club is adding a subtitle, Treasure Trove, to the main package, while the original campaign will become known as Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope.
Each campaign–Shovel of Hope, Plague of Shadows, and the upcoming Specter of Torment and King Knight ones–and Battle mode will be sold as cheaper, standalone experiences in the future on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch. This will let new players pick any of these things to start with (and for less money). It also allows existing owners to pick up just part of the overall game on a new platform.
The price of Treasure Trove, which includes all of this, is accordingly going up. A new price wasn’t announced, but the change will happen sometime this spring, so you have until then to get the full package at the current price. If you already own Shovel Knight, you’ll still get all of the content on the way for free, as previously planned.
“We want to keep our promise of releasing free content for all players,” Yacht Club explained in an FAQ. “We also want to continue building these campaigns and features to be the best! Somewhere along the way, the game has simply gotten too big! It’s difficult for many players out there to find everything or even know that these campaigns exist. We believe that providing standalone versions will provide better entry points for different types of players and allow more people to continue enjoying each adventure on their next favorite platform.”
Specter of Torment’s launch will coincide with that of Body Swap mode, allowing you to play as and modify the look of characters without changing the basic mechanics. Body-swapped versions of Shovel Knight and Shield Knight can be seen in the image above.
Additionally, the game’s two-player local co-op mode is coming to the PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions (but not 3DS or Vita). It was previously locked to the Wii U version for owners of the Shovel Knight Amiibo.
Shovel Knight has received a tremendous level of support since it launched in 2014. As a result of the funding it received, its original Kickstarter campaign pledged to deliver things like playable versions of the Plague Knight, Specter Knight, and King Knight, among other features. The Plague Knight campaign proved to be a significant expansion, and the same looks to be true with Specter of Torment.
Yacht Club’s dedication to fulfilling its Kickstarter goals has been commendable, to say the least: This June will mark three years of quality post-launch support for Shovel Knight. That doesn’t appear to be coming to an end anytime soon, as Battle Mode (a local competitive four-player multiplayer mode) and the King Knight campaign aren’t coming until later in 2017.
That said, there is good news for those who want to see the studio try its hand at something new. Its FAQ addresses the subject of it making a new game, stating, “These are new games! But if you want something new outside of Shovel Knight… we have vowed to begin work on a new project this year!”

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It seems like only yesterday Starbucks lovers rejoiced over the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Now, as fall moves into winter, the coffee chain is preparing for the upcoming holiday season which means the beloved holiday cups are back.
Along with the launch of the 2020 holiday cups, Starbucks is also bringing back some seasonal classics for its winter menu. However, it looks like a few popular drinks are not making a return this year.
Back in September, Starbucks made it known that the holidays are arriving early this year. The company launched its new holiday merch line which includes various cold cups, tumblers and even a purple stainless-steel water bottle.
Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Starbucks is officially launching its new holiday cups on Friday, Nov. 6. This year, the coffee chain kept the cups’ designs traditional. Featuring the classic holiday colors of red, green and white, the new line includes polka dot, ornament and Christmas pattern-inspired designs.
Along with the new holiday cups, Starbucks is also launching its new beverage and food menu on Friday. This year marks the return of some classic seasonal favorites including the Peppermint Mocha, the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, the Caramel Brulee Latte, the Chestnut Praline Latte and the Eggnog Latte. Depending on the store’s location, a grande size of these holiday drinks cost between $5.25 and $5.65.
However, some Starbucks lovers have noticed a few previous seasonal favorites do not appear on this year’s holiday menu. According to Elite Daily, the Gingerbread Latte won’t be back this year. As well, if you are a fan of the Irish Cream Cold Brew that launched last December, that is also missing from the 2020 menu.
Despite the menu changes, Starbucks is telling everyone not to worry. The coffee chain assures customers that even more festival drinks are launching later this season.
Accompanying the new seasonal drinks this year are plenty of delicious goodies. The Cranberry Orange Scone, the Cranberry Bliss Bar, the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, the Snowman Cookie and the Snowman Cake Pop are just a few of the foods included in the 2020 holiday menu.
According to Starbucks, the Cranberry Bliss Bar “features a blondie cake base, topped with sweet cream cheese icing and tart dried cranberries, garnished with white orange drizzle. Also available for purchase by the tray.”
As well, the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish “is made with cream cheese filling surrounded by a fluffy danish, topped with spiced sugar plum spread. It’s such a dreamy combination of flavors that you’ll have visions of this holiday delight long after your last bite.”
To celebrate the arrival of these holiday goodies, Starbucks is giving a free collectible red holiday cup to customers. All they have to do is order one of the seasonal holiday beverages on Nov. 6 at participating U.S. Starbucks locations.
Starbucks’ Christmas blend whole-bean coffee is available to pick up at Starbucks locations. As well, other favorite seasonal flavors such as Holiday Blend and Peppermint Mocha are also available in K-Cups and Roast & Ground for customers to enjoy right at home. Now, everyone can have a little bit of Christmas cheer no matter where they are.
More information Starbucks’ holiday launches is available here.
What is your favorite Starbucks holiday drink? Which 2020 holiday cup design do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.


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Pernod Ricard USA Announces Reorganization and Expansion of Its Spirits Marketing Team Team to Be Led by Pierre Berard, Former Director, Marketing for Pernod Ricard China Business Wire NEW YORK -- July 1, 2013 In a move aimed at establishing recognized leadership among fast-moving consumer goods companies, Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., has announced a reorganization and expansion of its Spirits Marketing team, effective July 1, 2013. The revamped group is designed to further enhance the existing momentum behind the company’s key spirits brands, while capitalizing on such key growth drivers as innovation, multicultural marketing and digital media. The team will be led by Pierre Berard, who joins Pernod Ricard USA from Pernod Ricard China, where he served as Director, Marketing. Berard achieved excellent results in that role through strategic brand leadership, value creation, and the delivery of insightful, emotionally engaging ideas that converted consumers into brand advocates. Bryan Fry, President and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA, said the expanded Marketing team “will reinforce our two greatest assets, our brands and people, by ensuring that we have the right resources, organized in the right way, to continue to build outstanding, desirable, premium spirits brands and achieve our strong growth objectives.” Berard said he is confident that the enhanced team – which will include new appointees from both inside and outside the company and industry – will position Pernod Ricard USA for continued good performance. “Our success is based not only on our exceptional portfolio of leading premium brands, but also on the leadership ambition shared by our passionate, creative and diverse team,” Berard said. “When you add in the quality of our leaders, and Pernod Ricard’s strong reputation for demonstrating our values – entrepreneurship, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics – in everything we do, it’s clear that our expanded Marketing organization will be a great place to work.” Job applicants who want more details about the new Marketing roles are encouraged to visit the company’s website, www.pernod-ricard-usa.com/careers. ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs more than 18,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI). The company’s leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines. Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country.Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org. Contact: Pernod Ricard USA Marissa Frisina, 212-372-5283 firstname.lastname@example.org
Pernod Ricard USA Announces Reorganization and Expansion of Its Spirits Marketing Team
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The dream of the $35 tablet looks to be disappearing in the harsh morning light, as the UK company chosen to develop the device by the Indian government is given the cold shoulder.
DataWind's Aakash tablet was an amazing achievement, there's no doubt about that. At a time when Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project was still chasing the $100 laptop, the Aakash was put together for a bill of materials totalling $50 (around £32.) With subsidies from the Indian government for which it was created, that meant students would have access to a touch-screen tablet for educational use for just $35 (around £22.)
Reports of troubles surrounding the project suggest that all is not well, however, with the government claiming DataWind's design is sub-par while DataWind accuses the government of changing the requirements half-way through the first phase of the project.
According to an unnamed source at the Indian government's Human Resource Development Ministry speaking to MSN
, the project will be pulled from DataWind and put out to tender. 'It's not automatic that because you have done phase one you will do phase two,
' the official reportedly stated. 'The feeling is that sufficient interest has been generated to get better specifications at the same or a lower price.
The government claims that specifications are at the heart of the problem. While it was aware that the Aakash was being built on a tight budget, the resultant device is far from what it was promised. An unresponsive resistive touch-screen coupled with a distinctly under-powered processor mean a poor user experience, even for a device retailing for less than the cost of the average university textbook in the UK.
DataWind denies these claims. According to chief executive Suneet Singh, the real problem comes from a last-minute decision to change the requirements from the device. As well as a budget-friendly bill of materials, DataWind was suddenly required to make the device conform to US IPX durability specifications.
With those specifications requiring that the tablet be able to withstand four inches an hour of sustained rainfall, it was never going to happen without some serious redesigning and a significant increase in cost.
Despite the setback, DataWind is forging ahead with its own version of the Aakash tablet. Due to launch later this month for 2,999Rs (around £39,) the commercial tablet includes an in-built GPRS modem to provide internet connectivity in areas where fixed-line networking is still extremely rare.


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A bug could place nearly 1 billion electronic devices into the hands of hackers.
Cybersecurity experts at Checkpoint found that many models of popular Android devices feature a “QuadRooter” – a set of four vulnerabilities that could leave smartphones and tablets vulnerable to attackers. The bug was found on pre-installed drivers running on chipsets made by US firm Qualcomm. If exploited, the vulnerabilities allow attackers to have unrestricted access to personal data on the device. It would also allow them to have control of the device's camera and GPS.
For more information on the specifics of the bug, you can download the full Checkpoint report here.
The bug could potentially leave 900 million smartphones and tablets that have the chipsets vulnerable to hackers. The company said the following models are at risk:
- Blackphone 1 and Blackphone 2
- Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6 and Nexus 6P
- HTC One, HTC M9 and HTC 10
- LG G4, LG G5, and LG V10
- New Moto X by Motorola
- OnePlus One, OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3
- Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung S7 Edge
- Sony Xperia Z Ultra
At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that cybercriminals have been using the bug.
Checkpoint sent information about the bugs to Qualcomm in April this year. Qualcomm responded by creating patches for the bugs in an “industry-standard disclosure policy”, which allows them to have 90 days to create patches before disclosing these vulnerabilities to the public. Checkpoint have said that the issue highlights that Android’s security update process is “badly broken.” It’s also not clear if the patches have made their way onto customer's devices.
As ever, the best way to stay on-top of threats is to install the Android operating system updates as soon as they become available. These updates often contain patches and security updates that have been developed in light of reports of bugs and vulnerabilities.
Checkpoint also has a free “QuadRooter scanner app” on the Google Play store, which can tell if your device has these vulnerabilities.


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Paragon Customer Communications, producer of direct marketing print collateral, has expanded its direct mail capabilities on coated media following investment in a Ricoh Pro VC70000 high speed colour inkjet press.
The new press joins two existing Pro VC60000 systems at the east London site and expands Paragon’s capacity to produce offset quality Direct Mail, financial reports such as pension plans as well as letters and shelf labels. Paragon has also implemented RICOH Process Directorsoftware to support smoother production workflow management across multiple sites.
The investment continues Paragon’s commitment to innovative technology and follows installation of Europe’s first Ricoh Pro V20100 mono continuous feed inkjet solution 18 months ago chosen to expand book on demand services. The Pro VC70000 delivers an array of printing options, including personalized content for perfect bound books and folded sections. Covers are produced on a recently added Ricoh Pro C9210 colour sheetfed press.
Clive Stringer, director of Continuous Feed Print and High-End Software, Commercial and Industrial Printing Group, Ricoh Europe, comments, “We are proud to be working with Paragon on the next step of its growth strategy. We have a longstanding relationship, with Paragon being an early adopter of Ricoh inkjet technology, starting over a decade ago. The Pro VC70000 will accelerate the transfer of offset print to digital and allow it to stand out from the crowd, while potentially saving up to 40% in paper costs.”
Dave Phillips, site director at Paragon Customer Communications, comments, “Our latest Ricoh investment will allow us to diversify our product offering. We value the input of Ricoh to our business both in terms of technology and as a partner in developing new business.”
2023 promises an interesting ride for print in India
Indian Printer and Publisher founded in 1979 is the oldest B2B trade publication in the multi-platform and
multi-channel IPPGroup. While the print and packaging industries have been resilient in the past 33 months since the pandemic lockdown of 25 March 2020, the commercial printing and newspaper industries have yet to recover their pre-Covid trajectory.
The fragmented commercial printing industry faces substantial challenges as does the newspaper industry.
While digital short-run printing and the signage industry seem to be recovering a bit faster, ultimately
their growth will also be moderated by the progress of the overall economy. On the other hand book
printing exports are doing well but they too face several supply-chain and logistics challenges.
The price of publication papers including newsprint has been high in the past year while availability is diminished by several mills shutting down their publication paper and newsprint machines in the past four years. Indian paper mills are also exporting many types of paper and have raised prices for Indian printers. To some extent, this has helped in the recovery of the digital printing industry with its on-demand short-run and low-wastage paradigm.
Ultimately digital print and other digital channels will help print grow in a country where we are still far behind in our paper and print consumption and where digital is a leapfrog technology that will only increase the demand for print in the foreseeable future. For instance, there is no alternative to a rise in textbook consumption but this segment will only reach normality in the next financial year beginning on 1 April 2023.
Thus while the new normal is a moving target and many commercial printers look to diversification, we believe that our target audiences may shift and change. Like them, we will also have to adapt with agility to keep up with their business and technical information needs.
Our 2023 media kit is ready, and it is the right time to take stock and reconnect with your potential markets and customers. Print is the glue for the growth of liberal education, new industry, and an emerging economy. We seek your participation in what promises to be an interesting ride.


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International Game Technology Hosts Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Call and Webcast on Tuesday, July 24
LAS VEGAS, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) will host a conference call regarding its Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2012 earnings release on Tuesday, Jul. 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. PST. The access numbers are as follows:
Domestic callers dial 888-829-8676, passcode IGT
International callers dial 1-773-756-4709, passcode IGT
The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet. A link to the webcast
is available at our website http://www.IGT.com/InvestorRelations.
If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived until Wednesday, Aug 8, 2012 at http://www.IGT.com/InvestorRelations. Interested parties who can't participate at the time of the call may listen to a taped replay of the entire conference call commencing at approximately 4:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, Jul. 24, 2012. This replay will run through Wednesday, Aug 8, 2012. The access numbers are as follows:
Domestic callers dial 800-841-4360
International callers dial 1-402-280-9930
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products, as well as online and mobile gaming solutions for regulated markets. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com or follow IGT on Twitter at @IGTNews or Facebook at www.facebook.com/IGT.
SOURCE International Game Technology
More by this Source
International Game Technology Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2013 Results
Apr 25, 2013, 16:15 ET
International Game Technology announces signing of $1 billion Credit Agreement
Apr 24, 2013, 17:50 ET
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TEHRAN (Iran News) – By the decision of Iraqi Wasit Governorate, activity in Mehran-Zarbatieh Border was suspended for a period of two weeks, effective as of Feb. 28.
According to a letter received to Mehran Customs Office, the Iraqi government suspended trade and passenger activity in Iran’s Mehran and Iraq’s Zarbatieh Border.
This proposal has been given by the president of Iraq’s Zarbatieh Customs to Wasit Governorate.
Over the past week, Mehran Border was closed due to some problems in Iraq’s Customs and resulted in a suspension of more than a thousand trade and commercial trucks.
- source : MNA, Irannews


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Numbers tell our story
TPV in Payments
Presence across India
Business Loan Facilitated
We unlock the true potential of your business
BharatPe Merchant Stories
BharatPe Group, India’s leading name in the fintech ecosystem, has announced the appointment of Rohan Khara as the Chief Product Officer.
BharatPe, India’s leading name in fintech, today announced its financial performance for the fiscal year 2023, showcasing substantial growth and strategic advancements across key business segments.
BharatPe, one of India’s leading players in the fintech sector, today announced that it has turned EBITDA positive in October 2023.


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EL SEGUNDO, CA: Mattel chairman and CEO Bryan Stockton has resigned after the Barbie maker warned of a 6% sales slide over the key Christmas period.
Mattel, known for the Barbie and Fisher-Price brands, will replace Stockton with board member Christopher Sinclair in the interim. Sinclair is the former CEO of Pepsi.
"We will be working during the coming months to revitalize the business and to identify the right leadership for Mattel as it enters its next phase of growth and value creation," said Sinclair.
While Mattel remains the biggest toymaker globally, this is the fifth quarterly sales drop in a row to an estimated $2 billion. It isn’t clear where the toymaker’s market share is going, but analysts peg Barbie’s fading popularity to shinier distractions, such as gaming apps.
Mattel is also set to lose its lucrative merchandising contract for Disney’s Frozen to Hasbro next year.
Along with the sales slide, Mattel estimated that profits fell 60% to $369.2 million in the period, primarily due to its attempts to compete against Lego. Mattel bought Lego’s biggest challenger, Mega Brands, last year for $460 million, contributing to the hold in profits.
This story originally appeared on the website of Marketing.


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In a bid to assure business owners that state government supports them, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno made a stop in Kearny last week as part of a sweeping tour of 100 New Jersey businesses.
During her visit to L&R Manufacturing in Kearny, Guadagno promised to assist the firm’s principals in growing their firm by providing them with phone numbers to key individuals at the state level and with the state’s Business Action Center, which provides support including training and workforce dollars.
“The message here is directed at the businesses of New Jersey,” said Guadagno, who was serving as acting governor last week during Gov. Chris Christie’s vacation. “If there is anything at the state level that inhibits them from earning a living, they can call on me. ... New Jersey is open for business. We are encouraging businesses to stay, grow and bring more business here.”
Now in its 81st year, L&R Manufacturing produces ultrasonic cleaning devices and chemicals that serve a wide variety of industries, from dental and jewelry firms to law enforcement and the military.
The family-owned firm, which has two sites in Kearny, employs approximately 90 people, 60 percent of whom reside in the West Hudson area, according to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. Lazarus.
Lazarus declined to comment on the company’s annual profit, but said “business is busy.”
During a closed meeting with Guadagno, he and other company executives planned to discuss the future of the state’s Urban Enterprise Zone program, which provides tax breaks and incentives to grow businesses, predominantly in urban areas.
L&R is a member of Kearny’s UEZ.
Christie has eliminated the funding UEZ municipalities have received for projects that promote business growth, but so far has preserved benefits that directly benefit businesses including reduced sales taxes paid on their purchases and tax credits for hiring local employees.
Since its inception 28 years ago, the UEZ has generated $28 million in funding for Kearny and has created 3,800 full-time jobs in town, according to town records.
“That’s our biggest question,” Lazarus said of the fate of the UEZ program. “We want to make sure that stays.”
Guadagno said the budget recently approved by Christie safeguards the benefits to businesses, but “takes out the bureaucratic part and stops the money from going back to local governments.
“In terms of small businesses, all the pieces of the UEZ program are still in place because it’s a good program,” she noted.


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Direct listings have become an increasingly popular way for a company to join the public markets.
VC investment is growing as more financial services apps are built using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency is becoming more widely accepted.
The Houston-based company is building a blockchain ecosystem to prove a business’ ethical and sustainable business practices.
The move comes as the price of bitcoin rose to a record high this week.
The company aims to provide universal access to cryptocurrency.
The round was led by Paradigm with participation from existing investors, Cyberstarts, Tenaya Capital, Swisscom, Galaxy Digital, Digital Currency...
Expert panelists share their short- and long-term outlooks for the cryptocurrency space.
BlockFi offers a suite of financial products enabling clients to build and manage wealth through digital asset investments.
Three VCs investing in decentralized financing share why they are backing this concept.
The quantitative investment firm specializes in digital assets, such as Bitcoin.
The company's security technology enables users to build cryptofinance products for managing digital assets.


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By: Sophie Kluthe
When disaster strikes, time can sometimes be an emergency responder’s worst enemy, but thanks to ToyotaLift Northeast, major response operations have just been sped up for trained Red Cross disaster workers in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month, a truck arrived at the American Red Cross warehouse in Montgomery County with a delivery that would make any logistics specialist smile; it was a beautiful forklift gifted to the American Red Cross by ToyotaLift Northeast.
“This new forklift enables us to be better prepared for disasters big and small. This warehouse stores disaster related supplies for our entire region – like clots, blankets and pillows to open emergency shelters when the need arises. By having the ability to quickly load these supplies into trucks, it allows the Red Cross to reach more people in need, more quickly, when they need it most,” said Erin Stephens, Regional Disaster Officer of the American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania Region.
On what was one of the coldest days of the season so far in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the sight of a new, orange forklift rolling into the warehouse was a sight that would warm any Red Crossers heart. Thank you, ToyotaLift!


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Ricky Sethi is LG's new training manager, UK and Nordic. He joined the company from Panasonic where he was a technical support specialist.
He will be based at the LG headquarters in Weybridge where he will be responsible for the Weybridge Training Academy but also for the new facility in Chesterfield, at the GREenergy Training Centre. He will also oversee training via distributors around the country.
He said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me and I’m already enjoying the role with one of the leading companies in the sector. We have an extraordinary facility at HQ and increasing training opportunities around the UK, so I’m looking forward to playing my part in building the LG brand in the heating and air conditioning sectors in the next 12 months.”


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Up until recently, selling coconut was deemed as a business venture for the uneducated.
But that perception is being altered as university graduates are taking over the business and transforming it right from handling to packaging and then sales.
A crop of young Ghanaians seem to have found success in this business and taken it as a full time job.
It’s not known what might have accounted for the mad rush into this business. However, we can narrow it down to two main factors. 1. Unemployment and 2. Innovation
With the rising unemployment rate in the country, a chunk of the youth are finding innovative means of survival.
The Labour Force Survey Report last year pegs unemployment rate among the youth at 1.2 million people representing 11.9%.
And with universities churning out more graduates each year, high rate of unemployment continuous to be our bane.
Amidst all these, the youth has not given up as evident in the various social entrepreneurship initiatives and innovation they have come up with.
Here are 3 thriving coconut businesses owned by graduates.
Kube Pure is a coconut business that Kwasi Addai Mununkum set up last year after years of researching. He had job offers right after national service but he chose the coconut path because his passion to provide tasty coconut packaged under strictly hygienic condition kept burning. Kube Pure has one of the most innovative packages you could ever imagine.
Kubae, another coconut startup works to ensure that customers enjoy healthy coconuts in a convenient and an attractive package. They provide healthy choices for all events and can even customize coconut upon request of the clients and depending on the occasion. Their pina juice and lantern juice dispenser sets them apart.
Adowarim Lugu-Zuri has found her feet in a male dominated area- selling coconut. A university graduate, she left her Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) job and moved into selling coconuts after someone she met hinted on the booming revenue from coconut. With her innovative packaging, she has had contracts serving major banks in Ghana. She is reported to now own 40 acre coconut plantation.
These are just a few of the coconut businesses run by young graduates.
It seems they are not the only group who are privy to the potential of coconut as government has started strengthening supply chains of exportable coconut by injecting GH¢600,000 into the field through its Coconut Export Revitalisation Project.
By Pamela Ofori-Boateng


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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry, Innovation, kicked off #NLTechTour2020 today by visiting Genesis to meet with participants in Newfoundland and Labrador’s inventive, productive, and competitive innovation ecosystem. This is the first in a number of 2020 technology tours.
Genesis clients and graduates have raised more than $615 million and have created more than 1,700 jobs. These companies are generating in excess of $200 million in revenues annually, and are all headquartered in Newfoundland and Labrador. The business incubator has been building and strengthening the province’s emerging tech sector for over 20 years, including supporting successful home-grown graduates such as Verafin, Rutter, Genoa, MYSA and HeyOrca!.
As committed in its Business Innovation Agenda and Technology Sector Work Plan, the Provincial Government is collaborating with organizations such as Genesis to provide supports for innovative and entrepreneurial companies. Supporting start-ups helps create new jobs and opportunities and fosters innovation in our provincial economy.
In collaboration with business, industry and academia, the Provincial Government is linking innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth to expand the pool and capacity of businesses in the province.
“Our government is proud of the many Newfoundland and Labrador entrepreneurs and innovators who are excelling every day, and many of the recent successes demonstrate there is no limit to the potential growth of local companies. We recognize that Genesis plays a significant role in this entrepreneurial journey, helping to foster and grow tech companies that are putting our province on the innovation map. We are pleased to kick off our tech tour at Genesis, and we will continue to spotlight local innovation in the coming weeks. ”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Genesis is thrilled to be the first stop on the NLTechTour2020. The technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing unprecedented growth and opportunity, and we are delighted to showcase our world-class innovators. Genesis has expanded rapidly in recent years, tripling the number of clients in our Enterprise program since 2015. We see this as only the beginning of our impact going forward, and are proud to be a part of the transformation of the local tech industry.”
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation


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By: Rebecca Howard
New Zealand must pull ahead of the rest of the world in agri-food innovation in order to retain a competitive advantage, the Ministry for Primary Industry’s food and fibre innovation conference has heard.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor was among a range of speakers at the event on Thursday and said the sector – which contributes more than $38 billion in annual exports – has to “compete with others who are catching up fast”.
It was critical research and development become “business as usual” or the sector risks being overtaken by the Irish, South Americans or Europeans, he said.
MPI director general Martyn Dunne highlighted increased competition, disruptive technologies, such as synthetic alternatives, and environmental and climatic changes as challenges on the horizon.
KPMG New Zealand’s global head of agribusiness, Ian Proudfoot, said the country was the only one in the developed world relying on agricultural food and fibre products to pay for the bulk of its expenses.
“(There is) a lot of talk about tourism now being our primary sector but the numbers I keep looking at say tourism is only a quarter of what agriculture – food, fibre, timber – bring into our economy,” he said.
“This is still the biggest game in town.”
He pointed to things like blockchain technology – a technology allowing for easy transactions and auditing – as technologies the industry should be looking to adopt.
“If you are not having the conversation about how you, how your producers, how your farmers will be part of blockchain and how you will integrate with your consumer on blockchain you are a long way behind where you need to be.”
It won’t be a “nice to have” but will be a “basic ticket to play”, he said.
He estimates most farmers will be impacted by the need to provide information into a blockchain within two years.
Other key issues include proof of authenticity and continuing to tap into the New Zealand’s international reputation for higher quality products.
Source: Newstalk ZB


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Grocery stores are responsible for thousands of injuries each year, and it’s no wonder why. After all, the average American goes to a grocery store 1.6 times per week and spends there at least 40 minutes per trip. On average, Americans spend about 60 hours of grocery shopping per year. That’s quite a lot.
As you can imagine, with shopping in a grocery store being such an integral part of our lives, getting injured in grocery store is not something out of extraordinary. And in some cases, grocery stores can be held responsible for injuries caused to their customers both in the store or outside in the parking lot.
We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
“However, you cannot blame the grocery store for all kinds of injuries,” warns our Pittsburgh grocery store accident attorney at SMT Legal. “Under Pennsylvania’s premises liability law, the owner of a grocery store or any other property cannot be held responsible for injuries unless he or she failed to take reasonable measures to protect his/her visitors and customers from reasonably foreseeable harm or the owner failed to remedy a dangerous condition on the property in a timely manner (or the owner or his/her workers created the dangerous condition through negligence or carelessness, and then failed to fix it).
Like in many other states, owners of grocery stores in Pennsylvania owe their customers and visitors a duty of care. Grocery stores have a legal duty to ensure that their premises are safe for their visitors and customers and must take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to visitors and customers.
For example, let’s imagine that one of the customers accidentally spilled milk on the floor and told the store’s janitor about the spill. However, as the janitor was busy mopping the floor in another aisle, he forgot about the spilled milk and did not clean it up for the next two hours. Because the floor was not cleaned immediately or within a reasonable amount of time, another customer got injured in a slip and fall accident.
“Since the store’s worker knew about the dangerous condition but failed to remedy it within a reasonable amount of time, the injured customer will have a legitimate premises liability claim against the store,” explains our experienced grocery store accident attorney Pittsburgh.
In other words, all you need to sue a grocery store for its failure to maintain a safe premises is to demonstrate evidence that a hazardous condition existed in the grocery store, its workers were aware or should have been aware of it, and you were harmed as a result of this dangerous condition on the property.
Obviously, slippery floors from spilled milk are not the only hazardous condition that exists in grocery stores. Other causes of grocery store accidents include but are not limited to:
As you can see, you can sue a grocery store for a variety of reasons. However, in many situations, injured customers need a Pittsburgh grocery store accident lawyer by their side to prove that the store created the hazardous condition that caused your injury, or knew or should have known about the condition but failed to take reasonable measures to correct the hazard or warn you about it.
Call 412-765-3345 for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys are available by phone, email or in-person.
SMT Legal attorneys believe in aggressively representing our clients while maintaining the personal compassion needed when counseling clients through difficult situations and navigating a complex legal system. Contact us today.


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GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Readers had little sympathy for General Motors Co. after CEO Dan Akerson blamed losses on the European market.
Akerson made the statement at a shareholders meeting held Tuesday.
Reader wayover50 said he worked for GM for more than 30 years and will never buy another vehicle from the automaker again, arguing the company has turned its back on loyal employees.
Gee, I thought a major reason for GM's lousy stock price was the huge number of ex-GM bond, preferred stock and common stock holders who lost their shirt when GM declared bankruptcy leaving the aforementioned holding worthless stock. Point being, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me is why I didn't bite on the "new and improved Government Motors IPO stock offering ... and not surprising this "new" stock is on its way to worthless as well.
Reader JohnofGB said if the automaker wants the stock price to go up, then pay off the rest of the government financing and institute a dividend.
Blaming the stock price on Europe???? Europe has been a thorn in GM's side for decades before this present day European financial problem so I would submit that this is just a convenient excuse. If the CEO want to raise the stock price, then, get the government financing paid back and institute a dividend.
Reader Jerry Moon said he would never buy another GM vehicle even if it meant he had to walk.
I'd be willing to bet if the treasury was to sell all the Obama Motors stock in the near future the stock of Government Motors would only be worth pennies within months and the arrogant company would be sold for scrap in a year to a foreign company.
From the comments: Readers don't buy GM CEO's excuse for stock prices
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on June 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM, updated June 13, 2012 at 11:32 AM


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Seems like IKEA are really shaking things up this year. In addition to the previously announced TV set, they’re also going to release a digital camera made of cardboard called Knäppa (“Snap”). It’ll hold 40 photographs at a time and plugs directly into your USB port. While it’s not the prettiest camera the world has ever seen, I do love the idea of a screen-less digital camera that brings people back to the wait-and-see days of film.
Everyone, not just white people, loved making fun of black hair until black people decided to stop giving a fuck about their bum ass opinions. Now they all want the “natural hair” umbrella. Cause, if you can’t put down black people for doing it, then you have to be part of it, cause letting black people shine on their own is threatening.


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Fujitsu Launches New Blockchain Consulting Service for Upcoming Startups
Last week, Fujitsu, one of the most distinguished IT international service providers in the world, has announced the launch of a new service designed to assess blockchain-based startups and their innovation and provide expert consulting on whether a project displays potential growth or not.
Worthy or Not
Thanks to the new system designed by Fujitsu, companies can utilize its functions to analyze and assess if an idea or project is worth developing. Within five days of operating, the service allows companies to analyze their blockchain framework’s MVP to determine the possible outcome of a developed idea or to minimize the risk of failure on projects already developed.
While the service will cost around 10000 euro to use, experts at the international IT company will join business experts and clients to provide evidence of a possible large-scale integration of the new service. Dubbed Proof of Business, the service largely precedes a PoC move to address everyday problems that several businesses face when dealing with blockchain and cryptocurrencies as well new innovations.
Lead developer at the company’s BIC, Chris Pilling, explained that the common mistakes they see by many businesses and involved parties are not unusual and occur almost daily. According to him, companies are wrong in focusing directly on the technology and instead waste considerable funds and efforts to determine whether a project or service works. The PoB is a method being rushed by Fujitsu to find out what each client’s business plan was.
The new service designed by Fujitsu revolves around Hyper Fabric technology or HF-tech. Users of the new service will be able to design their own analysis and determine whether a blockchain concept would prove to be worthwhile and profitable. Another feature allows users to transfer their collected MVP data and send it to other users for viewing.
Chris Pilling also explains that companies are focused on currently operational projects and how to further advance them through BC as opposed to a brand-new start with their own innovations. Designed by Frederik de Breuck, the new system aims to assist new startups without the required funding or workforce to launch.


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The 20 colourfully iced cakes lined up on the island in Sheila Comer’s kitchen told her it was time to start her own business.
But the prospect of taking her cake baking out of her home kitchen and into a storefront was daunting. She already had a job she loved.
But she loved baking and decorating cakes even more.
So she made the leap.
“My customers were getting to the point where they wanted to sit down and have consultations,” says Comer. “They wanted to come and try what I had to offer.”
Comer signed a three-year lease in a new commercial space at the base of a condo tower on Sixth Street.
But even as the ink of her signature was drying, she says she had no idea what she was getting herself into.
There are more than 3,800 open business licenses in New Westminster; 3,344 can be considered small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and 2812 of those have less than five employees.
“Having a diversity of businesses is important for the economic health of the city,” says Blair Fryer, New Westminster’s communications and economic development manager.
Providing the resources and knowledge to ensure those businesses survive and thrive is in the community’s best interest, says Fryer. “Residents continue to show strong support for small, local businesses and are proud of the unique character and offerings they bring to New Westminster.”
The road to success often starts with the city’s licensing coordinator, who can work with business owners to ensure their plan and proposed location conforms to zoning regulations. The licensing coordinator can also work with various city departments to help move a business application through the licensing process.
Another valuable resource is the Self-Employment Program at Douglas College.
Since the program was launched 20 years ago at the college’s New Westminster campus, and then added at its Coquitlam location, it has helped 4,000 individuals gain the skills they need to develop a sound business plan and implement marketing strategies.
“The program forces you to think about things you may not have thought of,” says Travis Moss, an instructor in the program and an experienced business consultant. “It forces you to think before you buy inventory or even register your company name.”
Comer already had a name for her bakery, Pink Ribbon, in honour of her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer and her own commitment to pledge a portion of her sales to breast cancer research.
But that’s about as far as her business acumen went.
“I just decided to go ahead and do it,” says Comer.
She did research on YouTube. Conversations with Fraser Health enlightened her about the health and safety requirements for her bakery, like the need to install three sinks. She had meetings with people from the city’s licensing and planning office to learn about city regulations and bylaws.
“I didn’t even know I needed a business license,” says Comer. “Everybody that I dealt with was extremely helpful, willing to give me any info they could.”
The City of New Westminster’s newly redesigned website offers a wealth of resources for prospective business owners including demographic and employment statistics, economic indicators and snapshots as well as links to the licenses required by various types of businesses, online application and renewal forms and even information about bylaws governing signage.
Fryer says his department is also available to help by improving processes, finding solutions and making connections with potential resources and partners.
Moss says launching a successful business starts with researching and writing a good business plan.
“(It) gets you to think about potential pitfalls, have a road map to follow.”
In their excitement and enthusiasm to launch their own business, Moss says many entrepreneurs neglect important considerations like time management and hidden costs like printing business cards, developing a marketing plan that will generate a steady flow of revenue, hiring staff.
“You can spend a lot of time on the operational end but neglect key things to get your business out there, make sure you’re developing a client base,” says Moss.
For the first few months on her own, Comer was a one-woman band; she baked and decorated all the cakes, closed up the storefront to do deliveries, even slept on a mattress in the back.
“Everything was pretty in the moment,” says Comer. “Everything was just about baking cakes.”
In addition to giving entrepreneurs the tools they need so they won’t be overwhelmed by the challenge they’ve taken on, the 48-week program at Douglas College also connects independent business people to coaches and mentors. They check in regularly as projects are actually launched.
“We give them the tools, but it is the confidence and commitment to execute on it that leads to success,” says Moss.
And having successful small businesses in the city breeds even more economic success, says Fryer.
“A variety of retail and commercial services allows residents to meet their day-to-day needs,” he says. “(It’s) also important for employers who consider the provision and type of services for their employees when they consider locating their businesses.”
Comer says a major turning point on her path to entrepreneurial success came when she started hiring staff.
“My biggest fear was letting go of some control,” she says. “I was worried about bringing someone into my world that I had so independently grown. But I know you can’t have a successful business without a successful team.”
Comer now has three employees working for her. That’s freed her up to spend more time with her young daughter.
And think about new ways to grow her business beyond New West.


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August 22, 2012
New Features Drives Viral Discovery and Adoption of Customer Loyalty Programs Through End-User Sharing
San Jose, CA, August 9, 2012— Today, mobile and social technology company Joingo announced their release of the most comprehensive social solution for mobile applications. Joingo’s Mobile Loyalty System, a marketing platform that empowers businesses to create and deploy complete mobile branding strategies, now integrates across all relevant social networks to improve brand awareness.
Joingo drives viral adoption of their customers’ mobile programs through advertising in Facebook timelines, Twitter feeds, and other social channels. Users of Joingo-powered apps can share any content: forwarding offers and promotions they’ve received, sharing event booking details, tweeting about winning a game, and more.
“The Joingo Solution is not just a customer branded application. It also expands awareness and use of our customer's loyalty programs,” stated Steve Boyle, CEO of Joingo. “Publishing an app to the app stores is not enough to generate the end-user adoption our customers expect. Joingo customers can enable sharing of any piece of content, putting their users’ friends and followers one click away from enrollment in the loyalty program. This capability, coupled with the fact that it can be implemented by our customers quickly and without any coding or app updates, makes this an incredibly powerful component of any loyalty solution.”
First launched two years ago, Joingo’s Mobile Loyalty System is quickly becoming known as the only mobile marketing tool that integrates with customer’s existing data systems and allows them to create, manage and deliver targeted, relevant mobile campaigns. This marks the fourth feature launch announcement from Joingo in eight months, including mobile web app support, integrations with the popular web traffic data tool Google Analytics, and with the leading provider of real-time online restaurant reservations, OpenTable.
Joingo is a growing, fast-moving company that helps brands increase revenues and profits by enabling them to easily connect with their customers, driving repeat business and building customer loyalty through personalized mobile interaction. The company is led by a proven management team of experts in mobile technology. In addition to their mobile expertise, Joingo’s key executives have extensive experience in the gaming and hospitality industries. Founded in 2008, the company has developed and released its groundbreaking Mobile Loyalty System and has patented technology, with numerous patents pending. Joingo is an independent, privately held company headquartered in San Jose, CA.


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Release Date: 14 June 2007
Release ID: 482
Technology is now fundamental to all of our lives and particularly the way we communicate.
There can be few other industries, where the significance is so key, than for the Postal industry. Surprisingly, despite employing more than 5 million people and accounting for an average of 2% of GDP as part of the national and global communications infrastructure, most postal authorities have not historically invested heavily in technology.
However, with the advent of privatisation and market liberalisation, postal operators are being forced to respond to the threats and opportunities presented by technology.
And it impacts all aspects from the customer right through to the operation and delivery of the services.
The technology revolution is beginning to take hold.
Triangle Management Services and Saudi Post are together taking the initiative to unite the world's leading postal authorities and top technology organisations in a meeting of minds and understanding.
The world's first global summit, focused on next generation postal technology, will be taking place in November this year, in Saudi Arabia.
Neil Jackson, Chief Executive of Triangle, stated, "PosTech 2007 is the first global conference focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by technology for the coming years."
This is an opportunity to understand the key challenges for the Postal Industry with some of the sectors thought leaders, key suppliers, legislators and postal operators.
Mr Jackson added "This will be quite unlike 'other' postal technology gatherings, because we will be personally inviting two top executives from each of the world's Posts to attend free of charge and to meet a number of high ranking representatives from world-class technology organisations such as Microsoft, Oracle, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Cisco and Computer Associates.
This kind of opportunity to understand and share best practice will be certainly be unique and quite possibly one of the largest commercial gatherings of senior global postal executives.
The Conference is host sponsored by Saudi Post, has Patronage from King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and will be opened by Crown Prince Sultan at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah on 14-15 November 2007.
PosTech 2007 will have two separate elements.
One will deal with global postal technology and the other with specific technology to the Arab League of Nations.
There will be a mix of plenary sessions coupled with discrete workshops all promoting a technology-based infrastructure for Posts.
Topics include: Semantic Mail, Customer connection, Addressing & sorting in the future, E-commerce – a vendor perspective, the future of Direct Mail, E-billing & E-payment, Locational awareness and Financial services.
There will also be a separate Leader's Forum to better understand how technology can become a positive driver for the industry.
Among the speakers already confirmed are John Simpson - BBC Reporter, Mike Moore – ex Prime Minister of New Zealand, Michio Kaku – International Physicist and futurist, Anwar Ibrahim - former Deputy Prime Minister Malaysia and Development Director World Bank and IMF, Ulf Dahlsten - Director for Emerging Technologies and Infrastructures European Commission, Edouard Dayan - Director General UPU, Sergio Giacoletto - President Oracle EMEA.
The Summit speakers programme is still currently being finalised, anyone interested in taking part should contact Triangle at John Modd
Alongside the main conference will be an exhibition of workshops featuring key international suppliers showcasing their latest products, technologies and services.
Organisations interested in taking part should contact Triangle Sales Director Nigel Ashton
© The Adora Group Limited 2019 - Publishers of Freightnet


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Zacks: Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (PANL) Given $4.55 Consensus Target Price by Brokerages
Shares of Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ:PANL) have been given an average broker rating score of 1.00 (Strong Buy) from the two brokers that cover the company, Zacks Investment Research reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a strong buy rating.
Brokers have set a twelve-month consensus price objective of $4.55 for the company and are anticipating that the company will post $0.10 EPS for the current quarter, according to Zacks. Zacks has also assigned Pangaea Logistics Solutions an industry rank of 233 out of 265 based on the ratings given to related companies.
A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on PANL shares. Fearnley Fonds started coverage on Pangaea Logistics Solutions in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. They set a “buy” rating and a $3.60 price target for the company. Deutsche Bank started coverage on Pangaea Logistics Solutions in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. They set a “buy” rating and a $111.10 price target for the company. ValuEngine raised Pangaea Logistics Solutions from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday. Noble Financial started coverage on Pangaea Logistics Solutions in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. They set a “buy” rating for the company. Finally, TheStreet raised Pangaea Logistics Solutions from a “d+” rating to a “c-” rating in a report on Monday, November 27th.
Pangaea Logistics Solutions (NASDAQ:PANL) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The shipping company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the Zacks’ consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.09. Pangaea Logistics Solutions had a return on equity of 6.90% and a net margin of 1.10%. The firm had revenue of $107.02 million during the quarter. equities research analysts forecast that Pangaea Logistics Solutions will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current year.
In other news, Director Anthony Laura sold 13,000 shares of Pangaea Logistics Solutions stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.50, for a total value of $58,500.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 86.15% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.
COPYRIGHT VIOLATION WARNING: “Zacks: Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (PANL) Given $4.55 Consensus Target Price by Brokerages” was originally posted by American Banking News and is the sole property of of American Banking News. If you are accessing this story on another publication, it was illegally copied and republished in violation of U.S. & international trademark and copyright legislation. The correct version of this story can be viewed at https://www.americanbankingnews.com/2017/12/17/zacks-pangaea-logistics-solutions-ltd-panl-given-4-55-consensus-target-price-by-brokerages.html.
Pangaea Logistics Solutions Company Profile
Pangaea Logistics Solutions, Ltd. is a holding company. The Company is a provider of seaborne drybulk transportation services. The Company services a range of industrial customers who require the transportation of a range of drybulk cargoes, including grains, coal, iron ore, pig iron, hot briquetted iron, bauxite, alumina, cement clinker, dolomite and limestone.
For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com
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Xiaomi Redmi Y1 and Y1 Lite smartphones went on sale today at 12 PM via Mi.com and Amazon. Now after the sale, the company has claimed that over 150K units of the devices were sold out in just 3 minutes. The next sale of the smartphones will be held at 15th November. The Redmi Y1 comes with a price tag of Rs 8,999 for the 3GB RAM variant, while the 4GB RAM variant comes is priced at Rs 10,999. The Redmi Y1 Lite is priced at Rs 6,999. Both the smartphones are available in Gold and Dark Gray colour options.
The company has announced this via its official twitter handle. Manu Kumar Jain, Vice President and Indian Head, Xiaomi has also revealed the numbers on his twitter handle.
— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) November 8, 2017
Both the smartphones come loaded with a 5.5-inch HD display with a screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels along with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. Both of them sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED Flash, f/2.2 aperture, PDAF.
The Redmi Y1 comes loaded with a 16-megapixel selfie camera with a Selfie flash, aperture f/2.0 and a 764-degree wide-angle lens. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor along with Adreno 505 GPU. The phone comes with a 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage with an expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD. The phone comes with a rear fingerprint sensor, which the company claims can unlock the device in just 0.3 seconds. The phone comes with a dedicated micro SD card slot and an IR blaster.
The Redmi Y1 Lite phone is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 425 processor and Adreno 308 GPU coupled with 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and expandable memory up to 128GB via microSD card slot. For the selfies, it features a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture.
Both of them are dual-SIM variants and it runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat based MIUI 8 operating system. Both of them will be updated to the latest MIUI 9 stable Connectivity options for both include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/GLONASS, 3.5mm audio jack and micro USB port. The devices are powered by a 3,080 mAh battery that is rated to offer 35 hours of call time and 11 days of standby time.


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(With inputs from agencies.)


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Billionaire Oracle founder reveals $1 billion stake in Tesla
Larry Ellison (pictured), billionaire founder of multinational tech company Oracle, has acquired a $1 billion stake in Tesla through his family office, the Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust.
According to paperwork Ellison filed with the US and Exhange Commission on Tuesday, the 74-year-old indirectly owns 3 million Tesla shares through the trust which makes investments on his behalf.
The 1.75% stake makes him the second-largest shareholder of Tesla after founder Elon Musk, who owns about a fifth of the company, according to Bloomberg.
Ellison was appointed to Tesla's board on the 28 December as part of a settlement with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) designed to improve independent oversight at the company.
In September, Musk agreed to appoint a new chairman and two independent board members following a SEC lawsuit alleging he misled investors with a series of controversial tweets about taking Tesla private at a price of $420 a share.
Ellison is the world’s ninth-richest person with a net worth of $58.1 billion, according to Forbes. His stake in Oracle is worth about $39 billion. He has used his family office in the past to make major investments in Sam Mateo-based NetSuite, blood-testing start-up Therano and private school Nobel Learning Communities.
Toyota lifts the lid on its Guardian system
Toyota has offered to sell its automated safety system that uses self-driving technology to keep cars from crashing to other companies—a move that has surprised many in the industry.
At the CES tech show in Las Vegas, Gill Pratt (pictured), chief executive of Toyota Research Institute—Toyota’s Silicon Valley-based artificial intelligence research unit, said the automaker would offer the industry its Guardian driver assist system, which is still under development.
“We were thinking about what would be good for society,” Pratt said.
“We will not keep it proprietary to ourselves only, but we will offer it in some way to others, whether that’s through licensing or actual whole systems.”
Unlike other manufactures, who are racing to remove the driver from the equation entirely, Toyota is taking a different approach, with humans playing a key role in autonomy in the future.
The Guardian anticipates and identifies potential hazards using sensors and other inputs, and directs a corrective response in a vehicle operated by a human or by an autonomous driving system provided by Toyota or another company.
Toyota Motor Corporation is led by Akio Toyoda, the great grandson of the founder of Toyoda Automatic Loomworks, Sakichi Toyoda, and grandson to the Toyota Motors founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. Toyota’s net revenue in the fiscal year of 2018 stood at around $261 billion, according to Statista.
Vedanta Group chairman rules out family succession
Anil Agarwal (pictured), Indian tycoon and founder of global mining giant Vedanta Group, has indicated that his son Agnivesh and daughter Priya may not head the group in the future.
When asked by a reporter about his succession plans at a Bharat Chamber of Commerce conference, the 65-year-old said he wanted to make his company a professionally managed corporation.
“Our group is too big—you have to have passion to run it,” Agarwal said.
“I built this with passion, but they [his son and daughter] may not have that passion for this, but I told them that I will support them for any initiative of their choice.”
His comments echo similar remarks he made during an interview with the Economic Times in 2015.
At the time, Agarwal said he wanted to break away from the “traditional Indian way” of succession planning by appointing professional managers rather than kin to the top posts.
Metals and mining magnate Anil Agarwal turned a small scrap metal business into London-listed Vedanta Resources with interests ranging from iron ore and copper to oil and gas. It recorded revenues of 15.4 billion in 2018 and has operations in India, Australia and Zambia. Anil serves as executive chairman, while his brother Navin Agarwal is executive vice chairman.
The Vedanta Group is planning to invest $8 billion across a variety of sectors over the next three years, including expanding capacity to 7 million tonnes at its Electrosteel Steels plant in Jharkhand, acquired in 2018, which produces 1.5 million tonnes annually.


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Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Merseyside and across the North West are at risk of missing out on winning contracts because they are not doing enough to prevent cyber attacks on their businesses.
Just days after phone and internet giant Talk Talk came under cyber attack, an expert in the North West is urging SMEs to put much more resource into protecting their valuable cient data.
A multisector KPMG survey of 175 procurement managers from organisations with more than 250 employees revealed that the general consensus (70%) is that SMEs should be doing more to prevent cyber-attacks and protect valuable client data.
The vast majority (86%) of those in procurement said they would consider removing an SME supplier if they were hacked and nearly all (94%) confirmed that cyber security standards are important when awarding contracts to SME suppliers.
Martin Tyley, who leads KPMG’s Northern cyber security practice, said: “Cyber security is not just a technical issue anymore – it has become a business critical issue for this region’s SMEs.
“Larger companies are placing an increased emphasis on the cyber security of their suppliers and increasingly the onus is on SMEs to show that they are tackling this issue head on.
“Many of the SMEs we talk to across the North West remain unaware that they could be a target of cyber criminals. Unless these organisations take a tougher approach towards cyber security now, they face the risk of being frozen out of lucrative supplier contracts.”
Already two-thirds of procurement managers ask their suppliers to demonstrate cyber accreditations as a part of their procurement assessment, with this number likely to increase in the near future.
SMEs are increasingly being asked to self-fund their own accreditations. In the absence of accreditation, four in 10 (41%) of procurement managers expect their suppliers to pay for their own accreditations and reach a certain level of cyber maturity.


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South Australians may soon be banned from using a range of single-use plastics as the government considers a major crackdown.
Plastic items such as straws, cutlery, shopping bags and coffee cups are on the chopping block after the state’s Environment Minister, David Speirs, released two discussion papers on the issue yesterday.
One deals with the possible single-use plastic ban and the other is a review of the state’s container deposit scheme reviewing what sort of containers should be included and whether the refund amount should be revised.
Mr Speirs said it was important to keep the impact of single-use plastics at the forefront of conversation so South Australia could continue to be the national leader in recycling.
“I am keen to keep South Australia at the forefront of these areas, and to maintain this position while also increasing economic activity,” Mr Speirs said.
“Plastic is a valuable material, integral to modern life. But when littered, it ruins our environment’s pristine image, and harms marine and terrestrial life.”
There is a growing global trend towards doing away with plastics and Mr Speirs said it was important for South Australia to keep up.
The European Union announced its intention on October to ban a range of plastic items.
“We can take more immediate local action on items that are designed and intended for disposal after only a single use, are prone to being littered, are unlikely to be recycled and for which more sustainable alternatives are available,” Mr Speirs said.
Mr Speirs’ paper, entitled “Turning the tide on single-use plastic products”, suggests a ban on these products be implemented the same way single-use plastic bags were banned at check-outs across the state in 2009.
Switching from lightweight shopping bags to reusable ones has resulted in 400 million bags being removed from circulation in South Australia, according to the paper.
The paper seeks views from the community and business on what they consider are the problems associated with plastic products, alternatives and if there is a need for government intervention.
Environmental groups, including Conservation SA, have welcomed the government’s move.
“Despite this, the recent State of the Environment Report shows that per capita waste in SA still increased by over 40 per cent over the last five years,” chief executive Craig Wilkins said.
“It’s time for stronger action.”


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Sony will launch the PlayStation 4 slim on Sept. 15, the company announced during this afternoon’s PlayStation Meeting. The smaller, sleeker PS4 hardware will retail for $299 when it hits shelves later this year.
The company didn't refer to the lighter PS4 as the slim during the event, instead saying it was the "new PlayStation 4."
The PS4 slim is the first revision of the PS4, which launched in 2013. It’s smaller than the older system and weighs in lighter than its older brother. It also comes equipped with a new DualShock 4 controller, which looks much the same as the current one, albeit with grayer face buttons and more lights.
While Sony confirmed that the hardware was coming for the first time today, the PS4 slim has already made the rounds across the internet after retail units cropped up in late August. We’ve seen it unboxed, torn apart and booted up over the past few weeks. Today marks the first time Sony has copped to the redesign’s existence.


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punchh app news search results
Developer news items we found relating to punchh app
Hey Restaurant Owners: Ready for An App Developer with a Punchh
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 by Richard Harris
So what’s better than owning Bruce Lee’s yellow jumpsuit used in the final scenes of his uncompleted movie, “Game of Death”? (the jumpsuit recently sold at auction for 100kUS!) Ok, maybe not much, but Mama Fu’s Asian House, operator of 16 restaurants in the Southeastern U.S, is betting that a new mobile rewards based program will give it more “Punchh” in driving new bus...


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The 25 Craziest Twitter Reactions to This Year's Super Bowl Commercials
Aside from the game itself, the NFL Super Bowl has become an American television tradition. Some of the biggest names in business pay millions of dollars to produce and air special commercials during the coveted championship game, which for some, marks the highlight of the event for a number of viewers each year. This year was no different. From GoDaddy's big wet kiss to Taco Bell's party animal senior citizens, the Bowl was once again filled with lengthier and more outlandish advertising, getting the Twitter streets talking. Check out the 25 Craziest reactions to the Super Bowl Commercials.


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Dick’s Sporting Goods grand opening begins Sept. 20
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Dick’s Sporting Goods is opening its first Tri-Cities store in about two weeks.
A grand opening is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 22. Before that, there will be two preview days on Sept. 18 and 19.
Former Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant will be making an appearance on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The store is located at Columbia Center Mall at 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick. Go to the store’s website for hours of operation.