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TEXT OF INTERVIEW
Bill Radke: None of that might not seem very important if right now you’re wondering whether your credit card number’s been stolen. Prosecutors have charged three men with stealing more than 130 million credit and debit card numbers. It’s the biggest known identity theft in history. Joining us live is Ivan Zatkovich. He’s with the computer consulting firm E-Comp Consultants. Good morning.
Ivan Zatkovich: Morning
Radke: A hundred thirty million numbers seems staggering to me. But what about to you?
Zatkovich: It does, but in this particular case, they hacked in to a payment gateway system, which is actually a central hub for processing millions of credit card transactions specifically for outlets like 7-Eleven and supermarket outlets like Hannaford Brothers supermarkets, so in this particular case it’s not surprising.
Radke: Why can’t banks encrypt those card numbers and keep them secure?
Zatkovich: They can. In this particular case, the company that operated this gateway system, Heartland Payment Systems, assumed their system was secure behind a firewall, which turned out not to be the case.
Radke: Is this something that banks can stop if they want to, but it’s expensive? Or is it a matter of legal regulation? Or what?
Zatkovich: I think it’s a matter of diligence in terms of data security for these companies that run these payment gateway systems. In fact, Heartland Payment Systems was cited in 2007 of being out of compliance with data security and were just reinstated last year by Visa after meeting compliance and as recently as this year they’ve been touting themselves as a leader in data security. Which turns out not the be case.
Radke: So what are the odds that this is just going to keep on happening?
Zatkovich: I think this is going to be a wake-up call. Now that it’s known you can use a particular hacking method to get into a payment gateway, I guarantee you there will be hackers out there attempting this on other payment gateway systems. So I think this is going to be a major wake-up call.
Radke: Ivan Zatkovich with the computer consulting firm E-Comp Consultants. Thank you.
Zatkovich: You’re welcome.
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It's been over a decade since the project was canned, but noe a working Intel Larrabee graphics card has been found and installed into a modern PC running Windows 10 operating system. Thus far, this appears to be the first time a Larrabee GPU has booted a modern version of Windows successfully, as other attempts have failed.
A member of the LinusTechTips community over at Reddit managed to obtain a working Larrabee sample from 'a friend who got it from their work.' The board features a BIOS with build number 1.0.0.0102 dated 02/08/2010 (which is after Intel said it would not release Larrabee as a consumer graphics product). What is even more surprising is that the Larrabee graphics card was allegedly 'pulled from an image processing machine that worked in connection to a CAT scan machine,' which essentially meant that it was being used for image processing.
For obvious reasons, no Windows 10 drivers came with the card, but it could still work as a basic graphics adapter. GPU-Z recognized the graphics adapter as an Intel GPU and read its device ID (8086 2240 - 8086 2240) but could not recognize its model. The owner now plans to decompile the board's BIOS, possibly to get something more out of the board.
Intel's first discrete GPU, codenamed Larrabee, is perhaps the most mysterious piece of consumer PC hardware developed in the last couple of decades. Larrabee used massively parallel programmable Atom-like x86 cores to process graphics and high-performance computing workloads.
Intel only released cycle-accurate simulations of Larrabee performance once — back in 2008. But Intel never publicly released actual performance numbers for the part or allowed the press to run any benchmarks on the part before axing the GPU and refocusing its efforts to high-performance computing in 2009. Furthermore, it did everything to keep everything associated with Larrabee under wraps. Yet, some Larrabee boards are now leaking into the wild. A working Larrabee graphics card was also sold for $5,000 on eBay earlier this year.
So far, those with a Larrabee graphics card have not obtained a driver for the device, so they cannot run games or test its performance using synthetic benchmarks. But perhaps, at some point, someone will get lucky, and we will find out how Intel's x86 hybrid CPU-GPU stacked up against graphics cards of the late 2000s. Of course, if you're craving using an Intel-branded GPU, you could always turn to the company's new cards — it just re-entered the GPU market with its Arc graphics cards.

domain: news


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A new study published by the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health has warned consumers that one of the most popular sugar alternatives sucralose also known as ‘Splenda’, causes leukemia.
The artificial sweetener was fed to mice during a trial, and they developed leukemia and other blood cancers as a result.
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Nutrition watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest is formally recommending that consumers avoid sucralose. Artificial sweetener Splenda is sucralose-based.
It’s a big deal considering this is the same company that listed sucralose as a safe alternative to sugar prior to the new research findings.
Sucralose can be found in over 4,500 products, according to the study.
The sucralose case study was funded without special interests, unlike the majority of case studies for food additives.
“For most food additives, the safety studies are conducted by the manufacturers who have financial incentives,” said Lisa Lefferts, senior scientist at the CSPI reports Eatclean.com.
— Well + Good (@WellandGoodNYC) March 8, 2016
Even if you don’t splurge on Splenda, you could still potentially see adverse effects.
“When something causes cancer at high doses, it generally causes cancer at lower doses, the risk is just smaller,” Lefferts said.
Skeptics of the new study are still warned about the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners. New research shows artificial sweeteners cause weight gain, not weight loss, and diet soda can lead to an increase in belly fat.


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Adding jackfruit powder to a menu of rice and wheat dishes for three months helps substantially reduce the sugar level of diabetic patients. A medical report that came to this conclusion was presented at a conference of the American Diabetic Association recently.
The association also published the placebo-controlled study report of the research in its medical journal called Diabetes.
The study was conducted by Dr A Gopal Rao, associate professor at Srikakulam Medical College, in Andhra Pradesh; Dr Sunil Nayak; and James Joseph, CEO of jackfruit 365.
A group of 40 people — 24 men and 16 women — with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups. One group was given idli made of normal rice for breakfast and chapati made of normal wheat for dinner. The second group was given the same breakfast and dinner but with 30 grammes of jackfruit powder added to the rice and wheat.
After three months, the group that had jackfruit powder showed remarkable fall in pre- and post-breakfast sugar levels as indicated by HBAC1 count, which provides the average measure of sugar level of three months.
The study also compared the sugar level on the 84th day (12 weeks) with that on the first day. It found jackfruit powder could be combined with the medical diet for diabetes and that it helps reduce the dosage of insulin and tablets needed to control the disease.
Those who are pre-diabetic can delay diabetes by including jackfruit powder in their meals, the study said.
Jackfruit is rich in fibre compared to rice and wheat. At the same time, it has lower starch, energy and also glycemic load — an indicator of sugar levels In the blood. The study used three tablespoons (30g) of jackfruit powder twice a day with meals.
The standards and guidelines of the American Diabetic Association are followed the world over to manage and treat diabetes. James Joseph of Jackfruit 365 presented the study during the association’s international conference that was held online recently.


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AAGEX Freight Group has appointed Jon Bramlett vice president of operations. Prior to joining AAGEX, he held management positions at Stonier Transportation Group, NYK Logistics and Crowley.
AAGEX also named Bill Sandberg vice president of technology. He held similar positions with Rising Sun Systems and NYK Logistics.
In addition, the Jacksonville Beach, Fla.-based third-party logistics services provider hired Kim Watson as director of business services and human resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in the freight transportation and logistics industry.
MIC Customs Solutions has named Dan Colosimo project manager. Colosimo has more than 15 years of software industry experience specific to customs and trade compliance and most recently developed the customs compliance application for Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services.
Executive Moves: From East Coast to West Coast
Port Tampa Bay, Evergreen, Rand Logistics, American Airlines Cargo, Regions Bank, A&R Logistics and Los Angeles Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association.
a day ago


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During that day the team will receive a percentage of the price of
all products sold at the store. The event will run for the full day,
but one day only.
The Bosom Buddies encourage everyone to come out
on Dec. 15 and pick up a box of holiday candy or other treats to
help raise money for Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is an annual event, held nationwide. The funds
raised are given to the American Cancer Society to help meet the
needs of those suffering from cancer and to support research for
[Based on information received from Bob Hashman,
Bosom Buddies captain]


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NEW YORK: Consumers are growing accustomed to going online to buy brands, though purchase intent varies widely depending on the product category, research firm Nielsen has indicated.
Respondents from 56 countries replied to the new Nielsen survey, which found that 49% of respondents bought a product online via a connected device during the first quarter of 2012.
The apparel and accessories category was the most commonly-cited on the new survey, with 37% planning purchases of this kind, down from 36% in 2010.
Skin care and cosmetics also rose in consideration, with an increase from 22% to 25% of consumers reporting plans to buy via a digital device.
More broadly, purchase intent increased across virtually all product categories between 2010 and 2012. The only decline was in hard copy books and physical magazine subscriptions, which registered a fall from 44% to 33%.
By contrast, 20% of consumers said they would make a purchase in the newly-created category for electronic books and digital subscriptions.
"Connected devices have become a way of life for many, but shoppers are digitally engaged to varying degrees depending on the products they buy," the Nielsen report added.
The survey also highlighted an increasing role for social media in the retail world, with 46% of respondents reporting that platforms such as Facebook and Twitter influenced their purchase decisions.
Data sourced from Neilsen; additional content by Warc staff


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Saturday, March 28, 2020
this triple trend...........................
The first digital camera, built in 1976 by Kodak engineer Steven Sasson, was the size of a toaster oven, took twelve black-and-white images, and cost over $10,000. Today, the average camera that comes with the average smartphone shows a thousand-fold improvement in weight, cost, and resolution over Sasson's model. And these cameras are everywhere. In cars, drones, phones, satellites, and such, and with an image resolution that's downright spooky. Satellites photograph the Earth down to the half-meter range. Drones shrink that to a centimeter. But the LIDAR sensors atom autonomous cars capture just about everything—gathering 1.3 million data points per second.
We see this triple trend of decreasing size and cost, and increasing performance everywhere. The first commercial GPS hit shelves in 1981, weighing fifty-three points and costing $119,900. By 2010, it had shrunk to a $5 chip small enough to sit on your finger. The "inertial measurement unit" that guided our early rockets is another example. In the mid-sixties, this was a fifty-pound $20 million device. Today, the accelerometer and gyroscope in your cell phone do the same job for about $4 and weigh less than a grain of rice.
-Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler, The Future Is Faster Than You Think: How Converging Technologies Are Transforming Business, Industries, and Our Lives


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- This event has passed.
20th Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival 2021
April 17, 2021 - April 18, 2021
On Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, April 18, 2021, the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde will be co-hosting the 20th Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Arizona.
The event, which is sponsored by SRP, Yavapai College and Larry Green Chevrolet, was originally canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. However levels have continued to decline enough that the town will be able to safely host this long-standing two-day festival celebrating two of the areas prime tourism draws – wine and pecans.
Held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 17 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 18 in downtown Camp Verde (75 E Hollamon Street, Camp Verde, AZ 86322), the two-day festival will feature anywhere from 8-12 Arizona wineries along with a variety of pecans for pairing, a very competitive Pecan Pie contest, a Budweiser Beer Garden hosted by the Verde Valley Rangers, food trucks, live music and local artisans.
The festival’s new COVID-19 safety precautions include socially distanced vendors/attractions and additional cleaning and sanitizing of all public areas, including restrooms, staff areas, work tables, wine tasting tables, and all public seating. Face masks are encouraged when unable to socially distance.
The Arizona-based wineries that will be in attendance (with more to be announced soon), pouring their newest releases by the glass, bottle and case, include: Alcantara Vineyards, Burning Tree Cellars, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Clear Creek Vineyards, Heart Wood Cellars, Page Springs, Salt Mine Wine, Southwest Wine Center, and Winery 101.
Entry to the festival – for all ages – is FREE. Wine tasting tickets (for attendees 21+) will be available at the door day-of for $20/person, which includes a commemorative glass and six wine tasting tickets. Additional wine tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event.


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Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale 2021 is simply across the nook. The e-commerce large has now not introduced the dates of the sale however has discussed the goods and classes that can be getting the reductions by way of a devoted microsite. The Big Billion Days Sale has reductions on smartphones, electronics, TVs, model attire, and extra. Flipkart could also be providing large reductions at the iPhone 12 that has additionally gained a worth reduce from Apple with the discharge of the iPhone 13 collection. Realme 4K Google TV Stick can be launching all the way through the approaching sale.
The 2021 version of Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale is predicted to start out quickly. The microsite created for the Big Billion Days Sale does not point out the dates for the sale but. However, many merchandise can be getting as much as 80 % off all the way through the sale, as according to the microsite. The e-commerce large has partnered with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank for particular provides. Additionally, it has additionally partnered with Paytm for cashback provides.
Under the Big Billion Days Specials, Flipkart can be introducing merchandise like Soundcore Life Note E Saina Nehwal Edition earphones, MSI GF63 Thin Core i5 gaming computer, Boult Audio Soul Pods earphones, and Fire-Boltt Max smartwatch. The microsite additionally mentions that Boat smartwatches can be getting a 70 % bargain whilst Boat speakers can be getting as much as 80 % off. Dizo earphones will rise up to 60 % off and Intel-powered laptops can be getting as much as 40 % off.
The microsite has now not specified the offers Flipkart can be providing on smartphones. However, iPhone 12 is listed at Rs. 66,999 for the 64GB garage variant whilst it’s available for Rs. 65,900 on Apple’s web site. The 128GB garage variant of iPhone 12 is indexed on Flipkart for Rs. 71,999 whilst Apple’s web site has it for Rs. 71,900. The 256GB garage variant is to be had on Flipkart for Rs. 81,999 and on Apple’s web site for Rs. 80,900. The launch worth for the 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB garage variants have been Rs. 79,900, Rs. 84,900, and Rs. 94,900, respectively. Apple has slashed the costs for iPhone 12 after launching the iPhone 13 fashions.
The Realme 4K Google TV Stick is claimed to be launching all the way through Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale 2021. As of now, it’s nonetheless unclear how Realme’s 4K Google TV stick can be priced and its specs also are now not recognized but.


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With over 3,500 locations around the world in South Korea, China, Singapore, Vietnam, France, and the United States, Paris Baguette continues to grow substantially.
Among the bakery-café chain’s roster are 77 U.S. stores, and that number is set to rise in 2019. Beginning this month and continuing throughout the fall of this year, Paris Baguette plans to open six new store locations in New York City.
The new stores in New York City include:
- Upper East Side (1270 Lexington Ave.) – opening this May
- Times Square (1450 Broadway) – opening this June
- Flatiron District (700 6th Ave.) – opening this June
- Chelsea (371 7th Ave.) – opening this July
- Midtown, Bryant Park (988 Avenue of the Americas) – opening this August
- Hell’s Kitchen (888 10th Ave.) – opening this September
“We’re thrilled to announce our continued expansion plans, with the opening of six new locations across New York City,” says Jack F. Moran, Chief Executive Officer of Paris Baguette. “We are growing at a rapid pace and this milestone moment helps to increase our brand’s awareness in the U.S., while still providing the high-end quality, consistency, and authenticity we are known for across the globe.”
In addition to continuing its goal of increasing the café count by 50 percent in the U.S., Paris Baguette recently announced the Paris Baguette Rewards app, where customers collect points with every purchase and receive special offers. The app is available for download on all smartphones through Apple App and Google Play Stores.


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Lexington, KY – Once again, lawmakers in Kentucky have introduced legislation that could lead to the production of industrial hemp, something that has been tried many times to no avail.
State Rep. Richard Henderson of Montgomery County is the primary sponsor of the House bill this go around. He said the time has come for Kentucky to again take advantage of a crop that has so much potential — not just for farmers but for manufacturers of hundreds of products that can be produced with industrial hemp.
“Kentucky led the nation in its production in the 1800s, and there is no reason to believe we couldn’t do the same again if my bill becomes law,” he said.
Industrial hemp has proven diverse in its applications, including paper and clothing products and renewable energy fuel. During World War II, hemp was grown to produce rope. In fact, a 1942 film produced by the USDA encouraged U.S. farmers to grow the plant to support the war effort.
Henderson has had plenty of support for this year’s bill with several co-sponsors signing on along with former representative and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer.
Sen. Joey Pendleton of Hopkinsville, Ky., has introduced nearly identical legislation in the past and again initiated the bill on the Senate side this year.
Henderson and Pendleton recently testified in an informational discussion in front of the House Agriculture and Business Committee.
Henderson told the committee numerous surveys have shown 70 percent of people favor the legalization of industrial hemp.
“Seventy percent of the general public, according to several different polls, favor the legalization of industrial hemp,” he said.
Pendleton quoted a study conducted by the University of Kentucky as to the economic impact growing hemp would have on the state.
“It would create about 17,000 jobs with an economic impact of $400 million to $500 million to the commonwealth of Kentucky,” he said.


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Written by Associated Press
Stocks had their second-worst drop of the year, led by declines in technology companies, retailers and banks.
The slump Thursday brought the Standard & Poor’s 500 index back to where it was on July 11. It was the biggest drop for the benchmark index since May.
Victoria’s Secret owner L Brands fell 3.6 percent after cutting its full-year earnings forecast. Network equipment maker Cisco Systems sank 4 percent after issuing a disappointing outlook.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 38 points, or 1.5 percent, to 2,430.
The Dow Jones industrial average lost 273 points, or 1.2 percent, to 21,750.
The Nasdaq composite plunged 123 points, or 1.9 percent, to 6,221.
Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.19 percent.


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Networking industrial machinery could transform manufacturing says German designer Clemens Weisshaar, in this talk Dezeen filmed for lighting company EWO.
Speaking to Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs at a talk called The Future is Now at Vienna Design Week last year, Weisshaar explored the concept of Industry 4.0, a term coined in 2014 by German industry leaders to describe networking industrial production.
Networking industrial machinery could transform manufacturing says German designer Clemens Weisshaar. Portrait by Dezeen
“Industry 4.0 is actually a German invention,” Weisshaar explains in the movie.
“It describes what happens when you connect machines to supply chains and everything else. It’s the industry of the future – networked machines that talk with each other, and interact with people and other machines. The civilian version of it is called the Internet of Things. The industrial version is Industry 4.0.”
Continue reading the full story: Dezeen


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Sirius XM Radio (NAS: SIRI) is ready for a thicker slice of your dashboard.
The satellite radio giant announced a partnership with Nissan (NAS: NSANY) where Sirius XM will provide the automaker with a suite of premium telematics services.
Sirius XM's foray into telematics will mean that new Nissan cars will offer things including 24/7 emergency support for accidents, stolen vehicle tracking, and roadside assistance. Pricing wasn't disclosed, but General Motors (NYS: GM) charges $18.95 a month for its basic OnStar telematics package.
Naturally, we live in a new age of information as a result of the smartphone revolution. Ford (NYS: F) offers smartphone owners access to some telematics services for free through its Sync and enhanced MyFord Touch platforms. From vehicle health reports to dialing up 911 when an airbag is deployed, it remains to be seen what drivers are willing to pay for these days.
This is still a smart move by Sirius XM.
"Looking ahead, SiriusXM has the ability to combine satellite and cellular networks to expand coverage beyond traditional cellular-based telematics services," reads the press release, pointing to a future where Sirius XM will be able to leverage the functionality of its costly satellites.
In the end, it's just another brilliant way for Sirius XM to pump up the average revenue per user.
Running of the bulls
I remain bullish on Sirius XM's future. It should come as no surprise that I'm promoting the CAPScall initiative for accountability by reiterating my bullish call on Sirius XM for Motley Fool CAPS.
I also just put out a premium report on Sirius XM Radio, detailing the challenges and opportunities that await investors that are both long and short the dynamic media giant. A year of updates is also included with the report. Check it out now.
The article Sirius XM Raises the Bar originally appeared on Fool.com.
The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford Motor. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of General Motors and Ford Motor. Motley Fool newsletter services have also recommended creating a synthetic long position in Ford Motor. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz calls them as he sees them. He does not own shares in any of the stocks in this story, except for Ford. Rick is also part of theRule Breakersnewsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.


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The FDA has issued a warning not to buy infant formula made in China (read labels!), since some of it may be in ethnic markets in the U.S. under the “grey” market. And China is investigating, threatening punishment, and issuing recalls.
Currently browsing posts about: Pet food
I can hardly believe it but USA Today reports that Chinese infant formula has been found to be contaminated with melamine, the very same toxic ingredient that caused the pet food recalls of 2007. Melamine-laced pet foods killed cats and dogs. Who knows what it might do in infant formula. Melamine is high in nitrogen. Tests for protein just test for nitrogen and don’t care where it comes from. Melamine, which is cheap, makes pet foods and infant formulas look like they have a lot of protein, which is expensive. That would be bad enough but melamine and one of its by-products, cyanuric acid, form crystals that block kidney function. The fraudulent addition of melamine to pet food is precisely the subject of my book, Pet Food Politics. It’s subtitle is The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine. Now you know why.
I’m in Parma on a speaking trip (to Academia Barilla), it’s my birthday, and here are three nice presents that came in on today’s Google feed (“pet food”): my latest column in the San Francisco Chronicle (“Which is better, food or nutrients?”), a review in the San Francisco Chronicle of Pet Food Politics, and an interview about the new book with Jill Richardson on AlterNet. Enjoy!
I am off to California for Slow Food Nation and the launch of Pet Food Politics. The events start with readings at pet food stores, Holistic Hound in Berkeley (Sunday, 4:00 p.m.) and Noe Valley Pet Co. in San Francisco (Monday, 6:00 p.m.). Others are listed under Public Appearances. I’ve never done readings in pet food stores before, so this should be fun. Stay tuned.
The New Jersey court has now moved on to the next step in settlement of the class action suit against pet food makers involved in the melamine recalls of 2007. If you think you qualify for compensation, you need to fill out a form and send it in by November 24. If you want to deal with this some other way, the same claim website explains how. This won’t bring back the lost pets, but it may help a little. Go for it.
A couple of informative posts, one on ConsumerAffairs.com and another on InjuryBoard.com discuss details of the $24 million pet food recall settlement. The New Jersey judge has given preliminary approval but further approval is needed and the next hearing is not until October 14. In the meantime, if you have or had a pet caught up in the recall, here are the people to contact:
In re Pet Food Products Liability Litigation, Claims Administrator
c/o Heffler, Radetich & Saitta LLP,
P.O. Box 890,
Philadelphia, PA 19105-0890
The class action lawsuits filed as a result of the pet food recalls last year are inching toward settlement. A judge in New Jersey consolidated 120 cases and awarded the plaintiffs $24 million to cover documented expenses related to the illness, death, or burial of their dogs and cats. But what about for emotional damages? The answer is uncertain and probably won’t be known until the settlement wends its way through the U.S. and Canadian courts, which still have to approve the whole thing.
I’m happy that the announcement came when it did because my book on the recall goes to press next week and I got to squeeze in a last entry to my timeline of the events: “May 22: Menu Foods settles class-action lawsuits for $24 million.”


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When New Jersey residents buy a car, they expect that vehicle to be safe, especially if it is new or has been well-maintained. However, there has already been a recall on more than 42 million Takata airbags due to a potential defect that could be dangerous if not deadly.
Airbags are designed to inflate when the sensor detects that the vehicle has come to a rapid stop. When they work correctly, the airbags can prevent more serious injuries and even deaths. However, there are factors that can prevent the airbags from working as intended. These include excess moisture, high temperatures and defects related to the age of the device. In the event the inflator housing fails, shards can be projected when the airbag inflates.
Nineteen automakers have used the dangerous airbags in vehicles that are sold all over the world. As such, it is expected that the recall will reach a maximum of 70 million airbags just in the U.S. alone. Owners who have vehicles that may have defective airbags must be proactive in turning their vehicles in to switch them out. These defects are dangerous enough that even an incident that would normally result in minor injuries could become much more serious.
Auto defects, such as dangerous airbags, can result in a life-changing injury or result in a death that would otherwise have been avoidable. A products liability attorney can help determine who could be held liable for the damages and file a lawsuit against those companies. In some cases, the company that sold the vehicle and the manufacturer that made the defective part could both be responsible for providing compensation to the people who have been harmed.


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Friday, September 10, 2010
A recent post about Zynga, the creators of oh-so-famoose FarmVille on Facebook, on SFWeekly has spreaded almost everywhere on the net. The original post can be found here.
Just to requote Zynga CEO Mark Pincus: "I don't fucking want innovation. You're not smarter than your competitor. Just copy what they do and do it until you get their numbers."
I always didn't like Zynga for creating FarmVille, a game that really abuses social engineering (I think that's what it's called) to get people to play it but what we are seeing here could potentially destroy the game industry. If you thought Microsoft or McDonald is evil and somehow bent on WORLD DOMINATION, you obviously haven't seen what they could've done to make it worse, which is what Zynga is doing.
BLATANTLY copying games and using their influence to overshadow the originals and claim theirs is the one? That's very evil in so many damn ways. It's the total opposite of what Microsoft is doing which is giving newer developers a chance to stand beside them. Zynga just takes your game, copy it, and says that it's theirs.
I heard a lot of game developers, both indie and mainstream alike (espacially indie, cus...well...it's indie people) have voiced their dissent over Zynga's methods. It's less obvious here and SG because we are still growing, almost everyone is still running around going 'let's make cool innovative games in the future!'.
I think we should be aware that the games industry is still an industry; a market. And with us being only human, there are bound be encounter evil people like these.


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This Story was Featured on:
League of Legends Hacked, EverQuest Next Landmark, SMITE and more! - The Daily XP August 22nd
Just when I thought the MMO genre was taking a back seat at Gamescom Hi-Rez Studios pulled out the big guns. The developers of the popular free-to-play MOBA game, SMITE, have revealed that they will be landing on Chinese shores with the support of publishing giant, Tencent.
The Tencent games portal has over 460 million registered users representing an astonishing 65% of China's online market share. The portal only hosts 7 games but each celebrates more than a million concurrent users.
The MOBA genre is big news in China, far bigger than here in the West. Just last year Tencent reported a growth of 70% in the genre making this the perfect time to announce a collaboration with Hi-Rez Studios.
SMITE may not have the numbers to compete with League of Legends but the game is currently just outside the top 10 for the most viewed games on Twitch and just recently the developers announced the reaching of the 2 million registered accounts milestone.
Accompanying this announcement is exciting news for both Eastern and Western audiences, an update to the Chinese Pantheon. The popular Sun Wukong will return, after his removal to make way for the Monkey King. Guan Yu, the infamous definition of over-powered melee characters, will also be getting the heavy treatment with a new selection of skins and abilities. Finally an entirely new God will be added, Zhong Kui.
The video below highlights the abilities of the new Gods and may I add, Guan Yu gets to ride a horse. I'm sold.
Dark Age of Camelot on Steam, ArcheBlade's Launch and more! | The Daily XP April 17th
Your Daily MMO and MMORPG News for Thursday April 18th. Today Ashley discusses Hearthstone, Dark Age of Camelot and ArcheBlade.
Dark Age Of Camelot Set To Conquer Greenlight
Usually the mentioning of an MMORPG attempting to succeed through Steam Greenlight means a new launch is approaching right? Well, not this time.
Hearthstone Goes Mobile
Two weeks afte Canadian release the rest of the world finally have the opportunity to get their hands on the iOS version of the critically-acclaimed MMOTCG from Blizzard, Hearthstone.
The Blood Harvest Looms In Forsaken World
??Perfect World Entertainment today announced the next upcoming expansion for the dark free-to-play MMORPG game, Forsaken World.
Wildstar Raids, The Last of Us DLC, Square Enix and more! | The Daily XP April 16th
Your Daily MMO and MMORPG News for Wednesday April 16th. Today Bethany discusses Wildstar, The Last of Us and Square Enix.
Things Are Heating Up For Dragons And Titans
Independent development studio Wyrmbyte, today announced an exciting selection of fixes, improvements and new additions to the fast-paced MOBA game world of Dragons And Titans.
Historical Battles Debut In World Of Tanks
At the beginning of last month Wargaming.net unleashed information on a massive number of changes heading to the critically acclaimed World of Tanks throughout 2014. The first of thsoe changes is now upon us with the immediate release of World of Tanks Version 9.0.
40v40 WildStar PvP Reveal Video
Carbine Studios today released an action packed new trailer showcasing the epic 40v40 PvP in the upcoming MMORPG, WildStar.
CCP Games Report $21M Losses For Fiscal 2013
The developers of the massively popular EVE Online and struggling Dust 514, CCP Games, announced a $21M loss for the Fiscal year 2013 despite a huge surge in revenue.
Ubisoft Announce Exciting Easter Events For Anno & Settlers
Earlier today Ubisoft and Blue Byte revealed some exciting Easter themed events heading to the two increasingly popular free MMORTS games, Settlers & Anno Online.


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Dubai has launched a major new food technology hub set to act as a "global destination" for enterprising businesses and a key driver of the emirate's economy.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the forward-thinking Food Tech Valley on Saturday.
He said the "city" would help further develop vertical farming and other advanced agriculture technologies and bolster the UAE's food security.
The state-of-the-art centre aims to triple the UAE's food production and make the country more self-sustainable.
It was developed through a partnership between the Ministry of Food and Water Security and Wasl Properties.
"We launched the first phase of Food Tech Valley, a new modern and vibrant city that will serve as a global destination for start-ups and industry experts in the food ecosystem," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"It will host R&D [research and development] facilities, an innovation centre, a smart food logistics hub and areas for vertical farming.
"The UAE's food trade exceeds Dh100 billion ($27.2) annually. Our country is a global food logistics hub, and we will work to create a nurturing environment for agribusinesses to develop new farming technologies and enhance our future food security.
“Food Tech Valley is part of a series of projects that aim to sustain the UAE’s food, water and agricultural systems in line with the National Food Security Strategy.
"Food and medicine represent strategic sectors that help us ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the next generation.”
Sheikh Mohammed was joined at the launch by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Minister of State for Food Security, Mariam Al Mheiri.
Ms Al Mheri said the Food Tech Valley was critical to the goal of achieving self-sufficiency and conserving essential resources.
"The Food Tech Valley project represents an instrumental stride towards enhancing food security and will serve as a global destination for expertise in the entire food ecosystem," she said.
"It will also be an economic zone, which is particularly significant considering that the size of the AgTech market is projected to grow from $13.5 billion to $22 billion over the next four years.
“The project features a food innovation centre that has been designed to resemble a head of wheat and will incorporate laboratories, research centres and prototype agricultural systems.
"Strategically located close to universities and academic institutions, it will support the R&D ecosystem and explore and deliver sustainable solutions around food.
“We seek to adopt and develop the latest methods for smart agriculture and food production, rationalise water use, accelerate basic food self-sufficiency, and share our successful experiences with countries around the world. This will help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard the future of forthcoming generations.”
The food hub will be made up of four main clusters; agricultural technology and engineering, a food innovation centre, R&D facilities, and an advanced smart food logistics hub.
The UAE has been at the forefront of international efforts to enhance food security through embracing new technologies and partnering with leading firms in the growing agri-tech sector.
Last year, Abu Dhabi Investment Office provided $100 million (Dh367m) to partner agricultural technology companies AeroFarms, Madar Farms, RNZ and RDI to build agritech research and development facilities, and production centres in Abu Dhabi.
Their aim is to explore how countries with an arid climate can benefit from these technologies.
"Agritech will help to increase our domestic food production while minimising the use of water, one of the scarcest resources in our region,” said Minister of State for Food Security Mariam Al Mheiri.
The minister has stated that vertical farms were key to preserving water resources.
"Generally, vertical farming uses 90 per cent less water than traditional farming," Ms Al Mheiri said.
"Reducing water consumption through vertical farms can also have a very positive economic and environmental impact.
Founded in Dubai/UAE, SCLG is a membership driven industry business group with 200+ corporate members. SCLG is expanding internationally to continuously enhance its global foot-print.
Managing supply chain and logistics more effectively shall contribute to positive growth of economy in range of 3% to 5% (GDP terms).
Impact of climate change on managing supply chain should be on agenda of all supply chain professionals.
Oil and Gas industry should enlarge its theme to manage supply chains of larger energy domain.
Reduction in current level of wastage in food supply chain shall help mitigate poverty.
Managing Fresh water supply chain needs attention of all.
Sophisticated demand forecast and planning for sure helps improve efficiency of supply chain.
Dubai Lease Conference , Dubai 15th -16th November 2023
Transport Logistic Southeast Asia , Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 01st -03rd November 2023
Supply Chain Logistics Kenya , Nairobi, Kenya 17th -19th August 2023
South East Asia Digital Supply Chain Summit 2023 , Vietnam 22nd June 2023
45th Annual SAPICS Conference , Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town, South Africa 11th -14th June 2023
The 4th Indonesia International Transport, Logistics, Equipment & Services Exhibition 2023 , JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia 24th -26th May 2023
Supply Chain Digitalization Conference 2023 , Virtual Event 24th -25th May 2023
Mauritius Maritime Week 2022 , The Ravenala Attitude, Mauritius 13th -15th December 2022
Annual GPCA Forum , Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 06th -08th December 2022
Intermodal Africa , Hotel Sarakawa, Lomé, Togo 22nd -24th November 2022
Seamless Saudi Arabia , Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre 02nd -03rd November 2022
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CONFERENCE , Virtual Event 01st -02nd November 2022
Asean Ports & Shipping , InterContinental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 25th -27th October 2022
World Breakbulk Expo , Shanghai, China 25th -26th October 2022
Indonesia International Transport, Logistic, Equipment & Service Exhibition , Jakarta, Indonesia 05th -07th October 2022
Supply Chain Digitization 2022 , Virtual Event 17th -18th October 2022
Malta Maritime Summit , Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa in St. Julian’s, Malta 03rd -07th October 2022
IATA World Cargo Symposium , London, England 27th -29th September 2022
Baltic & Black Sea Ports & Shipping , Vanagupe Hotel Conference and Spa Center, Palanga, Lithuania 27th -29th May 2022
7th GPCA Research and Innovation Conference , Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai 26th -27th September 2022
Seamless North Africa , Cairo, Egypt 20th -21st September 2022
China (Shenzhen) International Logistics and Supply Chain Fair (CILF) , Shenzhen, China 22nd -24th September 2022
Transport Logistic and Air Cargo Southeast Asia , Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Sungapore 13th -15th September 2022
BIMP-EAGA 2022 , Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 02nd -04th August 2022
Intermodal Africa , King Fahd Palace Hotel Dakar, Senegal 28th -30th June 2022
Philippine Ports and Shipping , Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, The Philippines 21st -23rd June 2022
44th Annual SAPICS 2022 In-Person Conference & Exhibition , Capetown, South Africa 12th -15th June 2022
Trans Middle East , Radisson Blu Hotel, Manama, Bahrain 31st -02nd June 2022
Seamless Middle East , Dubai World Trade Centre 31st -01st June 2022
Digital Sypply Chain Show , Address Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai 25th May 2022
Mediterranean Ports and Shipping , Hoteli Bernardin Portorož, Slovenia 24th -26th May 2022
Airport Show , DWTC, Dubai 17th -19th May 2022
13th GPCA Supply-Chain Conference , Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City Dubai UAE 17th -19th May 2022


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Sony sells 10 million eBooks!
Sony, the electronics giant that invented the first eBook Reader, has reached a momentous milestone Wednesday, May 5 – selling 10 million eBooks!
This milestone marks the significance of the eBook movement, one that began with the first Sony Reader in 2007. Over time, Sony has made many advancements in their devices, including the eventual introduction of touch screens and 3G connectivity, along with an updated eBook Storefront, and most recently the addition of periodicals! The current models incluse the Pocket, Touch, and Daily Edition Readers – priced at $149.99, $299.99, and $349.99 respectivley. The Daily Edition is the most comprehensive model, with a large 7″ touchscreen e-ink display and 3G conectivity through AT&T. The Touch edition has a smaller 6″ touchscreen display without 3G connectivity, but it is availiable in a variety of colors. Lastly and most economically sensible is the basic Pocket edition, with a smaller 5″ screen and even a feminine pink color availiable. All of the Editions of the Sony Reader family are great devices, and suit different needs for different people.
To celebrate such a wonderful milestone, Sony is offering a $10 credit to any person who bought a book from the Reader Store on May 5th, 2010, the day the milestone was reached. Is this a turn in the tide of the market in favor of Sony? Or is this a milestone already reached by Amazon with the Kindle Book Store? And most importantly, how does this affect the eBook market as a whole? These questions cannot be answered at this point in time, becuase the eBook war continues onward – and hopefully Sony will win. For more information about the Sony Reader Family of digital books, visit sonystyle.com!


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Father of PlayStation receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award
Ken Kutaragi, the Japanese engineer who created the very first game console Sony PlayStation, as well as the former head of Sony Computer Entertainment, will receive a lifetime achievement award at the annual ceremony of the Game Developers Choice, which will be held March 19.
In the early ’80s Kutaragi liked to watch his little daughter playing games on the console Nintendo Famicom (known in Russia thanks to clone Dendy). Even then, Ken felt a huge potential hidden in video games. But Sony is in those years was not interested in this market, where Nintendo unconditionally rules ball. But if fate itself Kutaragi gave a chance to realize their dreams. Nintendo sought guidance engineer who would develop a sound processor for their future 16-bit console, Super Famicom, and Ken Kutaragi alone undertook this project. On this project he had to work at night in secrecy from the leadership of Sony, but when the truth is still surfaced, he was nearly fired for arbitrariness. And only Norio Ohga, who at the time was president of Sony Corporation, stood up for his subordinate and allowed him to bring the work to the end. As a result, Kutaragi created a stunning sound processor SPC700, whereby Super Famicom beat all its competitors in sound quality and music.
Despite the fact that between the companies Sony and Nintendo began a relationship guide, Sony continued to look with disdain toward the gaming industry. And here in the course of things again intervened case. Kutaragi commissioned by Nintendo developed disc drive for Super Famicom, Nintendo president but suddenly felt that they were wasting Sony pulled in its internal affairs and broke the deal. To avoid losing the money invested in the development, Ken Kutaragi Sony persuaded the president to create a disk drive based on your own gaming console. He was good, and so in 1995, was born the first console Sony PlayStation. Kutaragi ideas about success can be judged by the fact that to date has sold slightly more than 102 million of these consoles.
Ранний прототип PlayStation напоминал собой консоль Nintendo Super Famicom
After the huge success of its first gaming console Sony willingly began to invest heavily in the development of this area of its activity. In 2000 was born the PlayStation 2, which sold around the world circulation of 155 million pieces. Kutaragi again headed the project and designed much of the interior decoration console yourself. In 2004, Ken Kutaragi is among the hundred most influential people in the world by the magazine Times.
Поздние прототипы первой PlayStation и игровых контроллеров
But with the PlayStation 3 from Sony came out not so smooth as we would like. The architecture of the new console was too complicated for developers, and the production cost was incredibly high. As a result, the Japanese company has lost a lot of money in the first years after the start of sales of PS3, and Ken Kutaragi has lost all credibility and leadership immediately after launch PlayStation 3 on sale resigned as president of Sony Computer Entertainment. Took his place known to all of us Kazuo Hirai , who in 2013 will become president of the entire corporation Sony.
Кен Кутараги демонстрирует PlayStation Portable журналистам
Currently Ken Kutaragi is the honorary chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment, as well as a professor who has lectured at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. Lifetime Achievement Award, which is going to give Ken Kutaragi at the upcoming ceremony certainly appreciate this talented engineer who gave us so many wonderful moments spent in his game consoles PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. Symbolically, the award from the hands of Kutaragi get Mark Cerny, who is an old friend, as well as the chief architect and creator of the next generation console PlayStation 4 .
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Blackheath's fireworks display is always one of the most popular around -- because it's free!
A crowd of 100,000 is expected to attend this year's event.
The accompanying funfair will get going from 12 noon (but that's not free -- you have to pay for the rides), and the food and drink stalls will start to open from 5 PM. The firework display itself is scheduled to begin at 8 PM.
Note: Please do not bring any sparklers, pets or alcohol.


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Consumers head to the Web even after the peak online shopping day, known as Cyber Monday, representing an opportunity for online advertisers to reach new shopping prospects. That’s one of the key findings from the seventh annual “Holiday Online Shopping Report: 2006-2007” released by Atlas Institute, now part of Microsoft.
Holiday ad campaigns aimed at consumers during peak online activity, which Atlas refers to as the “online crush,” can miss a significant volume of online traffic after the crush in a period Atlas calls the “offline rush.” That latter period refers to the two weeks before Christmas when consumers rely on the Web to research purchases, check stock at local stores, and compare prices.
“The online experience is still an integral part of the shopping experience, even with purchase behavior shifting offline to stores,” said Young-Bean Song, VP of analytics at the Atlas Institute.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, online usage is 10 percent higher than other times of the year, and the average number of ads a consumer views also increases by 10 percent. The study finds the increase suggests “both the existing base of online shoppers prior to the holidays and new online prospects increased their online use during the holidays.”
While offline shopping peaks on the weekend, online it peaks on Mondays and Tuesdays, typically between noon and 4 p.m. Eastern Time, the report said. This year, the busiest online shopping day, called Cyber Monday (define), is expected to occur Dec. 12. “It may be worth considering paying a premium for space on Mondays and Tuesdays, placements during the middle of the day, fixed one-day placements or high-impact rich media,” Atlas recommended.
After Cyber Monday, the creative can be tweaked. Advertisers, for example, can offer guaranteed shipping or alert shoppers to in-store pickups. “Make sure your messaging adjusts to the psychological deadline shoppers have during the season,” advised Song. “Stress key points on shipping, and getting gifts on time.”
This year, 154 million consumers shopped over the long holiday weekend, an increase of 3 million from last year
Emotion can be very powerful when trying to reach an audience, and it can be boosted by linking it with the way memory affects human behaviour. How can all of this apply to the demanding mobile audience?
With social media reach and engagement rates having dipped so precipitously over the last year or so, paying to play is the only option for most brands now.
Digital (and in our case search and content) data holds the keys to marketing success.


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Irish Mist & Carolans sold to Campari
Within months of acquiring Irish Mist and Carolans Irish Liqueur, William Grant & Sons has sold on the brands onto Italian company Cruppo Campari, along with Frangelico, for €129 million.
However William Grant & Sons, which purchased the brands – along with Tullamore Dew – from the C&C Group only six months ago, “remains committed to making a significant investment in Ireland”.
And Campari has signed a 10-year manufacturing services deal with William Grant to provide blending and bottling services for the liqueur brands in Clonmel’s bottling plant.
Grants has stated that it will continue to invest “in the long-term value growth” of Tullamore Dew.
“Whilst Tullamore Dew was the key focus in our newly-acquired portfolio, we always intended to develop the liqueur brands,” stated Stella David, Chief Executive of William Grant, “However, we were offered a very attractive price from Campari and believe they will be able to develop these brands given their relevant expertise.”
Campari’s Chief Executive Bob Kunze-Cioncewitz believes that the brand acquisitions will help increase Campari’s “critical mass” in the highly-profitable US market while it also strengthens the company’s exposure to a number of key international markets such as Australia, Russia, Canada, Spain and the UK.
Campari is already the global source for Frangelico.
The deal will be concluded on the 1st of October.


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Windows and doors fabricator Listers Central celebrated a record-breaking month – almost a year to the day that the company was saved.
The Fenton business saw sales hit £1 million for August, topping off a successful 12 months since the firm was acquired by new CEO Roy Frost.
Roy, the former managing director of systems company Deceuninck and owner of Essex-based fabricator GJB Window Systems, took over the business in August 2017 after it fell into administration.
He said: “The last year has been enormous hard work for all our long-serving employees, but the August figure shows that we are well on track to be bigger and better than before. Customers are also reaping the rewards thanks to a number of exciting new products and initiatives that we have introduced.
“For more than 40 years Listers has always had a great reputation within the industry and the last 12 months was simply a case of building on these strong foundations and introducing new ideas to take the company to the next level."
He added: “Listers is in a really good place now – you only have to visit the factory to feel the culture and vibrancy of the organisation and see the quality of fabrication – and I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our staff, customers and suppliers for all their support over the last 12 months.
“We have some very exciting plans up our sleeve and we are looking forward to a fantastic future.”
Highlights over the last 12 months include the launch of new ranges and the introduction of a new online ordering system and marketing service.
The company has also invested in a revamped showroom, new machinery – including a Graf Cill welder – and new staff to cope with the surge in demand.
Daniel Shaw, group marketing manager at Listers, said: “Roy’s stewardship has allowed us to change direction and emphasis without losing the Listers identity the company is so well known for.
“Being part of a fabrication group has opened up our distribution network to now encompass almost the whole of the UK and has given us access to a number of initiatives and products.
“It has been an amazing 12 months.”


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The classic look that Shrimp and Grits Kids is known for caught the eye of “Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant as early as season two. Megan suspects that Janie and her team likely performed a simple Google search for “traditional boys’ smocked outfits” or something similar and stumbled upon her website. Baby Gene, Don and Betty’s love child from the end of season three, ended up wearing several of the Shrimp and Grits Kids outfits – five total throughout the show.
“It’s interesting,” mused Lauren Fairbanks of Stunt & Gimmick’s, the advertising firm that represents Shrimp and Grits Kids. “The folks at ‘Mad Men’s’ costume design had been using Shrimp and Grits Kids since 2010, a time when the company was only 3 years old, and the show was fairly new as well.”
Megan started Shrimp and Grits Kids after leaving her job as an art teacher when her daughter, 10-year-old Ella, was just a year old. Fast forward to the present, and Shrimp and Grits Kids has found a wider fan base – the storefront and warehouse located in the Watermark community of Mount Pleasant are testaments to that.
Megan grew up on Sullivan’s Island and attended Sullivan’s Island Elementary School. She enjoys owning a business that is family-owned and operated with the help of her husband, Pitts, and brother, Mike. Favorite designs that honor the Southern aesthetic have included Carolina blue crabs, Edisto alligators, the Morris Island Lighthouse and the Charleston pineapple.
“I’ve always incorporated a lot of Lowcountry scenes into my designs,” she explained. “I love the traditional look.” “When Megan and Janie finally talked, they agreed the Shrimp and Grits Kids designs were a great fit for ‘Mad Men,’” Lauren pointed out.
Both ladies mentioned that they’ve noticed more traditional, rather than trendy, styles resurfacing for children.
“It’s kids dressing like kids,” Lauren said. “And it’s classic – the equivalent of a little black dress on a woman.”
Though the show is over now (sniff), Lauren and Megan agreed that it’s great to get Charleston on the national style map – and with an Emmy award-winning show at that.
“I love period pieces,” Megan commented, citing other television shows such as “The Goldbergs.” “Being a clothing designer, I enjoy creative costuming.”
“It’s great to see a local clothing company getting that kind of exposure on the national level,” Lauren added.
By Denise K. James
Photos by Cassandra Michelle Photography


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MAYFIELD HIEGHTS, Ohio- Eleven-year-old Darion Johnson loves to play video games with his twin brother, Trevion so much that he decided to use his Make-A-Wish request to go on a shopping spree at GameStop in Mayfield Heights.
"I can get a game that cost a lot of money,” Darion said.
The Cleveland boy suffers from sickle cell anemia so the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana granted his wish. On Friday, Darion was given a $2,500 shopping spree so he and his twin picked out an Xbox and plenty of games.
"I'm happy because we can have an Xbox, when we at home we don't have to be bored," Trevion said.
The boys’ father, Aaron, is raising his two sons on his own after his wife passed away last year. He said this year the holidays will be brighter because of Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"It's a true blessing. It’s Christmas time and an Xbox One could be something they both wanted and can entertain themselves together. And technically, I could not have gotten it for him right then, but god is good and Make-A-Wish made a way,” Aaron Johnson said.
Not only did Darion get a great shopping spree, he and his family got to drive around in a limo all day.
"Tell the limo where he wants to go and go to different stores and go out to lunch, dinner, just to make it a little more special and worry-free so they do not have to worry about anything,” said Lisa White, Wish program manager.
As Darion played video games with his brother, he knew this day was special.
"I'm going to have a great Christmas and thank you everybody," Darion said.


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Biomap will be exhibiting at the 2nd Pharma Logistics Day in Basel, Switzerland, on Wednesday of 25th September this year.
This year’s event is being held in parallel to ILMAC (24-27 September) at Messe Basel. The one-day event is being staged in Hall 2.0. It has been relocated to Basel in order to better exploit synergies, strengthen the Pharma Logistics Day and expand ILMAC.
Come and see us on the day, by buying a ticket from the official site.


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Why the Electra Meccanica Solo 3-Wheeler Has Just 3 Wheels
In recent years, many more automakers have started to develop more sustainable options for their vehicles. Many of Ford’s popular cars, like the F-150 and the Mustang, will have all-electric or hybrid variants in a few years. The German brand Audi promises to release 30 electric vehicles by 2025.
Obviously, electric cars are beneficial to the environment because they cut down the pollution in the air we breathe. Electricity to charge the car’s battery also costs significantly less than gas. Some of the newest electric cars also have neat design elements that make them stand out from the rest. Let’s look at the Electra Meccanica Solo, a punchy little electric car with just three wheels.
What is Electra Meccanica?
Electra Meccanica is relatively new to the automotive world, founded in 2015. One of the founders, Frank Reisner, got his start by creating custom sports cars in 1969. In 2012, he began collaborating with Jerry Kroll on an all-electric prototype that would become today’s Solo 3-wheeler.
Kroll, who would also become a founder, is a former racecar driver with a big passion for electric cars. With the help of Reisner’s decades of building expertise, the two were able to release the first Solo 3-wheeler in 2016. So far, the company has developed two other electric vehicles: the Tofino and the eRoadster.
The Electra Meccanica Solo 3-wheeler
The Solo gets its name thanks to its single front seat. Under the hood, there’s an electric motor rated at 82 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. It has a maximum speed of 80 miles per hour, making a good candidate for both highway and city driving.
Its driving range is notably short, only 100 miles. Still, if you’re mainly using the vehicle to commute to work, it shouldn’t be an issue. It can reach a full charge in as little as 3 hours.
One glaring concern is the Solo’s limited seating. A car that can only seat one is not a great pick for families. Another thing we’re not thrilled about is the lack of basic safety features. While it does have seat belts and a roll bar, there are currently no airbags inside the Solo. The automaker has promised that these will be added in the future.
Why just 3 wheels?
Automakers often have an easier time designing 3-wheelers because of the lack of regulatory restrictions and better stability. While the Solo is marketed as a single commuter car, it’s technically registered as a motorcycle. This means that it has a few perks over traditional cars, like the ability to use carpool lanes.
A car with just three wheels also provides a unique driving experience. According to Kroll, the Solo 3-wheeler offers as much fun as an escaped “Disney ride.” Business Insider reported that the car provided plenty of enjoyment thanks to its ability to zip around traffic. Other critics, like the guys at MotorTrend, felt that the car’s steering wasn’t very refined.
Could 3-wheeled cars become a trend?
The Solo isn’t the first vehicle to lack a fourth wheel in the back. A number of microcars with three wheels were produced in Europe, like the Burgflake FB 250 and the Reliant Regal. Examples of more modern 3-wheelers include the electric T-Rex motorcycle and the Morgan electric roadster.
Depending on the success of the Solo in the United States, we may see more 3-wheeled cars in the future. The Solo currently has an MSRP of around $20,000. Because of its limited space and little technology offerings, some may consider the 3-wheeler to be a waste of money. However, it’s definitely a competitive price for an all-electric vehicle.


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WASHINGTON D.C. [USA]: Parents are generally indulged in non-responsive feeding practices for their kids' fussy eating habits, but now they also need to analyse the harmful chemicals added to food and used in food packaging, which are potentially harmful to children.
Chemicals used in packaging and in processed meats, among others, can lead to obesity, puberty issues and other health problems, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said. Additives may be added directly to food or leach into packaging and plastics.
The chemicals that raise the concern are:
Life Made Easy And Stress-Free! Benefits Of Frozen Food
Nutrition Is Key
11 Sep, 2017
Thirty per cent of mothers feel guilty about the nutritional value of food they feed to their family. However, frozen food offers great options for a balanced diet.
While frozen peas can contain more vitamin C than their fresh equivalent, frozen chicken and fish are fantastic sources of protein for growing kids.
Bisphenols, such as BPA, which are used in the lining of metal cans. They can act like estrogen in the body. This can affect the onset of puberty, increase body fat, decrease fertility and impact the nervous system and immune system.
Phthalates, which are found in plastics, can impact male genital development, childhood obesity and heart disease.
Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs), which are used in grease-proof food packaging, could reduce immunity, birth weight and fertility.
Percholate, which is added in dry food packaging to control static electricity, is known to disrupt thyroid function and can affect early brain development.
Nitrates and nitrites, which are used to preserve food and found in processed meats, can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
All humans are impacted by the chemicals, but children are the worst affected.
Be Cautious This Season: Superfoods To Boost Immunity And Keep You Healthy
25 Jan, 2018
Monsoon is here and so are the diseases. The change in season can result in various viral infections, flus and poor health conditions.
The tricky season can lead to various health problems like sore throat, itchy nose, sneeze, ceaseless cough, common cold, and many water-borne diseases like typhoid, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, diarrhoea, malaria and dengue.
While regular exercising and staying hydrated is important, it is crucial to consume the right foods to strengthen your immunity and beat the illness this season.
Dolly Kumar, founder and director of Gaia; Eesha Kanade, Obino's health coach; Luke Coutinho, MD in alternative medicine & holistic nutritionist; and holistic health guru Dr Mickey Mehta share a list of best immunity-boosting foods that will keep you healthy.


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will stop making the slow-selling Honda Insight hybrid in September, The Associated Press reported.
Although the Insight was the first hybrid vehicle on sale in the United States, in 1999, it never achieved the popularity of the , which went on sale a year later. Toyota sold 107,897 Priuses in 2005, while Honda sold 666 Insights, the AP noted. Honda expected to sell around 5,000 Insights a year, but sales totaled just 13,374 from 1999 through March of this year.
Honda plans to introduce a new, more affordable hybrid to the North American market in 2009, a company spokesman said.


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Drones promise to be the future of consumer delivery in China, where large-scale trials are being carried out.
Telepathic machines can now show better pictures of our thoughts.
Guilt-free, lab-grown meat has always been in sight, but just out of reach. Japanese scientists think they may have found the answer to producing it commercially.
Asia’s transformation in the healthcare sector is leading to a boom in medical tourism in developing countries.
Abul Bajandar made headlines last year with his tree-like warts covering his limbs. Now, this extremely rare illness has given him a life he never expected.
Is MSG really that bad for you? We unpack the controversial ingredient thought to produce "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome".
Asia's rainforests contain a treasure trove of medical treatments waiting to be discovered. But who knows where the next life-giving discovery will be made?
The chilli pepper is an indispensable part of Asian cuisine. We take a look at some of Asia's spiciest varieties on offer.


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Apple has announced that Corning will be the first beneficiary of its new advanced manufacturing fund. Apple CEO, Tim Cook announced a new $1 billion fund aimed at fostering innovation among American manufacturers. The move was likely influenced by President Trump's call for creating more jobs in the United States.
Corning will receive $200 million and Apple says the investment "will support Corning's R&D, capital equipment needs and state-of-the-art glass processing." Corning is the company behind popular Gorilla Glass displays, which are being used for display protection on many devices incuding iPhones.
"Corning is a great example of a supplier that has continued to innovate and they are one of Apple's long-standing suppliers," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer.
Apple says it now supports 2 million jobs in the United States, including the 4,50,000 jobs attributable with its US-based suppliers. The company claims to have spent over $50 billion with more than 9,000 domestic suppliers and manufacturers. Corning says its 10-year long partnership with Apple has helped create nearly 1,000 US jobs across Corning's R&D and manufacturing facilities. Apple has already started local manufacturing of its Mac Pro lineup and is reportedly considering further expanding its local operations. Foxconn, Apple's contract manufacturer for iPhone, is also said to be exploring the possibility of bringing iPhone manufacturing to the United States.


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The new investment comes at the end of Armour’s most successful year to date, with year-on-year revenue growth having more than doubled. Planned expansion in 2020 means the company are looking to hire up to 20 new people across the business. Several people have already been appointed, in product development and sales.
BOOST&Co principal Kim Martin said Armour was a “fantastic” example of a small business that has carved out space for itself in the secure technology sector and is competing with established brands.
“The business is recognised for the quality of its offer and the experience of a management team that are thought leaders within their industry.”
David Holman, Director at Armour Comms said: “Attracting external investors is testament to the amazing achievements of Armour Comms, and everyone that works with us. The investment from BOOST&Co will enable us to fast-track innovative new developments to our family of products and bring them to market. This additional investment also means that we can move ahead with our plans to recruit new people in a variety of positions across the Armour team and we are looking to significantly increase our market presence.”
As well as increasing revenue by 100 percent in 2019, Armour signed up several new partners. During the year, Armour collaborated on a next-generation high-grade encryption and remote access solution, that is in use by the Australian government.
In 2019 Armour extended its product range by launching SigNet by Armour, which provides secure voice, video, messaging, group chat, file attachments and MessageBurn (timed messages) with AES-256 bit encryption.


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Under the terms of the agreement, Alcampo will use the Ocado Smart Platform to help expand its online business across the country.
The two businesses will develop a customer fulfilment centre (CFC) to serve the Madrid region from 2024, with additional CFCs to follow.
'As Spanish customers continue to shift more of their spend online, the demand for competitively priced, high quality grocery e-commerce will continue to grow,' Ocado said in a statement.
'This partnership will enable Alcampo to deliver a world-leading experience online to grocery customers across Spain.'
To date, Ocado's technology arm has signed partnership deals with supermarket groups including Kroger in the United States, Casino in France and Aeon in Japan.
In the first half of its financial year, which covered the six-month period to 30 May, Ocado posted a 19.8% rise in retail revenue to £1.2 billion. The continuation of lockdowns in the UK during the period helped draw new customers to its joint venture with Marks & Spencer, it said.
Profits in its core retail business rose by 58.4%. Elsewhere, revenue in its UK Solutions & Logistics arm was up 13.1%, with profit up 6.4%.
However, the company reported a £23.6 million loss before tax, compared to a £40.6 million loss for the same period last year.
Ocado says that the pandemic has resulted in a permanent shift to online grocery shopping, helping boost demand for its technology offering with retailers around the world. It recently announced an investment in autonomous vehicle firm Oxbotica, and also unveiled a new online media platform for suppliers.
Changing Landscape For Retail
"As we head towards a post COVID-19 future, it is increasingly clear that the landscape for grocery worldwide has changed, for good," said Tim Steiner, Ocado chief executive.
|We continue to build strong partnerships with our clients and win new clients, based on our twenty year experience as a technology company and a food retailer, and these partnerships are the bedrock of our business. Our partners will continue to benefit from the full suite of options available from OSP as well as high levels of innovation and problem-solving, which is at the heart of Ocado's DNA."


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PC Industry Consolidation Will Continue
Samsung will end its sales of laptops and Chromebooks in Europe, according to PC Advisor magazine. The news comes as a surprise given Samsung’s tenacious nature and its desire to have a presence in all segments of consumer connectivity. Samsung introduced several laptops earlier this year, and the company’s Chromebooks have become global flagship products for Google’s cloud-centric OS.
However, Samsung’s strategy shift is an acknowledgement of the realities of the PC market. Sony announced earlier this year that it would exit the PC business after almost two decades. Sony wasn’t able to gain the scale required to make the unit truly profitable, despite establishing Vaio into a reasonably well-known computer brand. Samsung, unlike Sony, isn’t exiting the global laptop market, and the company could return to selling PCs in Europe if market conditions change, but that appears unlikely.
In an attempt to counter a major potential disruption from Google’s Chrome OS, Microsoft recently announced several partnerships with leading PC makers to enable low-cost Windows laptops. HP, for example, introduced a $300 laptop earlier this month based on Microsoft’s reference design, and several Asus and Dell Windows models can already be found for considerably less.
Six players control 65% of the PC market: Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo. All other PC makers have difficulty scaling up to profitability in a market of near-indistinguishable products. There’s no comfort zone even for those top market brands. A decade ago, the eponymous maker of IBM-compatible machines decided to leave the business for something greener. Super-thin profit margins and declining selling prices in a saturated market are a formula for change.
Samsung’s wisely catching its breath and preparing to concentrate on its smartphone businesses as well as potential new-growth areas such as the smart home, wearables and hybrid devices. After all, Samsung’s the world’s second-leading tablet maker after Apple. As device forms begin to overlap, Samsung is wisely approaching the market from its position of strength by leaving the traditional laptop business to others.
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Posted on11. Dec, 2009 by Nana Kwabena Owusu.
Vodafone Ghana makes changes to its broadband service. Are the changes better or worse for customers.
Posted on23. Nov, 2009 by Nana Kwabena Owusu.
Google Maps update brings increased map content for Ghana.
Posted on21. Oct, 2009 by Justin Sonaa Dakorah.
Ghana’s new broadband strategy wants to achieve 50% penetration by 2015 and increasing GDP by 6.9%.
Posted on11. Oct, 2009 by Nana Kwabena Owusu.
Several undersea cables are landing in Ghana over the next few months and beyond. Will these reduce the price of internet connectivity?
Posted on03. Oct, 2009 by Nana Kwabena Owusu.
The state of the VoIP market in Ghana and its legality for different business markets


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WASHINGTON, April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/YTL-International-Recalls-Drywall-Lifts/
Name of Product: Drywall lifts
Hazard: The drywall lifts can fail during use causing the load of drywall to fall onto the lift operator, posing an injury hazard.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drywall lifts and contact YTL for a postage paid shipping label to ship them to YTL for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: YTL International toll-free at 888-723-6534 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.ytlinternational.com and click on RECALL for more information.
Units: About 17,000 (in addition, 2,700 were sold in Canada)
Description: This recall involves YTL drywall lifts used for lifting sheets of drywall. The metal lifts are red, have three 30 inch legs with casters at the base, horizontal bars at the top to hold the drywall and a telescoping post that can extend vertically to a height of 11 feet using the manual crank. The recalled drywall lifts have a label on the vertical mast stating "PERFORMANCE BUILT," "MUD BOSS" OR "150 LB. DRYWALL PANEL HOIST."
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of the drywall lifts failing and dropping their load. No injuries have been reported.
Sold at: Lowe's, Menards and Orgill Inc. stores nationwide from January 2013 through January 2016 for about $250.
Importer/Distributor:YTL International, of Cerritos, Calif.
Manufactured in: China
About U.S. CPSC:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.
CPSC Consumer Information Hotline
Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:
800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)
Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.
Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.
SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission


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In the second quarter, the Taipei-listed PV cell and module producer posted a net loss of NT$826 million and an operating loss of NT$991 million, on revenue of NT$4.504 billion.
It partly attributed the losses to ongoing efforts to raise production at its plant in Malaysia. It expects to wrap up this transition in the third quarter.
The Taiwanese crystalline PV cell and module producers revenue fell 23.66% year on year in the month of July to NT$1,308 million.
However, revenue edged up 4.1% from June, mainly due to a jump in its shipments of solar panels, according to an online statement.
The Taipei-listed manufacturers cumulative, year-to-date revenue reached NT$11,718 million at the end of July, up 3.41% from the first seven months of 2015.
It described the demand outlook for the rest of the year as conservative," due to lower average selling prices for its PV modules, but said that it expects demand in mainland China to rise slightly in the fourth quarter.
The Hsinchu-based company which has started developing solar arrays in Japan and the US announced plans last week to establish a new downstream venture with several undisclosed partners, mainly to build projects in its home market.
It also revealed that its board has given the go-ahead to invest roughly $34 million in US-based Greenskies Power.
Earlier this week, NSP revealed that chief executive Sam Hong will replace company founder Quincy Lin as chairman.
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The only thing these people might be growing is an overinflated ego.
Two-thirds of surveyed Americans are confident they could “live off the land” if all other alternatives had become exhausted.
One-third of the armchair farmers think they could even last over a year self sufficiently, Talker reported.
The survey — which interviewed over 1,000 US rural residents and another thousand from cities and suburbs — also found that two-thirds from both walks of life say they “wouldn’t have any problem” growing their own produce had grocery stores closed nationwide.
Of course, the seemingly least qualified believe they are the cream of the crop when it comes to this newfound spirit of self-assured Americana.
City folks fancy themselves to be the most confident self-sustaining farmhands — 72% of urban and suburbanites told the survey they would be veggie sufficient whereas just 62% of rural residents feel the same.
But even those not ready to open their own farmers market are taking steps to become literally homegrown.
The survey found that eight in 10 Americans believe possessing a “green thumb” is a needed survival skill, which inspired 42% of them to begin growing their own produce. Even 31% said they’ve caught interest in raising livestock.
Nearly half of respondents also say they would start their own farm hobby — if they had the time, area and resources.
And all it took was a pandemic for people to get in touch with their inner country.
About one in five confessed to leaving their cities and surrounding suburbs for a rural setting during COVID — and 69% desire to do the same for a plethora of reasons.
Of that ambitious grouping, the results showed that 61% would leave because the great outdoors is more peaceful, 49% call it less stressful and 45% flat out said it’s a cheaper cost of living.
But some have concerns that developing a green thumb will cost them green from their bank accounts.
Although more than half say they have picked up a sustainable hobby, 40% are skittish about the lifestyle due to fears of the expenses that come with caring for mother nature.
Actually, 54% of those surveyed called sustainable living expensive and estimate the lifestyle will cost them $11,000 more a year.
Despite the naysayers, 77% are on board with sustainability to create both a better environment and world for the next generation, the survey found.
Many Americans, too, believe that with great yard space comes great responsibility: 71% said that they feel an obligation to live sustainably if they have a large yard as part of their homes.
Once again, city slickers are most keen to take on a sustainable lifestyle as 77% of urban residents said they would want to learn more about eco-friendly habits while 57% of suburbia would, as well.


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Bitcoin’s price crossed US$19,892 last Monday, breaking its previous record of $19,782.21, which it hit in December 2017. Here’s why this price rally is different.
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OfficeBlocks Director Yusuf Jafry talks to Jumpstart about its property technology (proptech) and the problem it is trying to solve. Proptech is a relatively new
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Being moody, or clingy, throwing tantrums, or experiencing breakdowns are symptoms of declining mental health. How is COVID-19 affecting children and what can parents do
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Perhaps against expectation, a lot of retail activity is happening at the Battlefield Mall.
Despite an ongoing consumer shift from in-person to online shopping, and economic unsettlement – including a temporary mall closure – from the coronavirus pandemic, indications are that the Battlefield Mall is experiencing a kind of spring, just in time for the fall and winter holiday shopping season.
An Aug. 31 news release from the Battlefield Mall announced five retailers that were newly opened or relocated, plus four more that are coming soon. Eight of the nine retailers are local businesses.
Michael Martin is general manager of the Battlefield Mall, which is a property of real estate investment trust Simon Property Group Inc.
According to Martin, the local mall seems to be bucking some dark national trends.
“We’re very fortunate here – we always have interest and activity on the leasing front,” he said. “If there’s a challenge, it’s very short term. We’re always bringing in new things, new concepts, new uses, new brands.”
For most U.S. malls, the opposite is the case. A study released in August 2020 from retail information firm Coresight Research estimated 25% of America’s malls would close within five years, a trend that was underway before the coronavirus pandemic accelerated it.
Analysis from the Yale School of Management shows that prior to the pandemic, in 2018, store closures at all locations occurred at record levels, despite high domestic consumer confidence, low unemployment and positive growth forecasts for the U.S. economy.
Even so, Martin said Battlefield Mall currently has only about seven vacancies. Some other spaces are in the process of construction or preparation for it.
At press time, there were 114 retailers open for business at the mall, but Martin said that will change by the end of the month with the opening of two or three more stores.
In its most recent announcement, the mall welcomed Collectomaniacs, a comic book and collectible store that features comic books, action figures and game cards. It also announced the relocation of Tacos El Champu within the food court. And The Collective is a locally owned boutique that features over 15 pop-up small businesses.
One of the new openings is N.C. Co., an offshoot of the Nixa Clothing Co., located in the Attic, a Nixa flea market.
Holly Hartmann’s name is on the lease, but she credits her daughter, Hayle, as the proprietor of the store. Hayle, 20, has Down syndrome.
“We enjoy it,” said Holly of their mall store. “She likes to help with all the different parts. We talk about where to put things and she helps tag things. If it’s a cashless transaction, she even rings people up.”
But Hayle’s favorite part is merchandising.
“I pick out the clothes,” she said.
Holly said the store has a larger purpose than retailing.
“Our biggest mission is, one, to not only let Hayle know but show her that she can do anything,” she said.
It’s not the typical mall offering, a local store that exists in part to promote awareness of the abilities of people with Down syndrome. When asked why she sought out a mall retail location, Holly said the mall contacted her about opening. She and Hayle decided to try out a temporary lease.
“We’re doing OK business there,” Holly said. “My hope is for the Christmas season.”
Sno Bubble Tea is another business highlighted in the mall announcement. It is a full bubble tea bar that offers a variety of toppings and boba – pearls made from tapioca starch. The business also offers milkshakes, coffee, Korean snow ice and pastries.
Alice Oh, owner of Sno Bubble Tea, is quick to note that hers is not a new business.
“Actually, we’ve been there for almost four years,” she said.
Oh said she was located outside of Sears, and the closure of that anchor department store spelled trouble for her corner of the mall. Shortly after Sears closed, the entertainment outlets Tilt arcade and Glowgolf indoor mini-golf had closed, and then Auntie Anne’s pretzel store shuttered, too.
“I contacted Simon mall properties and said, ‘Hey, look, we’re struggling,’” she said.
And that’s when COVID-19 hit, leading to a three-month closure of mall stores.
Oh said Simon came through for her, providing a permanent spot in the food court as of Aug. 24.
“We’re busy, busy,” she said.
Oh credits the mall’s director of leasing, Justin Nauert, with what she sees as a rebound for the mall.
“He has turned that mall around completely,” Oh said. “There’s some good stores and restaurants coming in, and probably by the end of the year, if not next year, it’s going to be full.”
Added Oh, “There’s a positive atmosphere and it’s busy all the time. The food court is especially busy every day.”
Oh said Battlefield Mall today is different than the mall she knew 30 years ago. It’s more diverse.
“They’ve expanded their thinking outside the box,” Oh said. “It’s not just about clothing stores and food. The trend right now is health, local, organic, with environment and nature. They’re doing the right thing.”
Shopping habits changing
There are roughly 1,000 malls in the United States, and most are feeling the pinch of online shopping, according to marketing and sales research firm McKinsey & Co. Since the onset of COVID-19, McKinsey reports 75% of consumers have tried a new shopping behavior, and 73% of these intend to continue with that method. For most, this means a foray into online shopping, curbside pickup and the use of delivery apps.
McKinsey also reports in its August 2020 research that 40% of U.S. consumers have reduced their spending in general and expect to continue to cut back on nonessentials.
Martin said both Simon and the Battlefield Mall team are keen on encouraging local businesses to locate at the mall.
“For the last several years we’ve ramped up, wanting to do more local businesses coming to the mall, whether that’s retail, restaurants, entertainment,” he said. “Local interest is white-hot.”
The mall’s announcement also included businesses that are coming soon, and among those is a second location of Nixa-based Garden Adventures Nursery, a full-service nursery that is going in at the main mall entrance, next to Chico’s.
Dawn & Birch, a local women’s clothing boutique, is also in the works, as is Yan’s Sushi & Grill, a new local sushi restaurant going into the dining pavilion.
“That’s what sets us apart,” Martin said. “Most malls in Anywhere, USA., you see a lot of the same stores and brands.”
But many of Battlefield’s offerings won’t be found in any other mall.
“That’s what makes it unique and fun,” Martin said.
The announcement also noted one national offering: F.Y.E., described as the number-one store for all things pop culture, including K-pop music and merchandise, gadgets, candy and vinyl records.
The mall also welcomed a large international fashion retailer, Sweden-based H&M, with an announcement in January 2020 – an inauspicious time for a store opening, amid a pandemic.
“We worked on that one for a long time,” Martin said. “We combined four to six different spaces to create a junior anchor for us.”
He added that H&M has changed its wing of the mall for the better. And opening soon is another national brand: Lululemon.
“That’s an awesome get for us and for Springfield,” he said. “We’re very excited about that one.”
Lululemon had a test run as a pop-up in the Brentwood Shopping Center on Glenstone Avenue across from the mall. The store features high-end yoga gear and athletic wear and accessories.
General aviation terminal expansion is set to wrap by August.


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BERLIN — Douglas Group reported a net loss of 109.9 million euros, or $142.7 million, for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30 following its annual balance sheet conference on Tuesday. The loss is due to what Douglas referred to as necessary write-downs, including restructuring of the group’s weak book retailer, Thalia. The company confirmed previously released figures, including a fiscal year net sales increase of 1.7 percent to 3.44 billion euros, or $4.47 billion. Dollar figures are converted at the average exchange rate for the period to which they refer.
Douglas Holding, the parent company of The Douglas Group, whose retail activities including Douglas Perfumeries, books, jewelry, fashion and confectionery businesses, was taken over by Advent International in a transaction completed earlier this month, through a squeeze-out of remaining minority shareholders by Beauty Holding Three AG, a holding company held indirectly by Advent and the Douglas founders, the Kreke family.
Steve Aoki held a presentation, a runway show and outdoor concert for his men's line Dim Mak. Here's a look from his spring 2018 collection, which was titled "Paradise Found." #wwdfashion #wwdmens (📷: George Chinsee)
"It's really hard sometimes. I think I have a reputation for being really tough and aggressive and pushy but I really am a very shy person who wants to be liked, and that's the conflict constantly. There's something that takes hold - I want people to like me, I don't want to be mean - but if I see something that just cries out to be answered, I go for it," says renowned NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell. (📷: @axeldupeux)


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The biggest review of Australian payments regulation in more than 20 years says the government should have the power to set rules for new forms of payment such as Apple and Google’s digital wallets, which could become systemically important players in finance.
Banks and fintechs on Monday backed the landmark review that said Australia’s current system of payment regulation lacked a clear vision, as the sector grapples with rapid growth in new types of digital payment.
In response, the review said the federal Treasurer should be given new powers to intervene in payments systems, based on national interest criteria such as cybersecurity, crisis management, or consumer protection.
The payments system review, by King & Wood Mallesons partner Scott Farrell, also called for the Reserve Bank’s powers to regulate payments to be bulked up, and for a simplified licensing regime.
As an example of how payments are changing rapidly, the review highlighted the rapid growth in digital wallets –apps that allow customers to use smartphones to make payments – provided by Apple, Google and WeChat. It said digital wallets could become “systemically important” if their growth continued, and while the apps held huge amounts of consumer data they were not subject to payment regulation.
While the report did not actually recommend regulating Apple Pay, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Monday appeared to signal the government’s support for changes to the payment regulatory regime, and he highlighted the rise of digital wallets.
“Ultimately, if we do nothing to reform the current framework, it will be Silicon Valley alone that determines the future of our payments system, a critical piece of our economic infrastructure,” Mr Frydenberg wrote in The Australian Financial Review.
Banks, which have highlighted the threat they face from unregulated “big tech” players, also backed Mr Farrell’s report.
The Commonwealth Bank, which has recently engaged in a public fight with Apple over its market power in digital wallets, said the report underscored the need for a system that encouraged competition. “The Farrell Report provides a well-considered and comprehensive review of the current payments system which indicates there is broad agreement the system needs to be significantly re-shaped to incorporate the rapid changes underway in payments in Australia and globally,” a CBA spokesman said.
The report did not make a call on whether there was a need to regulate fast-growing buy now, pay later (BNPL) operators such as Afterpay.
Managing director of payments consultancy The Initiatives Group, Lance Blockley, said the review was taking a much wider view of the payments system than merely the network that moves the money, to also include the user interface and technology platforms, such as digital wallets. The report said there was already a shift underway from a payments system to an “ecosystem”, citing the rise of digital wallets, buy-now pay-later services and cryptocurrencies.
Mr Blockley said the extra powers proposed for the Treasurer could apply to areas such as digital wallets offered by technology companies such as Apple and Google.
“It does allow future dealing with all sorts of new forms of payments because it would capture them,” Mr Blockley said. “You could imagine a politician might be a bit more front-footed than a regulator.”
However, chief executive of payments consultancy McLean Roche, Grant Halverson, said the government’s focus on big tech was a distraction, and the report did not focus enough on the need for more competition in payments. “Australian payments will see more change in the next 10 years than the last 30 years combined,” Mr Halverson said.
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