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Welcome to Finance Insider, Business Insider’s summary of the top stories of the past 24 hours. Sign up here to get the best of Business Insider delivered direct to your inbox.
Jeremy Grantham has predicted every modern financial bubble – here’s where he says you should be putting your money
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stay focused on the big picture.
These are two commonly espoused pearls of wisdom that are frequently heard and then promptly ignored by investors.
That’s because nobody wants to miss out on whatever market fad is most profitable at a given time. And no one is more familiar with this than institutional investors who manage money for other people.
As people get increasingly caught up in the everyday minutiae, the pressure on money managers mounts to keep pace with the market. It’s a dynamic that has played out repeatedly throughout the 9-1/2-year bull market, which is now the longest on record.
Amazon becomes the 2nd US company to join the $US1 trillion club
Shares of the e-commerce giant gained about 2% in trading Tuesday to hit an all-time high of $US2,050.27. Multiplied by the current number of shares outstanding – 487,741,189 – that puts the company’s book value just over the same symbolic milestone that Apple hit less than one month ago.
One trillion is a difficult number to imagine, regardless of what’s being counted. And even less so when it’s the value of a 24-year-old company with a plethora of business units in addition to its core retail focus. For context, the entire US stock market – the sum of all publicly traded American companies including Amazon – hit $US30 trillion back in January.
Gerspach, who joined Citi in 1990 and has been CFO for the past nine years, is retiring in March of next year, according to an internal memo from CEO Michael Corbat viewed by Business Insider.
Mark Mason, the CFO of the bank’s Institutional Clients Group, will succeed Gerspach.
Additionally, Jim Cowles, the CEO of the bank’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is leaving to start a nonprofit at the end of this year, and Bill Mills, the CEO of North American operations, will retire at the end of the year, according to the memo. They worked at Citi for 39 years and 36 years, respectively.
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A number of UK technology industry luminaries received awards in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.
- Former BCS president and DWP programme director Ray Long becoming a Companion of the Order of the Bath
- Advanced Computer Software founder Vinodka Murria, who becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the UK digital economy and advancing women in the software sector
- Bernard Parsons, co-founder and chief executive of security specialist Becrypt, who becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to digital technology
- and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to International Trade in the technology industry to Demis Hassibis, founder and chief executive of Google’s British-born AI off-shoot, DeepMind.
Trade sector body techUK’s President, Jacqueline de Rojas, also received a CBE in recognition of her service to international trade in the UK tech sector.
“To be included in the New Year Honours List is an incredible endorsement of the progress made by the UK tech industry,” said de Rojas.
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“We are a digital nation of significance and must now prepare to embrace a future where tech underpins a thriving open economy that provides for all UK citizens – skills, inclusion and diversity must all be at the forefront of this change.”
“We are thrilled to see so many tech entrepreneurs recognised as part of the New Year’s Honours List,” added the organisation’s CEO, Julian David.
“All these exceptionally passionate people have been a driving force in ensuring that tech innovation is at the heart of the UK’s economy.
“Congratulations to all those on the Honours List this year.”

domain: news


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The baht appreciation will affect the economic growth by up to 2.7 percent. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has predicted that that US Dollar might get weaker, and urged entrepreneurs to be ready to cope with it.According to The Fiscal Policy Ofiice FPO Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said that stability of the nation’s economy is partly influenced by inflation.
The higher the inflation rate, the more the people and businesses will be affected. Thailand has been so used to low inflation rates in the past ten year that it does not realize the true effect of inflation.As for MR. Pridiyathorn Devakula’s suggestion that the government impose a “Tobin tax” as a means to curb capital inflows, the Minister said the government was ready to listen to suggestions from all parties and would discuss them with the Central Bank.
As for the 15% tax imposed on capital gains and interests earned from government and pubic enterprises’ bonds, Korn said the measure was effective given the amount of purchases had decreased. He also advised that entrepreneurs increase their production efficiency as he believed the greenback would depreciate further against the baht and other regional currencies.
As regards the concept of “Tobin tax”, which is aimed at reducing or removing the incentive for short-term financial speculation in the currency markets and allowing authorities to control capital flows, Naris Chaiyasoot, the Director of Fiscal Policy Office FPO, said the Office was studying it; however, whether the concept will be applied depends on the top-level-management’s decision.
Thailand’s economic growth expected to return to 2019 levels in mid-2023
Although the economy would recover next year, the recovery is still substantially below potential level resulting in a large output loss and could affect Thailand’s potential economic growth in the future with the economy expected to return to 2019 levels in mid-2023.
The Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), one of Thailand’s largest commercial banks, said in its latest economic outlook report that the country’s economy may wait until the second semester of 2023 to return to 2019 growth levels.(more…)
World Bank cuts Thailand’s GDP growth outlook to 1% in 2021
The World Bank has said that Thailand’s economy is forecast to grow 1% this year, down from the 2.2% projected in July, hit by a spike in COVID-19 cases and a delayed reopening to visitors.
Thailand welcomes first Finnair flight from Stockholm to Phuket
Bangkok, 25 October, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today welcomed the start of Finnair’s latest direct non-stop...
More COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed in Thailand from 16 October 2021
Bangkok, 16 October, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update that more COVID-19...
China’s economy stumbles on power crunch
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s economy hit its slowest pace of growth in a year in the third quarter, hurt by power shortages, supply chain bottlenecks...
Quarantine-Free Thailand Reopens for Vaccinated Tourists From 1 November 2021
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to confirm that Thailand is all set to welcome fully vaccinated foreign...
The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement
The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (the “Agreement”) is a trade deal between the ten member states of ASEAN and...


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40% Drop In Heating Cover Could Leave Consumers Out In The Cold
on: November 3, 2009, 7:32 am
gamble: number of people taking out heating cover on their boilers
has dropped 40% in the last year
•Safety gamble: 42% ignore industry safety advice to get
boilers checked once a year, risking carbon monoxide poisioning
•No peace of mind: two thirds of households (65%) don't
have any form of emergency heating cover
•Paying the price: nearly one in three boilers breaks down
within six years of being installed, cost of replacing four key
boiler parts can reach £1200.
winter bites and with people still feeling the bitter chill of
recession, new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price
and comparison switching service, reveals a 40% drop in the number
of people taking out or renewing heating cover compared to this
time last year. As a result more than two thirds (65%) of households
do not have any type of heating or boiler cover in place, potentially
taking a risk with their finances and their health.
one in three boilers breaks down within six years of being installed,
and the cost of repair can spiral up to £1,200 to replace
the four key boiler parts. In comparison, the average yearly cost
of heating cover comes in at £122 or just over £10
this isn't the only risk. Gas boilers should be serviced every
year to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisioning, but 42%
of households ignore these guidelines. Worryingly, one in ten
- almost three million households - have never had their boiler
serviced while the same number again have only ever had their
boiler looked at when it's gone wrong. According to the Gas Safe
Register (which has taken over from Corgi), in the last year 14
people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning and 234 have suffered
health problems after being exposed to the deadly gas. Recommended
counter measures include having an annual gas safety check and
installing a carbon monoxide alarm.
Marples, energy expert at uSwitch.com,
says: "Household budgets continue to be stretched, but what
seems like an easy saving could cost you dearly in the long term.
Those who have cancelled or decided against cover might think
they are just taking a chance with their money, but if they are
also not getting their boiler checked they are taking a chance
with their health.
cover can start from as little as GBP5.99 per month and some policies
also provide a free annual gas safety check as part of the service.
As well as offering peace of mind it also means busy householders
will be prompted to book in a service every year."
Marples concludes: "Key to getting good value from any service
is to do your homework first and boiler cover is no exception.
Before signing up read the terms and conditions and make sure
you understand the policy properly. You do not want to fall foul
of small print in the event of a claim."
For more information please contact:
Jo Ganly 0207 802 2980 / email@example.com
uSwitch.com is a free, impartial online and telephone-based comparison
and switching service, helping consumers compare prices on gas,
electricity, water, heating cover, home telephone, broadband,
digital television, mobile phones, personal finance products and
car insurance. http://www.uswitch.com


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Apple iPhone 5s rumors: Analyst says get yours in May or June, and in pink if you want it
2 different screen sizes may also be available
Last Updated: 338 days ago
Within months of the release of the iPhone 5, rumors are already beginning to swirl about the latest and greatest Apple phone.
Citing a letter written by Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, tech website bgr.com reports the new iPhone 5s will launch in either May or June and come in more colors and screen size options than previous versions, KSHB-TV reported.
TIME RUNNING OUT | Click Here to get $2 off our iPad apps
“White believes the next iPhone will be available in five different colors: pink, yellow, blue, white & silver and black & slate,” bgr.com’s Zach Epstein wrote . “He also believes there will be two different screen sizes available on the device, marking the first time Apple has released one phone with multiple display size options.”
In the letter, White reportedly said the increased options offered by Apple are one reason why his firm has Apple listed as their “top overall pick for 2013,” according to Epstein’s report on bgr.com.
When contacted, Topeka Capital Markets told KSHB-TV that the letter was private and would not be distributed publicly.
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Coming into 2018, the Canadian technology sector remained somewhat sparse compared to the options south of the border. Today, we are going to look at two of the most highly touted tech stocks on the TSX. For investors on the hunt for growth, both of these stocks have soared since initial public offerings that have occurred inside the last five years.
TFSA investors who bet early on either one of these stocks have benefitted from tremendous tax-free capital gains. Which is the better buy today? Let’s take a look.
Kinaxis is an Ottawa-based company that provides software solutions for sales and operations planning. Shares are up over 600% since its initial public offering in June 2014. The stock is also up 20.6% in 2018 as of close on August 3.
Back in June, I’d discussed why Kinaxis remained one of my top options in the tech sector. One of these factors was the strain that modern companies are facing in modernizing and improving supply chains, especially as some key trade relationships have been thrown into flux in recent years. In the second quarter, Kinaxis launched its “Self-Healing Supply Chain” application, which applies advanced machine-learning algorithms to detect supply chain design gaps in an effort to improve performance.
Kinaxis released its second-quarter results on August 2. Prior to IFRS standards, Kinaxis posted revenue growth of 22% year over year to $40 million as subscription services saw a 24% rise to $30.1 million. Gross profit rose 20% to $27.5 million, while adjusted EBITDA climbed 12% to $10.7 million. Kinaxis reported record revenue in Europe, where the company has seen solid growth in Consumer Packaged Goods, Automotive, and Life Sciences sectors.
Shopify stock has increased over 420% since its initial public offering in May 2015. The stock has climbed 44.8% in 2018 so far but has also experienced volatility since the early spring. Back in May, I’d warned investors to exercise caution in looking for entry points as Shopify has become the target of short sellers since a Citron newsletter called its business model into question in October 2017.
Shopify released its second-quarter results on July 31. Shares plunged with traders reacting poorly to what was viewed as tepid guidance. Total revenue rose 62% year over year to $245 million, and Shopify reported a net loss of $24 million, or $0.23 per share. Adjusted net income rose to $2.5 million compared to an adjusted net loss of $1.1 million in Q2 2017.
For the full year 2018, Shopify projected revenues in the range of $1.015-$1.025 billion. It also forecasted an operating loss between $40 million and $42 million. There is also concern that merchant growth is dwindling and could threaten its outlook going forward. This was one of the warnings of short seller Andrew Left when he took the first shots at Shopify last year.
Which is the better buy?
Kinaxis stock is the more attractive addition at this stage for the reasons listed above. Shopify stock has the potential to yo-yo back near all-time highs, but the company is facing new challenges that could threaten the growth trajectory shares have set since its IPO.


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adidas and Pharrell Williams have been working hard this year, putting together several collections of PW’s signature NMD Trail silhouette. Now, official photos have confirmed the heavily leaked “Holi” pack for March, including this Flash Green colorway.
The latest addition to Pharrell Williams’ line of signature NMDs with adidas is finally arriving next month. The pairs were first leaked just days after the first NMD Hu Trail collection, hyping up many consumers for another shot. The collection, which pays homage to the Indian Holi Festival, is set to release in two parts beginnging in late February. Later in March, the larger portion of the pack will release, featuring three of Pharrell’s brightly colored NMDs. Today, officials images of two of these pairs were finally unveiled, showcasing the exotic new line in detailed photographs. Among these to be recently leaked are images of the green-based colorway, one of the more elusive palettes set to appear on the signature shoe. The shoe features a neon-green base for the upper, and utilizes the same orange, pink, and purple dyes used throughout the collection. This iteration is one of the brightest from the bunch, accented by a bright orange around the ankle lining and trail outsole. The plain purple cages on the sides hold back green laces, which are matched by the pull tab on the heel. Like the other dyed NMDs from the pack, including the Pink Glow, this pair was originally scheduled for release on March 2nd, though this date has now been pushed by a couple of weeks.
ADIDAS X PHARRELL WILLIAMS NMD TRAIL HOLI “FLASH GREEN” RELEASE DATE
The most colorful addition from Pharrell’s upcoming NMD Trail Holi pack will be available from adidas and select retailers on March 16th, 2018, as opposed to the original date on the 2nd. The shoes will retain their standard retail price of $250. Check out the official images below for a closer look, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more updates.
adidas PW NMD Trail Holi “Flash Green”
Release Date: March 16th, 2018
Style Code: AC7034
SEE MORE: adidas NMD Release Dates


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Land Securities confirmed today that talks between the two companies incorporated the joint development of a designer retail outlet at the London event venue.
The company could not confirm whether the new development would be used for events.
Greenwich Council has agreed planning permission for more than 21,000 sqm of retail floor space, which includes vacant space on the ground floor as well as an unused balcony in The O2.
Alistair Wood, senior vice president of real estate and development for AEG, said: "We are strongly of the view that a well executed and positioned designer outlet village could further drive the huge success enjoyed to date at The O2. We welcome Land Securities on board as our potential partner, who we believe to be an ideal match in terms of their track records and skill sets."
In January 2013, AEG revealed it was building a riverfront hotel next to The O2 in a joint venture with Arora and Queensgate Investment.
The company’s stand-alone affiliate AEG Facilities gained formal approval last September from the UK Competition Commission to run Wembley Arena, which was previously operated by Live Nation Entertainment.
What do you think of the plans? Comment below to let us know what you think.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine by subscribing here.Follow @samedwardsevent


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The New York City Soda Ban and Obesity: A Soda Junkie's Perspective
Okay, I know I’m a little late on this one, but I was drinking a Cherry Coke last week while I watched the 12-12-12 concert and I began thinking about the recent ban on large sodas in New York City. On July 9, opponents of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s soda ban held a rally organized by several City Council members and the NYC Liberty group. The health conscious mayor has signed legislation to stop the sales of soda and other high caloric drinks in containers of more than 16 ounces. Although the move is touted to be for the greater good, it's expected to cause financial damage at delis, fast-food franchises, sports arenas, and sidewalk carts. Moreover, if the establishments do sell large-sized sodas, they will be fined $200 for each sale.
Guilty as Charged
Before I go any further, I need to say that I drink soda on a daily basis. It’s awful, I know, full of empty calories and sugar. I have vowed to quit at least a dozen times, but I always go back. The all-in-one punch of caffeine, sugar, and carbonation is just what I need to start my day. So I usually have one can in the morning and another around lunch. The only good news is that I drink plenty of water every day, too, so maybe it counteracts some of the negative impacts of that soda.
Still, I can’t help but wonder if a soda ban is the answer to America’s obesity crisis. As it turns out, many people are thinking the same thing, and the general consensus is that cutting back on soda is not a solution in and of itself. The New York City Beverage Association, for instance, is far from happy with Mayor Bloomberg for attempting to limit the size of sweetened drinks. The organization said, “As obesity continues to rise, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that calories from sugar-sweetened beverages are a small and declining part of the American diet.”
Will It Work?
On the other hand, the proposal does raise awareness about the problem of large food portions, thus supporting a culture that consumes less. To illustrate, since the Coca-Cola Co. began selling its products, bottles often consumed as a single serving have increased in size from 6.5 ounces to 20 ounces. With this in mind, experts generally agree a cultural shift to more modest, reasonable, and appropriate portion sizes is necessary.
Others believe the proposed ban might be a largely symbolic move with no real effect on waistlines. After all, people could still consume large amounts of high-calorie beverages by buying them from places where they are not banned. The ban would not affect grocery stores or vending machines, and it would not apply to such beverages as fruit juices that contain more than 70 percent juice and lattes and milkshakes that contain more than 51 percent milk.
Taken as part of the whole, therefore, experts agree the general lack of physical activity in American culture, combined with high amounts of snacking, play important roles in the obesity epidemic. The soda ban would not negate this condition, and some studies have even shown the outright bans of soda and junk food in schools did not significantly reduce the weight of students.
What actions, then, might help people win the battle of the bulge? Most experts agree portion control is a must, and cutting sodas is a great place to start. Moreover, by eliminating the “bargain-sized” beverages that sodas claim to be, the ban would do away with the financial motivation people may have for buying them.
Wait and See
Speaking from a personal point of view, a soda ban in my hometown would certainly prompt me to reconsider what I do and do not drink. Just the act of making soda less accessible would mean I need to find an alternative or look harder for that which I crave. I do agree, however, that the ban is not a perfect solution. So many diet options – just look at the menu at McDonald’s – take us down completely unhealthy paths, making it difficult to pinpoint soda as the greatest culprit. Time will tell, though, if the ban is useful or simply controversial.


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Skoda Karoq production has extended to Germany in order to meet demand while the company’s flagship Mladá Boleslav facility in the Czech Republic is upgraded with a new paint shop.
Automotive News Europe reports that the brand will produce Karoq models in Germany into 2019.
A Skoda spokesman told Autocar that the change was made "in order to satisfy the high demand". They said "We have utlised the production capacities within the Volkswagen Group, and from the end of 2018 additional painting and assembly of the Škoda Karoq will take place at the German Volkswagen location of Osnabrück. The main volume of production remains at our Czech sites in Kvasiny and Mladá Boleslav".
Last month, CEO Bernhard Maier said during Skoda's annual results conference that customers in some markets had to wait for up to 10 months for their car to be delivered. He said this was too long and could encourage the brand to open another factory.


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Daimler AG (ETR:DAI) wants to expand their business with Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) said the Daimler CFO Bodo Uebber. Tesla currently supplies electric motors and batteries to Daimler for their Smart ForTwo EV and the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class EV that is going for sale next year in the U.S. and Europe.
“I told my guys, go back to Tesla and look for other opportunities,” said Uebber.
“We want to look for more cooperation,” added Uebber in a press briefing.
Daimler has a 4.3% stake in Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA). Tesla also supplies EV components to Toyota.
Daimler recently launched the new CLA compact sedan and is gearing up to launch a second model next, which is a GLA compact crossover. Daimler is also reviewing a plan for a new generation of small vehicles due in 2018. Daimler believes that they need compact cars to get a younger customer base.
Uebber said that Daimer’s plant in Alabama will start building the redesigned C-class sedan next year along with a new SUV derivative in 2015.


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Regaining its footing thanks to its acquisition by Patriarch Partners, Jane Cosmetics will be relaunching with a spring collection. Available online in January at janecosmetics.com and in stores this March; products range in price from $5.99 for a concealer to $9.99 for tinted moisturizer. According to the brand, the plan is to usher in a new fan base while bringing back memories for past brand devotees. In addition to beauty offerings, the new Jane will focus on female camaraderie, confidence, and giving back through The Friends of Jane, a network of women who share a love of beauty, fashion, and charity. “I’m about bringing back American brands that people don’t forget and bringing [it] new life,” said Patriarch Partners founder and chief executive officer, Lynn Tilton. “[Jane is] a brand with great products but also a reflection of what’s in my heart; supporting and empowering women.”
Seeking to prove that “confidence comes in many colors,” the brand will be offering multiple high-pigmented options in a wide range of shades including, long lasting Cream Eye Shadow and Water-Resistant Eye Liner. Lip collections will include sheer, shimmery, and color glosses, while complexion options will be cream blush, bronzer, and illuminizer. The line will also feature makeup palettes—comprised of three eye shadows and powder blush—for $9.99 each. As an additional bonus for Jane and its customers, the new products were developed with Stila (also owned by Patriarch Partners) for increased quality. “I go shopping twice a year and I was on one of my annual trips, shopping at Gucci and everyone there wanted my Jane lip gloss,” said Tilton.
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The Friends of Jane Lip Collection, made up of three pink glosses, will benefit the brand’s charity efforts with 100 percent of the net proceeds being donated to various causes. Currently, Friends of Jane is working with She’s the First, an organization raising money dedicated to education for poverty stricken girls. “I have always felt that women are creative forces, I want women to feel that they can dream big dreams and be successful,” said Tilton. “Our customers are all about giving back .”
Available in over 1,000 doors, including, Stage, Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, and Peebles, the brand will be relying on Friends of Jane for marketing as well as public relations and social media networking. Industry sources estimate first year re-launch retail sales to reach between $8 and $10 million. Keeping in line with its mission of giving back, Jane is looking to move manufacturing back into America as a way to create more jobs. “I think I can recreate this brand and hope that women will come together empowered,” said Tilton. “When women feel beautiful, they feel confident and I think we lose so much of ourselves when we lose beauty, but beauty also has to come from within and this younger generation wants to give back — they are much more aligned with doing for others than for themselves and we are trying to bring high quality, affordable products developed by Stila and have it reflect the values of the young women giving back and taking care of others.”


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The rumored Galaxy S6 specs, HTC One (M9) leaks, and how big an "iPad Air Plus" might be: Weekly news round-up
Once again, it is time for our weekly news round-up – a post where we put the most interesting stories from the past week for anyone who needs to catch up. And while the last seven days have been relatively quiet in terms of major headlines, one piece of news caught the attention of quite a few.
On Thursday, a mysterious Samsung Galaxy smartphone swung by AnTuTu, exposing its model name, SM-G925F, along with a great deal of its specs. We know that the cryptic model doesn't quite ring a bell, but looking at its specs, the SM-G925F could be the upcoming Galaxy S6.
In other news, rumors about an HTC Hima – supposedly HTC's next flagship phone – are starting to pile up. Most of its key hardware specifications were tipped by a pretty reliable source of insider info, and if his predictions turn out to be correct, then the next best HTC Android phone could be quite a beast.
Another story that you might find interesting, especially if you're into iPads, is the size comparison between an iPad "Air Plus" mockup and other gadgets. In a 90-second video, a dummy unit of this rumored extra-large iPad, built according to leaked size specifications, gets compared to other gadgets, giving us a sense of how big the device might actually turn out to be.
For more of last week's most interesting stories, flip through the slideshow below.


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Nissan on Friday unveiled a pilot manufacturing facility for solid-state battery cells, which the automaker hopes to bring to market in 2028. Located within the […]
The first specs of Toyota rivals Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R have been released, and they are better than we expected. The new Toyota […]
The next generation Toyota Innova Krista will undergo a lot of changes compared to the current generation models, including the architecture and the powertrain. The […]
Toyota Fortuner posted 2,984 units in March 2022, which is close to 40 percent with healthy YoY sales growth compared to 2,136 units in the […]


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A minor stability update for the Sprint HTC EVO 4G brought some improvements to WiFi speeds and eliminated a screen grounding issue whereby if a user held the phone in the wrong way or placed the phone on a table, the screen may not respond to touch. However, after rolling out the update, Sprint and HTC have decided to stop the updates temporarily due to a handful of user reports that the update had bricked their devices. According to a Sprint statement to MobileCunch, the companies are investigating the matter before continuing with the OTA update process:
While the vast majority of consumers successfully downloaded and installed the most recent HTC EVO 4G software update, we have received a handful of reports from customers having some issues with the update. In light of this, HTC and Sprint have decided to temporarily halt distribution of this software release until we can investigate further. We expect to be able to resume software updates shortly.


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Metanautix gets $7 million in initial funding
Metanautix has received $7 million in initial funding from Sequioa Capital, the Stanford University Endowment Fund and Shiva Shivakumar, a former VP of engineering at Google. The company plans to release its first product for general availability before the end of 2014. At present, there are half a dozen beta customers using the software, with the largest being Hewlett-Packard.
The Metanautix software can be installed on-premise or run via the cloud, depending on the preference of the user. Using the software, business departments like the sales or marketing teams, will be able to access data that they would not be able to see, otherwise. The software essentially converts the data into an SQL table, allowing its users to use machine-learning algorithms to analyze the data.
The startup is co-founded by CEO Theo Vassilakis, the lead engineer for Google's Dremel project, and Apostolos Lerios, a senior software engineer at Facebook.
"We are not a storage system, you just need to refer to whatever data you want to analyze and we will analyze it.", according to Vassilakis.


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Coinbase has found a new partner in Barclays UK office to service their 12 million users, many of whom are located within the United Kingdom.
Coinbase’s CEO said they “believe that this is an important step towards our commitment to making cryptocurrency accessible to everyone”. Previously, UK Coinbase customers had to rely on using a bank in Estonia that charged heavy exchange rates. The new partnership will start with a small group of institutional users and then expand to all UK customers.
Coinbase was also issued an e-money license by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), which allows them to extend their services to 23 countries within the EU. Barclays previously inquired last year with fintech firms and the FCA about incorporating Bitcoin into the financial sector. The partnership is a stark contrast to the increasing trend of banks in the UK and EU closing their doors to cryptocurrencies because of regulation fears.
New era in Europe
London is currently considered the financial capital of Europe, but the decision to leave the European Union has lead to many banks debating about leaving London and setting up a larger presence in other EU countries. Banks fear that the EU will place burdensome regulations on UK marketplaces and thus heavily impede their operations and revenues. Negotiations are still ongoing, but it can already be said, using Ricardo’s comparative advantage theories that any trade restrictions will hurt both UK and EU citizens; the end consumer.
Barclays, a UK headquartered bank, is one of the major banks that is planning to only move a minor amount of operations out of the UK. Their partnership with Coinbase to expand into cryptocurrencies is at first seen as taking advantage of emerging technology and currencies to increase their revenues. However, upon a second look when superimposed with the political climate of Brexit reveals that the bank may be hedging their bets of EU imposed restrictions against UK banking and finance trade with other EU countries. If EU regulations become too costly to consumers of both political blocs, then this could drive even more consumers towards cryptocurrencies for the financial savings they offer. As consumers pick the money that serves their wishes the best, they will go through Coinbase and Barclays to exchange their Euro and Pound Sterling into cryptocurrencies.
Dash reveals the consumer service of crypto
Dash has been constantly working on development, user, and merchant improvements that may not yield immediate returns in the crypto exchange rate price, but it does slowly improve the blockchain and user base. This solidifies the foundation to support a stronger Dash community, usage, and minimizes volatility in the future. These goals align with business theories that the products and businesses that constantly strive to satisfy the desires of the end consumer, will eventually find success.
If the EU does go down the road of stronger cross-boarder regulations on banking and financial services because of Brexit and ends up harming UK and EU citizens, those same citizens will be looking even harder for alternatives. Dash can provide that alternative since it is building better user interfaces to make crypto easier to use along with building better infrastructure to handle the increased traffic. In fact, Dash has already begun to make significant pushes to become involved in the United Kingdom.


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Richard Drew, Associated Press
NEW YORK — Dan Akerson is hardly a corporate diplomat.
The chairman and chief executive at General Motors Co. says publicly what other CEOs say in private: he disses competitors' cars and laments his company's lumbering bureaucracy. He's told reporters that Ford should "sprinkle holy water" on its troubled Lincoln luxury brand, and has called Toyota's Prius hybrid a "geek-mobile." His candor often rattles the nerves of GM's public relations staff.
And you know what makes him really mad?
"There is a resistance to change," at GM, Akerson recently told The Associated Press.
By all accounts, though, the auto giant is moving at a faster pace under his leadership as he tries to overcome the resistance.
Akerson is not the first to complain about GM's bureaucracy. But for the first time in years, the automaker has somebody at the top with an outsider's vision and a will to make changes to keep profits flowing and return the company to the glory years of a generation ago.
GM now has a lineup of cars and trucks that are selling well, and it has turned a profit for nearly two years straight. The stock, although trading far below analysts' targets, is once again catching the eye of portfolio managers.
Yet for Akerson, who took the CEO job 15 months ago, the work has just begun, and it hasn't gone totally as planned. He's being tested by a federal investigation into battery fires after crash tests in the Chevrolet Volt electric car, and he's grappling to fix GM's high-cost European operations, which are losing money.
Akerson was recruited by the federal government to join GM's board in 2009 just as the company was leaving bankruptcy protection. The government was majority owner at the time, and Akerson thought his management, financial and engineering skills — he's the former head of XO Communications — could help a company so important to the U.S. economy.
The U.S. Naval Academy graduate, who grew up in Minnesota, admits he knew little about cars in the beginning. But now he speaks with authority on everything from transmissions to batteries.
Akerson, who often uses military metaphors, spoke with The Associated Press in New York about the car industry, the economy, his management style and the future of electric cars. Excerpts appear below, edited for length and clarity.
Q: Would you recall all 6,000 Volts to strengthen the battery?
A: If we find that is the solution, we will retrofit every one of them. By the way, if someone wants to sell it back to us now, we'll take that too. We're quite confident that we'll find a solution.
Q: Do you think the news about the Chevy Volt will harm sales of electric vehicles?
A: This car is safe. There is nothing happening immediately after the crash. I think in the interest of General Motors, the industry, the electrification of the car, it's better to get it right now, when you have 6,000 — instead of 60,000 or 600,000 — cars on the road. We're not the only car company that has liquid cooled batteries out there. There are many. So we think this is the right thing to do for our customers, first and foremost, and it was the right thing to do for General Motors and the industry.
Q: Are you moving past the early technology adopters on the Volt at this point, or has any data surprised you on who is actually buying this vehicle?
A: The average purchaser of a Volt is earning $170,000 a year. About a third of the customers haven't been in a Chevy store in more than five years and half have never been in there. They aren't just early adopters.
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Private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners has acquired Californian cold-pressed, organic beverage brand Suja Life from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and co-investors.
The deal – which was made for an undisclosed sum – comes after a record-breaking year for Suja Life in both revenue and profit and its new ownership will reportedly enable the brand’s next phase of growth.
Shortly after launching in 2012, Suja claims it became the nation’s leading organic, cold-pressed juice brand.
Made using high pressure processing, the brand’s portfolio includes cold pressed juices, functional shots and sparkling juices, which are available at major grocery and natural food stores nationwide.
“I’m excited to see Suja achieve so much success after the almost ten-year journey of this amazing brand and I could not be more excited for the next chapter,” said James Brennan, Suja co-founder.
He added: “Suja has experienced two phases of rapid growth, the initial years after the brand was founded and then again since 2018. The Suja team has delivered fantastic results in recent years.”
Nicole Agnew, managing director in Goldman Sachs Asset Management, added: “Suja’s success has led them to become a household brand, and we’re thrilled to have been part of the journey.”
Suja says it chose Paine Schwartz as its new partner due to its shared purpose in offering consumers better-for-you plant-based options.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with the Suja team at this inflection point in the company’s growth trajectory,” said Kevin Schwartz, CEO of Paine Schwartz Partners.
“Suja sits at the centre of our company’s investment ethos – products that deliver great-tasting, functional ingredients that are as healthy for you as they are delicious. We look forward to supporting the company in this next phase of growth, investing behind new products and expanding distribution to bring Suja to even more consumers everywhere.”
In 2019, Paine Schwartz closed a sustainable food chain fund at $1.43 billion, marking its largest fund to date.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024


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Coleen Rooney’s birthday isn’t until next week, but the WAG appeared to be celebrating early when she turned out at Usher’s concert.
The mum-of-two was spotted sharing a joke with fellow WAGs Lisa Carrick and Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown.
Coleen laughed as she arrived at the MEN arena for Usher’s concert carrying a ‘Happy Birthday’ gift bag ahead of turning 29 next Friday.
The fashion designer looked glamorous on the night out as she sported a revealing sheer back vest which showed off her black bra, black skinny jeans and sky high heels.
But it was Leanne, wife of Wes Brown, who was bang on trend as she nailed flared 70s style jeans and a printed blazer.
Croxteth-born Coleen retweeted a picture that Leanne shared of the girls accompanied by a big group of friends that said: “Fun night at usher with these lovlies! @ColeenRoo @Dcartashian @LisaJCarrick @haleyfletchh @karen3403 @AmyBruce87.”


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The Facebook page for the New York Auto Show has just announced that it will be the venue for the introduction of the next generation Chevrolet Impala. It did not say any more than that, but it also released an image of the car's rear pillar.
The car is expected to use the same platform as the new Cadillac XTS, and it will compete against the Ford Taurus and Chrysler 300. It is not clear whether it will be rear-wheel drive like the XTS and 300 or front-wheel drive like the Taurus.
The current Impala has been in service since 2006. It is only available with a 3.6l V6 right now, but a 3.9l V6 and 5.3l V8 were available earlier in its life.
The New York Auto Show holds is press days on April 4 and 5.
Source: New York Auto Show Facebook
EncyclopediaChevroletImpalaImpala 10Impala 2.4 Ecotec
145 cu in
184 hp @ 6200 rpm
Fuel consumption (combined)
annual ownership cost


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Police seek new leads in jewelry theft
Barrington police said Friday that they're trying to generate new leads in a theft at a book store.
Police said a woman stole about 160 pieces of Alex and Ani jewelry from Barrington Books on May 28. They have yet to identify her.
Investigators said the shoplifter had dark hair and that she was wearing black clothing. Surveillance video shows her putting the jewelry in her bag and leaving the store.
The jewelry was worth at least $5,000.
Police asked anyone who recognizes the woman from the picture or surveillance video to call Detective Benjamin Ferreira at 401-437-3930.


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Fashion brand ONLY has launched its Autumn-Winter collection, which incorporates freestyle, retro classic, country calling, and glitter funk designs.
With healthy eating on the rise, several restaurants serving healthy organic food have mushroomed and the latest to join the bandwagon is Pure and Sure in Jayanagar.
After the success of its Indiranagar outlet, Lavonne Cafe recently started operations on St Mark’s Road.
What’s Trending! Uru Brewpark claims they are Bangalore’s first brew park. Located on Bannerghatta Road,…
Essentia Environment has launched a new collection of exquisitely upholstered chairs and ottomans that are timeless and trendy.
If there is one home accessory that never goes out of style, it is lamps. Give your home a stylish touch with these silver lamps from Frazer and Haws.
Explore the paradox by flaunting and experimenting with your denim, a style statement that is timeless.
Anil Tanna’s new collection – Resurrection – depicts the beautiful evolution of humankind.
Irasva, a popular online everyday jewelry brand has launched its flagship store in Mumbai.
The legendary suit maker from Bangalore has launched its first store in Hyderabad.


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New press reports indicated that Apple has appointed the Afroze Family, a former employee of the company, to lead the development of systems and software for HomePod devices.
Family had worked at Apple from 2012 to 2016 on the HomePod development team, but he left and founded his own audio company, Syng, in partnership with another Apple colleague named Christopher Stringer who was a designer for the company.
Through the re-employment of Family, Apple aims to overcome the current challenges in smart home speakers after the recent decline, especially with high-powered competitors led by Google with its devices and its voice assistant, and Amazon with the Alexa voice assistant.
HomePod devices had reached the market at a price of 349 USD in 2018, but they did not achieve the desired success, either because of their high price or the advantages they provide compared to competitors, which made them stop manufacturing temporarily at the beginning of this year. And that’s after it was replaced by the HomePod Mini last year, which was priced at $99.


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|Buzet, France 2007|
Trimmings & Pomace:
- With an early start to this years North Coast grape harvest, as reported by the North Bay Business Journal, overall tonnage is expected to be above average following record harvests of the previous two years, with good to excellent quality.
- Harper's reports, following a low 2013 harvest which followed consecutive unexceptional vintages, which has translated into a downturn in global sales(US/UK/China), Bordeaux's(world's most regulated and orchestrated wine region) Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) has announced its first ever global marketing campaign to help counter fall in wine sales and volume.
- Reported recently by Nation's Restaurant News, the nation is seeing the best sales trend in two years, traffic remains constant, however spending by customers is on the rise. On-premise wine and alcohol sales remain a consistent growth segment for this developing market.
- Federal regulators with the Tax & Trade Bureau(TTB) have approved eleven(11) new (sub)viticultural areas within the existing Paso Robles AVA, dividing up more than 614,000 acres. Created in 1983, the Paso Robles winegrape area had grown from less than 5000 acres to more than 32,00 acres and more than 200 wineries in the last grape-lovin generation. Marketing jobs to follow...
- Industry rag, The Drinks Business, reported on the "Top 10 Wines in the U.S. Press", offering single selections from France(Beaujolais), Spain, Argentina & Italy. The list was filled out with two(2) selections each from California, Washington State.....and Virginia!!


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Gap adds Paraguay, Hungary to global growth plans
San Francisco — Gap Inc. announced Monday that it will introduce the Gap brand to Paraguay and Hungary through new agreements with existing franchise partners: Neutral for Paraguay and Gottex Brands for Hungary. The first Gap store will open later this year in Paraguay, joining Neutral’s 2012 Gap launch in Uruguay. And, in Hungary, Gottex Brands will open two Gap stores in Budapest. A specific timeline wasn’t released.
Additionally, Gap announced plans to open the first stand-alone Banana Republic stores in Mexico later this year. It will open via an existing agreement with retail partner Distribuidora Liverpool, S.A. DE C.V., and will expand the Banana Republic brand beyond its current store-in-store positioning at Liverpool Department stores in the country.
By the end of 2013, Gap Inc. said it expects to have a presence in eight Latin American countries, including Chile, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru and Brazil with expectations to add a brand presence in Costa Rica in the near future.
Study: Shipping options, flexible returns can drive consumer loyalty
Atlanta — Results of research released Monday by comScore and UPS showed that the more options an online consumer has, the more loyal and dedicated she may be. In fact, integrating social and mobile media, as well as providing shipping options and flexible returns, can drive brand loyalty as consumers seek out more choices and convenience when shopping online.
The UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper: A Customer Experience Study polled 3,000 consumers about the factors that led them to shop more on computers, tablets and smartphones and to abandon brick-and-mortar shopping and recommend retailers to friends.
According to the study, 44% of respondents were more likely to shop with a retailer if they could buy online and pick up an item in the store, while 62% wanted the ability to buy online and return items to a store.
"Consumers have a growing number of digital touch points, with more ways to stay connected with their online retailers through every phase of the shopping, buying and fulfillment process," comScore senior director Susan Engleson said. "What will set apart one retailer from another in a competitive marketplace is how well they meet the rapidly evolving needs and expectations of customers."
Forty-six percent said they were less likely to comparison shop when using a retailer’s mobile app, while 47% said they wanted retailers to send coupons to their smartphones when in-store or nearby. Meanwhile, 84% of online shoppers use at least one social media site, while 60% of Facebook users will "like" a brand to receive an incentive or promotion.
When it comes to shipping, three-quarters of shoppers report adding items to their online carts to qualify for free shipping, while 78% will choose the least expensive shipping option, and 97% said tracking a purchase is essential or nice to have. But only 44% said they were currently satisfied with their ability to reroute a package, and retailers that support such changes have a competitive advantage.
Returns are another important service, with 66% of respondents reporting that they reviewed a retailer’s return policy before making a purchase. Eighty-two percent said they would complete a purchase if they could return the item to a store or have free return shipping, and 67% said they would shop more with a retailer offering such a service.
Canadian DIY-ers prefer Home Depot over Canadian Tire
Boston — A new study from Kantar Retail and TNS revealed that shoppers prefer The Home Depot over Canadian Tire, Rona and other DIY retailers when shopping for home improvement items and do-it-yourself projects.
In the April 2013 survey, Canadian shoppers rated top DIY competitors on a variety of attributes, including assortment, price, service, and community appeals.
“The Home Depot clearly wins shoppers with its in-store experience in terms of product variety and in-stocks,” said Robin Sherk, director of retail insights at Kantar Retail. “Customer service is also well regarded by The Home Depot’s shoppers,” she added. “Where the retailer falls short is shoppers’ opinion of its support for the community and excitement around deals.”
In contrast, Canadian Tire’s variety of items and positioning as a “true Canadian store” are two dimensions with which a majority of its home improvement shoppers are satisfied. And, relative to Home Depot, more of Canadian Tire’s shoppers are satisfied with the retailer’s deals and value for the money.
Survey findings revealed that retailer penetration and presence do not equate to popularity. Canadian Tire ranked as the DIY retailer most shopped in Canada ahead of Home Depot, Walmart and Rona. More than 60% of shoppers named Canadian Tire as the store they regularly shop for home improvement and DIY projects. Home Depot and Walmart ranked second and third respectively.


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The Voyager Market Round up
As global markets reacted to the spread of the Corona Virus, Bitcoin experienced a sharp sell-off, dropping to a 1-month low of $8,438.
Nearly every other crypto asset listed on Voyager ended the week in the red. The biggest losers;
Icon (ICX) - 29%
Cosmos (ATOM) -28%
Bitcoin Satoshi Vision (BSV) -25%
OmiseGO (OMG) -21%
The sole gainer of the week;
Voyager Token +24%
Amid the market crash, more than $190 million worth of Bitcoin longs and shorts were liquidated on derivatives exchange BitMEX.
Libra Lives on
Thought Libra died on the Senate floor? Think again.
Despite intense scrutiny from regulators and companies like Mastercard and Paypal jumping ship last year, Libra is showing signs of life. E-commerce giant Shopify, which services nearly 1 million businesses around the globe, has just announced that it’s joining the Libra Association.
“Our mission is to make commerce better for everyone and to do that, we spend a lot of our time thinking about how to make commerce better in parts of the world where money and banking could be far better. That’s why we decided to become a member of the Libra Association,” Shopify said in a blog post.
Shopify becomes the 21st member of the Libra Association, joining the likes of Spotify, Lyft, Uber, Union Square Ventures, and more. According to the organization, it’s still on track to launch this June.
Crypto for Good
UNICEF is single-handedly proving that crypto is not “only used by criminals.” The international charity recently launched a crypto fund to receive and distribute donations of Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Ethereum Foundation made the first donation to the fund totaling $150,000. Since then, UNICEF’s Kazakhstan office has developed an ethereum-based system for processing internal payments.
UNICEF is also working with SoftBank Investment Advisers (SBIA) to build a structure for distributing cryptocurrencies. Together, the two organizations are funding several crypto startups, including Coinsense, a Tunisian token project building ERC-20 tokens to power communities struggling with unemployment and poverty.
A New Kind of Bank
Caitlin Long is building a bank to provide regulated services for digital assets. The bank is based in the crypto-friendly state of Wyoming and is called Avanti, which means “forward in Italian.
1/ INTRODUCING AVANTI BANK, a new US #bank to serve #digitalasset industry, offering new products & svcs not currently available in USD mkts along w/ tech partner @Blockstream. #Wyoming-based. We’re preparing long process of charter application & aim to open early 2021. @AvantiBT pic.twitter.com/fpnN6qBBhW— Caitlin Long 🔑 (@CaitlinLong_) February 24, 2020
According to CoinDesk, the company has raised $1 million in seed funding and has plans to launch eight products that aren’t currently available in the U.S. markets. So far, Long has revealed only one service – custody for security tokens.
Avanti is still in the process of applying for a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) charter with the state of Wyoming, but the bank plans to launch in early 2021.
CNBC: Warren Buffet is “Completely wrong and outdated” on bitcoin, Chamath Palihapitiya says
CoinTelegraph: Are Miners Prepared for the Halving of Bitcoin?
Decrypt: Ethereum art made at TikTok’s HQ selling for $54,000
Forbes: How Blockchain Will Transform Media & Entertainment
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Share Voyager with your friends & get $25 of free Bitcoin when they sign up and trade $100 or more. Open the Voyager app to find your unique referral code to start earning BTC!


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Global Study Highlights Economic Benefits of ‘Cashless Cities’
San Francisco, CA — OCTOBER 11, 2017 — Visa (NYSE: V) announced today the results of an independent study conducted by Roubini ThoughtLab and commissioned by Visa examining the economic impact of increasing the use of digital payments in major cities around the world. The study estimates that relying more on electronic payments, such as cards and mobile payments, could yield a net benefit of up to U.S. $470 billion per year across the 100 cities studied – roughly the equivalent to 3% of the average GDP for these cities.
“Cashless Cities: Realizing the Benefits of Digital Payments”, is a unique study that quantifies the potential net benefits experienced by cities which move to an “achievable level of cashlessness”—defined as the entire population of a city moving to digital payment usage equal to the top 10% of users in that city today. The study does not look at eliminating cash. Rather, it seeks to quantify the potential benefits and costs of significantly increasing the use of digital payments.
By reducing reliance on cash, the study estimates the immediate and long-term benefits for three main groups—consumers, businesses and governments. According to the study, these benefits could add up to combined direct net benefits of approximately U.S. $470 billion across the 100 cities that were analyzed:
- Consumers across the 100 cities could achieve nearly $28 billion per year in estimated direct net benefits. This impact would be derived from factors including up to 3.2 billion hours in time savings conducting banking, retail and transit transactions, in addition to a reduction in cash-related crime.
- Businesses across the 100 cities could achieve more than $312 billion per year in estimated direct benefits. This impact would derived from factors including up to 3.1 billion hours in time savings processing incoming and outgoing payments and increased sales revenues stemming from extended online and in-store customer bases. The study also found that accepting cash and checks costs businesses 7.1 cents of every dollar received compared to 5 cents of every dollar collected from digital sources.
- Governments across the 100 cities could achieve nearly $130 billion per year in estimated direct benefits. This impact would be derived from factors including increased tax revenues, increased economic growth, cost savings from administrative efficiencies and lower criminal justice costs due to reduced cash-related crime.
“This study demonstrates the substantial upside for consumers, businesses and governments as cities move toward greater adoption of digital payments,” said Ellen Richey, Visa’s vice chairman and chief risk officer. “Societies that substitute digital payments for cash see benefits from greater economic growth, less crime, more jobs, higher wages, and increased worker productivity.”
As cities increase use of digital payments, the positive impacts can extend beyond financial benefits to consumers, businesses, and government. The shift to digital payments also may have a catalytic effect on the city’s overall economic performance, including GDP, employment, wage, and productivity growth.


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Nissan announced on May 17 that the company's Leaf electric car will be sold in Europe for under 30,000 euros ($37,105 US) after various government incentives.
The Leaf, which stands for Leading Environmentally-Friendly Affordable Family car, will go on sale in Portugal and the Netherlands in December and will arrive at Britain and Ireland in February 2011.
The five-seater hatchback Leaf has a range of 160 kilometers (100 miles), can be charged to 80% of its battery capacity in 30 minutes and travels at a top speed of more than 140 kilometers (90 miles) per hour.
Nissan added that its electric car will cost around the same as a diesel or hybrid vehicle, like Toyota's Prius.
"It's a pure electric vehicle with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs,"
said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, adding that the price will include the cost of a lithium battery.
The company, which is 43.4% owned by Renault, forecasts that electric vehicles will account for 10% of worldwide car sales by 2020.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010


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It’s traditional for the team behind the Hubble Space Telescope to release a jaw-dropping picture to celebrate the anniversary of the observatory’s launch in April 1990, and this year’s image might well rate a double jaw drop. The science team’s greeting card for Hubble’s 27th birthday features side-by-side views of two spiral galaxies much like our own Milky Way galaxy, seen from two angles. The edge-on galaxy at left, NGC 4302, is about 60 percent of the Milky Way’s size and contains about 10 percent of our home galaxy’s mass, the Hubble team says in today’s image advisory. The galaxy… Read More
There have been increasing efforts over the past few years to close the gender gap in tech, and particularly in startups. A high-profile scandal inside Uber’s engineering division, and constant efforts from women in business and tech positions, have made diversity front-and-center in the minds of many. So how much have the headlines, the hours spent networking and the push for diversity in hiring changed the landscape for women at the heads of startups? Not much, it turns out. A new report from Crunchbase’s ongoing study of female founders found that just 17 percent of venture-backed companies in the first quarter of 2017… Read More
After three months of intense work on their products, business models, and pitches, the Techstars Seattle 2017 class was finally ready to step into the spotlight. Nine innovative startups — in a diverse array of fields ranging from serverless development to the seafood marketplace — presented at Techstars Seattle Demo Night at the Museum of History and Industry last night. Now in its eighth year, Techstars Seattle is an incubator that provides early-stage startups with mentorship, guidance, and a $100,000 investment. It’s part of the international Techstars organization. “We now have more than 100 companies that have gone through the… Read More
Browsers are getting quietly rebuilt around us.
Business Internet price caps eliminated even when customers have only one choice.
Long before he became real estate powerhouse CBRE’s head of research for the Americas, Spencer Levy was a young lawyer in New York City. One of his first clients was a real estate developer by the name of Donald Trump. One day, Levy said during a presentation in Seattle Wednesday, he called up Trump to ask what he thought about a contract clause. Trump volleyed back, asking Levy what he thought. Levy apparently gave the wrong answer, and Trump let him know about it and then hung up. Levy had to meet with Trump the following day at Trump Tower, and… Read More
Google is on the verge of what could be a major shift to the business model of online advertising. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Google is planning to offer an ad-blocking feature for its Chrome browser on mobile and desktop. The feature could be turned on by default and remove ads deemed unacceptable as defined by the Coalition for Better Ads. This is a big deal, particularly since Google already has nearly 50 percent market share for U.S. internet browser use and 40 percent of the digital advertising market. Here is some food for thought: Google, FB already eating up most of digital… Read More
As cloud computing matures, more and more technical concepts that once required a lot of specialized expertise are being simplified and offered to customers as easy-to-use templates. A great example is the complicated-but-exciting Internet of Things, and on Thursday Microsoft improved its IoT story for Azure customers with a new service that makes it easier to manage connected devices. Microsoft’s IoT Central is a software-as-a-service product that promises to let Azure customers implement IoT concepts into their own business strategy without having to build the entire thing themselves within Azure. There are an awful lot of manufacturing companies and other… Read More
The Big Three public cloud vendors have been cutting prices on their computing services for years, but new research finds that compute pricing is stabilizing as storage and databases become the new hotspots for price wars. 451 Research released new data (PDF) on cloud pricing Thursday that suggests object storage pricing is down 14 percent over the last year, compared to a drop of just five percent for virtual machine pricing. The firm credited IBM Softlayer for kicking off this new price competition back in the third quarter of last year, when it cut prices on storage and Amazon Web… Read More


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Metaverse and NFT sectors continue to increase their popularity in the recent period. Finally, he witnessed the Metaverse projects at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). While many companies, including Meta (Facebook), did not attend the fair due to the pandemic, giants such as Accenture, Hyundai, Nvidia and Samsung were among the big companies that promoted the metaverse.
The event, which will host more than 2,200 participants and where crypto money and NFT companies will share their new features with electronic device and TV manufacturers, takes place between 5-7 January 2022.
From a blockchain industry perspective, participants grouped under the cryptocurrency category include derivatives and NFT exchange FTX, NFT Software and hardware developers Atomic Form, as well as NFT platform Blockparty.
The statement of the panel named Decrypting Crypto includes the following statements.
“Are stablecoins really stable? How are traditional banks embracing crypto? Should my company accept crypto payments?”
The roster includes Nadkami, Tsao, Transform Ventures CEO Michael Terpin, and Blockchain Association executive director Kristin Smith.
According to the conference organizer, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), many top brands will use it to promote developments in Metaverse technology such as “hardware, software, blockchain and cryptocurrency” at the event.
Samsung's CES plans include the announcement of the NFT platform for new smart TVs. About the company that is accelerating its blockchain efforts, CTA executive Brian Comiskey told The Australian.
“We are really looking forward to Samsung. Alongside the smartphone developments at the show, it will be interesting to watch hardware Metaverse solutions. They will even show what televisions can do in the Metaverse space. They are trying to be the first name that comes to mind in internet-based economy and technology solutions.”
While talking about the interest of mainstream companies, Comiskey voiced his bullish expectations about cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and NFTs. He emphasized "the evolution of payments and the transformation of commerce" among the topics that will rise with the Metaverse.
“I think NFT and cryptocurrencies present a real opportunity for blockchain to become more popular with consumers.”


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Analysts look forward to Apple announcing a less than encouraging iPhone sales for the holiday quarter when the company reports its earnings on Tuesday, even as the mobile electronics company say about 1% sales increase during this period, lesser than what investors were hoping to hear - Reuters reported.
Don't Miss: iPhone 8: Everything You Need to Know
Most affected are Apple’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus which sold wildly after they launched September but which are now confronted with declining sales as users complain they possess fewer features to mark them separate from their distinguished predecessors.
Apple went into producing iPhone 6s and 6s Plus with the hopes that they would sell as much as predecessors 6 and 6 Plus sold when they debuted in 2014, but that does not seem to be the case with turnout of events.
According to FBR Capital Markets analyst Daniel Ives, "Apple has become a victim of their own success as the blockbuster iPhone 6 product cycle was hard to replicate as many customers are either buying an older, cheaper iPhone 6 or waiting for the iPhone 7."
Asian users had dumped Samsung’s phablets to lap up 6 and 6 Plus when they arrived, and being the fastest-growing user market, Apple had thought China would reach eagerly for the 6s and 6s Plus only to find they pulled back when they observed the not-too-glorifying features of the hyped iPhones.
Market estimators think Apple sold about 75.5 million iPhones between October and December, a figure which according to research firm FactSet StreetAccount represented 1.3% increase from records of the year before. But then there was 46% year-over-year rise in iPhone sales during Q1 of 2015, even though the company suffered the lowest quarterly sales of 6.8% in the Q2 of 2013.
Analysts further say Apple might sell about 54.6 million iPhone devices by March of 2016 as against the 61.2 million sets sold between January to March 2015.
The only hope that Apple has to bounce back might be the launch of iPhone 7 scheduled for release before the end of 2016 – with analysts saying the device should include features such as wireless headphones, waterproofing, and new force touch technology to render the home button redundant.
How To: Buy a Pokemon Go Plus
On Monday, Apple’s shares was at $99.41 – having declined by as much as 10% since trading in October.


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National University of Singapore (NUS) Enterprise has teamed up with the Indonesian conglomerate Salim Group to launch start-up incubator BLOCK71 in Jakarta.
Modelled and named after the original BLOCK71 start-up hub in Singapore, the facility in Jakarta is almost twice as big at over 1,500 sq m. It is located in Kuningan, where much of Jakarta’s tech community is at.
Housing 24 businesses, the incubation facility aims to support entrepreneurship development and innovation in both Singapore and Indonesia and tap combined experience and resources of NUS Enterprise and Salim Group.
Salim Group, NUS Enterprise’ partner for BLOCK71 Jakarta, is an Indonesian conglomerate which has diverse businesses across industries spanning food, retail, telecommunications, hotels and others.
NUS Enterprise chief executive Lily Chan said to The Straits Times ,"Block71 Jakarta is open to all start-ups and entrepreneurs who are keen to explore the Indonesian market. In particular, we strongly encourage companies which are developing innovative technology solutions with the potential to scale globally to apply."
According to a press statement, some 20 startups are based at the facility already, with half of them originating from Singapore. Examples of startups working at the facility are Carro, Viddsee, Circles.Life, HelloBill, pslove company, and 8villages.
One such Singapore start-up, pslove, is already in discussions with an established Indonesian company to bring its products – heat patches to ease back, neck and menstrual pain - into the Indonesia market.
“Indonesia is so different from Singapore, so being able to plug into the support and community here, it really helped us with initial problems, such as different cultures and nuances that we had to cope with,” said Ms Tan Peck Ying, 29, founder of pslove.
Axton Salim, Executive Director of Salim Group said to Kontan, "We started this initiative because we want to support entrepreneurs and encourage new developments in Indonesia," he said.
Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang and Indonesia’s Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita officiated the launch ceremony in Jakarta.
It will cost about S$80 a month to rent a desk there.
BLOCK71 Jakarta marks the fourth BLOCK71 facility globally. The other three are in Singapore (which opened in 2011), San Francisco (2015) and Suzhou.


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Krispy Kreme giving away free doughnuts June 7th
Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts on Friday, June 7th.
This giveaway is to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Krispy Kreme recently announced their hopes to give away 1 million doughnuts on Friday at participating locations as part of the chain’s celebration of National Doughnut Day.
All you have to do is visit a Krispy Kreme location and choose your favorite doughnut then get it for free.
No purchase is necessary, but guests are limited to one free doughnut each.
For more information, visit the Krispy Kreme website.


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By Nicholas Chase and KJ Hiramoto
GoPro kicked off fall with the launch of its HERO7 model, as the new Black variant promises its users the smoothest shooting experience yet.
For those not familiar with the GoPro, these tiny cameras made a name for themselves with its ability to capture any action on the go. Whether it’s to capture a skydive or to shoot a rock climb, the GoPro is a must-have for those looking to document their indoor or outdoor adventures.
However, many of you may already own the previous GoPro models, like HERO5 or HERO6. Before you consider upgrading to HERO7 ($399 for Black), you may need to glance through this preview.
Looking Back on the HERO5 Black
Pro triathlete and USA Triathlon coach Nick Chase said he's had plenty of experience with the HERO5 Black model prior to testing out HERO7.
"My personal experience with the HERO5 Black was great since I was relying on the Karma Stabilizer for incredibly smooth action shots. The smooth flowing gimbal and integration with GoPro Karma made capturing high-quality video quite easy," Chase said.
Chase said the HERO5 was capable of capturing high-resolution timelapse videos and was always capable of capturing high-quality videos.
"The quality was always high and I enjoyed testing different resolutions and frame rates in order to capture the best possible video," he said.
What Made HERO6 Great
When GoPro launched HERO6 in fall 2017, it boasted four notable features that the previous models didn’t have. The first difference was the fact that HERO6 boasted 4K60, 1080p240, and 60 frames per second (fps), whereas HERO5 maxed out at 4k resolution, 1080p and 30 fps. While the difference appears subtle, HERO6 gave users a much smoother shooting experience, particularly for slow-motion videos. In addition, the installation of the GP1 processor added stability and improved quality of each footage. With the improved stability, HERO6 users were given the ability to take fluid videos during high-stress situations, such as a bumpy bike ride or when the camera is being pitted on a surfboard. Furthermore, HERO6 Black came with a 5GHz wi-fi network, giving users the ability to transfer videos and photos to your phone three times faster than HERO5 Black did.
What’s New in HERO7
“Without the Gimbal”
The most notable feature from HERO7 Black is the improved video stabilization. GoPro says the new model provides”gimbal-like stabilization--without the gimbal.” HERO7 Black is built to predict your movements and correct any camera shake to make a smooth video.
Chase said he was blown away by HERO7 Black's developed digital stabilization. While reviewing the newest GoPro camera, he said it looked exactly like he had been using the GoPro Karma Grip.
"Users can now expect high-end stabilization at a higher framerate, 4K/60 fps," Chase added. "The faster frame rate will be accessible at a higher resolution (1080p240) which means more vivid colors and more notable contrast. Finally, the tweaked menu system made switching between modes like Photo and Video quite easy, with the swipe of a finger."
This feature is only available on HERO7 Black and not on Silver and White models.
The new GoPro model appears to cater to the younger users with this new feature exclusive to the Black variant. HERO7 Black boasts the ability to let users live stream the footage on Facebook Live. These streamed videos can be saved to the SD card in high resolution, according to GoPro.
HERO7 (Black, Silver and White) allows users to take photos and capture videos in portrait orientation. Again, the folks at GoPro are seeing what the younger users want: the ability to share the perfect post on social media, where most Instagram stories and Snapchats are shared in portrait orientation. This feature is also available on HERO7 Silver and White.
Users can still expect to see the same features from GoPro Hero5 Black on the GoPro Hero7 Black:
- Protune (photo and video)
- Digital Zoom
- External Mic Capability
- HDMI Video Output
- Continuous Photo
- Photo Burst Mode
- Night Photo
- Timelapse (photo and video)
- Built-in touch-screen
- Front Screen
- Voice Control
- USB-C Port
- Waterproof Body
- The same dimension and nearly the same weight
- 1220 mAh Battery
Faster Frame Rates
GoPro is also now inserting a homegrown chip into the Hero7, which means it can outperform the third-party chip which is inside the Hero5. Along with that internal brain comes the biggest upgrade, frame rate and bit rate.
The bottom line here is, you can expect a much faster framerates that will appear much crisper while providing more vivid and deep colors.
Putting it to the Test
Chase said he loved the HERO7 Black's ability to select 15 to 30-second clips to shoot videos for social media. He said he was also impressed by how fast the files uploaded online.
"I had previously been disappointed while using the GoPro HERO5 Black and the GoPro app since I found working with multiple cameras meant I would often time have to re-install them to the app and experienced slow upload times. This was using the GoPro HERO5 Black and my Apple iPhone 6S. However, upgrading to the Hero7 Black and iPhone XS means the app runs fantastic and my upload time for photo and video is exceptional, only taking a minute or less for video and merely second for pictures," he explained.
Why is this upgrade important? It's so you will be able to capture videos and pictures with better quality than a smartphone can, in addition to uploading them quickly on social media.
While HERO7 Silver and White doesn't have the same level of video stability and Facebook Live features like the Black variant, they are much more affordable ($299 for Silver and $199 for White).
HERO7 Silver captures 4K30 videos, making it a slight upgrade over HERO6 Black. It captures 10 MP still photos as opposed to HERO7 Black's 12 MP. As for HERO7 White, it maxes out at 1080p60 for videos and captures 10 MP still images.
Like the Black version ($399), HERO7 Silver also offers Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity.
All three versions of HERO7 are waterproof to 33 feet. They also offer a voice-control feature so you can make voice commands like "GoPro, take a photo” or “GoPro, start recording.”
The Bottom Line
When it comes to documenting your adventures, you’d never want to bring your smartphone for scuba diving and it’s also a terrible idea to carry a selfie stick while riding a bike. But thanks to HERO7, you can document your adventures in an image quality comparable to, if not better, than the leading smartphone.
HERO7’s ability to capture videos with improved stability is an absolute game changer for those looking to be active without a gimbal. Overall, HERO7 is perfect for those looking to share their adventures on social media and the smooth shots make this model a worthwhile investment.


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The ‘deregulated status’ of GMOs
Genetically modified organism, it sounds like something from a sci-fi movie. However, genetic modification affects many of the products we consume on a daily basis. The Center for Food Safety estimates up to 92 percent of U.S. corn is genetically engineered, as are 94 percent of soybeans, and 94 percent of cotton (cottonseed oil is often used in food products). It has been estimated that upwards of 75 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves contain genetically engineered ingredients.
According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), 2015 marked the 20th year of the commercialization of biotech crops. An unprecedented cumulative hectarage of 2 billion hectares of biotech crops — equivalent to twice the total land mass of the U.S. (937 million hectares) — were cultivated globally in up to 28 countries annually, in the 20-year period 1996 to 2015.
Based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) survey data, herbicide-tolerant soybeans went from 17 percent of U.S. soybean acreage in 1997 to 68 percent in 2001 and 94 percent in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Plantings of herbicide-tolerant cotton expanded from about 10 percent of U.S. acreage in 1997 to 56 percent in 2001, 91 percent in 2014, but declined to 89 percent in 2015 and 2016.
The adoption of herbicide-tolerant corn, which had been slower in previous years, has accelerated, reaching 89 percent of U.S. corn acreage in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
In theory, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were to be a boon for humanitarian reasons. After all, the world population continues to grow while cropland can be maximized per acre. If only it were that simple …
Plant, distribute without restriction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety of food for humans and animals, including foods produced from genetically-engineered plants. The FDA contends that foods from GE plants must meet the same food safety requirements as foods derived from traditionally bred plants. The FDA regulates foods from GE crops in conjunction with the USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- FDA — enforces the U.S. food safety laws that prohibit unsafe food.
- USDA — safeguards the health, welfare, and value of American agriculture and natural resources.
- EPA — regulates pesticides to ensure that pesticides are safe for human and animal consumption and won’t harm the environment.
GE crops are regulated according to their intended use, with some being regulated under more than one agency. All government regulatory agencies have a responsibility to ensure that the implementation of regulatory decisions, including approval of field tests and eventual deregulation of approved biotech crops, does not adversely impact human health or the environment. The regulations also provide for a petition process for the determination of non-regulated status. Once a determination of non-regulated status has been made, the organism (and its offspring) no longer require review by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for movement or release in the U.S.
To produce crops commercially, biotech companies apply for “deregulated status” — a green light from the USDA to plant and distribute without restriction. Among the leading deregulated GE crops:
Genetically modified soybeans are the second largest U.S. crop after corn. GM soy is used primarily in animal feed and in soybean oil, widely used for processed foods and in restaurant chains. It's also used to make an emulsifier (soy lecithin), which is present in a lot of processed foods, including dark chocolate bars and candy. Herbicide-tolerant soybeans account for 94 percent of U.S. soybean acreage in 2016. (Soybeans do not have Bt varieties, only herbicide-tolerant.)
Genetically modified cotton is turned into cottonseed oil, used for frying in restaurants, and in packaged foods (potato chips, margarine, and cans of smoked oysters). Some parts of the plant are used in animal feed, and what's left over can be used to create food fillers, such as cellulose. Herbicide-tolerant cotton accounts for 89 percent of U.S. cotton acreage in 2016. All GE cotton — acreage with either or both HT and Bt traits — reached 93 percent of cotton acreage in 2016.
Genetically-modified corn is in many different products, including the ingredients used in processed foods and drinks, including high-fructose corn syrup and corn starch. The bulk of the GM corn grown around the world is used to feed livestock, and some is converted into biofuels. Herbicide-tolerant corn accounts for 89 percent of U.S. corn acreage in 2016. All GE corn — acreage with either or both HT and Bt traits — accounted for 92 percent of corn acreage in 2016.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma link
Glyphosate is a herbicide, applied to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to regulate plant growth and ripen fruit. Glyphosate is present at all levels of the food chain: in water, plants, animals, and even in humans. Every study that has measured human contamination with glyphosate has found it.
Glyphosate is the main ingredient in Monsanto's widely used herbicide Roundup, which is sprayed on crops to control weeds. In a report released in July 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer shed new light on the cancer-causing properties of glyphosate. The report, which took an in-depth look at the latest research, concluded that human exposure to glyphosate is linked to double the risk of developing blood cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
For its part, of course, Monsanto maintains glyphosate has a low risk to human health. The EPA classified the carcinogenicity potential of glyphosate as Category E: “evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans.” However, that assessment was made in 1991. In the wake of the IARC finding, the EPA is currently assessing glyphosate and the related acid and salt compounds.
Even more troubling is that researchers have found glyphosate residues in food. The IARC noted that a 2007 study found glyphosate residues on six of eight tofu samples made from Brazilian soybeans. In 2014, a study led by scientists from the Arctic University of Norway detected “extreme levels” of Roundup in genetically-engineered soy: “Seven out of the 10 GM-soy samples tested surpassed this ‘extreme level' of glyphosate + AMPA residues, indicating a development towards higher residue levels.”
GMOs permeate the market
“Pest-protected” varieties were among the first genetically-modified crops to be developed, for the purpose of reducing production costs for farmers. Insect-resistant GMOs have been promoted both as a way to kill certain pests and to reduce the application of conventional synthetic insecticides. For more than 50 years, formulations of the toxin-producing bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been applied by spraying in the same way as conventional agricultural insecticides to kill leaf-feeding insects.
In the late 1980s, scientists began to transfer the genes that produce the insect-killing toxinsA poison made by certain bacteria, plants, or animals, including insects. in Bt into crop plants. The intention was to ensure that the toxin was produced by all cells in these GMOs. The Flavr Savr brand of tomatoes was the first GM food product to be introduced in the fresh food market for public consumption. The tomatoes were genetically modified to delay ripening, promising a prolonged shelf-life in the supply chain.
Did You Know
Deregulated GMO foods
The USDA has approved 19 petitions for deregulated status:
Alfalfa … Apple … Beet … Canola … Chicory … Corn … Cotton … Flax … Papaya … Plum … Potato … Rapeseed … Rice … Rose … Soybean … Squash … Sugarbeet … Tobacco … Tomato
Calgene released this brand of GM tomatoes in 1994. Monsanto, which took an initial 49.9 percent stake in Calgene in March 1996 and purchased an additional 6.25 million shares for a 54.6 percent stake in November 1996, acquired the remaining 40.4 share of Calgene for $240 million in 1997.
Today, almost every area in the food production market is using genetic modification: corn, soybeans, sugar beets, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, golden rice, papaya, honey, sugar cane, diary products, meats, salmon, oils, and vitamins.
Grass-roots campaigns in several states are pushing for mandatory labeling of foods with GMOs — something most food companies staunchly oppose. In May 2014, Vermont adopted the first state law requiring companies to label GMO foods, starting in 2016. However, on July 29, 2016, President Obama signed into lawS. 764, also known as the “DARK Act,” which made Vermont's law moot. S. 764 allows companies several ways to disclose the use of GMOs: a QR code, an 800 number, or a website on the packaging — but no further information on the label itself is required.
As The Wall Street Journal noted, the anti-GMO backlash reflects the deep skepticism that has taken root among many U.S. consumers toward the food industry and, in particular, its use of technology. Similar criticism has roiled other food ingredients including artificial sweeteners and finely textured beef, the treated meat product that critics dubbed “pink slime.” The Web and social media have enabled consumer suspicions in such matters to coalesce into powerful movements that are forcing companies to respond.
We are what we eat
When it comes to the foods we eat, consumers are going back to the basics. Nielsen asked respondents to rate health attributes from very important to not important in their purchase decisions. The most desirable attributes are foods that are fresh, natural and minimally processed.
Foods with all natural ingredients and those without GMOs are each considered very important to 43 percent of global respondents — the highest percentages of the 27 attributes included in the study. In addition, about four-in-10 global respondents say the absence of artificial colors (42 percent) and flavors (41 percent) and foods made from vegetables/fruits (40 percent) are very important.
“I’d written about the science and business of genetically-engineered crops for 10 years, and for most of that time, few people seemed to care about them. Then ‘Frankenfoods' exploded onto the front pages …”
Author, 'Lords of the Harvest'
Cited as very important by 32 percent of respondents (compared to 26 percent globally), the absence of high fructose corn syrup is tied with GMO-free as the most important attribute for North American respondents (it's No. 21 worldwide).
For most attributes, there is also a gap between the percentage of respondents that say a health attribute is important and the percentage that is willing to pay a premium. For example, 43 percent of global respondents say the absence of GMOs is very important in the foods they purchase, but only 33 percent are very willing to pay a premium for these products — a 10-percentage point difference.
The willingness-to-pay scale in North America is nearly identical to Europe's — 21 percent are very willing to pay a premium, 33 percent are moderately willing and 26 percent are slightly willing, on average. All attributes are weighted similarly in this region. The gap between the attributes that respondents are most willing to pay a premium for (GMO-free and organic products, both at 25 percent) and least willing to pay more for (calcium- and minerals-fortified, both at 17 percent ) is only 6 percentage points.
While health attributes are important factors in purchase decisions for all age groups, percentages are lowest among Silent Generation (aged 65+) respondents. Health attribute ratings are highest among Millennials (21-34), followed by Baby Boomers (50-64), Generation X (35-49) and Generation Z (under 20). The attributes gaining the most favor include products that are GMO-free, have no artificial coloring/flavors and are all natural.
Daniel Charles' Lords of the Harvest: Biotech, Big Money, and the Future of Food laid bare the scientific breakthroughs of the early 1980s and the decision by Monsanto to dive headfirst into biotechnology. From the book's prologue:
When I first started working on this book, I thought my most difficult challenge would be to get people interested. I'd written about the science and business of genetically-engineered crops for 10 years, and for most of that time, few people seemed to care about them. Then “Frankenfoods” exploded onto the front pages, and the partisan debate that engulfed them became a blessing and a curse. People started to care about this topic, which I liked. But I sometimes felt as though I'd wandered by accident into no-man's land between two hostile barricades. Each side wanted to pull me to safety behind their particular fortress of ideology, information, and logic. I tried to resist them. It was confusing out there in the middle, but the view was better.
Lords of the Harvest explains Monsanto's quest to re-write the rules of the seed business and how it ended up in a feud with the world's largest seed company, Pioneer Hi-Bred International. It also outlines the forces and the personalities that drove Monsanto toward decisions that transformed the company, in the eyes of many, into a villain with ruthless ambitions that spanned the globe.
“People believe that technologies are driven, more often than they really are, by completely rational considerations, and particularly by the idea of maximizing profits,” said Robert Post, former president of the Society for the History of Technology. “But I am firmly of the view that technologies are driven by irrational considerations.”


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The owners of tourist lodges still pass their turn and will have to wait until you know the date where they will be able to reopen their facilities.
They do décolèrent not face the government which has just announced the imminent return of the tourist attractions in the region.
The owner of the Hostel to the two fathers, Magog, Christiane Blain, expected that she be allowed to resume its activities by the end of June, which now appears unlikely. “We absolutely must be on their feet as quickly as possible,” quipped Ms. Blain, the camera VAT New.
At Home Drew, also in Magog, there are many customers calling to cancel their reservation. “I have easily 300, 350 reservations of cash flows for June, July, August, September, October, and then, this morning, when I looked, I was 39,” said Pierre Robinette.
The owners of this kind of institutions represent 60 % of the supply of accommodation in the region of Memphremagog which has the potential of attracting large batch of tourists from quebec.
According to them, this is a non-sense that we do not say when they will reopen, all the more that they will have to pass the foreign tourism next September. “If we don’t have tourists here, we’re going to have to have a better summer,” said Ms Blain.
Québec, they will return the equivalent of the lodging tax they have collected since January by way of financial compensation, an aberration, the owners have to say.
Some receive less than $ 200 so that they are closed for three months.
All they want is to be able to again welcoming tourists before it is too late and that the financial survival of some of them is threatened.
“If we do not recover more quickly the tourist quebec, there are lodgings that are going to be financially in any real danger,” warned Mr. Robinette.


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With news on COVID-19 happening rapidly, we’ve created this page to bring you our latest stories and information on the outbreak in and around Calgary.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
What’s happening now
- Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported 218 new cases and three additional deaths on Friday. There are now 5,573 total cases and 92 Albertans have died from the virus.
- Hinshaw also declared an outbreak at the Balzac Amazon fulfillment centre; there are currently five cases there.
- She also released details on the province’s new contact tracing app. It uses Bluetooth to track other users of the app you are in close contact with, you can upload data voluntarily to AHS when you test positive for COVID-19, and it is available in the Google and Apple app stores.
- The province is recalibrating its goals for testing due to global supply chain challenges.
- “Don’t circle May 14 on your calendar as ‘normal day,'” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said, warning Calgarians that a May 14 reopening isn’t a sure thing.
- Most provinces have now announced plans for reopening their economies with measures that are meant to contain the spread of COVID-19.
- RCMP in B.C. are warning people about unauthorized COVID-19 tests.
- Premier Jason Kenney revealed the province’s relaunch strategy on Thursday. Stage one, expected as early as May 14, will see some businesses including daycares, restaurants at 50% capacity, and retail stores reopening.
- Golf courses in Alberta will open as soon as Saturday.
- New data shows Canada’s early COVID-19 cases came across the border from the U.S.
- Parliament’s budget watchdog says that it’s likely the federal deficit for the year will hit $252.1 billion due to COVID-19.


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This weekend only, get a Marketplace zip–up hoodie when you donate $8/month. Don’t wait — this offer ends at midnight Sunday!
The amount of money the United States Post Office expects to lose this year, a loss they hope to reduce after inking a new deal with Amazon to start offering package delivery on Sundays. The partnership will start its service in New York and Los Angeles but Amazon expects to roll out the program in more cities next year. (Marketplace)
The time of day (p.m.) on Thanksgiving when Target will open its doors to shoppers looking to get a head start on Black Friday deals. The new opening time is an hour earlier than last year, and will see the stores remaining open until 11 p.m. the following day. How many bargain-hunters will use this as an excuse to skip out on Turkey Day dish-duty? (Yahoo! Finance)
The amount of cash per employee that “patent trolls” have demanded from small businesses simply for using everyday office equipment the patent licensing companies claim they hold patents for. The Senate Commerce Committee held talks last week on a bill aimed at curbing patent troll practices, including this method of sending thousands of letters not to manufacturers, but their consumers, demanding they pay up for using the disputed technologies. (Ars Technica)
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