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Investing.com - Bitcoin prices inched higher in rangebound trade on Monday, as speculators awaited the next catalyst to influence price direction.
Bitcoin (BTC-eUSD) held in a tight range between $429.60 and $448.02 on Slovenia-based BitStamp. Prices last traded at $440.14 during U.S. morning hours, up 1.3%, or $5.63.
The price of a Bitcoin on Bulgaria-based BTC-e rose 0.95%, or $4.10, to trade at $434.10.
According to the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index, which averages prices from the major exchanges, prices of the crypto-currency tacked on 0.09% to trade at $436.95.
Bitcoin prices have been under pressure in recent weeks amid indications China will take additional steps to crack down on transactions made using the virtual currency.
Bitcoin is digital cash for the internet and it is not backed by a government or central bank to regulate or issue it. It can be used to purchase goods and services from stores and online retailers.


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The whirlwind that was the Carpet One/Flooring America summer conventions is now behind us. I must say it’s been years since there was this much action and so many new initiatives at a summer convention. Details are covered in the individual stories, but here are some of the thoughts with which I came away.
- Vinnie Virga, the president of Flooring America, has been given responsibility for all CCA Global brands, a position that was empty since being vacated by Evan Hackel about 18 months ago. Virga has done wonders with Flooring America, making the group as significant a player in this industry as any.
- Speaking of CCA Global, possibly the biggest takeaway from the recent convention was the coming out party of Jessica Correa, the new vice president of marketing, a position that seems to have come with a revolving door over the last few years. Correa, a real breath of fresh air, is different. She brings a fresh perspective coming from outside the industry (always a good thing, see Patricia Flavin of Beaulieu), having been a director of brand innovation and alliance marketing at Royal Carribean for 13 years. On the job for just two months, she is already making her presence felt.
- Continuing on the CCA Global theme, one thing I’ve noticed over the past few years is that important products, programs and initiatives are being rolled out simultaneously across both groups. Whether it be new merchandising, integrated marketing initiatives that include virtually everything online, or exclusive deals with suppliers, CCA is leveraging its buying and brain power to the benefit of its members and manufacturers. Agree or disagree, the strategy is working. Both groups are up between 5% and 8% this year while the overall industry is down.
- Mannington was showing for the first time a new glueless LVT with a fully licensed and patent-pending locking system. According to Kim Holm, president, it represents the best per- forming floating LVT.
- Mohawk became a better company on July 19 if only because Kent Clauson, formerly of Armstrong, joined the organization. Kent, who will be responsible for brand management, is a talented, low-key, check-your-ego-at-the-door kind of guy. You may not hear his name much, but his finger- prints will be on many Mohawk initiatives going forward.

domain: news


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Turns out Amazon wasn’t done with its fall device announcements: Two weeks after introducing a number of new Echo speakers and accessories as well as a new DVR, the company announced a new 4K Fire TV stick as well as a new Alexa voice remote Wednesday.
The new Fire TV Stick 4K supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ UHD video streaming, thanks to a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, and includes a 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip for optimal wireless connectivity. The device can be pre-ordered effective immediately for$49.99, and will ship in the U.S. and Canada at the end of the month.
In addition to new chipsets, the Fire TV Stick 4K also comes with a new remote control, which Amazon calls the Alexa Voice Remote. The remote combines Bluetooth with infrared to control both the Fire TV Stick as well as other home entertainment devices, including your TV and cable box.
To work with the latter, Amazon has added a volume rocker, a mute button and a power button. The company will also include the new remote with the Fire TV Cube, and it is backward-compatible with existing Fire TV streaming devices. Amazon will sell it separately for $29.99, and also begin shipping to consumers on October 31.
Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K is effectively replacing the company’s Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD, which the company introduced last year. “We have sold through the earlier Fire TV 4K edition inventory and we do not plan to replenish supply at this time,” a spokesperson told Variety Tuesday.
Click here to read more.
SOURCE: Variety, Janko Roettgers


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From 30 November, new savers will no longer be able to open a Help to Buy Isa account. Find out the best rates available before they close.
The Moneybox app has released its first cash savings product - a lifetime Isa paying 1.4%, the best rate on the market. But should you get one?
First-time buyers have until 30 November to benefit from this government-backed savings product - but should you sign up?
An investigation into whether the lifetime Isa will ever deliver on its promises to first-time buyers and those saving for retirement
The Help to Buy Isa, which gives first-time buyers free cash towards their first home, will end in November 2019. Should you open one before it's too late?
Unity Mutual has launched a new investment lifetime Isa, with 1.25% guaranteed return until April 2019. We look at what the account offers
Skipton Building Society has recently released a range of lifetime Isa exclusive mortgages for first-time buyers - we look at whether the deal is any good
Find out the Autumn Budget 2018 changes made to the Junior Isa allowance as well as NS&I which could affect your savings.
Newcastle Building Society has recently announced the launch of a new cash lifetime Isa - making it the third on the market. We look at what's on offer.
Nottingham Building Society's new cash lifetime Isa launches today - find out what it offers and how it compares to existing products on the market


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Disney’s Moana with The Rock delivers $81.1 million
– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is this weekend’s king of the box office as his latest movie, Disney’s animated adventure Moana, has an estimated $81.1 million for a five-day opening according to data published by Box Office Mojo. The figure is just shy of the largest Thanksgiving debut of $93.6 million which belongs to Frozen. Apart from being the second largest five-day Thanksgiving opening of all-time, it’s also the third largest three-day Thanksgiving opening of all-time. Moana did an estimated $55.5 million three-day opening. The movie is also the third largest opening for Walt Disney Animation Studios, behind only Zootopia and Big Hero 6. Internationally, Moana did $16.3 million so far, bringing the total worldwide gross revenue to $97,408,000.


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Government compliance processes are continuing to have a negative impact on the SMB community, with more than 80 percent of respondents in a recent survey reporting they’re struggling with bureaucratic red tape.
In the latest Commonwealth Bank Survey of Business Trends and Prospects, released by the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI), 81.3 percent of the 300 businesses surveyed said the compliance process was impacting on their business in either a moderate or major way.
“The survey results come as no surprise to many in business,” Mark Stone, VECCI chief executive, said.
Almost half of the respondents spend one to five hours per week focusing on red tape requirements and 16.5 percent spend six to 10 hours.
“This is clearly time that could be better spent running a business rather than dealing with endless compliance requirements,” said Stone.
This excessive red tape means SMBs have had to completely alter or delay aspects of their business plans. The report found 20 percent of businesses have deferred their investment plans while 16 percent have completely changed their investment plans as a result of the compliance burden.
Recruitment plans and procedures, too, were affected. Some 21 percent of businesses have deferred any intention of recruiting and 23 percent have changed their hiring policies.
Respondents also indicated WorkCover, OH&S, consumer protection law regulations and admin requirements related to state taxes and fees, have also added greater weight to their shoulders.
Stone says the Government should work to lower the regulatory compliance costs. The report findings suggest businesses would like to see a reduction in the quantity of existing regulations (31.5 percent), better communication from regulators about how to comply with existing regulations (18.2 percent), and better communication and consultation with businesses when regulators develop new regulations (17.9 percent).


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Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Nope, it’s Chinese drone startup valuations. Yet another drone maker saw its value shoot skyward on Monday when Ehang announced that it has raised a US $42 million series B round. The round includes some major players, too: it was led by GP Capital and also included investment from GGV Capital, ZhenFund, Lebox Capital, OFC and PreAngel.
The company has not released its current valuation, but it does claim that figure is 100 times higher than it was 16 months ago when the startup was first established. It will use these latest funds to accelerate its tech and business development, increase the size of its team, and “build a UAV ecosystem” based on its apps. But the company, which has thus far been mostly focused on the consumer space, also plans to push into commercial applications and explore industries like logistics, agriculture, and mapping.
Ehang’s product is a mobile-app-controlled camera drone branded “Ghost” that it sells globally through its website and other channels. Ghost runs from US$600 to US$800 depending on options (GoPro camera not included), and there are of course a variety of accessories for sale as well. Ehang claims that Ghost is “is the world’s easiest drone to fly,” and it features some cool automation like an auto-follow setting you can use to get good shots of yourself from above.


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After several years of speculation Rihanna announced she's pregnant, with the singer and beauty brand owner confirming she's expecting a baby with rapper ASAP Rocky.
However, the rumour mill's spinning once again – this time about the pair's break-up, with just weeks before 34-year-old Rihanna is due to give birth.
Claims of their rumoured split began on Twitter, from the account of fashion influencer @LOUIS_via_ROMA, who posted a thread of tweets about the issue and alleged ASAP had cheated on RiRi.
ASAP is yet to publicly comment, but gossip site XXL alleged the two were spotted at a restaurant in LA where Rihanna was crying at the table before leaving alone.
Here's a look at Rihanna and ASAP Rocky's relationship as well as the rumours behind their breakup.
Have Rihanna and ASAP Rocky broken up?
Rumours of Rihanna and ASAP Rocky's split began circulating on Twitter with fashion influencer @LOUIS_via_ROMA tweeting: "Rihanna & ASAP Rocky have split. Rihanna broke up with him after she caught him cheating with shoe designer Amina Muaddi."
The thread of tweets continued: "Amina was responsible for designing Fenty’s footwear offering and Rihanna is often seen in custom shoes from her own label. ASAP & Amin is not new though as she was seeing him years ago and also collaborated with him on a collection of shoes. Things apparently hit the fan at Craigs in LA."
Rihanna says she no longer worries about covering her belly after pregnancy joy
The tweets also alleged that the split happened during this year's Paris Fashion Week, which took place between February 28 and March 8.
Besides the tweets and XXL's report, there has been no other evidence of the couple's split or the cheating allegations.
Many netizens have also taken it upon themselves to the debunk the claims on the pair's relationship, especially with regards to the timing.
Several have pointed out that two days before the split speculation, Rihanna posted a snap of herself wearing custom shoes designed by Amina Muaddi to her Instagram.
Muaddi also shared a similar picture of the pregnant singer wearing the shoes to her Instagram Story. Rihanna and Rocky also still follow each other on Instagram.
When did Rihanna and ASAP Rocky start dating?
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky had their first encounter at the 2012 VMAs, when the rapper joined her for a a performance of her single Cockiness.
The two met again when Rocky joined Rihanna's Diamond tour back in 2013, with rumours of a romance starting in January 2020 after Rihanna's split from billionaire boyfriend Hassan Jameel.
Soon after, Rihanna and Rocky were seen together more often. In December 2020, a source said: "They have always had amazing chemistry, and Rihanna relates to A$AP, and it [their relationship] feels natural, easy and fun."
Rihanna lifts up top to show off blossoming baby bump after pregnancy reveal
The mole added that the Fenty Beauty founder feels "very comfortable" around the rapper and like "they’ve known each other for such a long time".
That same month, the couple were snapped kissing on holiday in Barbados.
In May 2021, Rocky opened up about his relationship with Rihanna for the first time during an GQ interview, referring to the singer as "the love of my life".
What has Rihanna said about their relationship?
Rihanna now worth staggering £1.4billion as she joins exclusive Forbes list
In her recent interview for the cover of Vogue, Rihanna spoke about her relationship with Rocky, saying that their relationship got serious during the Covid pandemic in 2020.
She said: "[Rocky] became my family in that time I just feel like I can do any part of life by his side."
On what she loves most about their relationship, the singer added: "Transparency with everything: how we’re feeling, what our goals are, what our fears and insecurities are. The vulnerability to be able to say what you feel about each other."
She also opened up that the pregnancy wasn't planned, but that the pair also weren't "planning against it".
She revealed: "We just had fun. And then it was just there on the test. I didn’t waste any time. I called him inside and showed him. Then I was in the doctor’s office the next morning and our journey began."
Daily Star has contacted ASAP Rocky's reps for comment.
Source: Read Full Article


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Ever since Nike came under fire for using sweatshop and child labor in its factories in the Nineties, the demand for accountability from companies around their supply chains has steadily grown. Whether it’s revelations of Apple Inc. using illegal workers at its Foxconn partner factories in China, or fast fashion’s culpability in the horrific 2013 fire and collapse at the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh, the spotlight has steadily shone brighter on the welfare of workers overseas.
But as we gear up for Black Friday and the busiest shopping season of the year, one of the biggest ethical issues emerging in the retail industry isn’t about workers a world away, but the ones in our own backyard. With complaints of inhumane working conditions, high injury rates and low pay, the fulfillment sector is the latest to face controversy, as warehouse workers in North America and Europe speak out about the true cost of same-day and door-to-door delivery.
As the ceo of an e-commerce agency, this issue hits home. I know convenience is the cornerstone of e-commerce, but I also realize it can come at a heavy toll for the workers who rush to meet that demand. I believe the industry is capable of creating an ethical supply chain that includes the last mile — but there isn’t a simple solution. It’s going to take time and a shared effort between many players to create lasting change.
Calling Out Convenience Culture
Monoliths like Amazon have achieved market domination by offering expedited shipping at high volume, inspiring retailers to compete by aiming for ever-shorter delivery times. While it’s easy to blame Amazon Inc. and the like for creating the situation, the fact is this dynamic is a response to a consumer culture that demands convenience, speed and instant gratification.
This isn’t to say consumers are entirely to blame. There is mounting evidence that shoppers would reevaluate whether they really need that shiny new object right away if they were better educated on the human cost of ultra-quick delivery. Earlier this year, a poll of more than 1,000 Americans by CGS found more than two-thirds would be willing to pay more for sustainable products, and recent research shows that 56 percent of Americans would actually stop buying from companies they believe to be unethical. More and more, shoppers are voting with their dollars for, or against, everything from the political affiliations of their favorite brands to the environmental impact of specific products (just look at the recent downfall of plastic straws).
Given the trends, it’s likely some consumers would be willing to wait a little longer, or even pay a little more for purchases if they knew it made life easier for the people tasked with getting them to their doors. This could be something as simple as a button at checkout that reminds people that there are, well, people on the other end of the transaction.
I realize that not everyone is able to pay more for ethical products, and there are times quick delivery is a necessity. But should it be the norm? It’s a question we need to educate consumers to seriously consider.
Employing Automation While Future-Proofing Workers
Despite Amazon’s move to boost wages, improve benefits and create more permanent positions for its American workers, the fact is, warehouse jobs aren’t exactly what most people strive for. It’s demanding work with difficult hours and little opportunity to learn transferable skills.
Automation is an obvious solution — albeit one that introduces a host of other problems. Robots are expected to take over 36 million American jobs in the near future. Last year a warehouse in China equipped with 20 robots began operation, claiming to be the first fully automated e-commerce warehouse in the world. As much promise as this holds for taking physically taxing, boring or unpleasant work off of human shoulders, it also introduces complexities around what to do with the workers who will be replaced by machines.
In North America, Amazon has announced that fully automated warehouses are at least a decade away, but it has already started to prepare workers for that shift by investing $700 million to retrain 100,000 workers for higher-tech positions. It’s a good start, but it only accounts for one-third of their current workforce.
Future-proofing warehouses and other entry-level workers will likely take a much broader effort, including government participation and community groups working together with the companies that have relied on vulnerable communities to make their business models work. It’s a long game that requires investment on multiple fronts because it’s crucial on multiple levels. Helping these workers transition isn’t just about ensuring individual livelihoods, but also enabling a future with a consumer base capable of supporting commerce as we know it.
Embracing Ethics as a Competitive Edge
As more online retailers turn to third-party logistics companies to handle fulfillment and shipping, competition in this space is starting to heat up. (For instance, Canadian e-commerce platform Shopify recently announced their entrance into the fulfillment business.) This has created an opportunity for retailers to demand more accountability from logistics providers.
Just as consumers are placing pressure on retailers to adopt ethical supply chains, retailers have the ability to pass that pressure on. Brands shopping around for logistics providers can demand or request fair treatment of workers as a condition for business. At the same time, logistics providers hoping to compete with players like Amazon can do so by carving out an ethical niche, using fair labor practices as a differentiator in a marketplace dominated by giants.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, of course. Retailers have varying control over this issue depending on how big they are and how their business is run. But at the very least, they can start asking the tough questions about fulfillment and choose to align themselves with third-party providers who share similar values around ethical supply chains.
We live in an age of radical transparency. As much as this issue might just be coming onto the radar now, there’s no doubt we’ll hear more about ethical concerns as the industry grows. Just as Nike Inc. was forced to address its “sweatshop problem” and brands like Apple, H&M and Walmart Inc. face ongoing scrutiny around their production methods overseas, the focus on fulfillment here at home will only continue. The truth is, addressing this problem means making some big changes – ones that will cost money upfront and require a change in philosophy, industry-wide.
Right now, the standard is getting things quickly and cheaply at the cost of human dignity. Whether that’s an acceptable price to pay for convenience long term is up to us to decide.
Benjamin Crudo (@BENGMN) is the founder and chief executive officer of Diff, a full-service e-commerce agency based in Montreal.


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As of July 2023, Maryland joined the growing number of states permitting the licensed sale of recreational marijuana. With the cannabis industry essentially starting at zero in the state, this has created a promising new business opportunity for entrepreneurs, including people of color, in Greenbelt and the rest of Prince George’s County.
A $26 billion industry
In fact, as more and more states decriminalize cannabis, thousands of dispensaries and other marijuana businesses have popped up across the country. In 2021 alone, legal marijuana sales generated $26 billion in revenue. Just like any other business, cannabis businesses are at risk of failure due to economic downturns, bad luck or other reasons. When most business owners are struggling to pay their debts, they can file for bankruptcy protection as an individual to stop creditor harassment and give them the chance at a reasonable solution. But bankruptcy is not an option for most people in the marijuana industry.
Do cannabis and bankruptcy mix?
Though cannabis is now legal for recreation in 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, it is still a controlled substance under federal law. Businesses that are perfectly legitimate under Maryland state law are considered criminal enterprises in the federal criminal code. Similarly, bankruptcy courts will not accept filings from businesses seeking protection related to “ongoing criminal” activity like cultivating or selling marijuana. When a cannabis business tries to file for bankruptcy, the United States Trustee Program, which oversees the bankruptcy system, will likely move to dismiss it. And it appears USTP will continue to refuse bankruptcy protection for marijuana-related businesses until Congress legalizes it.
So, where does this leave the owners of a marijuana business? Is bankruptcy ever an option for them?
Are you a person or a business?
For individuals, maybe. If they leave their job or sell their interest in a cannabis industry business, it may be possible to separate themselves from the activity viewed as illegal in federal court. But any company that derives most of its income from cannabis or paraphernalia and expects to continue doing so cannot get access to bankruptcy protection — for now.
There is a glimmer of hope, though. A bankruptcy judge in California ruled against the trustee’s motion to dismiss over the applying business’ minority stake in a Canadian marijuana business. Since the Canadian business was operating within the laws of its country, the judge ruled, the asset did not disqualify the American company from bankruptcy.
For now, though, cannabis businesses dealing with debt problems will need an alternative strategy. A discussion with a bankruptcy attorney can help clarify what you can do to stop creditor harassment fight to keep yourself in business.


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French fashion maison Balenciaga has opened a new pop-up store in Osaka, adding to the five standalone boutiques already retailing in the Japanese city.
The Parisian label has its sights set on pushing its newest ‘it’ handbag – the Bazar Shopping Bag – onto the Japanese clientele.
The new Osaka pop-up shop will house the original Bazar Shopping from the latest collection, as well as holiday and resort versions. Also for sale are pouch and wallet versions of the bag.
SEE ALSO: Balenciaga appoints new CEO
The colourful tote bag, designed by Demna Gsvalia, featured in Balenciaga’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The Bazar Shopping Bag — already a hit with fashionistas such as Pernille Teisbaek, the co-founder and creative director at Social Zoo Direct — is part of Gvsalia’s first accessory line since taking the helm of Balenciaga this year.
Despite being compared to a heavy-duty laundrette carryall, the Balenciaga accessory retails for a whopping £975 per unit and has been hailed a best-seller on major fashion e-platforms Net-a-Porter and MatchesFashion.com.
Balenciaga is known for ‘it’ bags, since the Arena handbag, designed by Nicholas Ghesquire over ten years ago.
The pop-up shop is located within a portion of the Hankyu department store in Osaka. It is open from now until the end of December.


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DANBURY, Conn.—ComNet, Communication Networks of Danbury, a manufacturer of transmission and networking equipment based here, recently announced its entry into the access control marketplace, the company’s first big move since joining the ACRE family of companies back in December of 2016.
WIESBADEN, Germany—Vanderbilt acquired ACT—Access Control Technology, based in Dublin—in November 2016; Mitchell Kane, company president, talked with Security Systems News about Vanderbilt’s expectations for introducing its first cloud-based access control technology in the U.S.
CLOVIS, Calif.—Since taking over as CEO of Pelco by Schneider Electric in November of 2015, Sharad Shekhar has worked tirelessly to create a new identity for Pelco within the larger Schneider Electric organizational structure.
LAS VEGAS—AMAG Technology, a security manufacturer specializing in access control, video management, identity management, intrusion detection and visitor management, announced at ISC West here last week that its Symmetry Blue Reader is integrating with BioConnect’s Biometric Authentication app.
IRVINE, Calif.—Dahua Technology, a global manufacturer of video surveillance solutions, is expanding its U.S. operations on the East Coast with a new facility in Franklin, Mass., to accommodate the company’s rapid growth.
MOUNT HOREB, Wis.—OneEvent, a software-as-a-service company based here, developed an analytics engine that looks at environmental factors to predict when an event might occur. At ISC West 2017, the company will be discussing the software’s capabilities in the fire detection space.
TYSONS, Va.—Alarm.com, which provides a platform for the connected home and business, announced the acquisition of substantially all of ObjectVideo Inc.'s business, including the company's products, technology portfolio and personnel.
DUBLIN—Security Systems News caught up with Allegion futurist and VP of strategy and partnerships Rob Martens to get his take on the top emerging technology trends in the industry, from big data and analytics to AI and robotics, as well as the company’s plans for ISC West.
PHILADELPHIA—Comcast finalized its acquisition of a business unit within Icontrol, specifically the Converge platform. The company will bring Icontrol’s Austin-based facility and wholesale customer base into the fold while looking ahead at other opportunities.


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Latest Fast food Stories
Unhealthy foods and beverages are regularly portrayed in a positive light on children’s television programming in the UK, according to new research currently appearing online in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.
KFC and Sbarro among the lowest-scoring chains overall, Chick-fil-A earns high marks; Plus, the best & worst chains for value, healthy options, most delectable fare. YONKERS,
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc.
A dramatic health kick has transformed Fast Food Services in Australia, largely driven by increased consumer awareness about the nutritional content of fast food.
CLEVELAND, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Food Management has announced the winners of its
The Tainted Burger shares details about the McDonald's Franchise System previously reserved for corporate insiders and owner-operators.
Cousins Subs launches a new online ordering platform, powered by Olo.
Aramark Celebrates National Hot Dog Month at Ballparks Around Major League Baseball PHILADELPHIA, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Transparency Market Research has published a new report titled "Fast Food Market: Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 - 2019" to its report store.
World Garden’s Café offers great options and tips for people tired of the mundane weight loss programs. Upland, CA (PRWEB) June 25, 2014 Meticulous
- In the month which preceded the present; in the last month, as distinguished from the current or present month and all others.


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With Apple expected to unveil the iWatch in just a few days, rumors surrounding the smartwatch are coming at us faster than ever. We’ve heard a lot of good things about the upcoming wearable device, but a new report from The Information claims it could have one major issue: battery life.
Citing multiple anonymous Apple employees, the report claims Apple tried its hardest to crack the battery problem but came up short. After looking into solar charging and motion charging, the company eventually settled on a wireless charging setup that should keep the iWatch going for one or two days per charge. That’s about what you’d get from any of the latest Android Wear devices, but falls short of Apple’s own alleged plans to offer four to five days of battery life.
Of course these are just rumors, and we can’t know anything about the iWatch with total certainty until Apple unveils the device. Recent reports all suggest the company will announce its first wearable device next week, revealing two display size options, a curved OLED display, various bands to choose from and plenty of sensors. We can’t wait to see what Apple has in store, though today’s news has us worried the iWatch might not live up to all the hype.


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Professional gamers to carry Olympic torch
Another type of athlete is coming to the Beijing Olympic Games to bear the torch: cyberathletes. Yes, professional gamers will be given the honor of carrying the torch in the coming games. Check out the full article for more info.
The Olympics, one of the most anticipated worldwide events, is certainly a big big thing. Athletes from all over world congregate at a particular host city (this year, it’s Beijing) and compete for glory.
Now preparations for THE Games have been underway (including anti-aircraft guns) and we’ve just caught news from it: Professional gamers will be included in the carrying of the Olympic torch.
Razer, manufacturer of gaming and computer peripherals, announced via presswire that two professional gamers, XiaoFeng “Sky” Li and Jaeho “Moon” Jang have been chosen by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad to carry the Olympic torch. Sky and Moon are both members of teams sponsored by Razer (Team Razer).
In case you haven’t heard of them, they are both professional Warcraft III players. Moon plays for MYM, or Meet your Makers, while Sky plays for World Elite, both teams are under the umbrella of Team Razer.
In case you’re wondering why the professional gamers get to carry the torch: Lenovo, a computer maker, is one of the Beijing Olympics‘ sponsors and well, they had a say on the ceremonials.
So they got the top placers in their recently sponsored gaming tournament to carry the torch. The rest of the Chinese pro-gamers who’ll be getting the honor of carrying the torch are:
- Li Jia “xiaobai” Sheng
- Lei “BET.Leilei” Shen
- Junchun “Pj” Sha
- Chenglong “Sai” Zhou
- Wei “Jaystar” Ding
- Dapeng Chen


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Corrected: Shipping lines avoid Cape Town amid heavy congestion
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Maersk, not CMA CGM, had announced a surcharge at Cape Town.
Shipping lines have said they are now either avoiding the Port of Cape Town or applying surcharges as heavy congestion builds.
DAL said last Wednesday that it will bypass the port on its north- and southbound legs because of continued throughput delays. The company's managing director David McCallum confirmed the temporary decision to Freight News, saying: “We will not be calling at the port at all on our main service anymore."
Instead the company will be running a feeder service between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
"There are eight to nine vessels waiting to be worked but the port simply doesn’t have the staff complement to get to all the vessels," he said.
A while ago, port operator Transnet confirmed that efficiencies at the port had been affected because of operational personnel staying at home, fearing infection in a province ravaged by the coronavirus.
“To exacerbate things,” said McCallum, “is the fact that we have no decent communications about what’s happening in Cape Town like we have in Durban.”
CMA CGM last week announced a US$550 per 20 ft port congestion surcharge at Cape Town for both dry and reefer containers, effective immediately.
Meanwhile, the South Africa Europe Container Service (SAECS) - jointly provided by Maersk, ONE and Deutsche Africa Linie (DAL) - will omit Cape Town and focus its South African calls at Durban and Ngquara.
The Western Cape has seen one of the country’s highest Covid-19 infection rates, with numerous cases reported among Cape Town Container Terminal workers, leading the facility to reduce the number of gangs serving vessels, causing berthing delays of up to a week.
However, Maersk said in an advisory this week it was transforming its WAF1 service – which normally serves West African ports on a string that begins in Algeciras and turns in Durban – into a dedicated shuttle feeder between Cape Town and Algeciras.
“Based on customer demand we will further deploy additional feeders from CPT, for onward transit to Europe,” Maersk said.
“We believe this plan is the best solution available based on the current port and market situation. However, we fully understand that the dynamics of the port situation in South Africa will likely continue to change constantly."


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Mayor Rob Ford on the ropes?
Ford spent the morning on the witness stand, accused in a lawsuit of breaking the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
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Kohl's to create 1,500 Dallas jobs with new customer service center
Wisconsin-based Kohl's Department Stores is increasing its Texas presence with a new customer service call center in Dallas. The Collin County facility is committed to creating 144 new jobs and $54.9 million in capital investment, with the potential to add a total of 1,500 jobs.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced the news June 14 along with an $864,000 investment through the Texas Enterprise Fund, which was created in 2003 to aid the growth of Texas businesses and create more jobs throughout the state.
"Kohl's decision to continue expanding in Texas is proof positive our healthy economy continues to create opportunities for Texans and employers," Perry said in a statement.
Kohl's has more than 140,000 U.S. employees and is listed on the Fortune 500, S&P 500 and FT Global 500. Kohl's already has a distribution center in Corsicana, an e-commerce fulfillment center in DeSoto, and an existing customer service operations center in San Antonio.
The new Dallas facility will feature inbound customer service and back office operations.
"There is a lot of national competition for new jobs and capital investment and Kohl's decision to expand into Dallas shows that our business-friendly environment creates an ideal location for them to grow their operations," said Karl Zavitkovsky, director of Dallas' Office of Economic Development.
Texas Enterprise Fund projects must be approved by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. To date, the fund has invested more than $486 million and closed the deal on projects creating 67,275 new jobs and more than $20.1 billion in state capital investment.


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Samsung has always been really generous when it comes to updates, they regularly provide updates/fixes etc for their customer which is one of the reasons why Samsung users are so much more happier than others. The Samsung Galaxy ACE 2 seems to the next device in line for Samsung’s latest update and will be receiving Android Jelly Bean 4.1. According to the official statement from Samsung this Android 4.1.2 (build JZ054K) Jelly bean update for the Galaxy Ace 2 comes with improved notifications, overall better performance, improved battery life and a tweaked interface that makes TouchWiz more efficient than ever before. Current the update is available in only a few regions and will take some time to be available globally. You can receive this update via Samsung’s KIES software for PC or over the air directly to your phone, though keep in mind that there has been no official confirmation on which regions will be getting the update and which won’t neither is there any details about how long till it goes global, so if you cannot access the update yet it’s probably because your region is among the ones that haven’t received it yet. Though Samsung assured us that they are trying their best to roll out the update globally and it will be available for download on all the major regions soon.
Up until recently we were lead to believe that Motorola X would be a single smartphone that Google acquired smartphone makers were working on. However Motorola confirmed this rumor to be false and confirmed that the Motorola X will be a brand. Reportedly this is going to the first ever lineup from Motorola that is going to be directly influence by Google. This also explains why the first smartphone from the X lineup is planned to be announced at this year’s Google I/O. It was also confirmed that Motorola’s X series smartphones will be available for purchase through the Google Play Store in addition as well as usual carrier and retail stores. This is also the first lineup that Motorola has guaranteed at least one full Android version update and also confirmed that they will be overseeing the update themselves as opposed to the carriers. Also Motorola reported revealed that they will allow customers to customize their X series Smartphones before purchasing, this customization process will allow users to specify how much ram and internal storage they would like in their X series smartphone and will also allow them to have the bootloader unlocked as well have the SIM configured for every any carrier they want. Motorola also guaranteed that these custom tweaked devices will reach their owners in one week’s time. Lastly it was revealed that Motorola’s X series smartphones will be highly subsidized by Google themselves and will match the base Nexus 4’s price of $300. Further details will be revealed at Google’s I/O which will be starting may 15th 2013.
The young hacker arrested in Amiens, designer virus has infected thousands of Android smartphones, says he has “not been aware of the risks.”
The young hacker (20 years) was arrested last week in Amiens says he was “not aware of the risks” in an interview published today Courrier Picard Monday, October 22.
Suspected of having developed a virus has infected 17,000 smartphones for more than 500 000 euros of damage, the young man has been indicted for fraud and piracy and placed under judicial supervision. He was summoned for a hearing on November 8 before the correctional court of Amiens.
“I was not aware of the risks: for me, the people who downloaded the apps I had copied illegally. They are paying and they got free on illegal sites, “said the young man of 20 years, a native of Amiens, Picardy daily.
A defense that some find awkward: those who scammed téléchargeraient illegally (which remains to be proven) is not necessarily an alibi point of view of justice ….
The design of the virus would have taken an hour!
The hacker would have developed dozens of types of viruses since 2011, intended for smartphones running the Google operating system, Android, by the Central Office of the fight against crime in information technology and communication.
The young man began to provide free software download that, without the user noticing, consisted of telephone numbers overtaxed. Users then receive an SMS containing codes that allow, in turn, micro-payments via hacked sites.
The young man would be launched in the piracy game, according to the Mail Picard. “I was in bed, and I had this idea. I had never worked on Android. I went to my PC and I did. It took me an hour, “he told the daily Picard. He adds that he then let the system run without “measure the consequences.”
Malware is on a spree, lately. It was only days ago that reports surfaced regarding the Instagram app spoofs fooling the Android users, with even some of them losing money.
But malware apps are comparatively common in the Android app store, now renamed Google Play. Many security top dogs including Symantec have found a large number of malware at the Android Market.
However, the hottest news is that Apple’s OS X, which was widely believed to be impermeable to malware and other untoward apps, has now been broken in. A spiteful software Flashback, has acted villain to the high-end OS’s immaculate reputation.
The number of malware that are created for smartphones continues to grow. And ‘this is the result of research that was conducted by Kaspersky Lab, a manufacturer eponymous anti-virus software. According to figures that were released in 2010 were discovered 153 new families of malware for smartphones, which have developed about 1,000 new virus variants, while the 2011 data are in sharp increase: 178 and 5,255 new families of malware different variants discoveries. The 2012 is likely to be even worse from this point of view.
Every week that passes, therefore, increase the risks for our smartphone, but what are the phones most at risk? It is not surprising that 65% of new malware that were created last year have been aimed Android , the Google operating system. In second place we find this particular ranking Java, with 27% of malware, then Symbian , with about 7% and finally Windows Phone , with only 1%.
What are the biggest risks to users? Theft of data and sensitive information in the first place, such as telephone calls, text messages, photographs and video. The malware more “bad” from this point of view, however, are even able to take control of the phone of the victim and, for example, to start phone calls.
Because Android is the operating system most affected by malware in general? Certainly the prevalence of the operating system itself makes it an easy target. If we consider that the operating system was developed from Linux, an open source platform, therefore, behold, it becomes easier to understand how and where to attack Android. Finally, Google has never put great controls that users can upload app on his Android Market, which will certainly ease the spread of viruses and malicious code.


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The iBerry Auxus Beast a 64 bit MediaTek octa core powered handset will be available exclusively on Snapdeal.com for Rs. 13,990. The handset supports 4G LTE and sports a 5.5 inch screen running Android Lollipop out of the box with 3GB on-board RAM.
Here is another handset from iBerry that will hit the online store soon on 2nd week of April 2015 only on Snapdeal.com. This is a dual SIM handset with 4G LTE support (Works Worldwide). The Auxus Beast is powered by MediaTek True 64 bit octa core processor clocked at 1.7GHz with Mali T760 GPU.
The full specification has not yet been disclosed but key highlight have already been mentioned. The handset sports a 5.5 inch screen with HD resolution (1280 x 720p) and it is using the Miravision display.
It will be running Android Lollipop 5.0 out of the box with 3GB DDRIII RAM. Well this is all we know for now. But taking clue from other octa core powered smartphone it will come with at least 13MP or 16 MP camera, front camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. The battery capacity is 3050 mAh.
Tip: Pranav Das and Madhan Kumar.


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Did Apple Just Kill Your Favorite Mobile Pay App
You'll soon be able send and receive money from your friends within Apple Pay.
The new feature was announced at WWDC, Apple's annual developer conference. Much like money transfer app Venmo, Apple Pay can now support peer-to-peer payments.
The feature will be integrated directly into iMessage, so users can send money directly within a conversation with a friend.
The feature will use Touch ID to make sure the transfers are secure.
Once transferred, the money will go into an Apple Pay cash card. You'll then be able to send that card to friends or family, or transfer it directly to your bank.
Apple didn't immediately say whether it would charge either the sender or the recipient for the service.
The feature will be available as part of iOS 11 and WatchOS 4, which will arrive later this year.


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February 20, 2014
One of the companies that has been quite busy in the payments industry over the last year or so is Fortumo. And there is a reason for it. It has the financial muscle backed by VC money. And why investors are interested in their story? Because carrier billing is emerging as a good proposition and Fortumo does well in that segment. On 18th February 2014, Fortumo announced a direct carrier billing partnership with Smart Communications Inc., Philippines’ largest mobile operator.
The partnership will enable subscribers to pay for games conveniently and seamlessly via smartphone. The Philippines is a market which is very well suited for this kind of operator billing payment. Through the deal with Fortumo, our subscribers will enjoy the ease of paying for many global games and apps through their phones, said Orlando B. Vea, Smart chief wireless advisor. This will also benefit further the game developer’s community. Fortumo is also working together with Smart to educate local app and game developers about opportunities to open their apps for the overseas markets.
Phillippines has a very low penetration of credit cards, so online payments is a quite a headache, says Noi, who plays the Popular MMORPG Ragnarok Online. Most of our games have cash shops (where you can buy in-game items for game cash) and there is definitely a dearth of a good payment system to recharge game cash. Fortumo has built a special payment flow for web payments which support payments on low-capability feature phones. Fortumo’s direct carrier billing solution does not require a user to send any text messages to complete the payment. is now available to more than 2.5 billion end-users globally.
Fortumo was launched in 2007, aiming to be the most developer friendly mobile payments provider. Back in February, 2013 Fortumo raised $10 Mn from Intel Capital and Greycroft Partners to foray into emerging markets. Globally, Fortumo has presence in over 180 countries and has tie ups with over 300 carriers and 92,000 developers. Some of the popular app or game developers who use Fortumo’s direct carrier billing service include Pop Cap Games, Rovio (Angry Birds app maker), EA, Gameloft, Badoo, etc.


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Igniting illegal fireworks could have explosive consequences
Just a few days before New Year's Eve, local fire and law enforcement agencies as well as a man who manages a local fireworks stand talked about what fireworks can be legally used in Prescott.
Consumers may only use specific novelty items - snappers, snap caps, party poppers, glow-worms, snakes, toy smoke devices, sparklers and certain toys - legally within the City of Prescott and the Town of Prescott Valley, according to local laws.
"We don't want people using illegal fireworks in city limits, including consumer and aerial fireworks," Prescott Fire Division Chief Eric Kriwer said.
Items that are illegal to use in Prescott and Prescott Valley are all consumer fireworks and aerial fireworks. Consumer fireworks include cones, fountains and spinners. Aerial fireworks, which are illegal to use within the entire state, including bottle rockets, sky rockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, torpedoes, roman candles, and jumping jacks. All fireworks are banned on federal lands.
The Snap Fireworks stand had novelties, fountain fireworks and other items that are legal to sell, according to state law - even if they're not legal to use.
"Arizona has strict regulations on what types of fireworks can be sold," said John Moore, who manages the stand in the Depot Marketplace parking lot in Prescott. "We make sure we are in full compliance."
In accordance with local ordinances, signs were posted in the sale area telling customers that the use of fireworks other than specific novelty items is illegal within the City of Prescott.
As customers perused his products, Moore said he reminds people of the law and that Prescott officials' slogan is "If you light it, we will cite it."
The Prescott City Council and Prescott Valley Town Council enacted laws making the use of consumer fireworks, with the exceptions of novelties, in their jurisdictions misdemeanors in response to Gov. Jan Brewer signing a bill on May 10, 2010, to allow the sale of fireworks.
"The police are taking a hard stance on this enforcement prohibiting fireworks in city limits, because of the fire issues it can cause," Prescott Police Lt. Andy Reinhardt said. "Due to it being a crime, violators can be fined up to $2,500 and can be sentenced to up to six months in jail."
Additionally, anyone who uses fireworks may be liable for the expense of an emergency response to the incident, according to Prescott Valley town code provisions.
The signs on tables at the Snap Fireworks stand also reminded customers that consumer fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 16.
"Customers in Prescott are a bit older and they're asking questions, doing their research," Moore said. "I like the fact that they're taking their time."
While people may enjoy using fireworks responsibly, "they also have a tremendous potential to cause harm and damage," Central Yavapai Fire District Chief Paul Nies said.
"Sparklers and other things that produce heat can create a situation where people can get hurt," Nies said.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 32 percent of the 7,000 people treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2008, and 40 percent of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
Kriwer recommended that people interested in seeing fireworks on New Year's Eve attend an event where the fireworks are launched by professionals.
Nies also expressed concerns about people firing guns into the air, and told of one New Year's Eve at his Chandler fire station when they heard a loud noise and found a 9mm slug in a station door.
"We don't want to see anyone injured while celebrating a holiday," Prescott Valley Police Sgt. Brandon Bonney said.


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Seen Tenet yet? Here's the Tenet ending explained.
Christopher Nolan's mysterious spy movie Tenet has been delayed again, after a surge of new Covid-19 cases in the United States. Tenet has moved from a release date of July 31 to August 12. It was originally set to launch on July 17.
Tenet was largely expected to be the movie that jump-starts the worldwide box office again after almost three months of cinemas being closed in the US, UK and other countries.
According to a report on THR, Disney's Mulan, another big blockbuster that currently has a release date set for July 24, is likely to be delayed again, too.
Theaters will reopen in July in the US and UK, but in the absence of new releases, they're likely to show older movies until new films arrive. That includes anniversary screenings of Nolan's 2010 movie Inception, as well as the Star Wars movie The Empire Strikes Back.
If you're worried about needing to rush to the theaters to see Tenet, you don't have to be. "In this moment what we need to be is flexible, and we are not treating this as a traditional movie release," a Warner spokesperson told Deadline. "We are choosing to open the movie mid-week to allow audiences to discover the film in their own time, and we plan to play longer, over an extended play period far beyond the norm, to develop a very different yet successful release strategy."
So, don't feel like you have to go to the theaters until you're comfortable doing so.
- New movies 2020: what you can see this year
- Wonder Woman 1984: what we know
- Black Widow: the next big MCU movie
You can watch a Nolan movie in Fortnite this weekend, though
If you're in the mood to enjoy older movies from Christopher Nolan's back catalogue, though, you might want to jump into the game Fortnite this weekend. Epic Games is hosting in-world screenings of his movies – yes, really – though the film on offer depends on where you live.
Check here for more details, but Inception is showing in the US, while The Prestige is showing in the UK. Sadly, some countries, like Australia, will miss out due to licensing restrictions.
The screenings are happening on Friday, June 26.
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Samuel is a PR Manager at game developer Frontier. Formerly TechRadar's Senior Entertainment Editor, he's an expert in Marvel, Star Wars, Netflix shows and general streaming stuff. Before his stint at TechRadar, he spent six years at PC Gamer. Samuel is also the co-host of the popular Back Page podcast, in which he details the trials and tribulations of being a games magazine editor – and attempts to justify his impulsive eBay games buying binges.


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Roe Visual Shows Black Marble Floor dvLED Display at InfoComm 2022
At InfoComm 2022, Roe Visual showed off its Black Marble Floor dvLED Display.
To stay up-to-date with the latest show news, visit our InfoComm 2022 hub.
Daktronics is supporting the All-Star Game with its LED displays and soccer-specific control software, All Sport Pro Soccer.
At InfoComm 2022, a panel of experts discussed what the metaverse means for the ProAV industry.


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It seems like a good time for General Motors to pull the plug on the Bolt, the only electric vehicle currently in its North American vehicle lineup.
GM, which is spending tens of billions of dollars to switch its lineup to electric vehicles in the coming decades, has essentially stopped building the Bolt and the Bolt EUV, because it needs every available battery to repair the 140,000 Bolts it has already sold.
Virtually all have been recalled because the vehicles can catch fire while charging. At an estimated $2 billion cost, it is one of the most expensive recalls ever on a per-vehicle basis. GM said 15 Bolt fires have been confirmed, and the company is replacing the battery cells in each car.
Fortunately for GM, the company is getting its battery supplier, LG, to pay $1.9 bilion toward the recall. But that can’t repair the damage to GM’s electric vehicle reputation.
“With GM looking for an all-EV future, it’s not off to the best start,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst with Cox Automotive.
The halt in Bolt production comes as GM rival Ford (F) is tripling its own output of its electric Mustang Mach E to meet strong demand.
GM has a number of other electric vehicles scheduled to hit US dealerships within the next year, including the GMC Hummer EV pickup, which is expected to start production later this month, and the Cadillac Lyriq, due to start production in the first quarter of 2022. An electric version of its bestselling Silverado pickup, is set to become available by the end of next year.
Those new vehicles – and all GM’s EVs going forward – have a different battery from the Bolt, dubbed Ultium, which promises superior performance. But that will make it difficult for GM to sell Bolts with an inferior battery, even if the fire problem is fixed.
And the Bolt is tiny – even the slightly larger Bolt EUV is 170 inches long, which while a few inches longer than the original is about a foot shorter than a compact Toyota Corolla, even if it has somewhat more interior space and cargo capacity because it lacks an engine.
“It feels like the Bolt is a part of the category of EVs that is being phased out,” said Jessica Caldwell, analyst at Edmunds. “It’s a big departure from the ones that we’ll see in the next few years.”
The problem is compounded by a survey by Cox Automotive showing that 69% of those considering an electric vehicle don’t even know that GM has an EV offering.
Reasons to keep the Bolt
There’s one reason GM is stuck with the Bolt, which has a starting price of about $31,000: it’s the only mass market EV that GM will have for at least the next couple of years.
Its next generation of EVs, due by the end of 2022, are aimed at a wealthier demographic. The Hummer EVs have a starting price of between $80,000 and $110,000, while the Lyriq starts at $59,000. Pricing for the Silverado EV has yet to be announced but it will probably be in that range.
It helps GM to have a lower-priced EV to go with the higher-priced models it will soon be selling, especially with rivals such as Ford (F), Volkswagen (VLKAF) and Tesla (TSLA) offering EVs for less than a $45,000 starting price.
GM (GM) officials insist that the Bolt isn’t going anywhere any time soon. They claim it had better than 90% customer satisfaction earlier this year – albeit before the recall. Since then, GM (GM) had to repurchase some Bolts from customers concerned that the vehicles would catch fire and who didn’t have a safe place to park them.
The Bolt also had the highest “conquest rate” of any Chevrolet car, with about 70% of the Bolt buyers switching to GM from other automakers. And GM recently redesigned the Bolt, introducing the slightly larger Bolt EUV, indicating that it plans to keep the car in its lineup for five or more years.
But the company is probably losing money on each Bolt it sells. If the Biden administration’s Build Back Better legislation passes, GM EV buyers would be eligible for federal tax credit on purchases of most other automakers’ plug-in offerings. GM and Tesla buyers lost that tax credit in 2019 once those two automakers became the first with more than 200,000 US sales of plug-in vehicles. Those buying EVs from other automakers that haven’t sold that many vehicles are still eligible for the tax credit. If GM buyers can again get the tax credit, that could allow GM to raise the price of the Bolt.
For now, sales of the new Bolts are on hold as 1,000 factory workers at GM’s Orion, Michigan, plant where it was built await recall from a layoff. GM cannot build its other EVs, or any gas-powered cars in its lineup for that matter, at that factory without significant retooling and investment.
So no matter how damaged the Bolt may be in the eyes of EV buyers, GM will almost certainly start making it again.


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(Natural News) The fruits and vegetables of today have seen a decline in nutritional value, a report done by The Globe and Mail and CTV News found. In analyzing the fresh produce sold in Canadian markets, the report saw a sharp decrease in their vitamin and mineral content, compared to that of fruits and vegetables from the 1950’s.
The study took a look at 25 fruits and veggies, including the most popular ones in Canadian diets; specifically, potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, and apples. Each of them turned out to have lower nutritional value than their historical counterparts. For the analysis, seven key nutrients were examined, and a decrease in many of the nutrients was seen in the produce that was analyzed. The potato, for instance, lost 100 percent of its vitamin A content, 57 percent of its vitamin C and iron, and 28 percent of its calcium. Potatoes also lost 50 percent of their riboflavin content, and 18 percent of their thiamine content, with only niacin levels increasing.
In fact, nearly 80 percent of the food that was examined showed a decrease in calcium and iron, 75 percent showed a decrease in vitamin A, 50 percent showed a loss of vitamin C and riboflavin, 33 percent showed a decrease in thiamine, and 12 percent displayed a drop in niacin.
According to the report, the decrease in nutritional value can be attributed to modern farming methods, as well as transportation and cross-breeding practices. In addition, Phil Warman, an Agronomist and Agricultural Sciences Professor at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College noted in the report that the “emphasis is on appearance, storability, and transportability,” thereby compromising the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
These findings are echoed in another report, Still No Free Lunch, done by The Organic Center. The report explored the declining nutrient levels in United States food supplies, particularly fruits, vegetables, and grains. The researchers observed a decline in nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients by up to 25 percent even as the yield of these food items doubled, or even tripled.
For instance, the study discovered that as corn yield grew, its protein and oil content lessened. In the same way, higher tomato yields in terms of harvest weight had a lower concentration of vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene. The quantity over quality trend was apparent even in dairy products. According to the report, milk from high-production dairy cows had a lower concentration of fat, protein, and other nutrients. The cows themselves were also found to be more susceptible to infections and metabolic and reproductive problems.
The report explained how modern farming methods designed to produce high volumes of crops affect the nutritional value of food.
“Together, the tactics farmers use to increase yields — including close plant spacing and the widespread use of chemical fertilizers, irrigation and pesticides — tend to create big plants that grow fast, but do not absorb a comparable quantity of many soil nutrients,” the report said.
High crop yields, as the report pointed out, does not necessarily lead to the end of global malnutrition, with many people still suffering from nutritional deficiencies due to the sub-par food supply. The report recommended a return to organic farming systems, which lead to healthier roots, higher micronutrient content, water infiltration, and retention, and microbial activity — all of which can aid in heightening the nutrient density in crops.
According to the study, organic food has a nutritional advantage over conventional food. Despite the lower volume, organic produce has between 20 to 30 percent more nutrients. This not only results in better taste, but makes it much more valuable than the deficient fruits and vegetables found in most markets today.
Learn more about the benefits of organic food at Organic.news.


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THE owners of a family-run print company in Bradford have described feeling “honoured” after answering the Government’s call to make more PPE for frontline staff in the UK.
Manager Hannah Cummins signed up Ernest Cummins Printers, based at a factory on Canal Road in Frizinghall, back in April following advertisements in the media and industry unions.
The company was later enrolled as part of the British Textile Consortium, making them part of the national effort to create top grade PPE and rule out the risk of “counterfeit” orders from abroad or unofficial sources.
Teams quickly got to work on a brand new product line with guidance from a Government funded business advisor, the Department of Health, Crown Commercial Service and hospital professionals.
When drafting up designs, Hannah held many talks with Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s and Airedale Hospital to make sure it fit the exact needs of their staff.
This includes measures such as anti-fogging.
Ernest Cummins has since been accepted as an official ppemadeintheuk.com member and is all set to sign for CE logo accreditation.
Hannah told the Telegraph & Argus: “It’s been fantastic.
“We have turned it around quite quickly. We’ve had a lot of scary meetings with the Government funded business advisor – he’s based at Huddersfield University.
“Any information or questions, they have been fantastic and very open.
“They’ve been buying things in and they’ve had a few counterfeit things as they’re not trusted sources.
“We want to bring a quality product at a competitive price. You can’t say fairer than that.
“For us being a British company, being able to respond to your own Government, makes you feel like you’ve got a purpose.
“We have used our Machines and knowledge to diversify. Our masks allow air circulation and do not block the ears, the masks will protect the face from liquid droplets and splashes.”
The company has now got the blueprints for adult sized PPE visors as well as junior ones for children after Hannah found her two daughters were more open to wearing see through protective masks.
It was a “family affair” for Hannah, who runs the business with her dad Chris and granddad Stuart Cummins.
When asked how the experience had made her feel, she said: “Honour. Honour that we’ve got the skills, the knowledge, to answer the Government plea to help people stay safe in a worldwide pandemic.
“We’ve had to work tirelessly to get our heads around it. But it’s been a pleasure to do it with my Granddad and my Dad, you can’t get better than that: working with your family.
“It’s been a family affair.”


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As the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) completed 75 glorious years of its existence, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal gave five mantras, including "quality is not expensive, it is cost effective," BIS to grow."First, we should work as a facilitator not an obstructer. Second, BIS should develop as a global organisation. Learning from global experiences, integrating global standards. Show to the world we are best. For this we have to be pioneers also. Third, working on gap analysis to assess laboratory attesting needs of the country and set up high quality modern labs across India," Goyal said."Fourth, there should be nothing short of a quality or standard revolution is required. 'One Nation One Standard' will become a game changer in this regard. And last, the fifth, quality is not expensive, it is cost effective," Goyal said as he congratulated BIS, and all associated with it via video conferencing late on Thursday night."Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) before even becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat had given the concept of 3S - Speed, Skill and Scale.
It's now time to change it to 4S - Speed, Skill, Scale and Standards," he said.The Minister suggested to take it up as a mission that 135 crore Indians start demanding quality and every participant in economic activity in India provides quality, then quality will speak for itself, a release from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said on Friday."The Centre is working towards 'One Nation One Standard' and it's important to set the benchmark by working skilfully so that we are internationally aligned," Goyal said.In the twilight years of British rule in India, when the country was faced with the gigantic task of building up the industrial infrastructure, it was the Institution of Engineers (India), which prepared the first draft of the Constitution of an Institution which could take up the task of formulation of National Standards. This led to the Department of Industries and Supplies issuing a memorandum on September 3, 1946, formally announcing the setting up of an organisation called the Indian Standards Institution (ISI). ISI came into being on January 6, 1947.With a broadened scope and more powers, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) came into existence through an Act of Parliament on April 1, 1987.


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|Bid||0.00 x 1000|
|Ask||0.00 x 1800|
|Day's Range||14.00 - 14.90|
|52 Week Range||12.63 - 21.69|
|Beta (5Y Monthly)||N/A|
|PE Ratio (TTM)||N/A|
|Earnings Date||Nov 09, 2021|
|Forward Dividend & Yield||0.14 (0.94%)|
|Ex-Dividend Date||Jan 25, 2022|
|1y Target Est||18.60|
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Our birthday haul included 11 edible gifts --- pizza, doughnuts and more --- worth a total value of $63
CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 24, 2022--With the American Red Cross facing its worst blood shortage in over a decade, Krispy Kreme has announced that it will thank everyone who donates blood or platelets Jan. 24 through 31 with a free Original Glazed® dozen.
NFL star and restaurant entrepreneur Ndamukong Suh joins Yahoo Finance Live to discuss the restaurant industry during the pandemic.


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Local search is still a relatively untapped source of new patients — here’s how medical marketers take advantage of this fact. As the internet continues to play an increasingly important role in the new path to treatment, digital marketing has emerged as the most effective means for getting new patients through the door. And yet, the vast majority of medical enterprises have failed to capitalize on this trend, and many now-highly-trafficked digital channels are being overlooked — in particular, local search has been woefully underutilized. Despite the incredible potential that local search has to offer, medical companies are still allocating a relatively meager 16% of their ad spend to these channels, according to BIA/Kelsey. Considering 156 million prospective patients are currently online and in need of treatment now, 77% of whom begin their path to treatment with a search engine, says Google, the door is clearly wide open for medical marketers to reap the benefits.
Paths Have Changed
According to Google, this underinvestment in digital advertising can be explained by the fact that the patient path to treatment only evolved quite recently. For decades, healthcare marketers have steadfastly relied on traditional media channels such as print, local TV, radio, and billboards. Back then, according to the Content Marketing Institute the path to treatment looked like the traditional Procter & Gamble, “Moment of Truth” model:
- Stimulus: you get sick
- First Moment of Truth: in seeking options for care, you perhaps remember a local ad or ask family/friends for advice
- Second Moment of Truth: you receive care and report on it
However, beginning in 2006, the rapid proliferation of the internet has fundamentally altered how consumers make decisions about their health — as such, the path to treatment now more closely resembles Google’s “Zero Moment of Truth” model:
- Stimulus: you get sick
- Zero Moment of Truth: you go online to start the search process, consulting a variety of sources to inform and educate yourself about options
- First Moment of Truth: consult family/friends for advice
- Second MoT: you receive care and report on it
How Can Medical Brands Take Advantage?
Despite the fact that, today, 1 in 20 Google searches are health-related, consumers are still having trouble finding what they’re looking for. An NCBI study found that “Almost all participants reported using the internet to gather health information… searching, filtering, and comparing results,” yet the search process was ill-adept at “accommodating diverse populations, vocabularies, and health information needs.” The translation: marketers have yet to adequately occupy a large portion of the local and niche search marketing space. As an example, Google observed that the search query “swollen ankle black and blue” — a common ailment and therefore, presumably, a common search term — results in a whopping zero paid advertisements — type it into Google and check for yourself (results may vary depending on your location). Likewise, they found that nearly 60% of search queries for the phrase “hospitals near me” turn up no ads in the results page. With such little competition for this ad space, medical marketers can easily run low-cost search engine marketing (SEM) and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, targeting a variety of specific maladies and patient populations, the moment they become “active,” or transactional. This not only means that paid local search is cost-effective — with the proper approach to keyword targeting, it all but guarantees that your ad will rank first on the search engine results page (SERP). If you haven’t recently checked out the popularity of a number keywords in Google’s Keyword Planning Tool, now may be the time. Odds are, there are numerous niche terms specific to your “services offered” that are currently underutilized and, therefore, ripe for the taking.


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|By Kevin Benedict||
|February 13, 2014 09:00 AM EST||
Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Field Mobility News Weekly
Also read M2M News Weekly
Also read Mobile Cyber Security News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
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India’s e-commerce business grew by 80 percent in 2013, according to Flipkart, one of the country’s leading e-commerce firms. Read Original Content
MasterCard and Weve have now come together in a partnership that is designed to help the mobile payments market to clean itself up. This new mobile payments partnership is a joint venture comprising of the three largest mobile operators in the United Kingdom: O2, Vodafone UK, and EE. Read Original Content
Consumers already have a clear understanding of what they want, according to SAP's latest global study with Loudhouse Consultancy, an independent research agency based in London. More than one third (32 percent) of mobile users around the globe indicated they have purchased products using their devices in the last year. Read Original Content
The True Cost of Mobility - Companies are under tremendous pressure to develop and deploy mobile apps for their business systems, yet the traditional approach to mobile app development typically costs $250K+ and takes 6+ months for a single app. Today IT professionals are exploring platforms that radically reduce costs and time-to-market for their mobile initiatives, especially around complex applications such as SAP, Oracle, or custom applications. Download the whitepaper - https://www.capriza.com/resources/whitepapers/?resource=true-cost-of-enterprise-mobility&adgroup=MES
According to eMarketer, mobile commerce or mCommerce constitutes $41.68 billion of the total $262.3 billion of ecommerce sales for 2013 or an increase of 68.2 percent from 2012 and accounts for 16 percent of total ecommerce sales. Read Original Content
Major Canadian bank, CIBC, has now partnered with a second largest wireless carrier in the country in order to broaden the availability of its mobile payments services to its customers who have NFC technology enabled smartphones. Read Original Content
Read Original Content
Germany and Palo Alto-based m-commerce platform Shopgate has made its first acquisition: The Creathor Ventures and Northcap-backed company has acquired Magento developer MagCorp. Read Original Content
Mobile penetration in the retail merchant channel is rapidly growing, according to a study conducted by LexisNexis and Javelin Strategy & Research. The survey found nearly one in 10 merchants accepted mobile payments in 2013, which represents an increase of 50 percent per year since 2011. Read Original Content
Despite Turkey’s economic struggles, good news is rolling in from its tech ecosystem. Pozitron, the mobile commerce technology company founded in 2000 by Fatih Isbecer, was acquired yesterday for $100 million, by Monitise, a leading UK-based mobile payment solutions company. Read Original Content
Starbucks is experiencing a shift in leadership as it begins to focus more heavily on e-commerce and mobile payments. The company’s Chief Financial Officer has been moved to the position of Chief Operating Officer. This move will allow Howard Schultz, Starbucks’ Chief Executive, to focus on the expansion of the company’s mobile and e-commerce efforts. Read Original Content
Two years ago analysts at the Yankee Group estimated that by the year 2017, the total economic output of the m-commerce industry on an international scale would hit $2.9 trillion, but this month it was revealed this figure has been revised upwards to $3.1 trillion because of unprecedented levels of growth registered in the interim. Read Original Content
Four out of ten smartphone owners have bought something direct from their mobile phone spending an average of £199 each in 2013. Over half of shoppers had used their mobile device in stores, with 54 percent comparing prices online, 41 percent taking photos for future reference, according to Cheil Worldwide. Read Original Content
Mobile commerce continues to be the bright spot for eBay as both Marketplaces and PayPal achieved record mobile results in 2013, each exceeding $20 billion in mobile volume. Total mobile commerce volume grew 88 percent with eBay reaching $22 billion and PayPal hitting $27 billion in 2013. Read Original Content
The iOS version of the Amazon app is now giving customers the opportunity to take advantage of Flow and augmented reality to help shoppers to be able to shop even faster and easier by scanning items in real life so that they will be able to instantly buy them from their own mobile commerce shelves. Read Original Content
OpenTable, an online restaurant reservation service, has launched a new pilot program focused on mobile payments. The pilot program is meant to test the viability of using mobile payments as a way to allow consumers to pay for their meals quickly while dining out. Read Original Content
Recent Articles by Kevin Benedict
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Rapidly extend any enterprise application to mobile devices without coding, APIs, or integration.
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Fact is, enterprises have significant legacy voice infrastructure that’s costly to replace with pure IP solutions. How can we bring this analog infrastructure into our shiny new cloud applications? There are proven methods to bind both legacy voice applications and traditional PSTN audio into cloud-based applications and services at a carrier scale. Some of the most successful implementations leverage WebRTC, WebSockets, SIP and other open source technologies. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Da...
Dec. 3, 2016 09:30 PM EST Reads: 1,595
As data explodes in quantity, importance and from new sources, the need for managing and protecting data residing across physical, virtual, and cloud environments grow with it. Managing data includes protecting it, indexing and classifying it for true, long-term management, compliance and E-Discovery. Commvault can ensure this with a single pane of glass solution – whether in a private cloud, a Service Provider delivered public cloud or a hybrid cloud environment – across the heterogeneous enter...
Dec. 3, 2016 06:15 PM EST Reads: 1,508
"IoT is going to be a huge industry with a lot of value for end users, for industries, for consumers, for manufacturers. How can we use cloud to effectively manage IoT applications," stated Ian Khan, Innovation & Marketing Manager at Solgeniakhela, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at @ThingsExpo, held November 3-5, 2015, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 3, 2016 05:30 PM EST Reads: 4,040
@GonzalezCarmen has been ranked the Number One Influencer and @ThingsExpo has been named the Number One Brand in the “M2M 2016: Top 100 Influencers and Brands” by Onalytica. Onalytica analyzed tweets over the last 6 months mentioning the keywords M2M OR “Machine to Machine.” They then identified the top 100 most influential brands and individuals leading the discussion on Twitter.
Dec. 3, 2016 05:15 PM EST Reads: 1,998
Today we can collect lots and lots of performance data. We build beautiful dashboards and even have fancy query languages to access and transform the data. Still performance data is a secret language only a couple of people understand. The more business becomes digital the more stakeholders are interested in this data including how it relates to business. Some of these people have never used a monitoring tool before. They have a question on their mind like “How is my application doing” but no id...
Dec. 3, 2016 05:15 PM EST Reads: 2,136
Information technology is an industry that has always experienced change, and the dramatic change sweeping across the industry today could not be truthfully described as the first time we've seen such widespread change impacting customer investments. However, the rate of the change, and the potential outcomes from today's digital transformation has the distinct potential to separate the industry into two camps: Organizations that see the change coming, embrace it, and successful leverage it; and...
Dec. 3, 2016 03:15 PM EST Reads: 3,222
The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to simplify and streamline our lives by automating routine tasks that distract us from our goals. This promise is based on the ubiquitous deployment of smart, connected devices that link everything from industrial control systems to automobiles to refrigerators. Unfortunately, comparatively few of the devices currently deployed have been developed with an eye toward security, and as the DDoS attacks of late October 2016 have demonstrated, this oversight can ...
Dec. 3, 2016 02:45 PM EST Reads: 700
Extracting business value from Internet of Things (IoT) data doesn’t happen overnight. There are several requirements that must be satisfied, including IoT device enablement, data analysis, real-time detection of complex events and automated orchestration of actions. Unfortunately, too many companies fall short in achieving their business goals by implementing incomplete solutions or not focusing on tangible use cases. In his general session at @ThingsExpo, Dave McCarthy, Director of Products...
Dec. 3, 2016 02:45 PM EST Reads: 522
Machine Learning helps make complex systems more efficient. By applying advanced Machine Learning techniques such as Cognitive Fingerprinting, wind project operators can utilize these tools to learn from collected data, detect regular patterns, and optimize their own operations. In his session at 18th Cloud Expo, Stuart Gillen, Director of Business Development at SparkCognition, discussed how research has demonstrated the value of Machine Learning in delivering next generation analytics to impr...
Dec. 3, 2016 02:15 PM EST Reads: 6,955
More and more brands have jumped on the IoT bandwagon. We have an excess of wearables – activity trackers, smartwatches, smart glasses and sneakers, and more that track seemingly endless datapoints. However, most consumers have no idea what “IoT” means. Creating more wearables that track data shouldn't be the aim of brands; delivering meaningful, tangible relevance to their users should be. We're in a period in which the IoT pendulum is still swinging. Initially, it swung toward "smart for smar...
Dec. 3, 2016 02:00 PM EST Reads: 475
20th Cloud Expo, taking place June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world. Cloud computing is now being embraced by a majority of enterprises of all sizes. Yesterday's debate about public vs. private has transformed into the reality of hybrid cloud: a recent survey shows that 74% of enterprises have a hybrid cloud strategy.
Dec. 3, 2016 01:30 PM EST Reads: 2,130
Businesses and business units of all sizes can benefit from cloud computing, but many don't want the cost, performance and security concerns of public cloud nor the complexity of building their own private clouds. Today, some cloud vendors are using artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify cloud deployment and management. In his session at 20th Cloud Expo, Ajay Gulati, Co-founder and CEO of ZeroStack, will discuss how AI can simplify cloud operations. He will cover the following topics: why clou...
Dec. 3, 2016 01:15 PM EST Reads: 629
Internet of @ThingsExpo, taking place June 6-8, 2017 at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, is co-located with the 20th International Cloud Expo and will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world. @ThingsExpo New York Call for Papers is now open.
Dec. 3, 2016 01:00 PM EST Reads: 1,875
"ReadyTalk is an audio and web video conferencing provider. We've really come to embrace WebRTC as the platform for our future of technology," explained Dan Cunningham, CTO of ReadyTalk, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at WebRTC Summit at 19th Cloud Expo, held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Dec. 3, 2016 01:00 PM EST Reads: 328
Successful digital transformation requires new organizational competencies and capabilities. Research tells us that the biggest impediment to successful transformation is human; consequently, the biggest enabler is a properly skilled and empowered workforce. In the digital age, new individual and collective competencies are required. In his session at 19th Cloud Expo, Bob Newhouse, CEO and founder of Agilitiv, drew together recent research and lessons learned from emerging and established compa...
Dec. 3, 2016 12:45 PM EST Reads: 737
Data is the fuel that drives the machine learning algorithmic engines and ultimately provides the business value. In his session at Cloud Expo, Ed Featherston, a director and senior enterprise architect at Collaborative Consulting, discussed the key considerations around quality, volume, timeliness, and pedigree that must be dealt with in order to properly fuel that engine.
Dec. 3, 2016 12:45 PM EST Reads: 1,955
Everyone knows that truly innovative companies learn as they go along, pushing boundaries in response to market changes and demands. What's more of a mystery is how to balance innovation on a fresh platform built from scratch with the legacy tech stack, product suite and customers that continue to serve as the business' foundation. In his General Session at 19th Cloud Expo, Michael Chambliss, Head of Engineering at ReadyTalk, discussed why and how ReadyTalk diverted from healthy revenue and mor...
Dec. 3, 2016 12:15 PM EST Reads: 1,511
We are always online. We access our data, our finances, work, and various services on the Internet. But we live in a congested world of information in which the roads were built two decades ago. The quest for better, faster Internet routing has been around for a decade, but nobody solved this problem. We’ve seen band-aid approaches like CDNs that attack a niche's slice of static content part of the Internet, but that’s it. It does not address the dynamic services-based Internet of today. It does...
Dec. 3, 2016 11:30 AM EST Reads: 855
The 20th International Cloud Expo has announced that its Call for Papers is open. Cloud Expo, to be held June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, brings together Cloud Computing, Big Data, Internet of Things, DevOps, Containers, Microservices and WebRTC to one location. With cloud computing driving a higher percentage of enterprise IT budgets every year, it becomes increasingly important to plant your flag in this fast-expanding business opportunity. Submit your speaking proposal ...
Dec. 3, 2016 11:30 AM EST Reads: 2,096
You have great SaaS business app ideas. You want to turn your idea quickly into a functional and engaging proof of concept. You need to be able to modify it to meet customers' needs, and you need to deliver a complete and secure SaaS application. How could you achieve all the above and yet avoid unforeseen IT requirements that add unnecessary cost and complexity? You also want your app to be responsive in any device at any time. In his session at 19th Cloud Expo, Mark Allen, General Manager of...
Dec. 3, 2016 11:15 AM EST Reads: 1,643


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Australia-China trade ties worsen further
On November 3rd the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based newspaper, reported that China was planning to ban Australian imports including wheat, timber, seafood, copper and other agricultural and mineral commodities.
Australia-China economic frictions were first sparked in April, when Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, called for an independent investigation into the origins for the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic—including China's role and cover-up of the initial outbreak. The newly targeted Australian products will be the latest items caught in the crossfire of worsening bilateral trade relations. In October China began restricting imports of certain Australian cotton and coal products, including via customs delays and verbal directives to Chinese purchasers discouraging the procurement of Australian goods (the use of informal channels, rather than official bans, risks complicating Australian attempts to gather evidence and lodge complaints against China by way of international trade arbitration frameworks). These actions all follow earlier Chinese moves against Australian wine, beef and barley imports from earlier in 2020, and underpin a broader diplomatic deterioration that has since seeped into bilateral media and political relations.
The Economist Intelligence Unit had expected China to increase its economic pressure on Australia in response, owing the former's proclivity to use commercial retaliation as part of international political rows, and amid a recent Chinese pivot to a more aggressive brand of foreign policy. Notably, however, China has refrained from limiting imports of Australian iron ore, a key commodity input in China's ongoing investment-driven post-pandemic recovery effort, and an Australian industry that overwhelmingly relies on Chinese demand. This is owing to both the difficulty that Chinese mills would have in switching to other suppliers and the fact that other major iron ore suppliers, including in Brazil, are continuing to struggle with disruptions from the pandemic.
We, nevertheless, expect even deeper trade frictions on the horizon. Chinese authorities are probably exploring the feasibility of encouraging domestic Chinese buyers to switch to non-Australian sources for iron ore—including domestic production where feasible—although this remains a long-term goal. This could mirror the policy push aimed at reducing China's import dependence on US soybeans, following the disruptions in 2018-19 caused by the US-China trade war. Although concrete actions are unlikely to materialise against Australian iron ore importers in 2021-22, associated risks have risen.
Impact on the forecast
We continue to expect Australia-China ties remain under strain in 2021, driven partly by Chinese trade pressure.


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Priscilla Presley Launches New Website Featuring Photos, Charity Work, and More
July 24, 2012
Former wife to Elvis and Elvis Week guest, Priscilla Presley, has launched a new website featuring her entrepreneurial ventures, charitable works, and her latest luxury home designs in The Priscilla Presley Collection.
and learn more about her career as an actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and her role in opening Graceland to Elvis fans in 1982. See photos through out her lifetime and view her new line of luxury home furnishings. You can also keep up with Priscilla by following @ms_presley
on Twitter or liking The Priscilla Presley Collection
Don't miss your chance to see Priscilla at the Elvis Week Main Stage on Wednesday, August 15. Priscilla will talk about opening Graceland to the public at the "Conversations on Elvis – Behind the Camera" event. Priscilla, along with Lisa Marie Presley, will also appear at the this year's 35th Anniversary Concert on August 16. To purchase tickets to this spectacular concert event, visit www.elvis.com/35concert.com
For more information on special guest appearances and all of the events taking place in Memphis during Elvis Week 2012, visit www.ElvisWeek.com


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Report: Xiaomi unblocks all smartphones muted in some areas
BEIJING, Sep 14 (PRIME) -- Chinese company Xiaomi has unblocked all the smartphones whose operation was limited earlier in some countries and regions, including RussiaТs Crimea, Chinese edition Global Times reported on Tuesday, quoting the companyТs representative.
Xiaomi said the blocking did not target any specific country or region, but was done on the markets where the company is officially absent to prevent smuggling.
The blocking was temporary for the period of investigation of possible illegal imports. All the smartphones are unblocked.
Earlier, forum XDA-developers reported that Xiaomi had restricted the use of its smartphones in some parts of the globe, including Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Sudan, and Crimea since September. Several days after the purchase of a device, users were said to see a notice on the screen that the companyТs policy did not allow the sale of this product on this territory and that its unlicensed imports were banned.


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Amid clamour for rate cut by various industries, the all powerful GST Council held a crucial meeting on September 20 to decide on tax moderation, keeping in mind the revenue position and the need to boost sagging economic growth.
The GST Council, headed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising representatives of all States and Union Territories (UTs), had its 37th meeting in Goa in the backdrop of economic growth hitting a six-year low of 5% for the first quarter of the current fiscal.
There have been demands pouring in from various sectors — from biscuits to automobiles and FMCG to hotels — to reduce tax rates in the wake of economic slowdown.
The following are the highlights of the 37th GST Council meeting held in Panaji on September 20, 2019.
All these rate changes will be effective from October 1 2019.
>> GST Council recommends lower 12% cess on 1,500 cc diesel, 1,200 cc petrol vehicles with capacity to carry up to 13 people.
>> Group insurance schemes for paramilitary forces under the Home Affairs ministry to be exempted from GST.
>> GST rate on caffeinated beverages raised from 18% to 28% with 12% compensation cess.
>> Uniform GST rate of 12% to be levied on polypropylene bags and sacks used for packing of goods
>> GST exempted on specified defence goods not manufactured in India
>> Rate levied on cut and polished semi precious stones has been dropped from 3% to 0.25%.
>> Jewellery exports to now attract zero GST.
>> GST on fishmeal used by fishermen being exempted from July 2017 to September 30 this year. There was lack of clarity on their GST coverage and no tax was collected so that has been resolved.
>> Aerated drink manufacturers shall not be under the composition scheme anymore.
>> Uniform GST rate of 12% to be levied on polypropylene bags and sacks used for packing of goods.
>> GST rate hiked on railway wagon, coaches from 5% to 12%.
>> Rate reduction on hotel accommodation services.
>> For Transaction value per unit per day of ₹1000 or less, will attract nil GST. For ₹1001 upto ₹7500, now the tax rate will be 12%. Anything above ₹7501 will attract 18%. It was 28% till now.
>> Job work services related to diamonds reduced from 5% to 1.5%. For machine job works in engineering industry, GST down from 18 to 12. But bus body building works still taxed at 18%.