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An opinion piece by Sarah Satoshi
If you’re at all familiar with crypto (which, if you’re reading this blog post, you probably are) then you know that this week’s FTX meltdown led to billions of dollars in crypto funds being frozen and drained from millions of retail customer accounts. Some call it the Lehman moment of crypto, others see it as the sign of the times. There’s no doubt that the finance industry is filled with crooks and criminals, and crypto is no exception — whether its a destined death spiral of an algorithmic stablecoin or a cult personality leading the charge behind some token magically printed for the value of “uh…community”, industry scams have always, in hindsight, been obvious and inevitable when the dominoes finally fall. But this time was different. This time, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing, trusted centralized exchanges went bust because of irresponsible, opaque decisions made by those at the top. No forewarnings. Only pain.
Wasn’t crypto supposed to be different? Wasn’t the messaging supposed to be “f**k central banks, we give power back to the people”? That’s what industry leaders like SBF, the CEO of FTX touted. What the general public didn’t realize was instead of Web3.0, they were building Wall Street3.0. Instead of changing the world, they’ve set the industry and public perception of crypto back by who knows how much. At the same time, millions of users and related institutions were insurmountably burned. It’s heartbreaking, numbing, and has left shards of shrapnel across the crypto industry. How can we recover?
The role of centralized entities in decentralized territory
When it comes to crypto adoption, ease of access, and the free market of competitive options and offerings, centralized exchanges (CEXes) and entities remain an important component of this decentralized crypto ecosystem. But closed, opaque centralized markets hiding behind a sticker of “we have your best interests in mind” isn’t exactly optimal. After all, the phrase “verify, don’t trust” proves time and time again how much weight it carries. When it comes to centralized exchanges, transparency and honesty are imperative. This week, we’ve seen several CEXes and other regulated entities come out with proofs of reserves and statements committing to furthering transparency and communications with customers. While this is a great for setting a new industry standard, it’s clear that decentralized exchanges (DEXes) and non-custodial marketplaces are more important than ever.
To be clear, this week wasn’t a failure in crypto — it was a failure of corrupt, centralized actors who took on over-leveraged, fraudulent risks without protecting consumer assets. As an industry, we exist to combat these points of failure in traditional banking. It’s time we prove that to be the case.
Ownership over your assets
A big reason why “not your keys, not your coin” doesn’t get internalized broadly across retail is because self-custody solutions are simply far more difficult than custodial ones. People will ask themselves, is it really necessary to move my crypto off *large centralized exchange that millions of people around the world use that probably has a negligible chance of going down* and self-custody my assets that I may or may not lose my private keys/seed phrases to?
If you’re a crypto native (or, an NFT one specifically), that might sound silly. Self-custody and ownership are sort of the point of cryptocurrencies. And this week has shown us how important that is. But realistically speaking, until self-custody solutions are as simple as custodial ones, retail investors won’t be initiating self-custody en masse. And that means that centralized entities and exchanges will have to do better in order to serve the retail market.
NFTs onboard users to self-custody solutions
At Gamma (an open marketplace for Bitcoin NFTs on Stacks), we’ve built something at the unique intersection of centralized yet non-custodial. While our website UI is centralized — think social profiles, verification, user experience — you won’t be able to create an “account” without first connecting a self-hosted wallet (like Hiro or Xverse). That’s the nature of NFTs at large: unlike fungible crypto tokens, NFTs have always had a culture baked into them of self-custody from the start. Each time you mint, purchase, sell, or trade an NFT, at no point does Gamma have a stake in ownership — the transaction is completely peer-to-peer, with Gamma acting as an arbiter and interface for users to hold and transfer direct ownership over that asset.
In terms of listings, Gamma acts as an open marketplace — that means you can access any and all NFT smart contracts on Stacks via Gamma. Additionally, you would be able to access collections created on Gamma’s create portal though any existing and future Stacks NFT marketplace. Unlike many other centralized and custodial NFT marketplaces, there are no “exclusive” collections to Gamma’s platform. If we go down, your collections don’t. Unfortunately for Coachella’s NFT collection in partnership with FTX, that wasn’t the case.
For NFTs on Gamma, you hold your keys. You own your assets. You own your smart contracts if you’re a creator. It’s that simple.
Security best practices
With fungible tokens like BTC, it’s a psychologically and physically removed step to have to put your funds into self-custody. Perhaps, self-custody practices can only become mainstream when they’re a built-in step 0 as with NFTs. If you’ve dabbled in NFT land, you’re familiar with seed phrases and how self-custodial solutions work. I’d recommend getting comfortable with porting over your fungible assets as well.
Beyond self-custodial hot wallets (that are hosted on the internet), another step in securing your assets is with a cold wallet (a physical device that you can connect to your hot wallet). While cold wallet support is still being rolled out for Stacks, it’s a good practice to slowly start getting familiar with putting your other fungible crypto assets on a cold storage wallet. If you want to learn more about how to get started with self-custodial wallets on Gamma, we’ve got a few resources to help you get started.
Obviously, this week has been disheartening to say the least. But for our entire industry moving forward, this is a big wake up call on what it truly means to have ownership over your assets. Ownership in the land of decentralization and Web3.0 doesn’t mean buying and holding crypto. It means having exclusive and secure access to your assets that nobody — especially not a centralized custodian — can take away from you.
Notice to our users, from Gamma; November 21, 2022:
We’d like to formally share that Gamma.io has had no affiliation, exposure, or funds stored with FTX. Users’ assets are not custodied by Gamma in any centralized manner, and the vast majority of our corporate assets are stored in self-custodied solutions or in FDIC-insured, US-based bank accounts. Gamma.io Inc as a Delwarare C-corp and is subject to, and complies with, all US regulations for corporations.


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Harare CBD vendors have lost thousands dollars worth of clothing after they were burnt by the Harare Municipal earlier today. The also destroyed all the tables belonging to the vendors in their attempt to remove all the informal traders from the city center to designated selling sites.
Check out these pictures of the day as the municipality police were at work.
1. Vendors going through what’s left of their belongings
2. Vendors going through the clothing bales that were burnt
3. Municipal police destroying vendors’ tables
4. Municipal police clearing the vendors’ at corner Julius Nyerere Way and Charter Road
5. Municipal truck driving off with the destroyed tables

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Avon and other top brands may be a thing of the past come 2013.
Research In Motion once owned the smartphone market with its BlackBerry products, but it's now behind the times and being pounded relentlessly by Apple and Google's Android products. The company’s board recently said it was reviewing "strategic options," which would include a sale.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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An Australian cannabis and hemp company has purchased Sierra Sage Herbs LLC, maker of the Green Goo, Southern Butter and Good Goo natural products brands.
Creso Pharma Limited, with headquarters in Australia and operations in several nations including Switzerland and Canada, bought the woman-led startup based in Lyons on Monday for $21 million, plus additional payments depending on meeting sales targets in 2022 and 2023, according to a press announcement from Sierra Sage Herbs. Creso Pharma Ltd. (ASX: CPH, OTC: COPHF, FRA: 1X8) will use the Lyons company to extend its footprint to the U.S. market while adding an additional range of natural health products to its existing lines of cannabis and hemp-based pharmaceuticals.
Sierra Sage, founded in 2008 by two daughters and their mother, Jodi, Jen and Kathy Scott, distributes its natural first-aid and skin products at 90,000 places, including Whole Foods, Walmart, Amazon, Target.com, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Albertsons, and Kroger. The leadership team led by CEO Jodi Scott will continue to operate the company while gaining access to Creso’s research and development, manufacturing and distribution systems. Sierra Sage will maintain its certified B Corp status.
Sierra Sage’s biggest product line has been Green Goo, a collection of plant-based first-aid and body care products. Green Goo is crafted using a proprietary lipid-infusion process, rather than with pre-made extracts, the company press statement said. “This process increases the medicinal value of its salves, making its natural healing properties some of the most potent in the market. Green Goo ingredients are organic whenever possible, are sourced using fair trade principles, and include no harmful chemicals,” the statement said.
Its Good Goo brand provides hemp-infused products, and its recently started Southern Butter brand provides intimate skin care products.
“My family and I started Sierra Sage Herbs because we saw a real white space in the market for naturally safe, effective, simple wound care that was both portable and accessible,” CEO Jodi Scott said. “What started as a backyard herb hobby in Idaho has become one of the fastest growing CPG brands in plant-based personal care, but we know there’s always more room to grow. We are thrilled to embark on this next phase in our journey as part of the Creso family and look forward to bringing an even bigger line of the quality products our fans love while continuing to serve as stewards to our environment and community.”
According to the press statement, Creso Pharma produces cannabis and hemp-based pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, animal health and cosmetic products to markets in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Canada. The company was one of the first to bring pharmaceutical industry expertise and methodological rigor to the world of medical cannabis, operating facilities in Switzerland and Canada, the statement said.
“The acquisition of Sierra Sage Herbs and the company’s product range is a major milestone for Creso Pharma,” William Lay, group CEO and managing director of Creso, said in a statement. “It marks entry into the U.S. CBD market and provides a strong foundation to rapidly scale up operations, product development, and sales, as well as further M&A transactions.”
This article was first published by BizWest, an independent news organization, and is published under a license agreement. © 2022 BizWest Media LLC.


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easyJet founder and renowned entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has expanded his easy family of brands with the introduction of easyMoney.
easyMoney officially launched in the UK this week with its own finance ISA, offering everyday investors a targeted 4.05% annual interest rate.
The easyMoney ISA, the first of many products planned by easyMoney, builds on the same market-disrupting approach pioneered by easyJet.
Just as easyJet made European air travel accessible to everybody, easyMoney aims to make improved personal finance products available to all.
The Innovative Finance ISA is aimed at investors across the UK who have had enough of the poor interest rates offered by cash ISAs and are nervous about the potential volatility of most Stocks & Shares ISAs.
Andrew de Candole, CEO of easyMoney, said: “Financial services in the UK are in desperate need of a shake-up. Like European air travel 23 years ago, the ISA market is crying out for someone to give everyday investors more for their money.
“We’re offering a clear, simple alternative to a cash ISA for investors looking for real returns in exchange for a little more risk. The inflation-busting interest rates we target are streets ahead of anything the banks could contemplate.”
Whereas easyJet has easyJet plus, which gives passengers speedy boarding, easyMoney has ‘easyMoney plus’, which gives instant discounts of between 3%-55% at over 200 of Britain’s biggest retailers. These perks alone can save hundreds of pounds a year.
Sir Stelios said: “Everyday investors in the UK have gone almost a decade without real interest rates. With the easyMoney Innovative Finance ISA, we’re offering something new and taking on the big boys.”
easyMoney plans to grow the range of personal finance products offered through its cutting-edge fintech platform, increasing efficiency and passing on the savings.
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Have you ever strolled past the bright, wide windows of a New York pet store and fell in love with a big-eyed pup? This experiment may be coming to an end and it’s all in the name of animal welfare.
This week, the bipartisan Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill passed the House, meaning it will pass Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk.
Introduced to the New York State Senate in 2021, this bill “prohibits the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by retail pet stores; permits collaboration with entities to provide space to display cats or dogs belonging to certain entities for the purpose of adoption”.
In other words, the bill seeks to end the trade in small animals exclusively for profit and encourages the adoption of rescue animals in need of homes. Puppy mills are notoriously dangerous for animals, pet mills where dogs are often used for potentially dangerous and painful gestation and birth, and newborns are not given proper health care and precautions . Many pet stores claim they work with reputable breeders and not so-called puppy mills, but many have also been caught up in lies about puppy supply.
If the Puppy Mill pipeline bill becomes state law, New York pet stores would have to remove their furry friends from their inventory. They will still be able to present rescued dogs for adoption and placement, but will not be able to take advantage of fees associated with New Yorkers finding a pet at their location.
Designer dogs often cost thousands of dollars and their absence will most certainly hurt the revenue of independent pet stores across the state. States like California, Illinois and Maryland already have similar laws, enacted in recent years to curb the corporate and often irresponsible and dangerous breeding of designer dogs and cats.
“I don’t think we should sanction animal torture as a way to keep people in business,” said State Senator Michael Gianaris. New York Times. “I hope it doesn’t take the governor as long as it took the entire legislature to figure out the right thing to do.”
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has an ongoing petition urging Governor Hochul to quickly sign the bill. Understandably, pet store owners are lobbying against signing the bill, and the governor has yet to make a statement on what he will decide.


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Opening Saturday, May 29
May 28, 2021 03:39 PM
We're excited to announce the opening of the new outdoor Beer Garden at Independence Grove starting this Saturday, May 29. The Beer Garden features a variety of local craft brews on tap, and packaged snacks and other beverages.
Visit the Beer Garden page for full details, including hours, menu and pricing.


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The government is very much likely to consider a proposal to impose 18 per cent GST on Bitcoin transactions, which is estimated to be about Rs 40,000 crore annually. The proposal has been put forward by the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB), an arm of the finance ministry.
It highlights that the government could potentially receive Rs 7,200 crore annually on Bitcoins trading in the country. The CEIB suggested that the cryptocurrency can be categorized under intangible assets class, and a GST levy could be imposed on all transactions.
The think tank has conducted a study on levying GST on cryptocurrencies. It suggested that cryptocurrency can be treated as currents assets and GST charged on the margins made in its trading. The Supreme Court, in 2019, had asked the Centre to come up with cryptocurrency regulation policies. As such, in March this year, the apex court struck down the curb on cryptocurrency trade in India. The Supreme Court quashed an earlier ban imposed by the Reserve Bank of India on trading in virtual currencies such as Bitcoin.
In 2018, the central bank had virtually banned cryptocurrency trading and had directed that entities regulated by it shall not deal in virtual currencies or provide services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with the same.
CEIB’s recommendations come amid a boom in crypto trading, especially in Bitcoin, which has been driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nischal Shetty, Founder and CEO of WazirX, had earlier attributed the growing interest and demand in cryptocurrency to the lockdown. “People have more time to understand and learn new things. Also, a lot of people are looking for new avenues of making money online, as they don’t have a job right now or their jobs are offline, and they can’t go to work,” Shetty had said.


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Mexico’s version of Black Friday, known as El Buen Fin or “the good weekend,” has seen sales grow annually since its inception in 2011, although in its fourth edition this year growth slowed to 13.7% from around 40% in its first two years.
A survey by Deloitte suggests that retailers don’t necessarily make their best offers over the long holiday weekend in mid-November, and that while consumers may bring forward some of their Christmas shopping, a vast majority still have more spending to do in December.
In the survey of 1,317 consumers, carried out Nov. 24-Dec. 2, 74% said they made purchases in the 2014 Buen Fin. Many of those who didn’t said they were disappointed with the offers, particularly those that were just months of interest-free credit.
Around half said they noticed no difference between El Buen Fin and other promotional events such as late-night sales at a number of department stores.
For most of the consumers interviewed by Deloitte, El Buen Fin did little to save on their Christmas bills. More than 80% said they still planned to buy more goods for the year-end holidays. The Mexican custom of giving and opening presents around the tree “not only hasn’t disappeared, but has gained strength over the years,” Deloitte found.
Government efforts to promote responsible buying and avoid earlier criticism that El Buen Fin simply encourages consumerism appear to have been successful, Deloitte said, noting that 71% only bought goods they had intended to buy anyway, while 29% said they bought on impulse, mostly because of the promotions. Clothes and shoes were the most mentioned goods, ahead of electronics and home appliances.
Despite the positive results of El Buen Fin in a sluggish economy, Deloitte questions whether the event does anything to boost the domestic market, with an impact on economic growth.
“According to its creators and promoters, El Buen Fin seeks to be consolidated as a mature program, focused on helping household economies, fostering domestic market activity and strengthening formal commerce,” Deloitte said.
But what’s really needed to achieve that, the firm adds, is a more productive and dynamic domestic market that creates more and better paying jobs, more equitable distribution of income, and a more efficient financial system that supports greater wealth accumulation.
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Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT), the world's biggest software company, and Barnes & Noble Inc. (NYSE: BKS), said they've agreed to collaborate on new tablet technology to battle Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL), the world's most valuable technology company, and Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN).
Barnes & Noble, developer of the Nook e-reader, will spin it off into a new division with a $300 million cash infusion from Microsoft, based in Redmond, Wash.,will also provide a Windows 8 application for the Nook. The new unit will have an initial market value around $1.7 billion, the partners said, which is more than twice that of Barnes & Noble's capitalization before the announcement.
In turn, New York-based Barnes & Noble, the struggling national bookstore chain, with 691 bookstores and 641 college stores, will have a long-term relationship with Microsoft.
The move sent Barnes & Noble shares up nearly 100 percent in pre-market trading, to $26.45, up $12.75. They closed at $20.75, up $7.07 or 52 percent, valuing the whole company at $1.25 billion. Microsoft shares rose 3 cents to $32.01. They've gained 23 percent so far this year.
The tie-up essentially transforms Barnes & Noble from a brick-and-mortar retailer into a digital one, backed by Microsoft's reach and technology.
Both now will be better able to battle Apple, which has sold more than 66 million iPads in about two years, as well as Amazon, which has sold an estimated 9 million Kindles Fires and older-model Kindles.
For B&N's point of view, this is an easy decision, said N. Venkat Venkatraman, chairman of Information Systems Management Department at Boston University School of Managament. From Microsoft's point of view, this is not a bad decision as long as Nook has staying power.
The new unit hasn't been named yet. Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch hailed the deal as an important part of the retailer's strategy. Microsoft President Andy Lees said the shift to digital is putting the world's libraries and newsstands in the palm of every person's hand.
The companies also said they dropped patent lawsuits against each other.


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Guilford Apprenticeship Partners to launch Supply Chain and Logistics track; set to host business recruitment session
Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP), the fastest-growing youth apprenticeship program in North Carolina, is set to launch its sixth industry track this fall — Supply Chain and Logistics.
GAP will host a business recruitment meeting for supply chain and logistics companies on Tuesday, August 6th from 10:00-11:30am at Guilford Technical Community College’s Cameron Campus (7908 Leabourne Road, Colfax).
As with all prior tracks, GAP convenes businesses from various sectors to work with GTCC representatives to develop a curriculum that will best mold the apprentices to become exactly what the partner companies need for their future workforce.
Todd Poteat of Bright Plastics and Chair of Guilford Apprenticeship Partners explains, “This important gathering gives interested companies the environment to ask questions and gather key details.”
Guilford County’s workforce is strongly represented in the supply chain and logistics industry, which has high demand for skilled workers. This sector is exciting and fast-paced; leading the coordination of the planning, procurement, movement and storage of goods across the globe.
Jobs in the field include work in distribution centers, transportation hubs, global corporate supply chain organizations and in logistics and supply chain service providers.
Brent Christensen, President and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, said, “Students who complete the supply chain and logistics track will be able to fill vital roles in our local economy. This work spans management, purchasing, inventory control and import and export activities. The opportunities are virtually limitless.”
Tammy Simmons of Machine Specialties, Inc. and founding GAP member states, “GAP is tremendously excited to launch the supply chain logistics track as this is a critical sector for our region.”
Once recruited, supply chain and logistics companies will join the 26 and growing companies that are part of Guilford Apprenticeship Partners. With Guilford County Schools upcoming launch of five signature career academies, one specifically for logistics, GAP is eager to connect businesses with top-notch apprentices.
“The momentum achieved through apprenticeships in addition to GCS’ career academies is a profound launch pad for so many bright futures,” said Patrick Chapin, President and CEO of Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce.
For further information on Guilford Apprenticeship Partners, contact Meridith Berger, Greensboro Chamber at email@example.com or Brian Norris, Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce at firstname.lastname@example.org.
About Guilford Apprenticeship Partners Guilford Apprenticeship Partners, also known as GAP, uses a proven model to help businesses build their own reliable talent pipeline. Forward-thinking companies are looking for the next generation of leaders to step into key roles and joining GAP to advance their efforts. GAP is the fastest growing youth apprenticeship program in North Carolina with currently five industry sectors: automotive, aviation, advanced manufacturing, IT/cybersecurity, and HVAC. GAP is a business-led partnership in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce, Guilford County Schools, and Guilford Technical Community College.


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- Your Consultant
- Green Growth
|Takeo Nakajima, chief representative of JETRO Hanoi and vice chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry|
Foreign-invested manufacturers in Vietnam face challenges in hiring the needed talent for growth, with digital skills being a top consideration. Are Japanese companies facing the same situation, and which industries are facing the biggest shortfall?
According to last year’s survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japanese companies’ most significant investment risk in Vietnam is rising labour costs (60 per cent). Regardless of the industry, wages rise and companies struggle to retain workers. In addition, the high turnover rate has increased. The companies that pointed out the issue grew from 33 per cent in 2016, 39 per cent in 2019, and 43 per cent in 2021.
In addition, the pandemic worsened the situation. Labour shortages and difficulty in hiring experts and engineers went up from 8.6 per cent in 2020 to 26 per cent in 2021. The companies faced a harsh environment of employees quitting and not returning.
For IT engineers, their salaries do not differ much in Asia. The salary difference between Thai and Vietnamese workers is almost double, but the figure between IT staff is only about 1.3-fold. There is no significant salary difference between Thai and Vietnam IT managers in non-manufacturing sectors. In sum, Vietnamese IT talents receive relatively higher salaries than other industries in Vietnam.
How did Japan’s processing and manufacturing perform in Vietnam last year, and what should be looked at most in terms of performance in this country moving forward?
Last year was a challenging one for all manufacturing industries. For some industries, demand shrunk and inventories rose. Other companies faced limitations in importing parts and materials, did not operate at total capacity, and exported little and slowly due to disruptions in distribution.
Last October, the Vietnamese government relaxed restrictions and overseas markets entered a recovery period. However, many workers who left for their hometown did not return. More companies missed orders because the infection rate was still high and recruitment did not progress.
Manufacturing showed a significant decrease, down 4.1 per cent, in the third quarter of GDP in 2021 but returned to an increase of 8 per cent in the fourth.
Concerns continue to be about a weak recovery in domestic markets and congested international logistics. In addition, the Ukraine crisis casts a dark shadow over the global economy.
According to the 2021 JETRO survey, there are three main areas to be considered as a focus. The first is digitalisation – among companies who are active digital users, 60 per cent are carrying out e-commerce and 37 per cent are considering it. Just over 40 per cent say they are using robots and 20 per cent are considering introducing them. Due to rising labour costs and difficulty hiring people in Vietnam, quite a few companies are interested in man-assistance, labour-saving, and automation technologies such as 3D printers, the Internet of Things, AI, and digital marketing.
The second factor is value-added production. The transfer of production from China and Japan to Vietnam progresses, and Japanese companies want to shift more challenging production and use valuable materials in Vietnam. According to our survey, “expanded high-value-added products production” increased by 2 points and “expanded commodity goods production” decreased three points from four years ago.
The third area is saving energy and other environmental considerations. Companies should introduce environmentally-friendly production activities such as recycling, wastewater treatment, waste reduction, dust removal, and CO2 reduction. Aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 will increase operating costs in the short term, but Japanese companies have abundant experience in this field.
What are your expectations of the government’s policies, especially in terms of a favourable investment climate and growth of supply chains?
Short-term uncertainties are the future of the global economy over the situation in Ukraine, rising energy prices, and the remaining supply chain turmoil. Vietnam is an open trading economy and the overseas markets heavily influence the country. From March 15, the Vietnamese government has abolished most immigration restrictions for international visitors, expecting foreign investment to recover and tourism and business traffic to increase.
Recovery of the domestic market is essential, too. Half of the Japanese companies in Vietnam are targeting this domestic market.
Vietnam has grown to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers in processing and assembly. However, labour costs here are rising year by year. Vietnam’s manufacturing will challenge the value-added industry, and breaking away from low-value production is essential. Without this, multinationals would eventually move production to countries with lower labour costs.
Technology changes quickly, and the country needs to respond to the transformation. In the United States, Japan, Germany, and France, the manufacturing industry has been an important economic engine for more than a century. There needs to be an education and training system that constantly produces such engineers, and re-education and re-training systems are also indispensable.


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Back in August, there were rumours stating that Samsung had partnered up with Qualcomm and bought the entire first batch of the Snapdragon 845 chipsets for its next-generation flagship Galaxy S9 series. A new report from Express states this rumour to be true. This means that the next-gen flagship Galaxy S9 and S9+ will become the first devices to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC. Currently, the Galaxy Note 8, S8, and S8+ are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipsets.
This report can be believed as Samsung did the same thing with the Galaxy S8 smartphone line-up, they bought the first batch of the Snapdragon 835 chipsets even before the production of the chipsets had started. Interestingly the Snapdragon 845 powered smartphones will be exclusive to the US and China markets, and India would end up receiving the Exynos 9810 powered variant.
Additionally, there are also reports stating that the Snapdragon 845would be manufactured based on TSMC’s 7nm process and would be clocked at 2.5GHz, however, some reports also state that the chips will be based on the usual 10nm process. There isn’t any confirmation regarding this from the company so we will just have to wait and see what happens.
As per the report by Express, Samsung will be unveiling the Galaxy S9 and S9+ at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 which will be held in Barcelona. We do recommend that you take this news with a pinch of salt as both the companies haven’t said anything regarding this.


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Whilst much of what the chancellor had to say has been welcomed by many SMEs the increase in corporation tax to 25 per cent on businesses making over £200,000 of profits from 2023 has been seen as the chancellor punishing success.
Tommy McNally, Tax Expert and founder of Tommys Tax described the budget as “very bad”. He said: “Today’s budget is punishing successful businesses with the rise in corporation tax to 25%. This is a massive increase and much more than I was expecting. These are the companies that haven’t received any help from the government so far and I believe it will only encourage more big businesses to go offshore. Many big businesses were already on the verge of looking to move internationally because of Brexit and this will just push them over the edge.
“Where I believe they missed a trick was on a transaction tax on the digital powerhouses like Facebook, Google and Amazon. They avoid paying taxes in the UK because they make no profit at all here and they’ll continue to avoid paying taxes after today, while other big businesses suffer. I believe that on the point of sale these digital companies should pay corporation tax. In this form of transaction tax, they’re charged per item as at the moment we’re not going to capture any money from those big companies avoiding tax which is what we really need right now.
“The main positive takeaway from the budget that will help out the small businesses that I work with, particularly in my Self Employed Business Support Group on Facebook, is the continuation of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. This is really good news and business owners will breath a sigh of relief while many of those who were excluded up until now will be acknowledged at long last.
“I believe that the extension on stamp duty is also a huge benefit as this will boost the economy and support the construction industry as more people will be willing to invest in their homes.
“Overall, for the average person in the UK, who could be on furlough or running their own business, this was a good budget. But for the big businesses this was very bad news which will have wider, long-term repercussions for us all in the future.”
Richard Alvin, group Managing Director of Capital Business Media agrees: “This budget could well lead to a mass exodus of successful UK businesses leaving these shores for more advantageous locations tax wise to base themselves in. The net result will be substantially less revenue for the Treasury overall. This could have a disastrous affect on places like the Northern Powerhouse really attracting, and more importantly, retaining fast growth successful companies.


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HSBC introduces new credit cards for corporate customers
HSBC has launched a Corporate Card for customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to help customers in managing their travel and entertainment expenses. The Card offers the reach of MasterCard International coupled with Air Miles loyalty program, according to a company press release.
MasterCard International will provide Smart Data Online, the region's first secure internet-based reporting and expense management solution, designed to give customers more information and greater control over their expenditure.
Other features of Corporate Cards from HSBC include up to 53 days interest free credit, a choice of central or individual billing, toll free customer service line, emergency medical and legal assistance, as well as free travel and accident insurance.
HSBC will also offer the first Purchasing Card in the UAE market. The Card, designed to support the needs of companies when buying goods and services in both the traditional and online markets, will help to simplify the purchasing process, improve control of expenditure and reduce costs, according to a company press release.
Alan Jarman, Regional Manager Cards for HSBC Bank Middle East, said “Leading companies are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of using a card as a payment mechanism. The new Corporate Card from HSBC is a very significant new addition to our Cards business. It contains many prominent features of HSBC corporate cards worldwide, including some extra services reflecting local market needs. We are particularly proud of being the first bank in the region to offer Smart Data Online, an interactive service which we feel will be of huge benefit to our corporate customers.”
HSBC Bank Middle East is the largest international bank in the Middle East, with 31 branches throughout the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Autonomous Area, including an offshore banking unit in Bahrain. This regional coverage is supported by another member of the HSBC Group, HSBC Bank Egypt SAE, and by its associated companies, The Saudi British Bank and British Arab Commercial Bank Limited. In addition to its Middle Eastern network, the Bank has a branch in London, UK and a representative office in Tehran, Iran.
HSBC Bank Middle East is a principal member of the HSBC Group which, with more than 6,500 offices in 78 countries and territories and assets of $692 billion at 30 June 2001, is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations.
MasterCard International a widely accepted payment brands including MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro. More than 1.7 billion MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro logos are present on credit, charge and debit cards in circulation today. With more than 22 million acceptance locations, the MasterCard association is comprised of more than 20,000 member financial institutions, serving consumers and businesses in 210 countries and territories. At June 30, 2001, gross dollar volume exceeded $458 billion. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
- HSBC introduces new broking service
- Britain's HSBC extends Iran $500 million credit line
- American Express Middle East Card members to benefit from convenience of settling credit card bills through HSBC online services
- HSBC launches new service for corporates in UAE
- Standard Chartered’s Titanium MasterCard Credit Card wins ‘Best New Credit Card in the Middle East’ award


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Freight has created a range of promotional materials, including brochures and passes, for the press centre, taxi branding and T-shirts to be worn by pub and club doormen, for the UEFA Champions League Final, taking place in Glasgow tonight.
The Future Starts Here explores the advantages and perils of ever-advancing technology and product design, from artificial intelligence to 3D-printing and cryogenic freezing.
BrandOpus has created the identity and packaging for Scrubd, which aims to reflect changing attitudes towards male grooming.
Ahead of the annual London Illustration Fair this December, its directors Alastair Eland and Samuel Bennett pick out the designers and illustrators they are most excited to see at this
The Autumn Budget and its effect on designers, a peep into retailers’ Christmas windows and the Design Museum’s new show – the news from the last seven days.


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IT'S THE SEASON for protectionism in Con gress. Unemployment is high, several important industries are in trouble, and an election is coming. Blaming foreign competition for lost jobs is always a congenial formula and, unlike other explanations, it avoids all the painful questions about economic performance here at home.
The Senate Finance Committee has now reported a de-fanged version of Sen. John C. Danforth's trade reciprocity bill. Reciprocity is a poor guide in trade. Instead of using the American example to open foreign markets, it would invoke the worst foreign examples to close American markets--with the inevitable effect on American jobs and prosperity. While the committee's bill is largely innocuous, there is a real danger that, on the floor, it will be amended back into its original form--or worse.
As an example of what's worse, there is the effort in the House Commerce Committee to prohibit the sale of foreign cars unless they contain certain proportions of American-made parts. It's known as a local content rule, and its purpose is to legislate all those Toyotas and Datsuns off the American scene. That's one way to meet foreign competition--the way that will do the greatest harm to the economy.
This kind of legislation rides on a wave of arguments that American industry has somehow lost its ability to compete on even terms with Japanese and European producers, and has to be saved by pulling up the drawbridge. That is rubbish. The American economy as a whole remains highly competitive. Some industries have lost ground, but many others--heavy machinery, chemicals, foodstuffs--have gained. True, the United States buys slightly more from other countries than it sells them. But that is the result of the highly profitable American habit of investing abroad.
There is a massive net flow of foreign profits-- about $50 billion last year--into this country. If the United States tried to limit its merchant imports to its exports, there would not be enough dollars in the world to accommodate that river of incoming profits. As a result, the dollar's exchange rate would rise even higher than its present very high level--making imports here cheaper than ever, and American goods more expensive and harder to sell abroad. American interest rates, by raising the value of the dollar, have contributed greatly to the price advantages that imports currently enjoy. That won't be remedied by passing bad laws to discriminate against foreign cars.


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In an effort to protect produce and keep it fresh, many individual items, such as cucumbers, are wrapped in plastic. This packaging is sometimes inconvenient to remove and creates unnecessary plastic waste that is equivalent to three plastic straws, according to Progressive Grocer.
Apeel Sciences’ plant-based coating provides a much smoother experience without adding to the huge amounts of plastic pollution in the environment. And best of all, it actually makes fruits and vegetables last up to three days longer than traditional packaging.
According to the company’s website, Apeel arrived at this remarkable discovery by studying the different kinds of natural peels occurring in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Using plant-derived oils, the company mimics the outer “cuticle” layer found in fruit like oranges, creating a thin, colorless, tasteless film to protect the existing peel.
This film traps moisture inside to keep produce from withering while keeping oxygen out to slow down the processes that age and brown fruits and vegetables.
For consumers, there are several clear benefits. When fruit and vegetables take longer to spoil, buyers will eat more and throw away less — saving money and also getting the nutritional benefits of eating more fresh produce.
Meanwhile, food prep is faster since the coating is completely edible and doesn’t need to be removed, unlike plastic packaging. Plastic bags and coating used for most grocery store produce can also break down into microplastics, adding harmful chemicals to our water, soil, and bodies.
Apeel says this innovation is also great for grocery stores.
“Giving more time to fresh produce unlocks new opportunities for the entire industry, including new packaging and merchandising techniques that can enhance consumer experience and demand,” Lou Perez, senior vice president of innovation at Apeel Sciences, told Progressive Grocer.
Currently, shipping conditions and timelines are defined by how long it takes food to spoil, meaning there may be easier, less expensive, and more eco-friendly options for produce if its shelf life is longer.
For now, Apeel Sciences is testing its coating on English cucumbers and mini cucumbers with the help of produce company Topline Farms. Other produce may become available in the future with similar protections.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.


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International Bottled Water Association | MEDIA RELEASE | March 20, 2015
IBWA Supports World Water Day 2015
Alexandria, VA – The members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) are proud to support World Water Day 2015 and recognize the importance of a safe and sustainable water supply. The theme for this year’s World Water Day, celebrated annually on March 22, is “Water and Sustainable Development.” This United Nations sponsored event is held every year to focus attention on the importance of fresh water, and to advocate the sustainable management of fresh water resources.
“Sustainable, protected, and naturally recharged water sources are the single most important aspect of our business. This commitment to environmental excellence holds true wherever bottled water facilities are located,” says Chris Hogan, IBWA’s vice president of communications. “IBWA supports the smart and responsible management of the world’s water resources. Cooperation on effective groundwater management requires a multijurisdictional approach that involves many parties, including bottled water companies, scientists, consumers, environmentalists, and regulators.”
Promoting greater consumption of water from all sources, including bottled water, will support the efforts of communities striving for a healthier lifestyle. And, for those who want to eliminate or moderate calories, sugar, caffeine, artificial flavors or colors, and other ingredients from their diet, selecting water is the right option – whether from the tap or in a bottle.
A Responsible Environmental Advocate
The bottled water industry recognizes the importance of protecting the quantity and quality of the world’s water. Bottled water companies that produce groundwater products (e.g., spring water, artesian water) are entirely dependent upon a safe, fresh supply of constantly recharged and replenished water for their livelihood. In addition, IBWA supports strong municipal water systems since bottled water companies that produce purified water often use municipal water sources. Once the municipal source water enters a bottled water plant, several processes, including reverse osmosis, deionization, and filtration, are employed to ensure that it meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) purified water standard. Bottled water companies responsibly manage and monitor their source waters and oversee bottled water production in an environmentally focused process.
“The bottled water industry continues to demonstrate solid environmental leadership when it comes to water conservation and efficiency. Bottled water companies utilize and manage water resources in a highly efficient and responsible manner by investing in broadly accepted science and technology to improve water quality, and strengthening water conservation practices,” says Hogan.
In many parts of the world, clean safe water is unavailable or only available in limited quantities, even in stable periods without an over-arching natural disaster. While governments and the private sector work to find permanent solutions to provide clean drinking water in underserved communities around the world, bottled water, combined with other solutions such as filtration and bulk filling stations, is an efficient and effective means of delivering clean, sanitary drinking water where insufficient or non-existent water delivery infrastructure poses life-threatening problems. In addition, a growing number of bottled water companies are designating a portion of their income to support global programs, which help create long term solutions for the provision of water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene in underserved and developing communities.
A Small Water User
Annual bottled water production accounts for less than 0.02 percent of the total groundwater withdrawn in the United States each year. Even though it is a minimal groundwater user and is only one of among thousands of food, beverage, and commercial water users, the bottled water industry actively supports comprehensive ground water management policies that are science-based, multi-jurisdictional, treat all users equitably, and provide for future needs of this important resource.
“Even with continuing growth and increased consumption, bottled water still has the smallest water and energy use footprint of any packaged beverage,” says Hogan. “The results of a 2014 IBWA benchmarking study show that the amount of water and energy used to produce bottled water products in North America is less than all other types of packaged beverages. On average, only 1.32 liters of water (including the liter of water consumed) and 0.24 mega joules of energy are used to produce one liter of finished bottled water,” he added.
To help tell this important story, IBWA recently released an infographic video, “Bottled Water – Small Water Use With Big Health Benefits.” The video compares the water use footprint of bottled water to other industries and beverages. Citing data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the video illustrates that bottled water uses less than 0.004 percent of all the water in the U.S., while irrigation uses 31 percent and thermoelectric power uses 49 Percent.
To put it in context, the entire U.S. bottled water market is about 11 billion gallons; New York City goes through that amount of tap water in one week.
A Small Environmental Footprint
In 2009, IBWA commissioned a life cycle inventory (LCI) by Franklin Associates to determine the environmental footprint of the United States bottled water industry. The results show that the bottled water industry has an extremely small environmental footprint.
Bottled water’s environmental footprint is the lowest of any packaged beverage according to a life cycle assessment conducting by Quantis in 2010. Moreover, data from the Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) shows that between 2000 and 2011, the average weight of a 16.9-ounce (half-liter) PET plastic bottled water container has declined 47.8 percent. This has resulted in a savings of 3.3 billion pounds of PET resin since 2000. In fact, many bottled water companies are already using recycled plastic in their bottles and some are producing 100 percent recycled PET water bottles.
Of all the plastics produced in the U.S., PET plastic bottled water packaging makes up only 0.92 percent; less than one percent. Moreover, data derived from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures demonstrates that plastic water bottles make up less than one-third of one percent of the U.S. waste stream.
All bottled water containers are 100 percent recyclable, and the national recycling rate for PET plastic bottled water containers is 37.04 percent. Despite significant lightweighting over the last few years, PET plastic bottled water containers continue to be the most frequently recycled PET beverage container in curbside recycling programs. In addition, 3- and 5-gallon plastic bottled water containers are reused between 30-50 times before being recycled.
Consumers across the United States choose bottled water because it is a healthy, refreshing beverage. Bottled water is comprehensively regulated by the FDA as a packaged food product and it provides a consistently safe and reliable source of drinking water. Bottled water has its own stringent FDA manufacturing standards governing its safety, purity and labeling. And, by federal law, the FDA regulations governing the safety and quality of bottled water must be at least as stringent as the EPA standards that govern tap water. And, in some very important cases like lead, coliform bacteria, and E. coli, bottled water regulations are substantially more stringent than EPA standards for tap.
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NOTE: Photos/head shots available upon request
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.
In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.
IBWA is proud to be a partner with Keep America Beautiful and a supporter of Drink Up, an initiative of former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which encourages Americans to drink more water more often – whether from the tap, a filter, or in a bottle. Choosing water is always the healthy choice.


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The Italian coffee roaster reports consolidated revenue for 2021 of €500m, a 17.4% increase compared to 2020, but outlines how ‘exogenous’ factors may impact 2022 results
Net profit increased 104.7% compared to 2020, although it remains nearly 30% less than 2019 | Photo credit: illycaffè
Italian coffee roaster and café chain, illycaffè, has reported sales of €500m ($536m) in 2021, a 17.4% increase compared to the previous year, but highlights geo-political instability for its uncertain outlook.
Thanks to the recovery of hotel, restaurant and café businesses, the company registered an increase of 16.7% in revenues in its Italian home market compared to 2020, with 10.1% reported for the wider EMEA area, excluding Italy.
In the US, illycaffè reported growth of 38.7% across its main distribution channels, whilst the company’s online channel in China and South Korea is credited for growth of 17.8% in Asia.
Net profit of €11.9m ($12.8m) represents an increase of 104.7% compared to 2020, although it remains nearly 30% less than 2019.
However, Illycaffè said its outlook remains uncertain given current instabilities in Europe, increases in the prices of raw materials including green coffee, and rising logistical costs.
“The results for 2021, which saw turnover returning to pre-pandemic levels and improved profitability, are a solid starting point to take on the current year, whose macro-economic context is particularly challenging,” said Cristina Scocchia
, CEO of illycaffè.
“In 2022 we will focus on profitable growth, driven by clear strategic choices and efficient resource allocation, with the goal of mitigating, to the extent possible, the negative impacts brought about by exogenous factors. We will focus even more in the distinctiveness of the illy brand, which has always been associated with superior and sustainable quality,” she added.


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New Zealand businesses need to adapt faster to avoid losing out on growing spending on digital media, research shows.
PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) Global Entertainment and Media Outlook for 2014-2018 predicts digital spending will grow by more than 10 percent year on year.
But traditional media do not fare well, with newspaper revenues forecast to drop an average of 4.8 percent a year and advertising revenues falling by 7.3 percent year-on-year.
Internet advertising, at an expected annual growth rate of 8 percent, is expected to overtake television advertising in 2018.
PwC partner Paul Brabin said the growth in digital spending was speeding up.
"What's different to probably our entertainment and media outlook last year is that we saw the balance starting to tip. This year we've seen that really accelerate quite quickly," Mr Brabin said.
"We've moved beyond that digital journey to this is actually the digital norm.
"Most businesses are really having to think about how they think about digital in terms of their current business strategy rather than just thinking about it as an extension of what they do in terms of their normal business."
The outlook also suggested New Zealand was lagging behind the rest of the world, with the country's entertainment industry expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.3 percent, compared to a global growth rate of 5.5 percent.


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With just one week to go before Samsung reveals its brand new flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S5, a leakster has confirmed that the device will indeed sport a fingerprint scanner.
The S5 is already one of the most talked about devices this year so far, with fans and critics eager to catch a glimpse of the best Android smartphone of 2014. However, today it has been revealed that the S5 will not sport a high-tech iris scanner which has been mooted, but that it will instead feature a fingerprint scanner.
|iPhone 5s fingerprint sensor|
Fingerprint scanning technology has become the norm amongst flagship devices ever since Apple raised the bar with the iPhone 5s. HTC then followed suit with the HTC One Max, leaving Samsung trailing behind- until now at least.
However, today’s leak suggests that the Galaxy S5’s fingerprint sensor will not be as sophisticated as that of the latest iPhone. Rather than simply pressing a thumb over the phone’s home button, the S5’s fingerprint sensor will require users to swipe their finger over its home button instead.
The S5’s fingerprint scanner is just one of the many rumours we’ve spotted so far. Take a look at the whole list of Samsung Galaxy S5 rumours here.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 will be launched officially in Barcelona on Monday 24th Februaury. Follw us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to keep updated as we bring you the latest straight from the Spanish capital!


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It looks like Christmas may have arrived a week early for Pokémon and gaming enthusiasts.
That’s right! Pokémon GO has finally come to India, owing to a new partnership between Reliance Jio and Niantic. With this partnership, Reliance Digital Stores and select partner premises across the country will appear as ‘PokéStops’ or ‘Gyms’ in the Pokémon GO game, starting December 14.
The launch is an effort by Jio to equip Indians with entertainment-based apps such as Pokémon GO, the ruling app in the gaming category.
Pokémon players will have access to an exclusive Pokémon GO channel on Jio’s social messaging app, JioChat. The Pokémon GO channel will enable players to team up and be part of the community of players featuring daily tips, contests, clues, and special events. The channel will also enable gamers to socialise with other players and move up levels faster.
“With over 500 million downloads globally, we are excited to launch Pokémon GO officially in India on the Reliance Jio network. Our partnership with Niantic not only brings access to the Pokémon GO app but also opens the door to more opportunities for our customers to enjoy content on Jio's one-of-a-kind mobile broadband network,” said Mathew Oommen, President Reliance Jio.
This July, the game became so popular that most users across India resorted to downloading the game from third party websites and proxy app stores. Its official launch along with the free internet connection from Jio is sure to double the game’s popularity for now.
For enthusiastic gamers who have been waiting for the full Pokémon GO experience, all we can say is have a Pokémon-filled Christmas!


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At CES 2019, gaming laptops are the stars of the show, and HP wasn't going to let everyone else have all the fun. The biggest PC manufacturer announced the HP Omen 15 gaming laptop, refreshed with Nvidia RTX graphics.
It still includes the same Intel Core i7-8750H processor, 16GB of RAM, 128GB SSD and 1TB hard drive as last year's model. But, with an upgraded Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU that should make running games on its 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display a breeze.
You'll also have the option to upgrade the laptops display to a whopping 240Hz refresh rate, starting in June. However, HP hasn't released pricing information on this upgrade.
The HP Omen 15 is expected to release in February, starting at $1,369 (about £1,080, AU$1,930).
The two towers
HP knows there's still a lot of life in the best gaming PCs, and it has refreshed its Omen Obelisk desktops with 9th-generation Intel Coffee Lake Refresh processors and Nvidia Turing graphics.
Users will be able to opt for either the HP Omen Obelisk 875 1010 or 1020. The former features an Intel Core i7-9700K and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, bumped up to an Intel Core i9-9900K and an RTX 2080 Ti for the latter. Both models feature the same 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD with a 1TB hard drive.
They'll also have tool-less designs, making it a breeze to upgrade, and are compatible with any PC components that will work with a micro-ATX motherboard.
The HP Omen Obelisk will be available in March, starting at $2,249 (about £1,770, AU$3,180).
Want more CES 2019 highlights? TechRadar is hands-on with 8K TVs and foldable, rollable displays, along with new laptops and Alexa-enabled smart gadgets. Check out everything we've seen, live from Las Vegas!


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Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles Recalled by Kawasaki Due to Risk of Injury
A floor cover may be punctured by a foreign object and injure riders
Kawasaki is recalling about 28,000 of its Mule Pro side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicles due to risk of injury to riders.
The front floor cover can be punctured by a foreign object, posing an injury hazard.
The recall involves 2015, 2016, and 2017 model year side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicles. The recalled models include four-wheel side-by-side seating for three to six people and automotive-style controls. The vehicles come in various colors. The model name is printed on the right and left front fender. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts.
The vehicles were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through June 2016 for between $12,000 and $16,900.
See the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) release for specific models affected.
Kawasaki has received two reports of debris coming up from the floor cover, including one report of debris striking an operator's leg.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair.
For more information, consumers may contact the company at (866) 802-9381.


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The huge lie by CDC and WHO about masks eliminates thousands of people each day.
When will US Federal government stand as well as face the American People with the sober reality.
Not only Cotton and also other fabric masks are harmful, yet likewise surgical masks are not the excellent solution to protect you from the more harmful COVID-19 virus.This is the factor Cotton Masks are no longer lawful in Germany.Cotton masks may
be classy yet are just ineffective, and also surgical masks are designed to only protect others, yet not yourself. The factor the Center for Disease Control
by the United States Government(CDC)is still deceptive millions of Americans allowing cotton masks as well as never mentioning KN95, N95, or FFP2 masks is easy, however is additionally lethal. The basic reason exists is not enough supply,
and the need would certainly be remarkable if CDC begins leveling. This coincides reason not everybody is already obtaining the injection. A minimum of in the case of vaccinations, the government has actually been genuine, as well as people had been civilized and individual. As a matter of fact, CDC is honestly pushing its website of referral in claiming do not choose N95 masks. CDC
reveals images with its mask referrals that are now illegal in European Countries like Germany.
CDC Website with Mask suggestion Keeping the reality from the American Individuals and also allowing fashion shops to produce cotton masks that are simply not effective is not a good relocation. Should a federal government be permitted to exist to hide
due to the fact that masks would have not been offered to those that really require them much more: Doctors and also front line health and wellness workers, like our team at my pharmacy. Apparently, there are inadequate Chinese created KN95 and also American made N95 masks on the marketplace to supply all the American individuals. In Germany, there are enough FFP2 masks readily available now. It’s, why the federal government is supplying free access to numerous, and others can purchase them without worry of striking supply limits. Gunther strongly advises getting the FFP2 masks
from qualified pharmacies as well as not supermarkets, so questions can be asked on exactly how to use, and how to re-use such masks. FFP2 masks and additionally KN94 and also N95 masks can be reused. Gunther said:” Use your FFP-2, KN95 or N95 mask for one day as well as placed it away for one week before re-using. It would permit the mask to
dry out. Never ever touch the inside of a mask, or put it in your pocket.”Germany is not the only nation making the more effective FFP2( KN95 n95 )masks compulsory, the Republic of Korea (South Korea )mandates the exact same. When talking with a high ranking tourism professional in Seoul, she really did not want to be called, but
was very surprised as well as concerned concerning the USA ignoring this life-saving suggestion. The World Health and wellness Organization is stating Non-medical, material masks can be made use of by the general public under the age of 60 as well as who do not
have underlying health and wellness problems. This THAT Declaration is negligent and simply incorrect and not true. Juergen Steinmetz, that is likewise the Chairman of the Globe Tourism Network is advising the CDC as well as WHO to follow German guidelines and end up being honest with the American People as well as the globe. “We require to interact and learn from each various other as well as not
misguide our individuals to win the battle versus this lethal infection, “Steinmetz added. Enjoy the interview with German Pharmacist Gunther Franke from Fragrance, owner of Birken Apotheke
eTN Interview with Gunther Franke from Birken Apotheke in Perfume, Germany Podcast Variation of the Interview with Gunther Franke


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If you own a virtual-reality headset, you've seen a few health and safety rules. Don't use your VR headset in a moving vehicle, for instance, or make sure to take frequent breaks. For most of us, these guidelines make sense: VR nausea is a very real problem, and limiting our time in artificial worlds is the easiest way to avoid getting simulator sickness. But what if you broke all the rules and decided to stay in virtual reality for 48 hours straight -- eating, sleeping, working and living in a VR headset? Well, then you'd be Dean Johnson, head of innovation for Brandwidth and crazy man who spent two days blindfolded with technology.
Johnson has been challenging the rules of consumer VR from the beginning -- when virtual reality hit the mainstream last year, he spent 24 hours immersed in a mix of Rift, Vive and Gear VR experiences, setting an unofficial record for longest time in virtual reality. This year, he doubled that effort, recruiting Sarah Jones from Coventry University to join him in two days of extreme VR immersion -- breaking for only five minutes each hour to record vlogs and use the facilities.
The experiment was designed to question the arbitrary limits of VR-use time and help expose virtual reality to a wider consumer audience, but it wasn't a PR stunt for any specific headset manufacturer. "In fact, it was quite the opposite," he says. Every company he invited to participate in the project turned him down. "Mostly because they thought we'd die," he joked.
The fears of the likes of Oculus VR and HTC weren't completely unfounded. Johnson didn't just spend two days watching movies and playing games in virtual reality -- he wore VR goggles while driving go-karts, getting tattoos and walking across the wings of an airplane in-flight. "We wanted it to be as physical as possible," he says. "How extreme do you need to get with the physical additions to VR to make it feel real?" It sounds almost like a silly question, but when you're wearing a headset that partially blinds you to your environment, the influence of your mixed reality could have unexpected results.
Johnson and Jones' wind-walking adventure, for instance, was seen through a GearVR's pass-through camera -- but despite the physical exertion of fighting the wind on the wing of a plane, the experience wasn't completely real. "It still didn't feel real to us with what we were seeing," he says, "but the movement -- the buffeting and forcing yourself against the wind, they were the things that physically added the extra dimension." They just couldn't see well enough through the GearVR to get the full experience. Johnson thinks it might have been better if the headset had been displaying a VR dragon ride. "If everything you were seeing felt real, that would all be amazing."
Go-karting fared a little better -- the limited view of the GearVR's pass-through camera gave the drivers' vision a lower framerate and letterboxing but didn't seem to hamper the experience in the same way. "It's amazing that our brains just corrected and we got used to seeing that view," Johnson says. "We were going pretty quickly around the go-karting track, not hitting anything -- though with really reduced visibility."
These spectacle events are novel, but some of the more interesting results came from the smaller experiments. Johnson wore a VR headset to a tattoo parlor to see if the distraction of a false reality could dull the pain of being branded with a nerdy Apple tattoo in the real world. It did.
After briefly removing the headset to measure his pain threshold in the real world, Johnson spent the rest of his tattoo session playing Gunjack. "If the headset off was my 10 benchmark," he said, giving the pain a number, "It came down to like a six or a seven. It really did seem to have some effect." According to his Apple Watch, his heart rate dropped in VR too, averaging at 74 beats per minute in the headset to 103 without.
Living in VR drastically changed mundane everyday life, too. Having a face-to-face conversation with anybody meant logging into Facebook Spaces or another social-VR app, and sleeping was an altogether different kind of experience.
"When you wake up in VR, you just believe everything," he explains. Normally, virtual reality is a conscious choice, but if you wake up in a simulation, surrounded by dinosaurs and spaceships, you don't' have time to question your reality as you regain consciousness. "It's kind of like waking up in an unfamiliar hotel room. You may not know where you are or what the timezone is, but you just believe you're in a hotel room. Why would you not?"
Despite breaking every VR health-and-safety guideline imaginable, Johnson and Jones walked away from the experiment relatively unscathed. They learned, at worst, that watching a 360-degree movie in a car is a nauseating experience -- but that doesn't mean their extended time in VR didn't have consequences.
Johnson admits his vision without glasses was slightly more blurry for a few days after the experience, but it was the physical pain that bothered him most. "The bridge of my nose got bruised," he said, "And Sarah's cheeks have kind of permanent red marks on them." If the health and safety warnings were right, it wasn't because of the risk of experiencing altered-reality for long periods -- it was because the headsets were never designed to be worn indefinitely. "I think we're just physically glad to be out," he concluded. "If you had done anything for two straight days, you'd just be glad to be out."


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What? This is a huge sale and shows that miners are confident in the future of bitcoin. This is good news for the bitcoin community, as it shows that miners are committed to supporting the network.
That’s a staggering number. I also sold some of my crypto in Q1 but I think more people are selling it now.


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Dannii Minogue has revealed a drastic new hair do
Dannii Minogue has revealed her drastic new rose-coloured hairstyle at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards.
Kylie’s younger sister stepped out for the fashion awards and wowed on lookers as she looked completely different with her new ‘do.
The 46 year old looked stunning as she rocked her new do. Her new style is absolutely perfect for summer as she looked fresh and totally transformed.
Seeing the world through Pink Sorbet glasses! ?@Lorealproaus #SMARTBOND blonde = the flexibility to change my hair like I change my makeup. See you tonight on the red carpet at the @aushairfashionawards ?#pinkhairdontcare #Stylefile: Hair Colourist: @danni_solier /@xianghair Hairstylist: @jamiefurlan / @xianghair Makeup: @rossandrewartha / #yslbeauty @yslbeauty Photographer: @shooteverything Stylist: @racheldennisstylist
She subsequently shared a serious of snaps of her new hair over Instagram and we think she looks amazing!
We’re not the only ones who think she looks amazing! Fans were quick to comment on her fabulous new do.
“You look beyond incredible!!! So gorgeous Dan!,” said one person.
“Omg Dannii that’s looks freakin hot on you I love it,” said another.
We can see this trend catching on very quickly! Though we’re not sure we could pull it off…


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Local olive mill opens doors for public tours
Published 10:22 am Thursday, August 18, 2022
By: Kathryn Crockett
More than 250 visitors gathered Saturday for a rare opportunity to tour one of the region’s newest agricultural enterprises and processing facilities. Located somewhat centrally between Bainbridge and Colquitt, Ga. Cook Redlands Inc. now manages an olive grove consisting of more than 2 million trees, and is a subsidiary of Bolloré Group: one of the 500 largest companies in the world.
Bolloré Group boasts a diverse portfolio and has long invested in agricultural land. The company currently owns 3,300 hectares spread across Florida and Georgia and is one of the biggest independent plantation owners in the world, with eyes now set on becoming the largest producer of cold pressed olive oil east of the Rocky Mountains. Georgia’s climate offers many advantages to olive growers, allowing this location to be considered optimal for super intensive production yields.
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Redlands Farm Holding CEO Frederic Lebourg’s experience in the food industry extends beyond oil production to the “design, implementation and control of organizational functions”, making him the perfect person to explain the vertically integrated business model through which the olive oil will be grown, processed and sold. The technology is impressive, and almost unrecognizable to anyone with a preconceived notion of the process of cold-pressing. But nonetheless carries with it a futuristic charm that invokes a sense of precision one would come to expect with the production of artisanal quality food products. “The entire mill can be operated with as few as 5 operators,” says Lebourg, which makes for a very resilient production system.
American grown olives are gaining traction among producers as an innovative crop; however, this isn’t the first time in the nation’s history that olive tree cultivation has been attempted.
Thomas Jefferson was known to have had a lifelong admiration for the olive tree, which he first discovered during his time as a U.S. envoy to France in the late 1700’s. Jefferson was never able to cultivate a harvestable crop of olives, but some success was seen in the coastal region of Northeast Georgia.
But with advances in technology aiding the process, the operation’s first successful harvest is anticipated next month. “Really what we’re learning from the first crop this year is really how do we get more out of our trees. So, we’ve played with different types of varieties and in some of the areas we’re culling out trees to give them more room,” says Steve Miller, Director of Operations.
But it’s not only the company’s innovative approach to food production that impressed Miller, who came on board 8 months ago. “They impressed me from the standpoint that they’re a family-oriented company. You hear a lot of companies say that, but I’ve seen firsthand that they’re very family oriented. They’re willing to support and empower their employees, we have a good atmosphere that’s great to be in. We want people to be part of the team.”
With a focus on increasing yield and diversifying products, the company hopes to slowly add more employment opportunities to the area. “We’re always hiring” says Lebourg, adding that they’re incredibly proud of the quality of health insurance they’re able to offer to their employees.
You can find their cold pressed oils for sale at numerous locations throughout the country, with more retailers poised to carry their products as production increases. You can also purchase olive trees for local pick up directly through the Fresh Pressed Farms website.


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Moctezuma's restaurant opening in Kitsap Mall this fall
Moctezuma's will bring its brand of fine Mexican dining to Kitsap Mall this fall.
The family-owned restaurant and tequila bar chain, which has locations in Gig Harbor, South Center and Tacoma, is moving into a 8,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Hale's Alehouse.
Moctezuma's Director of Operations Michael Goronkin said the company saw Silverdale as a vibrant market to expand into.
“It’s a growing community," Goronkin said. "Restaurants out there have been really successful."
The Kitsap Mall restaurant will be Moctezuma's largest location to date, and will employ more than 100 workers, Goronkin said. Space in the restaurants is evenly divided between the tequila bar and dining room.
Goronkin said Moctezuma's decor and food set it apart from other Mexican restaurants. Decorations are imported from Mexico. Food is made from scratch, using family recipes.
"We really focus on execution and make sure every dish pops," he said "... it's kind of an over-the-top experience. You feel like you're in Mexico."
Moctezuma's will fully remodel the Kitsap Mall space before moving in. Goronkin said the process will take about five months, meaning the restaurant could open in November.
The previous tenant, Hale's Ales, left Kitsap Mall but hasn't departed Kitsap. The brewery recently established a distribution center in Bremerton, and plans to open a tasting room there in July.
You can check the Moctezuma's Silverdale accounts on Twitter and Facebook for updates.


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Doing what she loves the most, Jennifer Garner was spotted spending time with her daughters, Violet and Seraphina earlier today (November 14).
With the help of a nanny, the lovely ladies headed into a café for lunch in Los Angeles, CA.
Just yesterday, the “13 Going on 30” actress shopped at JennyBec toy store in Santa Monica to check out the latest toys for her 3-year-old and 10 month old.
After looking around for awhile, Ms Garner decided on a push toy car, and then headed off to picks up Violet from school.
Enjoy the pictures of Jennifer Garner out in Pacific Palisades (Nov 14).
Photo Credit: Wenn.com


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Ten 2020 Democratic presidential candidates will take the debate stage Wednesday at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.2020 Electionsread more
Something unusual is happening in financial markets, and it could mean more gains lie ahead for stocks, if history is any indication.Marketsread more
Underneath the impressive market rally is a trend that doesn't seem quite right, according to J.P. Morgan.Marketsread more
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner breaks down the idea behind a bipartisan bill he introduced to provide more transparency in Big Tech.Technologyread more
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said security forces had foiled an opposition coup attempt that included plans to assassinate him and other top political figures.World Politicsread more
Credit Suisse initiated coverage of Tesla Wednesday with an "underperform" rating and a price target 15% below where the stock closed.Marketsread more
Tesla is working on new battery cell designs, and a way to make their own cells, with R&D teams in a lab near its car plant in Fremont, California.Technologyread more
These attacks have given the public the opportunity to examine the problems associated with ransomware, where corporations -- not obligated to disclose these attacks -- have...Technologyread more
Online home goods retailer Wayfair sold roughly 1,600 mattresses and 100 bunk beds to Baptist Child and Family Services, a nonprofit that works as a federal contractor...Retailread more
"As a private company we don't have the tools to make the Russian government stop," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the Aspen Ideas Conference on Wednesday. "We can...Technologyread more
Wi-Fi 6 will be the next-generation wireless standard. Along with 5G, it will represent the next big shift in connectivity and data, said Irving Tan, senior vice president and...Shaping the futureread more
Shares of Chinese electronics-maker Xiaomi surged over 13 percent Tuesday on just its second day of trade following its initial public offering (IPO).
Xiaomi shares closed at 19 Hong Kong dollars ($2.17), above its IPO price of 17 Hong Kong dollars. The rise is a welcome boost for the world's fourth-largest smartphone maker, which went public Monday and saw its shares fall.
The share price surge came after the company behind the Hang Seng Index, which includes companies like Tencent and China Mobile, said Monday that it would include Xiaomi as one of the constituents on July 23.
It's a big move that will allow mainland Chinese investors to buy shares of Xiaomi, which is listed in Hong Kong, through the Stock Connect program.
Xiaomi was initially going to list part of its shares on the mainland via China depositary receipts (CDRs), but the company postponed those plans. This was seen as one reason why Xiaomi's valuation ended up being around $54 billion when it came to market, rather than a previous figure of nearer to $100 billion that was floated in the months leading up to the IPO.
The muted start to life as a public company was attributed to a number of factors, including worries over Xiaomi's reliance on selling hardware and its ability to scale internationally.


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The Punjab government have decided on Saturday that it would extend the coronavirus lockdown until May 30.
A notice released by the provincial government’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Health revealed that the lockdown imposed across the province was extended to May 30.
According to the notice, certain services are exempt from these restrictions, such as medical services, pharmacies, courier and postal services, public services including electricity, gas, internet and cellular companies, gasoline pumps, essential goods stores, and grocery delivery.
All public gatherings and social events are prohibited in districts where the coronavirus positivity rate remains above 8% according to the notice.
The ban on eating inside and outside in restaurants will also be extended. However, the government has approved takeaway and home delivery services for restaurants.
Offices can be reopened with a strict 50% work from home. The cinemas will remain closed and all public gatherings, sporting, and cultural events will be completely banned. Transport services may be used to 50%.


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LG Electronics will be displaying its ultra slim 55-inch OLED TVs (EM9700) in the lounges and open areas at 45 international airports around the globe this month.
Starting with Narita Airport in Tokyo, 45 airports round the globe will become showrooms for the swanky new television design, with Dubai International also counting itself among the happy recipients.
We are truly excited to give travelers from all over the world the chance to enjoy the future of television,” said Havis Kwon, president and CEO of LG Electronics’ Home Entertainment Company. “Displaying our advanced product in airport lounges and high traffic areas presents us with a unique opportunity to show consumers how OLED dif-fers from traditional flat-panel TVs. This is a technology that one can’t simply describe, it must be seen to be believed. ”
Launched for the first time by LG this year, the OLED television has become a firm attraction to both consumers and entire entertainment industry. The bold design also lends itself perfectly to an airport environment, with its wide viewing angle ensuring a first rate picture from almost any viewing position.
And while there is rarely anything more tedious than a flight delay, LG have made such an eventuality a little more bearable, in a few of the world's airports at least.


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While the Xbox One and PS4 versions of FIFA 14 will use EA's new Ignite engine, the PC edition will be left out of the game.
Much ado was made at Microsoft's Xbox One unveiling about EA's new Ignite engine, which will be at the core of several of its major sports titles in the near future. The engine will apparently allow for faster behind-the-scenes calculations and better animations which should help make for better, more realistic experiences for the sports games built on its foundation. That said, it's been confirmed that certain versions of some EA sports games won't be utilizing the Ignite engine, namely FIFA 14 for PC.
Communicating via Tweet, Rob Hodson, EA's community manager for the FIFA series, revealed that the PC version of FIFA 14 wouldn't be utilizing the Ignite Engine. Responding to some follower's questions he wrote, "EA SPORTS IGNITE will power FIFA 14 on Xbox One and PS4, not PC." EA's reasoning behind the use of a lesser engine is yet unknown but past actions could shed light on the rationale behind the decision.
When FIFA 09 was released on PC, many unhappily noted that it was different from the versions being released on the PS3 and Xbox 360. EA at the time claimed the differences were to make the game accessible to a wider variety of PCs, whereas a version equivalent to the console game would have limited it to a mere "1-3% of PC systems on the market." Similarly, FIFA 10's visuals on the PC were inferior to its console counterparts.
On the one hand, it makes sense for EA to be interested in making sure FIFA, which enjoys wide popularity around the world, to be accessible to as many players as possible. That said, if the improvements offered by the Ignite engine wind up being truly dramatic, the continued hobbling of PC versions could arguably convince people to abandon them for console next-gen console editions, in which case a wider range of capable PCs won't matter all that much.
Source: DSO Gaming


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NEW YORK—BlackBerry, at a security event here July 29, announced its plans to acquire Secusmart, a German software company that specializes in anti-eavesdropping and high-security voice and data solutions.
“BlackBerry changes the way mobile workforces work, and now it will do the same with voice,” Secusmart CEO Hans-Christoph Quelle said during the event.
Quelle explained that while mobile workers, particularly those traveling into what he politely called “unfriendly jurisdictions,” take pains to set up VPNs and put other data-protecting measures in place, they’ll then get on a call and talk freely. In such places, he said, “I can guarantee you that somebody is listening.”
The days when eavesdropping required effort, time and money are over, he went on.
“Technology can understand spoken words. Computers make transcriptions on the fly. You can be sure that these exist. Voice needs to be protected. It’s as important as protecting a PowerPoint or [other type of file].”
Quelle said that BlackBerry and Secusmart have created “the very best, secure smartphone in the world, and we want to get it into the hands of every president and chancellor.”
There’s no longer a need to gather in person for a sensitive meeting, or to find a secure landline to make a call, or to switch phones to tweet or use other social media. Government officials will have top-to-bottom secure devices—the voice component included—and so will enterprise workers.
“In the past, there was no good solution to protect voice,” said Quelle. BlackBerry with Secusmart will change this.”
A Hungrier BlackBerry
The Secusmart deal could be viewed as the epitome of the new BlackBerry under CEO John Chen. The brand repeatedly referred to by analysts as the industry standard in security is closing up the last wormhole to offer the absolutely most secure solution possible to the handful of regulated industries it’s now focusing on most aggressively.
(BlackBerry is by no means turning away from the consumer market, Chen made clear, but it also understands where it needs “to anchor” its business.)
There’s a perception that BlackBerry is out of the game, or that its niche focus amounts to a piece of pie too slim to take notice of. But the four security-driven markets BlackBerry intends to dominate—government, health care, financials and energy—account for roughly half of all IT spending, said Chen.
However, not even that is something he says without bravado. Chen’s style seems to be to set up the pieces and let them speak for themselves.
Standing on stage, sharing news tidbits (BlackBerry Jakarta is now in more than 11 countries), offering advice (Audis are good cars), and finally grinning and admitting that he was killing time—to sync the timing of the announcement and the embargo’s release—Chen cracked gentle jokes at Apple’s expense.
As a bit of housekeeping, he noted, “All the plugs in the room are reserved for iPhones.”
Mark Wilson, BlackBerry’s new head of marketing, told eWEEK, “Sometimes we’ve been a little understated, in terms of the amazing work we do.”
Chen has built a solid, new management team for BlackBerry, made up in good part from his teams at Sybase and SAP. The response from the new team members, as each one arrived, was the same each time, said Wilson: “‘I had no idea there was this much here.’ For us then,” he continued, “it’s, how do you get the word out around all of these amazing assets that we have, and how do they fit together? It’s an end-to-end story that’s incredibly compelling and completely unique.”
At the event, there were signs of BlackBerry beginning to find its voice.
Two screens in the event space offered facts that made clear BlackBerry’s current standing. For example, BlackBerry securely handles 35 petabytes of data per month, which is more than any other enterprise mobile management (EMM) vendor. Also, the governments of all seven G7 countries use BlackBerry, and so do five of the top 10 oil and gas companies.
BlackBerry’s reputation‚ despite its crumbled handset empire, was perhaps best summed up, though, by Peter Lesser, director of global technology at the legal firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, a BlackBerry customer.
“The minute we say we support BlackBerry, the conversation is over,” said Lesser, noting that he works with folks who thrive on drilling for information. “There’s not another manufacturer that has reached this level of respect. Just saying ‘BlackBerry’ once answers just about every question they have.”


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We already knew that an all-new Lincoln Corsair model is on its way to replace the current MKC entry-level luxury crossover. However, we didn’t know that Ford Motor Company intended to offer Lincoln Corsair PHEV and Ford Escape PHEV models, both of which have been confirmed via a document Ford sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The document includes details on the powertrain offerings for each of the vehicles, and it turns out that Ford is pairing its 2.5-liter four-banger with an electric motor which sits in the engine bay. While the current 2.5-liter engine makes 175 horsepower and an equal number of torque on its own, Ford hasn’t released any final numbers for the hybrid system. That said, we expect it to make similar power to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost models, which generate 240 horsepower 270 lb ft of torque.
The eco-friendly PHEV models will only be offered in an all-wheel drive configuration. That said, conventional (i.e. non-hybrid models) will still be available in front-wheel drive configurations. We haven’t been able to confirm which transmission will be used, though we think it’s safe to say that the conventional 6-speed will be replaced by a more unit that offers bother greater efficiency and performance.
We’re not quite sure when the two new crossovers are set to show face, though it would make sense for Ford to flaunt its new products at the L.A. Auto Show. In the meantime, be sure to keep up with the latest stories on the next-generation Corsair and Escape models, as well as Lincoln news and Ford news.
What is the estimated mpg and mpge on PHEV corsair


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A tweet with what appears to be a queer-aimed ad for Dr. Pepper is making the LGBTQ Twitter rounds, and people don’t like it.
On Wednesday, Twitter user @BarmyArny tweeted, “I think the fuck not,” with a picture of what looks like a magazine ad for the soda. In it, the top and bottom of a Dr. Pepper can are labeled as such—“top” and “bottom”—with the full front of the can labeled “vers,” which is gay slang for “versatile,” aka either a “top” or “bottom” during sex. The ad concludes: “A queer drink for diverse drinkers.”
Responses from the LGBTQ community have been heavily mixed but lean on eye-rolls above all else.
i like the idea that being top/bottom/vers constitutes diversity. where is the drink for the frot/vore-only queens— tyron, the creator (@TyronWilson) August 8, 2018
On the subreddit r/LGBT, people argued about whether or not the ad was good representation or disrespectful pandering. “I think appearance in adverts actually aids in normalisation, at least a little bit,” wrote one redditor. Another responded, “Except their goal isn’t to normalize anything, they don’t give a shit about us as long as we give them our money.” While some users saw the ad as harmless and funny, others said it reduces LGBTQ people to gay sex slang.
Equally up for debate is whether or not the advertisement is real. One redditor linked to a post on the Dr. Pepper Sweden Facebook page as evidence, but it has since been taken down. The original poster of the image said in replies that he found it in a Swedish gay magazine, but didn’t specify which one. The Daily Dot reached out to @BarmyArny for more information and he has not yet responded.
The Daily Dot also spoke to Dr. Pepper regarding the ad, but the brand, represented by Keurig in North America, was not able to comment on this, or any advertising done internationally, as it would be done by different companies.
Hoax or not, the ad has certainly earned its place in the hall of fame for weird attempts to advertise to the LGBTQ community.
H/T Paper Mag


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Gas powered cars are going the way of the horse and buggy.
Take it from the auto industry itself, which is investing $255 billion into electric vehicles over the next 5 years.
And 16 countries - from China and India to France and the UK - have all made plans to phase out fossil fuel vehicles.
Yet the Premier is trying to unplug our electric future:
- Cancelling EV rebates
- Removing chargers from GO stations
- Eliminating EV charging requirements from the Building Code
Ford’s anti-EV strategy is wasteful and does nothing but keep Ontario behind.
Tell the Minister of Economic Development to prepare Ontario for the EV future, not sabotage it.