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Hints about Nintendo’s next piece of gaming hardware have been dropping since earlier this year, indicating everything from the company transitioning to an Android-based platform to a mobile tie-in with its partnered titles with DeNA. But a new report indicates that the system could be making its way to market as soon as next year.
Taiwanese site DigiTimes has reported that the console, code named NX, could be making its way to release as soon as July 2016. The site reports that Foxconn has already obtained the manufacturing rights for the machine (with Pegatron pitching for some of the work), and pilot production could begin as soon as October.
According to the report, orders could be finalized as soon as February or March, meaning that full production could push forward during May or June, so that everything is prepped for the July 2016 release date.
The report also states that Nintendo has high hopes for the console, hoping to ship 20 million units in the first year alone. That’s a pretty high number to reach, given that previously released consoles like the PlayStation 4 took 17 months to sell 22.3 million units, and that’s the best-selling console launch of this last generation by far. Achieving that level of success would mean Nintendo has to have great hardware at a great price, with great software and terrific marketing — and plenty of units produced in a timely fashion, as well. That’s a tough order, but Nintendo is one of the few companies capable of succeeding at all of those things.
Considering that Nintendo hasn’t confirmed any of these details, they’re best taken as rumors at this point. Also, there are a few things worth pointing out regarding the “quick” production of the NX.
First, Nintendo is still providing a healthy push behind the Wii U, with games like StarFox Zero and Yoshi’s Woolly World coming in time for the holidays. Secondly, Nintendo has stated it will first announce plans for the NX well ahead of announcing any sort of release date – and the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo, which takes place in June, seems to be the right time for such an announcement. “We’ll talk more about our next system, code named Nintendo NX, more in 2016,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America.
There’s also the question of rushing a console to market, as it doesn’t always produce the most effective results. Back in 1995, Sega rushed its Sega Saturn game console to market, shipping it to retailers the very same day that it was announced. Unfortunately, it backfired, not only with poor communication with retailers, but also with Sony announcing a lower price on its competing game console, the Sony PlayStation. Since that time, no game company has “rushed” a system release to market, instead taking its time and putting months of planning into the launch.
Nintendo’s CEO seems to be fully aware of what Nintendo needs to do in order to make the NX a success. “The platform business can sometimes be referred to as a ‘momentum business’,” Iwata said to an investor. “Thus, it is ideal to have a jump start and drive momentum. Looking back at some of Nintendo’s past platforms, this ideal launch has been achieved 100 per cent by perhaps only Wii. Even the Nintendo DS launch had areas in which we could have done better. I cannot disagree with your indication that Wii U is experiencing the most unfavorable situation.” Clearly Nintendo will need to have some solid games available at launch — could the next Zelda game see a launch on both the Wii U and the NX Whatever the case for that title, Nintendo will no doubt strive to have one or more of its key brands appearing on the NX platform from the start.
Whatever Nintendo has planned, it should represent an improvement in Nintendo’s performance in the game market, given the Wii U’s struggles. And it appears that a build for the system is already in place, as it was demoed to a number of the company’s partners last month, according to MCV UK. That would lend credence to the idea of a 2016 launch of the NX, as the hardware would need to be quite far along in order to launch in quantity next year.
We’ll see what Nintendo has planned soon enough.


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(Corrects subscriber additions forecast in paragraph 5 to 3.5 million customers, not 2.6 million)
(Reuters) -Netflix Inc provided a weak forecast for customer growth in the current quarter as the streaming video pioneer faces growing competition, the return of movie theaters and a lifting of pandemic restrictions that had kept people at home.
The company’s shares dropped 1.6% in after-hours trading on Tuesday.
Earnings per share for the quarter came in at $2.97, below the average forecast of $3.16, according to analysts surveyed by Refinitiv.
Netflix is weathering a sharp slowdown in new customers after a boom in 2020 fueled by stay-at-home orders to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company projected it would add 3.5 million customers from July through September. Wall Street had expected a forecast of 5.5 million.
For the just-ended quarter, Netflix added 1.54 million customers, reaching 209 million in total. Wall Street had expected 1.039 million new sign-ups.
A year ago, Netflix added 10.1 million subscribers in the second quarter.
This year, Netflix felt the impact of COVID-19 on TV production, which left the company with a small menu of new titles. At the same time, Walt Disney Co’s Disney+, AT&T Inc’s HBO Max and other services attracted customers, and summer blockbusters returned to movie theaters.
Netflix promises a heavier lineup in the second half of 2021, including new seasons of “You,” “Money Heist” and “The Witcher.”
The company also is expanding in other businesses. It has hired a new executive to run a video-game unit and launched a website to sell merchandise tied to “Lupin” and other hits.
“We view gaming as another new content category for us, similar to our expansion into original films, animation and unscripted TV,” the company said in a letter to shareholders. “Games will be included in members’ Netflix subscription at no additional cost similar to films and series. Initially, we’ll be primarily focused on games for mobile devices.”
(Reporting by Eva Mathews and Akanksha Rana in Bengaluru and Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Lisa Shumaker)


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Just three years after forming Island Pro Digital with his son, Kurt Kubik realized he needed more space than the 6,000-square-foot office the company had been operating out of in Islandia.
In response, Kubick moved the digital media and printing company to a 10,000-square-foot facility in the heart of the Hauppauge Industrial Park just one week ago.
“The move was expensive, but we had completely filled the other facility,” Kubik told a room of Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island members Tuesday morning. “Now we have more room to grow.”
Island Pro Digital offers a wide variety of digital media options, handling everything from business cards to professional videos. Since beginning the business three years ago, the company has expanded to 14 employees and is now taking in more than $2 million in annual sales.
And Kubik hinted he may not be done expanding the business.
“The next piece of machinery that we’re looking at is much bigger, [filling a good portion of the new space], but it would bring us to a whole new level,” he said.
More breaking news
- Cuomo announces $36M for Jones Beach improvements
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- Penn Fabricators expanding in Medford
- Unity in transportation
- Kennedy touts Suffolk summer tourism
- State task force recommends ways to link job seekers with employers
- Jersey invades Long Island
- Huntington revises rental registration law
- US durable goods orders up, but business investment slips
- Pending US home sales hit highest level since February ’06


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Britain is currently feeling the strain of high gas prices and supply chain disruptions. With the COP26 climate talks taking place against this backdrop, speeding up the transition to a green energy and transport system that isn’t so reliant on fossil fuels feels more crucial than ever.
Our recent report produced with Energy Systems Catapult, Renewable Nation: Pathways to a Zero Carbon Britain, models how Britain can achieve its target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Unlike many other models, it shows how we can get there using technologies that already exist, including renewable energy and battery storage.
As the business sector is responsible for just over 18% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, businesses must be part of the transition to a greener society – and stand to gain from taking an active role.
The work to end Britain’s contribution to climate change should not be delayed. The urgency to cut emissions is clear, but many of the changes will need engagement from all sections of society.
Philip New – CEO, Energy Systems Catapult
The benefits of adopting sustainable practices
Reducing your environmental impact isn’t just necessary to enable Britain to meet its climate targets in the longer term, it can bring more immediate benefits to your business. Here are just three reasons to implement a sustainability plan:
Gain a competitive advantage
A 2021 report by Deloitte found that nearly 1 in 3 consumers claimed to have stopped buying from brands that they had sustainability related concerns about, and that over 40% of consumers valued practices such as waste and carbon footprint reduction. It’s not just a consumer issue, either. Larger businesses are increasingly examining the sustainability of their full value chain so that they can report on their Scope 3 carbon emissions. If you’re tendering for contracts with public or private companies, having a credible carbon reduction plan could help you stand out.
Become more self-sufficient and reduce your exposure to changes in energy prices
The rise in gas and electricity prices in 2021 has already caused a cascade of difficulties for a wide range of businesses. For example, the shutting of two fertiliser plants due to high running costs exacerbated the shortage of CO2, with knock-on effects for the food and drinks industry, where CO2 has uses including stunning farm animals before slaughter, and preserving fresh produce. Investing in on-site renewable generation or battery storage could help lessen your exposure to peak energy prices and reduce your running costs in the long run.
Attract new talent and motivate existing staff
Collectively, millennials and Gen Z (people born between 1983-1993 and 1994-2003 respectively) make up around 50% of the UK workforce. This demographic is increasingly concerned with the social and environmental impact of their careers. 35% of millennials and 39% of Gen Zs have already made choices about the organisations they’re willing to work for based on their personal ethics.
Five ways your business can work towards zero carbon
The case for a greener business is compelling. But how do you put your ambitions into action? Here are five ways businesses can reduce their environmental impact and support Britain’s transition to net zero:
1. Buy from a genuinely green energy supplier or generate power on site
Britain will need a higher number of renewable generators to meet increased electricity demand. Investing in on-site renewable generation can help make your business more self-sufficient – and you could even receive payments for exporting to the grid.
If you’re unable to generate renewable electricity on-site, you can still support the development of renewable energy by switching to a genuinely green energy supplier.
2. Create a net-zero clause in your procurement policy
Businesses can influence others in their network to reduce their carbon emissions. One way to encourage positive change is introducing a net-zero clause in your procurement policy, committing you to sourcing from suppliers who also have net-zero targets in place.
You could also introduce a net-zero clause into your investment or growth policies, that make sure that any financial decisions are aligned with cutting carbon emissions.
3. Support the uptake of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) already account for around 1 in 10 new car sales, a proportion which will only increase as the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales approaches. Businesses can play a significant role in driving the uptake of EVs, whether for their own use or supporting consumers. For example, some of the UK’s largest fleet operators, including Royal Mail and BT, have committed to switching to electric fleets this decade.
When it comes to supporting consumers, businesses can become part of the EV charging infrastructure by installing on-site charge points. Increased government funding should provide support with this.
The government has pledged £1.3bn to further accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure on motorways and major A roads, in homes and businesses and on-street.
Renewable Nation report, page 31
4. Invest in zero carbon innovation
There is a huge opportunity available for businesses to take part in developing the solutions to the climate crisis. From supporting the roll-out of existing energy saving and generation technologies to consumers, including insulation, electric vehicle infrastructure and renewable generators; to investing in research and development for emerging technologies.
5. Introduce strong energy efficiency measures
Cutting emissions from energy use doesn’t just mean switching to renewable sources – it means reducing demand for energy in the first place. Organisations from a range of sectors, from energy to construction, have called on the government to implement a strategy to retrofit Britain’s old and draughty housing stock – but businesses aren’t off the hook, either.
Heating and hot water make up a significant proportion of business energy usage – as much as 60% for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector. Explore solutions such as switching to heat pumps, installing solar thermal, insulation and smarter heating controls to become more efficient. Find out how your business could increase its sustainability in our energy efficiency guides for manufacturers and retailers.


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Our pal Martin Cedergren tells us about his latest project;
"Porteur is a new bicycle brand inspired by the bicycles used in the past by messengers and milkmen. With a front mounted carrier it’s perfect for contemporary city life. And it comes with a unique promise - for every bicycle sold, one bicycle is donated to youths in developing countries. One for one, the promise is carried forward.
To make people aware of this promise, we have created a new campaign called: Buy milk – Give milk.
On Thursday this week, ambassadors of the brand, will use Porteur bikes to deliver milk to offices in downtown Stockholm. One litre costs 98 Swedish crowns. All money is then donated to buy therapeutic milk for children in need via UNICEF - One for one.


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Honor phone with Google Mobile Services and Play Store launching soon
Huawei’s former subsidiary – Honor has announced to resume Google Mobile Services (GMS) in smartphones soon with the launch of Honor 50 in the global market. Currently, Honor has not announced any specific launch date for this phone but the Chinese phone maker is likely to introduce the GMS-powered Honor 50 later this month.
“HONOR has succeeded in confirming cooperation with a number of supplier partners in the early stage. #HONOR50 series will be equipped with Google Mobile Services, which will provide a more comprehensive application environment and extraordinary mobile experience to our customers.”
HONOR has succeeded in confirming cooperation with a number of supplier partners in the early stage. #HONOR50 series will be equipped with Google Mobile Services, which will provide a more comprehensive application environment and extraordinary mobile experience to our customers. pic.twitter.com/rAhByQVAlx
— HONOR (@Honorglobal) October 11, 2021
Huawei and Honor Ban:
Following the event of May 2019, Huawei has been banned from using technologies made by U.S. companies including Google. In the aftermath, Huawei cannot certify new phones that are powered with Google apps as well as Play Store on fresh models.
As a matter of subsidiary, Honor also fall under the same circumstances and had to give up on GMS too. Last November, Huawei, and Honor went separate ways and sold to Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co. Ltd., a consortium of over 30 agents and dealers in China.
Since then, Honor has become an independent smartphone brand and can now its own flagship smartphones and also compete against top smartphone makers including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi.
Honor 50 features a 6.57-inch OLED panel with FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixel) resolution, 1.07 billion colors, DCI-P3 wide color gamut. It has a quad rear camera system including 108MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP macro camera. On the front side, Honor 50 provides high-quality selfies with a 32Mp selfie camera.
The Honor 50 packs a 4300mAb battery with 66W superfast sharing, the overall time of a full recharge is measured about 45 minutes via USB Type-C port. For your information, Honor 50 tags with Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Octa-core processor (4 × Cortex-A78 2.4GHz + 4 × Cortex-A55 1.8GHz) and Adreno 642L GPU. From the software side, this phone runs Android 11 based Magic UI 4.2


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In honor of Pride Month 2017, the US national soccer teams will be sporting colorful new jerseys. Created as part of a partnership with the organization 'You Can Play,' the new jerseys make a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity in sports.
For the entirety of Pride Month 2017, the men's and women's national soccer teams will wear colorful new uniforms decorated with rainbow-hued numbers. The special jerseys were specifically designed for an ongoing campaign with You Can Play to end homophobia and transphobia in sport -- both of which remain ongoing issues in soccer and other professional sports.
Available in both a red and white version, the colorful jerseys are also available for fans to own via the US Soccer Store.


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FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Like many other businesses, The Modernist in Downtown Fresno has been faced with one change after another.
Bartender Ryan Metcalf says they're trying their best to roll with punches.
"If that means spacing out our tables further, adjusting our hours, we will do whatever we need to, to make sure we can stay open and keep serving people drinks," he said.
The latest is a curfew for purple tier counties -- this applies to a majority of the Central Valley.
As coronavirus cases rise across the state, the governor is asking people to stay home between 10 pm and 5 am except for essential services.
RELATED: Gov. Newsom orders curfew for most California counties
"There absolutely is a difference in business, but we will pivot and focus on a new strategy that allows us to stay open for a little bit during the day since we can't stay open later at night," Metcalf said.
Many business owners like Lewis Everk are concerned the curfew will result in a significant financial loss.
"That really is going to impact sales negatively when they have already been impacted over the course of the last seven months," he said.
Everk says his restaurant and bar, Vyxn, typically sees more customers after 10. He was also anticipating a busy Thanksgiving week.
RELATED: Most Valley sheriffs say they won't enforce California curfew
"The day before Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest nights of the year," he said. "I don't think any of us will be enjoying those sales this year."
Like The Modernist, Everk has moved operations outdoors. He recently added heaters to better accommodate customers on cold days.
But Everk says it keeps getting harder and more expensive with each new order issued by the state.
"To remain compliant in keeping my licenses intact really makes no difference if I have no business to come back to," he said.
RELATED: Fresno business owners fear curfew could end their livelihood
Again, the Curfew goes into effect tonight starting from 10 pm until 5 am each night.
This is only for purple tier counties and it is expected to last a month.
Fresno businesses making preparations for California curfew


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Mountain towns were bracing for huge crowds this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
While Thanksgiving is not the official opening of ski season, many places are expected to be packed and so are restaurants and hotels.
The cold slopes are a hot spot during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Even moreso now – with big snow – in the forecast.
Dawn Brown of Aurora glad – she and her family came early.
"Absolutely gorgeous. The conditions were just right. Gotta' be honest I’m still learning how to ski so this was just perfect for me today. Not too crowded absolutely wonderful.”
Loveland Ski Area reporting packed powder Wednesday.
Several resorts expecting more this weekend.
Loveland Ski Area Marketing Director John Sellers said, “We could see a foot or a foot and a half of snow through Saturday night.”
Snows bring big money to mountain towns.
Even those that don’t have ski resorts like – Idaho Springs.
Over at Beaujo’s – hungry skiers – come looking for Colorado style pizza.
Alli Bair, Beaujos Pizza assistant manager said, “We definitely anticipate it. We look forward to it. We are getting out of our slower season and into our busy season.”
Over the next several days, Beaujo’s is expecting to double its sales.
Deep dish and deep snow … get credit for bringing an early Christmas gift this holiday weekend.AlertMe


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The ATF, part of the on-going Singapore Media Festival (SMF) runs until 9 Dec. Over the 3 days, the Singapore Pavilion will play host to an exciting line-up of partnership and investment announcements by Singapore content creators, as well as Sneak Peeks of fresh film, television and digital content expected to be released in the coming year. This includes a multi-financing deal with Kathy Morgan International, cross-border partnerships for the launch of a new Food Channel, as well as the world’s first VR lifestyle web-series.
Singapore-based BananaMana secures funding and global distribution for new feature film, Jimami Tofu. Written, directed and produced by Jason Chan and Christian Lee, Jimami Tofu, a romantic feature set in Okinawa and Singapore has secured production funding and global distribution. Set to finish principal photography in early December it will be BananaMana Films’ first full length feature but has garnered pre-sales agreements with international distributors including Korean media giant IHQ, Japanese global TV platform VIKI and Encore Inflight.
Aurora Media Holdings and Kathy Morgan International announce multi-deal financing agreement. Singapore-based Aurora Media Holdings will be signing a multi-picture development and production financing agreement with global sales and marketing agency, Kathy Morgan International (KMI) – the deal matches Aurora’s recently established USD30M content fund with KMI’s stellar slate of international projects. The agreement also installs KMI’s President, Kathy Morgan, into Aurora’s advisory board. Aurora Media Holdings announces investment in BeachTV and partnership in opening an Indonesian office. Silver Wolf International and Monstrou Studio enter into co-production partnership for Salam Ramadhan series. Silver Wolf International and Monstrou Studio will enter an investment and co-production partnership for the Salam Ramadhan series – an info-education and travel series exploring the many ways Muslims around the world commemorate Ramadan in their respective home countries.
Silver Wolf International (Singapore) and FiTA Studios (Malaysia) sign second co-production and co-investment partnership for 8 new titles. Silver Wolf International and FiTA Studios will sign a second co-production and co-investment partnership for a slate of 8 titles. The partnership includes the co-production of 3 documentary titles, 2 blue-chip InfoEd titles, and the co-investment in 3 completed documentary titles. Silver Wolf International will also exclusively distribute these 8 titles worldwide. Silver Wolf International and EnMedia (Malaysia) announce the launch of new Food Channel in first quarter of 2017. Silver Wolf International announced the launch of a new Food Channel in partnership with EnMedia Sdn Bhd. The Food Channel will be launched in the first quarter of 2017, and is designed for the international market with original content in its programming.
Tech Storm, the entrepreneur TV, arrives at ATF 2016. BeVRR, Asia’s premier Virtual Reality VR Company, will be releasing Dining Stars, the world’s first 8-episode lifestyle series on 14 Dec 216. Dining Starts was filmed entirely in 360 degree Virtual Reality format, and will invite viewers to dine with supermodel Rebecca Tan and celebrity guests in the heart of award-winning restaurants. The series is the inaugural investment of the BeVRR VR Fund. Singapore-based Hiverlab debuts its new independent 360-degree VR documentary, Against Blue Currents, at ATF 2016. Hiverlab, a Singapore-based Virtual Reality Storytelling company, debuts its 360-degree documentary, Against Blue Currents, telling of a group of handicapped divers’ diving experiences in Redang Island, Malaysia. Both aerial and underwater 360-degree filming tech solutions developed by the production team were applied in this production. Singapore-based Ying Group’s BIG FOOD was named Best Infotainment Show at the 3rd Asia Rainbow TV Awards. Ying Group’s Big Food sees host Greta Georges discovering what it takes to make, manage and move massive amounts of food.


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Sun-N-Fun Resort tops list of best RV parks
Published: Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 7:04 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 7:04 p.m.
SARASOTA COUNTY - Sun-N-Fun Resort and Campground in Sarasota has been named “Mega Park of the Year” by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
The Sarasota resort is the flagship property of Carefree RV Resorts, one of the largest RV resort operators in North America with 66 parks in the U.S. and Canada.
Sun-N-Fun Resort beat out more than 500 other campsites for the “Mega Park” designation. This is the third win for Sun-N-Fun, with previous Park of the Year awards in 2008 and 2010.
This year's award was presented during the trade group's annual hospitality conference, in Tennessee.
“We are very excited to receive this award,” Tim Deputy, Sun-N-Fun's general manager and a vice president of Carefree, said in a statement. “It means so much to me and to the entire Sun-N-Fun team to have industry peers select us for this extraordinary recognition.”
Sun-N-Fun has housed vacationers and campers alike at its park, off Fruitville Road east of Interstate 75 in Sarasota, since 1967.
The 178-acre RV park was acquired by Arizona-based Carefree Communities in July, in a deal valued by area brokers at upwards of $50 million.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Leading global manufacturers, governments and associations promote smart growing technologies at Horti Asia and Agritechnica Asia
BANGKOK will welcome farmers and growers from throughout Asia in August when it hosts the Horti ASIA and AGRITECHNICA ASIA trade fairs. Attendance is expected to be driven by the region’s increasing demand for agricultural and horticultural technology, which has registered significant market growth in recent years.
Thailand, which is one of the world’s largest rice producers, is considered a major hub for farming and food production technologies in Asia, and according to an Indian government report (Thai Market for Agricultural Machinery*), the agricultural machinery market in the country was valued at 680 million euros in 2014. Economic diversification and steady urban migration is driving transformational change within the country’s agricultural and horticultural sectors as they redefine their place within the economy and society as a whole.
The farming and food sectors have traditionally benefitted from a large pool of labor, indeed 2017 figures suggest about 33 percent of the 38.4 million-strong workforce is involved in growing food, but this is more than five million less than in 1995. Now, with the agricultural workforce aging, and young people migrating towards the cities where industry is prevalent, Thailand’s agricultural and horticultural businesses are
approaching a crossroads between the practices of the past and the new technologies employed by modern agribusiness. This development can also be seen in most countries in Southeast Asia.
The ideal place to identify new technologies is at trade fairs, and the co-located exhibitions Horti ASIA and AGRITECHNICA ASIA, taking place at Bangkok’s International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from 22 to 24 August, will adopt the theme “Solutions for Horticulture and Agricultural Industries”. The events aim to provide powerful platforms where global experts from manufacturing, research and academia will share knowledge and provide advice on new techniques and technology aimed at increasing productivity in Asian agribusiness.
Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has a stated aim of improving agricultural production and promoting agricultural mechanization to reduce the labor requirement and increase efficiency in the sector. It recognizes that although the country currently boasts a robust agriculture sector and remains highly competitive in global export markets, demographic shifts will require more efficient and streamlined production methods going forward to keep Thai farmers profitable. Demand for tractors is particularly strong as they can be used for multiple purposes on Thai farms, and as rice is by far the country’s most important crop, rice transplanters is another promising segment in the country’s agricultural equipment market. Greenhouses and greenhouse technology, meanwhile, is in demand from specialist horticultural businesses as they compete for a share of the growing global food market.
SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS
Taking place for the second time, AGRITECHNICA ASIA has established itself as the trade fair for agricultural machinery in the Asian-Pacific region. This year it will include the Systems & Components Asia exhibition – an international platform for the latest developments in engines, hydraulics, axles, gearboxes, cabins, electronics and other components for agricultural machinery and related industries – for the first time. Systems & Components Asia will be a meeting point for visitors involved with research and development, procurement and purchasing at original equipment manufacturers in the off-highway sector.
Agricultural machinery on display at the Agritechnica Asia trade fair.
Smart greenhouse model.
Business discussion during the trade fair.
Government and organizer meeting in Hanover, Germany.


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The annual awards, now in their 17th year, unearth and champion Australia’s best primary and artisan food producers. The ‘Outstanding Innovation’ trophy is given to an individual, business, group or community in the food or agriculture industry demonstrating innovation in the production of food using sustainable methods.
Leeuwin Coast produces Australia’s first certified carbon neutral aquaculture products, with its Akoya and Albany Rock Oysters grown in the pristine waters of Western Australia. Leeuwin Coast’s products are certified by Climate Active, an Australian government initiative that is one of the most rigorous certifications in the world.
Harvest Road CEO, Paul Slaughter, said winning the ‘Outstanding Innovation’ award was well deserved recognition for the commitment of the Leeuwin Coast team in ensuring seafood is responsibly farmed using sustainable modern techniques and equipment.
“Leeuwin Coast is producing unique world-class seafood products out of our farms and facilities in the pristine environment of Albany, Western Australia and continually exploring ways to redefine best practice to ensure ongoing sustainability,” Mr Slaughter said.
Harvest Road’s general manager of aquaculture, Justin Welsh, said the award was recognition of the rapidly expanding popularity of Akoya, which while traditionally famous for producing spectacular saltwater pearls, has been transformed using bespoke aquaculture techniques into a sought-after delicacy in its own right.
“Chefs and hospitality operators across Australia have welcomed and embraced the Akoya, discovering new and inventive ways of cooking with it and educating consumers on its unique flavour profile, stories of origin and sustainability,” Dr Welsh said.
“Akoya is now featured on more than 100 restaurant menus across New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia and next month will launch in Queensland and South Australia.”
delicious. editorial director Kerrie McCallum said the awards were at the forefront of championing Australia’s finest producers, which are the unsung heroes behind the nation’s top chefs and restaurateurs.
“This year, we wanted to discover the producers leading the field in their production ethos, cultivation and wild-catch practices, and the top-quality produce it results in,” she said.
“We’ve acknowledged producers with a focus on environmental sustainability, provenance, species diversity, preservation and collaboration with the local community.”
A total of 18 trophies were awarded by the national judging panel, which includes some of Australia’s most renowned chefs, including Josh Niland, Lennox Hastie, Matt Stone, Jo Barrett, Matt Moran, Andrew McConnell, Peter Gilmore and Alla Wolf-Tasker, with winners across four major categories – Dairy, Earth, Paddock and Sea.
The full list of winners is available at delicious.com.au/produceawards


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By Phil Hall, PHA Media
In an ever-changing world of near-instant communication, technological tsunamis and the provision of easy and digestible online content, traditional newspapers are facing challenges at every turn.
The reach for newspapers has never been higher, but most of this growth is being driven by online mediums. Offering a wider readership and more targeted and effective advertising methods, digital outlets provide an unrivaled source of income for newspapers. The FT recorded its highest ever circulation in 2016 but three quarters of the total paying audience was derived from digital subscribers. [Full story]


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Once-soaring tech stocks sink in sobering comedown
By BARBARA ORTUTAYand MICHAEL LIEDTKE
SAN FRANCISCO - The stock market's laws of gravity are ravaging its highest fliers.
Just look at the list of technology trailblazers whose values have plummeted from record highs during the past few weeks. Investors have re-focused on safer sectors, such as utilities, health care and consumer staples, instead of companies that promise potential growth from online services building huge audiences.
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Best Black Friday Nintendo Switch Bundle Deals 2020 Found by Retail Egg
Nov 16 2020
That's second only to the record (807,000 units sold) set by the Wii system back in October 2008.
The Kyoto-based company has reported its strongest October sales yet for the console after announcing more than 735,000 Switch and Switch Lites sold.
This War of Mine: Complete Edition - containing the base game with expansions and three Stories episodes - is available now on Steam and the Nintendo eShop with a solid discount that lasts until November 16th on PC and November 30th on Nintendo Switch. Now, NPD has released sales numbers that give us a bit more insight on how the console is doing in the USA: According to the group, the Switch family saw its strongest October sales yet in the country this year.
The Switch has now sold more than 22.5 million units in the USA, and more than 63 million worldwide.
To date, the Switch has sold 22.5 million units in the U.S., and Nintendo revealed last week that more than 68 million units have been sold globally, reports The Verge.
Though an end to Nintendo's console sales dominance could very well be in the cards for November, even with the Switch bundles the company has on offer for Black Friday. These bundles come with popular titles such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Pokemon Sword and Shield for instant gaming out of the box.


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Preparations for the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) 2023 are well underway and on schedule. The event will start on Wednesday, November 8, and last to Friday, November 10, 2023, to be held in Expo Greater Amsterdam, located in Vijfhuizen, NH, in The Netherlands.
Click here to see the FloralDaily photo report of the trade fair.
The growing number of exhibiting flower growers is bringing IFTF every year again to a higher level. The event, which has become one of the biggest and most important cut flower trade fairs in the world, as a result, keeps on attracting more and more international flower buyers who want to meet with the growers that are exhibiting from all important flower-producing countries around the world.
In about 6 months’ time, the doors will open for the next edition of IFTF, and it promises to be another great edition for all those who are doing or want to do business in the international cut flower industry.
For more information:
International Floriculture Trade Fair


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Columbia Sportswear employees to receive regular pay as CEO cuts own salary to $10,000
Tim Boyle, who serves as president and CEO of Columbia Sportswear Company, will be reducing his annual salary to $10,000 as his company continues to pay its employees, despite its stores being closed, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for the sportswear brand confirmed the move by Boyle to The Hill on Sunday. The representative also added that a number of other company executives will be taking 15 percent pay cuts as well.
While the company does not disclose salary figures, The Oregonian reported that Boyle’s total pay in 2018 amounted to more than $3 million.
The decision by Boyle follows his recent announcement that his company would be extending the closure of all its brick-and-mortar stores in North America until April 10 due to safety concerns amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Our employees will continue to be paid during this period of time, and we hope to have them back at work soon,” Boyle said in the announcement on Friday.
He also added in the statement that his company, which was founded in 1938, has taken “many steps to carry out the health and safety advice from the relevant health authorities around the world to limit potential transmission of COVID-19.”
A spokesperson for the company said employees had already been given “catastrophic pay” for the past several weeks after the business closed its stores in response to the outbreak earlier this month. She added that the company has more catastrophic pay for its employees in the wake of its recent decision to extend the closures into early April.
The news comes days after a spokesperson for Texas Roadhouse Inc. told The Hill that its founder and CEO, W. Kent Taylor, would be giving up his entire bonus and base salary this year to pay his chain’s workers during the pandemic.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Teamwork makes the dream work, as the saying goes. And in the case of Houzz, the founding team of Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen have made that dream work in spades. The husband-and-wife duo has built a massive startup out of what started as a online look book for their own home improvement project in the leafy streets of Palo Alto.
Adi and Alon are taking to the stage at Disrupt in San Francisco this coming September. Grab a ticket at a discounted price, and come to see them talk about the ups and downs (mostly ups) that have gone into building their house, and their Houzz.
For the uninitiated, Houzz is an online community and marketplace focused on home decor, home improvement and the more practical side of keeping your home up and running.
The startup has been on a roll for the last several years and its wild popularity among Houzz devotees is a lesson for anyone and everyone working in the world of vertical media platforms being built around specific interests. (And those who wonder what sites like Pinterest, Facebook and Amazon might choose to do if they decide to move into that neighborhood.)
Now with over 40 million monthly active users, Houzz is now active in 15 countries and has pictures and listings of more than 9 million products from more than 20,000 sellers — and that’s before you consider the wider network of community snaps (example: there are nearly 2 million kitchen design ideas on the site among some 14.3 million home design photos).
Starting as a place for people to post pictures of their own home projects and track those of others for inspiration, Houzz has done some of its own remodeling, so to speak.
Over the years, Houzz has gradually built up a two-sided marketplace that covers any and all aspects of home building and care. Professionals in areas as diverse as architecture and interior design; carpentry; plumbing and home cleaning go to Houzz to connect with prospective customers. And customers go there to browse and figure out how to create their dream home.
And in the process, Houzz has pushed into other areas of tech and how those could be used to its advantage. This has included a move into looking at how augmented reality can be used to improve the Houzz experience, and expanding its API to bring more types of businesses into its ecosystem.
Little surprise that Houzz has been on a funding tear, too. The company is now reportedly valued at $4 billion after raising a whopping $400 million round this month. That’s almost double the valuation it had in its last round of funding around three years ago.
Join us at Disrupt in San Francisco this September to hear Adi and Alon! Get yer tickets here!


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Covid-19 impact on Telcos digital usage
Daniele Pe - Senior Managing Director
Julio Stuart - Team Leader
Covid-19 has driven a dramatic increase in digital adoption. In fact, our recent research study on the pandemic's impact on digital usage revealed that 54% of consumers now consider themselves to be digital-first.
However, while Covid-19 created a forced opportunity for brands to reposition their digital experience, the research also shed light on certain insights that are contrary to popular beliefs. Going forward, businesses will need to be cautious of common myths surrounding digital acceleration.
Download the report:
© 2021 Delta Partners.


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According to a recent report, 27.5 percent of the organized apparel retailers in India have adopted e-commerce in one form or other, and about 20 percent of garment retailers are present on multiple online platforms indicating the growing importance of the online shopper.
Mr. Sanjay Shroff, founder, director and CEO of Styletag.com, a leading online retailer of luxury clothing, told fibre2fashion, “E-commerce is in an exciting place in India right now. It is growing and we are getting new players in the market.”
“In India, e-commerce started with a bend towards electronics and utility goods. But now we are seeing a bigger movement towards clothing e-commerce,” he informs.
According to Zivame.com, premier online lingerie store in India, the entire world has gone digital and India has 10 million online users. “Lot of apparel brands are using online channels to promote their products and sometimes just to build an interaction with their customers. Through online portals, we are able to understand shopping behavior of our customers and target them better,” says the company representative.”
“Digital platform works especially well for an online business because it helps in driving traffic (footfalls) to the website more efficiently and more often. Digital platform when supported with a 360 degree brand campaign helps in increasing brand recall,” states Zivame.com.
However, Mr. Nischal Puri, managing director of Brandis, one of the leading suppliers of branded lingerie in India, says, “Online shopping is still at its infancy in India and the majority of consumers are shopping online for novelty factor. While ease of shopping is one of the key benefits, the lack of experience is a disadvantage.”
“There is a strong possibility that e-shopping will be lucrative for certain selected categories but for other categories where consumers demand shopping experience might find it hard to get traction,” he concludes.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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Cyfrowy Plans to Buy Polkomtel in $1.7 Billion Share DealMarta Waldoch and Maciej Martewicz
Cyfrowy Polsat SA, the Polish media group controlled by billionaire Zygmunt Solorz-Zak, agreed to buy mobile-phone company Polkomtel in a 5.15 billion-zloty ($1.7 billion) all-share transaction.
Cyfrowy will issue 243.9 million shares at 21.12 zloty each to acquire an 84 percent stake in Solorz-Zak’s Metelem Holding Company Ltd., which is the sole owner of Warsaw-based Polkomtel, Cyfrowy said in a statement today. It may offer a further 47.3 million shares to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development if the London-based lender, which owns the remaining 16 percent of Metelem, decides to participate in the deal.
Carriers across Europe are expanding to offer packages of TV, Internet and phone services, a strategy that increases customer loyalty and monthly bills. Vodafone Group Plc bought German cable provider Kabel Deutschland Holding AG this year for 7.5 billion euros ($10.1 billion) and Deutsche Telekom AG agreed to acquire GTS Central Europe for 546 million euros to expand fixed networks in Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania.
“Improving Polkomtel’s financing structure and planned synergies seem the main reasons behind the deal, while the situation on the domestic phone market has worsened since Solorz-Zak took over Polkomtel,” Przemyslaw Sawala-Uryasz, an analyst at UniCredit SpA, said by phone from Warsaw today.
Cyfrowy shares slumped 8.2 percent to 20.53 zloty at 1:16 p.m. in Warsaw, trimming this year’s advance to 25 percent and valuing the company at 7.15 billion zloty. Yields on Cyfrowy 2018 euro-denominated bonds jumped to a four-month high of 5.449 percent, while yields on Polkomtel’s 2020 Eurobonds declined to a record low of 7.295 percent today.
Cyfrowy sees operating savings from the merger at 3.5 billion zloty while financial savings will reach 500 million zloty through 2019, according to its statement. Combined net debt of Cyfrowy and Metelem is 12 billion zloty, or 3.1 times their joint earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, it said. The company plans to lower the ratio to below 2.5 by the end of 2016.
“The deal will increase Cyfrowy’s debt, but the promise of gigantic synergies is encouraging,” Sawala-Uryasz said.
The purchase of Polkomtel, which Solorz-Zak took over in 2011 for 18.1 billion zloty in the biggest leveraged buyout in Poland, will create the country’s largest media and phone company, whose nine-month sales were 9.7 billion zloty. Cyfrowy competes with Warsaw-based TVN SA and Vivendi SA’s pay-TV unit.
The transaction comes at the time when Poland is preparing to auction high-speed mobile Internet frequencies. Operators across the globe are rushing to build faster networks based on Long Term Evolution, or LTE, technology that will enable consumers to shop online and stream videos faster and communicate better.
Poland is seeking at least 1.6 billion zloty from the auction, while Austria raised 2 billion euros and the Czech Republic plans to get at least 8.72 billion koruna ($432 million).
Polkomtel, which already offers LTE-based Internet covering 62 percent of Poland’s 38.5 million population, is facing competition from France’s Orange SA and Deutsche Telekom AG, which have yet to start the services.
Cyfrowy plans to complete the Polkomtel acquisition, refinance its own debt and repay Polkomtel’s pay-in-kind notes in the second quarter of next year, according to a presentation on its website. The company then will seek to refinance other Polkomtel debt by 2016.


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The Volvo Ocean Race recently released a 133 page report into the previous edition. Much of that report was dedicated to the return on investment received by sponsors of the race.
One of the findings of the report was that sponsors of sailing can get better returns than other sports because the brand-name is mentioned more than the names of the athletes. The report says:
“The Volvo Ocean Race occupies an exceptional space in the sporting world as a major property that is universally referred to with a brand name in the title, while offering similar opportunities for sponsors backing individual teams.
The fact that sailors on board are not generally household names across the world can actually help sponsors too. There is little option for media covering the race but to refer to several brand names whereas in other sport, news organisations work hard to avoid making such references. With the Volvo Ocean Race, such avoidance is not realistically possible.”
While this sounds good for sponsors, it doesn’t sound like something that is good for the sport in the long term, especially if sailing wants to create long term fans.
Fans follow athletes or teams, they don’t follow brands, which makes the situation that the Volvo Ocean Race is currently in a bit strange. Race organisers have announced the first entry for the next race. The entry has a sponsor, but it has no skipper and no team – so where are the fans going to come from?
The team is designated as an all female entry. The thought process presumably is that women will follow the team because of that fact only. But what happens when the sponsor doesn’t want to be in sailing anymore? What happens to the team and what happens to the fans of that team?
The Vendee Globe, which has the advantage of featuring just one person per boat, also suffers sometimes as the PR people stuff their releases with the sponsor’s name. But fans of Mike Golding or Sam Davies can continue to follow their favourite even if they are wearing a different company’s logo from the last time.
Other teams, that benefit from the patronage of a wealthy private owner or investor can also create long term franchises, though these have the same problem of longevity if that backer decides they don’t want to play anymore.
Ironically, the sport of sailing has the structure to create location based teams that have long histories and traditions. The America’s Cup is based on this structure, being a competition between yacht clubs – though this is often underplayed.
The sport of sailing relies on sponsorship because the business model doesn’t provide many other forms of revenue, however – the balance of athlete recognition and sponsor brand recognition is needs to swing in favour of the competitors if long term fans are to be created.


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Design and manufacturing companies must adapt quickly to the demands of an increasingly global and competitive economy. To speed time to market for products, they need to be able to collaborate and manage design lifecycles effectively
With so many vendors claiming to have a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), it can be difficult to tell what makes each one different. John Pescatore of SANS Institute explains what enterprises look for when considering alternative NGFW solutions.
Data security breaches happen daily in too many places at once to keep count. But what constitutes a huge breach versus a small one? For some perspective, we take a look at 15 of the biggest incidents in recent memory


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The CIOT has responded to consultations by the UK government and the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS on the Pillar 2 rules addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy – the Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules.
ATT, CIOT and LITRG press releases gave their initial reactions to the announcements on tax by the Chancellor in his Spring Statement on 23 March 2022 and to the Tax Plan that sets out the government’s future direction of travel in relation to tax policy.
In its conclusion to the Business Rates Review consultation in 2020-21, the government committed to exploring whether introducing an online sales tax may be a viable option to address the rebalancing of the business rates system, where the costs of business rates for bricks and mortar high street retailers exceed those for online retailers who are generally less dependent on high value properties.
The CIOT and the Stamp Taxes Practitioners Group have responded to the recent consultation by the Welsh government on using land transaction tax to help to address the impact of second homes and short-term holiday lets on permanent housing in Wales.
Representatives of the CIOT, LITRG and the ATT have attended recent forums with HMRC, including the Employment and Payroll Group, the Collection of Student Loans Group, the Expat Tax Forum and the Employment Status and Intermediaries Forum.
The CIOT has responded to a technical consultation on draft regulations relating to the freeports zero rate of secondary Class 1 national insurance contributions, which will relax the working time requirement for certain freeport site employees.


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US durable goods orders dip in August, amid 'apparent' rebound in orders for capital goods
Orders for goods made to last more than three years dipped last month, even as those for capital goods appeared to stage a rebound.
According to the Department of Commerce, total new orders for durable goods slipped at a month-on-month pace of 0.2% in seasonally adjusted terms during the month of August to reach $272.66bn (consensus: -0.1%).
In year-on-year terms meanwhile they grew by 10.9%.
Excluding the often volatile transportation sector, they rose by 0.2% on the month (consensus: 0.3%).
Orders for non-defense aircraft and parts plummeted by 18.5% versus July, dragging down the headline reading, although a 31.2% jump in those for defence aircraft acted as a partial offset.
Nonetheless, orders for so-called core capital goods (consensus: 0.2%) jumped by 1.3%.
Machinery orders were up by 0.3% on the month, those for computers and electronic products by 0.8% and those for motor vehicles and parts by 0.3%.
All in all, Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the figures appeared to indicate that the trend in total orders had "slowed a bit further", although part of that, at least, was the result of the decline in lumber prices.
The trend in core capital goods orders was looking "more healthy" in real terms, he said.
"The clear downturn in the first few months of the year appears to be over [...]
"If the recent trend in the hard numbers continues, we'll have to revise up our Q4 capex forecasts, though we're hesitant to do that now, given the potential for soaring rates to dampen activity again."


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Gemfields Aug. auction of emerald, beryl nets $16M
August 13, 2014
Lusaka, Zambia--Gemfields recent auction of predominantly lower-quality rough emerald and beryl generated $15.5 million for the gemstone miner, the second-highest amount achieved at one of the miner’s lower-quality auctions.
The auction, held from Aug. 5 to 8 in Lusaka, Zambia, marked the first in the company’s fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2015. Of the 21 lots offered, 17 were sold, with 21 companies in attendance and bidding.
The auction was 96 percent sold by carat weight but only 88 percent sold by value. Including the low-grade beryl, the auction realized a per-carat price of $1.34.
Excluding the sale of the 1.5 tons of rough beryl (since no beryl was sold in the three previous auctions of lower quality), the per-carat price was $3.61. This is a 9 percent increase on the $3.32 achieved at the most recent lower-quality auction, held in November 2013.
Total sales for the August auction, however, were lower than the company record set for lower-grade auctions last November, which reached $16.4 million.
Sixteen auctions held since July 2009 featuring emerald and beryl mined at the Kagem mine in Zambia have generated $276 million in total revenues.
“Gemfields has now completed five successful auctions in Zambia, all during the last 17 months. We were pleased to see a significant quantity of our low-grade beryl sold at this auction, something we have not seen at auction since November 2011. Excluding the effect of this material, we set a new record unit price of $3.61 per carat for our lower-quality auctions, underlining yet again how robust demand remains for our Zambian emeralds,” said CEO Ian Harebottle.
Gemfields’ next auction of emeralds is slated to take place before Dec. 31.


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A strike vote for Liquor Mart union members is scheduled to start on November 27, 2014. If passed, Liquor Mart stores in Manitoba will be closed during the pre-Christmas rush.
Liquor distribution centres will also be closed, which means that liquor supply at various retailers and venues will be limited. Those looking to drink their favorite beer during the CFL Grey Cup on November 30 might have to settle with whatever stock is left.
Upcoming Events That Risk Being ‘Dry’:
- Lights concert at Burton Cummings – November 27
- Various Winnipeg Jets games at MTS Centre
- Trailer Park Boys at Club Regent Event Centre – December 10
- WWE Live at MTS Centre – December 20
Due to government regulations, bottles of hard alcohol will be impossible to purchase during a Liquor Mart strike. Beer vendors may continue to operate, but with liquor distribution centres closed, they’ll be limited to whatever stock they have left.
On November 26, a bargaining day is schedule that could make the strike vote unnecessary. If things don’t go well, then expect Liquor Marts around the city to be VERY busy on November 27.


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Black Rifle Company opens roasting facility in Tennessee
By Jacki Billings
Tennessee gets a taste of Black Rifle Coffee as the veteran-owned and operated company announced the opening of a brand new roasting facility in Tennessee.
The plant, located in Manchester, Tennessee — about 65 miles southeast of Nashville — will create 52 jobs over the next five years. Part of a $6 million investment into the state, Black Rifle Coffee Company CEO and founder Evan Hafer said the Tennessee factory will help ensure American consumers gain the freshest coffee.
“As our company grows, so does our need to be close to our customers,” Hafer said in a press release. “Opening the roasting facility in Tennessee gives us the ability to deliver the highest-quality product to the entire eastern half of the United States in the most cost-efficient and timely manner possible.”
Black Rifle Coffee Company has made the commitment to employ over 10,000 veterans and the new operations in Tennessee will help further that mission. The company said qualified veterans living in Tennessee will have first considerations for open positions.
“Our commitment to veterans is one of the cornerstones this company was built on,” Mat Best, the vice president of Black Rifle Coffee Company, said. “Whether it’s supporting veteran and first responder causes, funding


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You are hereHome >
FDA Protects Public by Releasing Two Long-Delayed Food Safety Rules; Five Critical Rules Still Yet To Be Released
Washington, D.C. - Statement of Nasima Hossain, U.S. PIRG public health advocate, on the FDA’s proposed new rules for food safety:
“After a one-year delay, the FDA finally released two vital food safety rules that will help protect American consumers from unsafe and contaminated food. The proposed rules will improve the safety of produce and establish better preventative controls and practices in food manufacturing.
“The lengthy delay of these rules has allowed our nation’s food safety problems to continue unchecked. Every year there are an estimated 48 million illnesses, 127,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths caused by food contamination — costing us more than $70 billion annually in health related expenses. Strong and prompt implementation of these new rules will help to finally bring those numbers down and give consumers the safe food supply they deserve.
“Still, the FDA has failed to release five additional long-overdue rules to improve food safety and we will continue to advocate for release of the other rules, so that no American lives are at risk from unsafe food.”
Tools & Resources
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We have a chance to cut billions in junk food subsidies this year. Your support will help us do the research, advocacy and grassroots organizing to convince our elected officials to act.
Each year, our tax dollars pay for enough junk food additives to buy 8.5 two-liter bottles of soda for each person under 18. Help stop the subsidies for junk food.
Join our network and stay up to date on our campaigns, get important consumer updates and take action on critical issues.


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Woolworths urgently recalls its 100% apple juice. Here's what you should do
If you or someone you know has recently purchased the 200ml cartons of Woolworths' Apple Juice, you may want to return them to the nearest [Woolworths] store for a refund.
This as the retail giant has announced it's recalling single boxes and six-packs with the best before the dates of 23, 28 and 29 March 2022.
Through its Twitter account, the retailer said it was identified that these products contain levels of patulin above the regulatory limits. According to the Twitter thread, Patulin is a naturally occurring mycotoxin commonly associated with apples.
Those who have purchased the affected products should visit their nearest Woolies stores for a full refund.
This recall comes days after LiquiFruit announced its recall of its version of the same [Apple Juice] products for the same reason.
Earlier this year, Tiger Brands recalled some KOO, Hugo’s, Helderberg defective cans due to a side weld seam issue that may cause the cans to leak.
Taking to social media the brand said products manufactured from 1 May 2019 to 5 May 2021 are affected. These should be returned to stores for a full refund.


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Smart Phone Revolution
I currently use an android touch screen phone (HTC Desire) along with a growing number of users who are leaving behind the mobile phone for the “Smart” Phone. The ability to manage your emails on the move, perform online shopping and even managing your home TIVO recordings whenever and wherever you are!
The new ICE CREAM version of android has been announced with features such as Face recognition and improved voice commands which listens constantly for commands. I can’t help but wonder “What Next?”
Gesture control, further improved voice commands, cloud home computing so you can manage documents you create on your home computer on other devices seems to be just a few of the features coming to our “smart phones”.


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After the successful completion of Comicstaan 2, Amazon Prime Video has come up with yet another comedy show, but this time it features celebrities trying their hand at stand-up comedy. The streaming service recently released the first trailer of the show.
The show will feature Taapsee Pannu, Richa Chadha, Shashi Tharoor, Vishal Dadlani and Bhuvan Bam who will be mentored by well-known comedians Zakir Khan, Ashish Shakya, Rohan Joshi, Kunal Kamra, Angad Singh Ranyal. The celeb-comedian pairing is done by the makers, keeping in mind their personal beliefs. The show will be hosted by Sapan Verma. It will have a total of five episodes, each featuring one celebrity performer.
In the first trailer of the show, we see actor Taapsee Pannu and YouTuber Bhuvan Bam trying their hand at comedy.
Comedian Sapan Verma, who is also the showrunner, said in a statement, “The concept of One Mic Stand came to me many years ago and I am glad that Amazon Prime Video was so supportive in making it happen. I think the idea of seeing your favourite people in a new vulnerable position is always endearing. Basically, I have got famous celebrities so that the show gets the views and top comedians to ensure the show is funny, so that I can just sit back and not do much.”
One Mic Stands premieres on November 15 on Amazon Prime Video.


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Economic Times |
Apple iPhone 8 Launch: Live Updates
Follow the latest from the Apple iPhone 8 Launch event, LIVE from the Steve Jobs Theatre in Cupertino, California. Track this space for live updates of what Apple has to offer in its mega event.
1 New Update Click here for latest updates
And with that, it's a wrap from the Steve Jobs Theatre at Cupertino in California! Thank you for following us.
"We work really hard at Apple to create wonderful things, and we hope you love what we've introduced today. I think Steve would be really proud of them."
- Tim Cook
Apple goes the augmented reality way, shows demos on iPhone 8
The iPhone X is armed for the future!
The new Animoji feature in iOS 11 is the animated versions of the popular emoji found on the iPhone. It will use the Face ID hardware face-scanning features of the iPhone X to create custom 3D versions based on your own facial expressions.
Apple announces Animoji, animated emoji for iOS 11
iPhone X goes hi-tech, introduces Face ID
This new phone from Apple features an edge-to-edge screen with a notch at the top to accommodate the front-facing camera and sensors. It also has the highest pixel-density (458ppi) display ever in an iPhone, and Apple has termed in the Super Retina display.
No home button in iPhone X
This (iPhone X) is the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone.
- Tim Cook
And the iPhone X is here!
8 Plus $799 for 64GB, also a 256GB version. Pre-orders on September 15th, arriving September 22nd. iOS 11 coming September 19th.
- Paul Schiller
Go on, plan your life now!
Schiller emphasises that the future is wireless. iPhone 8 has LTE Advanced, BT 5.0 and a glass back for wireless charging!
"Not filters, lighting effect"
Paul Schiller makes a point to say that these aren't filters. It's adjusting the lighting effect. ...
iPhone 8 gets Portrait Lighting
New dual-camera feature called "Portrait Lighting": the dual cameras sense depth and rework the lighting while you compose the shot.
What's new in the iPhone 8 & 8 Plus?
8 and 8 Plus sealed for water and dust resistance. Custom aluminum alloy, glass has a seven-layer color process, internal steel and copper structure. The glass is the most durable ever in a smartphone.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus announced with glass back, True Tone display
Phil Schiller onstage now, talks about the iPhone 8
Custom aluminum alloy, glass has a seven-layer color process, internal steel and copper structure. The glass is the most durable ever in a smartphone, says Schiller.
The iPhone 8 is here
"It's truly amazing how much iPhone impacts the world each and every day. Our intention with iPhone has always been to create something so powerful, so immersive and so magical, that the hardware virtually disappears."
- Tim Cook
Tim Cook is back on stage - talks about the iPhone
"The first iPhone forever changed how we interact with technology by introducing multitouch."
New Apple TV announced with 4K HDR video
Apple unveiled a long anticipated upgrade to its Apple TV set-top box. This makes it now capable of playing movies and TV shows at 4K Ultra HD resolution. Tim Cook said that TV is at an “inflection point” with the mainstream adoption of 4K.
Apple’s watchOS 4 due out September 19th with better heart rate monitoring
New Apple Watch announced with LTE
Apple announced its Apple Watch Series 3 today, the first to include LTE-compatibility. This means that you can now stream music and make phone calls without having to carry your phone around!
Jeff Williams, Apple COO, has more good things to say about Apple Watch
Apple Watch is the most-used heartrate monitor in the world.
Apple Watch on a roll!
Tim Cook is a proud man tonight. Says that Apple Watch is now numero uno in the world, above Rolex, Fossil, Omega, Cartier. Apple Watch has experienced 50% year on year.
Tim Cook is back on stage ...
... And begins with "Let's get going." Also proudly states that Apple Watch is designed to help people stay active and motivated so they can have a better day!
Apple launches Today
Angela Ahrendts: This summer, to turn on these new features, we've launched Today at Apple
Our people are our soul...
Angela Ahrendts from Apple Retail: We've always said that our people are our soul... but along with our amazing teams, our commitment to design sets us apart. That's why we think of Apple Retail as Apple's largest products. And like all of our products, we design new features.
Angela Ahrendts from Apple Retail addresses the gathering
"We don't call them stores anymore, we call them Town Squares. They are gathering places."
Steve's vision and passion live on in Apple Park
Tim Cook: Jobs's vision for Apple Park was to create an incredible new workplace of the future where designers and engineers could collaborate on the next generations of Apple products.
Remembering Steve the genius
Founder Tim Cook says that Jobs had an uncanny ability to unlock the talent of everyone he worked with
Tim Cook takes centretsage, dedicates the theatre to founder Steve Jobs
And it's on...
The biggest event has begun
The countdown has begun...
30 minutes to go...
...and the auditorium is filling up fast. Coldplay and Eminem on the playlist as guests entered the venue
The magic is about to begin!
Apple fans and journalists are flocking the Steve Jobs Theatre for the big announcements.
Betting big on the iPhone 8
In the run-up to the launch of the new iPhone, the shares of the company have surged nearly 16 per cent in the last 6 months. Experts say the new phone could put the tech giant closer to becoming the world's first $1 trillion company.
Meanwhile on the bourses ...
Ahead of the launch of much-awaited new iPhone, shares of the world’s biggest company were down 0.12 per cent or $0.20 at $161.30 in the morning session on Nasdaq.
A foyer with a view!
That's the foyer of the Steve Jobs Theatre. Wish you were there? Yes, we too!
Will the Chinese charm work for Apple?
After 6 quarters of falling sales, will it be Lucky Number 8 for Apple in China?
All roads lead to Cupertino!
And, here is a glimpse of the Apple's new visitor center in Cupertino. This is where Apple will reveal its 'anniversary' edition products and other surprises.
iPhone turns 10!
Passport to excitement, and more things tech!
The Steve Jobs Theatre in Cupertino is buzzing. And our correspondent, Hitesh Raj Bhagat, is one of the few lucky souls tonight watching it LIVE! Catch all his updates here.
If rumours are to be believed, the new iPhone will come with an all-glass back with the dual camera module placed vertically on the left corner. Only time (3 hours to be precise!) will tell if the rumours turn true!
What's going to be Apple's big reveal?
India has become a sweet spot for Apple which is facing headwinds elsewhere, especially China and Taiwan
Apple gets a new address!
This is the first event to be held at the Steve Jobs Theater at the new Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Various leaks have indicated the new phone will feature a sharper display and a so-called OLED screen
The countdown has begun
Three hours to go for the year's biggest phone extravaganza. What's in store?


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Dark Horse has promoted Sarah Robertson to Director of Sales effective immediately. She will serve as the head of the Dark Horse Comics sales division. She will be responsible for business development, overseeing the in-house sales team, managing distributor and retailer relationships, sales forecasting, increasing department performance, and other key functions.
“Sarah has been an energetic, intelligent, and inspirational leader of the sales team,” said Dark Horse’s executive vice president, Neil Hankerson. “We are pleased that she accepted her new position as director of sales.”
Robertson started at Dark Horse Comics in 2008 as an account executive and was recently promoted to manager of sales in January 2013.
“I’m very happy to be continuing my time as part of the Dark Horse family with this new title,” said Robertson. “I have a wonderful team who have been beside me all the way and look forward to taking the department even further as director.”
She is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she received her bachelor of commerce degree with a major in global business management. In her free time, Robertson enjoys voice acting and has had roles in the video games Gone Home (2013), Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014), and Tacoma (2016).


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In the early 1920s, Quebec’s maple industry was in disarray. Quebec producers were powerless against business interests that controlled the market and offered a meager 4¢ to 5¢ per pound – “take it or leave it.” To address the problem Quebec’s minister of agriculture asked Cyrille Vaillancourt, head of the apiculture and maple syrup department, to find a solution. In collaboration with the Coopérative Fédérée de Québec, the Coopérative was officially formed in 1924.
Official incorporation of the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. On May 2, 102 producers from Dorchester and Mégantic counties associate to form a united front against a buyers’ monopoly whose demands threaten market stability. Together, they put in place structures for collecting, storing, and marketing maple syrup.
Signing of the first U.S. sales contract with an agent, John G. Paton & Co. Inc. (August, 1927).
Largest single sale to this day outside the country takes place, an order originating in England. In the same year, a new product is developed at the Plessisville plant: maple butter, the only product of its kind that is certified pure.
Two of the Cooperative’s national brands earn distinction: Citadelle for its lighter-coloured, flavourful products and CAMP brand with its darker colour and more pronounced maple flavour.
Introduction of a new kind of maple syrup with a stronger maple flavour known as Maple Concentrate.
The Producteurs de Sucre d’érable de Québec celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
Maple syrup is now sold in 26 oz. cans instead of gallon containers.
Citadelle products are honoured at the Brussels International Exhibition, which contributes to the brand’s growing awareness.
The city of Paris organizes the world’s first international food exhibition. It is also the first time that Citadelle and CAMP products are showcased on such an enormous stage.
In April, Citadelle products go on sale during the Ideal show in England. The Cooperative’s products enjoy a surge of popularity in the UK.
On November 30, the Honourable Cyrille Vaillancourt, the Cooperative’s founder and manager, passes away at age 77.
As part of official foreign visits and as symbol of Canada, the federal government purchases and gives out Citadelle gift boxes.
The Cooperative moves its head office to Plessisville from its former Desjardins Building location in Lévis.
Founding of the International Maple Syrup Institute in collaboration with industry representatives from Canada and the U.S.
A Japanese TV crew records sugaring off footage destined for the airwaves on Tokyo television.
In collaboration with the International Maple Syrup Institute, creation of a logo that allows consumers to identify pure, authentic products at a glance.
Installation of 24 stainless steel maple syrup storage reservoirs for the maintenance of consistent quality.
Kosher certification obtained enabling development of new markets.
We join the North American Maple Syrup Council / Conseil Nord-Américain du Sirop d’Érable as the member representing Quebec.
Creation of Les Produits Restigouche inc. in Nouveau-Brunswick in collaboration with the Maple Syrup Producers of New Brunswick.
ISO 9002 certified, a first for a maple processor.
Creation of Les Produits de l’érable du Témis inc. involving a group of producers from the Témiscouata area.
We adopt a new corporate designation: Citadelle Maple Syrup Producers’ Cooperative.
Acquisition of Les Produits d’érable Beaudry inc. and Produits Tradition Internationale inc.
Installation of 14 new reservoirs giving the Cooperative the world’s biggest maple syrup storage capacity.
During the summer Citadelle holds a day-long open house to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its founding.
Construction of a new warehouse in Plessisville enabling leading edge processing and commercialization that meet the industry’s highest standards.
In January, CFIA (the Canadian Food Inspection Agency) grants HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification to Citadelle’s Shady Maple Farms Ltd. Division in La Guadeloupe (Beauce region).
A new Canadian Maple Delights bistro-boutique opens on June 26 at 84 rue St-Paul in the heart of Old Montreal, a popular tourist area. The cooperative also launches tertiary production with new products that offer significant growth opportunities on international markets.
Market introduction of Shady Maple Farms Ltd. products including thick syrup, maple butter and maple taffy that does not crystalize on the shelf.
Major transaction leading to acquisition of Shady Maple Farms Ltd.
Canadian Maple Delights opens a bistro-boutique in early June at Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
Acquisition of all assets of Cleary’s Maple Products.
Inauguration of a new tertiary transformation plant, a first in the maple industry.
Opening of New Maple Delights store in Quebec and two museums ( Montreal and Quebec) .
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada chooses three sites, one of which is the Coop’s Plessisville facility, in designating maple products to be of national historic significance.
Acquisition of Smokey Kettle Inc. in Ontario and La Coulée d'Abbotsford and merger with the Société Coopérative agricole des apiculteurs du Québec.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada unveils a plaque at our head office commemorating the importance of maple syrup production in the country’s history.
Acquisition of the La Maison Bergevin inc. cranberry processing plant in Quebec.
Canadian Maple Delights products are now available online.
Development of a cranberry processing plant in Aston-Joncton.
Open day to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the cooperative.


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Timothy Hentschel ’01 named Cornell Hospitality Innovator for 2018
Timothy Hentschel ’01, cofounder and CEO of HotelPlanner, the world’s largest online group travel provider, has been named the recipient of the 2018 Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award, an honor given annually by the Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at the Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Hentschel will receive the award at the 10th annual Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards gala, Tuesday, June 5, at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.
HotelPlanner was established in 2003 by Hentschel and his business partner, John Prince, a software engineer and COO. HotelPlanner was an early leader in providing online resources for group travel, becoming a mainstay for group event planners and hotel partners alike. “The world-class teaching and creative minds at the Hotel School inspired me to pursue a career rooted in entrepreneurship and hospitality and provided me with the tools for success,” said Hentschel. “Surrounding myself with supportive, smart, and successful role models helped forge my drive to build a company.”
Today, HotelPlanner provides group travel technology expertise to over 4.2 million group event planners while servicing $7 billion in group hotel booking requests in 2017 and an expected $10 billion in 2018. The company has U.S. headquarters in West Palm Beach, Fla., European headquarters in London, and additional offices in Hong Kong and Las Vegas.
With its inception in 2009, the Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards became the largest event on the Hotel School’s calendar, attracting more than 600 influential leaders and innovators in the hospitality and travel industries from more than a dozen countries each year. The event is a key fundraiser for the Hotel School’s annual fund, which provides critical need-based scholarships for students.


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Microsoft is updating the recently launched beta of Windows Phone App Studio to improve performance and scalability after the new app development tool crossed 55,000 active projects.
Nokia has started rolling out the Amber software update to its Lumia smartphones, which will allow users to take better pictures and get new camera apps.
Microsoft recently unveiled the Windows Phone App Studio, a tool to make it easier to develop apps for Windows Phone smartphones. Microsoft is hoping it will help expand the volume and variety of apps available in the Windows Phone Store, but it's an...
Hoping to generate more apps for its mobile platform, Microsoft has launched an online tool that could allow even non-developers to create new programs for Windows Phone 8.
Taking a look at IDC's smartphone numbers, one thing is clear--success currently comes to those making iPhones and Android devices. IDC's top five smartphone vendors included either Apple or smartphone makers focused on Android.
Nokia has announced the impending availability of the Lumia 625 Windows Phone in Australia, with the low-cost smartphone set to be available from late August.
Nokia has officially announced its Lumia 1020 smartphone with superior camera and video technologies, including a 41 megapixel optical sensor and 6x zoom.
Armed with the Nokia Lumia 1020's camera superiority in a crowded smartphone market dominated by Android and iOS, it appears that Nokia is helping Windows Phone instead of the other way around.
Microsoft has doubled the support lifespan of Windows Phone 8 from 18 to 36 months and promised to release an enterprise-oriented "feature pack" for the mobile operating system in the first half of 2014.
Telstra has announced pricing and plan details for Nokia's new Lumia 925 smartphone, which goes on sale from Tuesday, 30 July.
If there was any doubt left that Nokia's next Windows Phone would have a greatly improved camera, Microsoft erased it with a couple of Flickr photos.
Nokia has announced the Australian launch of its latest Windows Phone, the Lumia 925. The flagship smartphone will be available through Telstra and Optus, along with selected retail stores beginning this month.
Nokia is expected to launch a follow-up to its 41-megapixel 808 PureView running Windows Phone on July 11, a move that will give the struggling phone vendor a much needed boost, according to one analyst.
Although Microsoft took a pass on 1080p display support in Windows Phone 8, that support is looking more likely for later this year.
Spanish operator Telefónica is worried about the Android-iOS smartphone duopoly, and has joined with Microsoft in a marketing blitz that it hopes will convince consumers to pick up smartphones based on Windows Phone.
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GGG Evaluation Team
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
For work use, Microsoft Word and Excel programs pre-installed on the device are adequate for preparing short documents.
The Fujitsu LifeBook UH574 allowed for great mobility without being obnoxiously heavy or clunky. Its twelve hours of battery life did not disappoint.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.
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The government started accepting applications from small businesses like restaurants and bars for pandemic subsidies of up to 20 million won ($17,000) -- and payments went out almost immediately.
It was the first supplementary budget for this year and the fifth since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
The government has been enforcing the Level 2.5 social distancing for more than two months around the capital region, while allowing one more business hour until 10:00 p.m. in other regions. Whether such strict measures are...
A full 90 percent of the third round of relief grants will be distributed before the Lunar New Year holidays next month, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki reaffirmed.
The central bank said Wednesday it will further expand financial support for smaller merchants and firms to help them ease a funding squeeze amid the new coronavirus outbreak.


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Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Little demand, even less supply
South Africa’s inflation rate reached 7,2% year-on-year in December 2022, and while this was 0,2% lower month-on-month, it was still higher than the target of 3% to 6% set by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
Inflation refers to the increase in prices of goods and services, and in July last year, the country reached a peak inflation rate of 7,8%. As a result, in December, we were paying an average of 7,4% more for said goods and services, while the salaries of many South Africans increased by far less than the inflation rate. So, in essence, we are all getting poorer.
There are various other reasons for the rise in the cost of goods and services. For example, the skyrocketing fuel prices have certainly added to the burden of inflation. In addition, as the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and demand increases, the supply of commodities continues to decrease, leading to higher prices. What’s more, the Russia-Ukraine war has led to further diminished supplies and even more price hikes.
Higher inflation means consumers have less money to spend on both necessities and luxuries. This has a negative impact on agriculture, as farmers who produce ‘luxury’ goods, such as berries and nuts, may find the market for their produce diminishing. Input costs are also on the rise, which means that farmers are receiving less money for their produce. This, of course, has a domino effect on other industries that rely on primary agriculture to generate income.
One of the ways in which central banks such as the SARB have tried to curb inflation is by raising the interest rate. This means that consumers have less money to spend on goods and services, which leads to a decrease in demand and a stabilisation of prices.
However, this is a double whammy for South African consumers, who are battling not only surging food prices, but unemployment and load-shedding, too, which will undoubtedly lead to more unemployment as small businesses exit their respective industries.
Essentially, the problem we face is not an increase in demand, but rather a lack of supply. Thus, raising the interest rate will have little long-term benefits in terms of inflation, but rather long-term disadvantages on the overall economic health of South Africans as they struggle to pay off their debt.
While the Russia-Ukraine war has become the most prominent excuse among politicians for the increase in inflation, the truth is that the world is really only now starting to experience the impact of months and months of lockdowns. The slowdown at ports and closure of factories have led to very limited supply on the market, and industries are struggling to catch up.
In South Africa, this is compounded by the energy crisis, which has very little possibility of being resolved in the short or medium terms.
From this perspective, 2023 is going to be a difficult year. Nonetheless, South Africans are a resilient bunch of innovative problem-Ȳsolvers. Farmers, in particular, are adept at making the most out of a tough situation, and this is perhaps the one good thing that will come out of the issues we are currently dealing with.


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Salata to open first Beaumont location
Salata, a Houston-based build-your-own salad chain with 70 locations in five states, plans to enter the Beaumont market.
A 2,500-square-foot Salata with seating for 80 will open at 4215 Dowlen Road near Parkdale Mall on March 29. Customers choose from among 50 ingredients to customize their salads or wraps.
It will be the second Salata location for franchise partner Edgy Veggies, owned by Joe Piro and Chad George.
"There's a growing number of health-conscious consumers who want healthy, quick and affordable dining options," Piro said in an announcement.
The new Salata will be near Logan's Roadhouse, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Buffalo Wild Wings. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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Salata, which first opened in 2005, plans to expand to Florida this year.


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Toyota City, Japan, November 1, 2018―Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will start to deploy a new beloved car subscription service1 called KINTO2, which proposes a new user-car relationship, from around the beginning of 2019.
The automobile industry is facing a once-in-a-century transformational period of sweeping changes. Technological innovation in the new fields of connectivity, automation, sharing, and electrification has greatly altered the concept of a car. New competition is emerging and competition rules are also undergoing great change.
Amid these changes, Toyota strives to change from an automobile manufacturing company into a mobility company that offers a range of services related to mobility in light of the mobility society of the future. Up until this point, Toyota has strengthened alliances between Toyota Group companies and other automobile manufacturers and new companies offering mobility services in order to create partnerships.
As cars shift from ownership to use, new types of ownership and options for driving such as sharing, car leases, and rent-a-car services are increasingly appearing. This is anticipated to make cars into an even more convenient and comfortable mobility option.
Toyota will deploy KINTO, the new beloved car subscription service for individuals, based on the idea that cars are manufactured goods that can be preceded by the word "beloved." Toyota hopes that cars will always be the "beloved cars" of its customers, regardless of changes in the times.
Recently, as customer lifestyles and consumption styles have changed, customer needs are diversifying in addition to the need to own one car for a long period of time. These include customer needs to freely choose the type of car that they like and want to drive, and to freely enjoy such a car. With KINTO, customers can freely apply for a monthly fixed-sum service that has packaged procedures such as tax and insurance payments as well as vehicle maintenance. Therefore, they can freely select the car that they like or want to drive and enjoy it as they like. In addition, a program to reward customers who carefully use the car as if it were their own beloved vehicle is being planned. Under this program, points will be awarded for safe or ecological driving utilizing connected technology and regular visits to dealers. We are currently considering details such as operation methods and forms for the new service, and it is planned that such a program will initially be run on a trial basis in the Tokyo area.
Toyota will continue to engage in initiatives to ensure that cars can continue to be the "beloved cars" of customers and allow customers to enjoy a prosperous life with their car.
President Akio Toyoda has described the start of the new service as follows:
"Cars have been loved by people for over 100 years since they were first developed for many reasons in addition to their convenience. Indeed, I believe that it is because they offer many joys to people, including the joy of ownership, the joy of driving, and the joy of mobility. As society shifts from owning cars to using cars, the KINTO beloved car subscription service is a new proposal to enable customers to more freely enjoy cars. The service makes it easy to start life with a car as soon as the customer feels that they want one. Moreover, if the customer wants to try another car, they can change cars, and if they no longer need the car, they can return it. We named the service KINTO to represent our vision of a flying nimbus (kintoun in Japanese), insofar as it quickly appears when necessary and enables mobility as per the user's wishes. Going forward, we will not only convey the appeal of cars, but also engage in initiatives to enable customers to find more enjoyment in the future mobility society based on the idea of "continuing to offer mobility that is beloved."
*1Monthly fixed-sum service
*2Name signifying a service that quickly appears when necessary, enables mobility as per the user's wishes, and is kind to the environment, like a kintoun (Japanese for "flying nimbus")


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The Institute of Software at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISCAS) and Shanghai Liantong have developed a Linux-based new smartphone operating system. Dubbed as the China Operating System (COS), it is the country’s second move for a home-grown smartphone platform.
COS has the advantage of being government backed, which in China means that local app developers will come under ever so subtle pressure to port their apps to the new platform.
One area of where the OS may gain traction over Android is that apps will have to go through an Apple-style validation process and can only be sold on the official app store. That may reassure Chinese consumers in a market where Android apps are often pirated and infected with malware.


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What's On TV are giving away five copies of Supernatural Season Four: Part One DVD, to be released in the UK on April 27, 2009. The DVD is featuring the season's first 11 episodes.
For more information, click here.
Competition close Friday, May 1, 2009.
Source: What's On TV.
Disclaimer: WinchesterBros.com and MediaBlvd.com are in no way connected to the competition.