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Many design leaders struggle to understand how to best scale, structure, and optimize those teams. These books represent a landmark look at how the top design leaders are tackling these challenges.
NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) August 08, 2017
The inner workings of design teams at iconic companies such as Airbnb, Netflix, and Google have long been shrouded in mystery. But three new books published by InVision, the world’s leading design collaboration platform, aim to change that.
Compiled from hundreds of hours of interviews with dozens of design leaders, the books are a first-of-its-kind look under the hood at the cutting-edge practices and tools used by the world’s leading design teams. And they’re being published entirely for free on InVision’s new education portal, DesignBetter.Co.
The books are co-authored by design icon Aarron Walter, author of Designing for Emotion, and Stanford University lecturer Eli Woolery. Together Walter and Woolery head up the education team at InVision.
Some notable figures interviewed for the books include:
- Stanley Wood, design director at Spotify
- Julie Zhou, VP of product design at Facebook
- Alex Schleifer, head of design at Airbnb
- Andy Law, design manager at Netflix
- John Maeda, global head of design at Automattic
- Mike Davidson, former VP of design at Twitter
- Irene Au, former UX lead at Google
- and more
“Over the past decade, nearly every organization has grown their design and product teams as more businesses pursue a strategy of digital transformation,” Walter said. “But many design leaders struggle to understand how to best scale, structure, and optimize those teams. These books represent a landmark look at how the top design leaders are tackling these challenges inside our favorite companies.”
The first three books available on DesignBetter.Co include The Principles of Product Design; Design Thinking Handbook; and Design Leadership Handbook. Each book explores a different challenge around digital transformation, from how to improve collaboration across teams, to how to groom designers for leadership positions.
In addition to the books, DesignBetter.Co is also the home of a new podcast of the same name, and a new program of workshops for businesses looking to bring design education to their teams.
While paperback editions of the books are planned for release later this year, they will also be indefinitely accessible to anyone for free on the DesignBetter.Co website, where they are presented in a rich media format–interspersed with videos, audio interviews, custom illustrations and more. Walter says the inspiration for the new format was simple–to design a better book.
“There are a lot of things we can't do in a traditional book format that we can do in digital,” Walter says. “Each book is crosscut with audio and video interviews with experts and luminaries. That's important so readers can recognize that the concepts being discussed aren't just theory, but are being practiced on a daily basis by some of the most inspiring companies on the planet.”
Walter says that he hopes making the content free will encourage teams to have their own internal conversations about how they approach digital transformation, and that the results of those conversations have the potential to benefit everyone.
“We want to help as many companies as possible transform through design,” Walter says. “Everyone benefits from great digital experiences.”


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DETROIT – Although the numbers were down compared from a year ago, overall sales improved for all three Detroit manufacturers since April, with General Motors delivering the most vehicles at a reported 191,875 total units.
Based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers, Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury sales totaled 155,954, up 20 percent versus April and Ford's highest sales for any month since July 2008, according to the company sales release.
Sales of the Ford Fusion were 19,786, Ford Flex sales were 4,305, and sales of the company's hybrid vehicles totaled 3,906 — setting three new sales records, Ford said in the statement.
In addition, Lincoln was one of the few brands in the U.S. to achieve a sales increase in May, according to the manufacturer. Lincoln sales totaled 8,566, up 2 percent versus a year ago.
General Motors dealers in the U.S. delivered 191,875 vehicles in May, down 29.6 percent compared with a year ago. However, when comparing GM's May sales with April, total volume was up 11 percent, or about 19,000 cars, crossovers, and trucks resulting in the automaker's best monthly sales performance so far in 2009.
Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, service and marketing, attributed the improvement to consumer confidence in the market. "Those signs, along with more clarity on the New GM, are providing some additional consumer confidence," he said in the GM sales release.
GM total truck sales (including crossovers) of 110,866 were down 22 percent, and car sales of 81,009 were off 38 percent compared with a year ago.
Chrysler LLC reported May U.S. total sales of 79,010 units, representing the best retail sales month of 2009. Compared to May 2008, however, retail sales decreased 30 percent. During the month of May, Chrysler did not produce any vehicles for fleet sales, which resulted in a fleet sales reduction of 90 percent year-over-year for the same period, according to the Chrysler press release.

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ABTA research shows outbound travel positioned to drive economic recovery
Latest economic research reveals outbound travel’s contribution to the UK economy and potential for growth
ABTA has released headline findings from its latest research on the economic contribution made to the UK by outbound travel, with the full findings due to be published next month in a joint report with UKinbound.
According to the analysis, which was carried out by York Aviation on behalf of ABTA, with the right tax and policy framework, the UK outbound travel industry is forecast to grow 15% by 2027, from 2019 levels.
The study also reveals that the UK’s outbound travel industry:
- is worth £49bn to the UK economy annually (Gross Value Added);
- supports 720,000 jobs across the UK;
- raises £6.9bn a year in tax revenues to HM Treasury;
- £51bn is spent each year by consumers in UK before they head on their trips overseas.
The figures come as the Chancellor last week set out the UK Government’s agenda for growth, with ABTA’s research showing that, with the right Government framework, the UK outbound travel industry’s growth is set to outperform most other parts of the UK economy.
An important and ongoing part of ABTA’s work is demonstrating to politicians the valuable contribution the outbound travel industry makes to the UK economy. The findings will underpin ABTA’s lobbying work with Government, and politicians across the spectrum including the devolved administrations. The headline figures have already been shared with the Prime Minister, Chancellor, Business Secretary and Transport Secretary.
This is the fourth time that ABTA has commissioned in-depth research of this kind and it is the most comprehensive and detailed piece of analysis in this area to date. This research is based on travel figures from 2019, which is the last full set of data available, with a forecast for what travel will look like in five years’ time.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“There is always a risk that outbound travel’s valuable contribution to the UK economy is overlooked because it is wrongly perceived as an industry which takes value out of the economy, when this couldn’t be further from the truth. Outbound travel is a huge supporter of jobs and contributor to the economy and exchequer, as well as a strong driver for growth. We will be continuing to make that case to this Government and to MPs.
“Obviously the industry is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and there are challenges to navigate, including the cost of living and wider economic health. But the return to demand as travel restrictions lifted early this year shows just how important holidays are for people and early signs are that they will continue to be a spending priority.”
The full report will be published in October, which will outline the combined contribution from international travel and enable an evaluation of the worth of travel and tourism to each constituency across the UK.
Notes to editors
The ABTA/York Aviation research considers the value that all parts of the travel and tourism industry bring to the UK economy. These impacts are measured in terms of consumption expenditure, Gross Value Added (GVA), employment opportunities and full-time equivalents (FTEs). The report also considers the contribution made by the travel and tourism sector to the UK Exchequer in terms of tax revenues generated through a number of channels. This analysis uses the latest available data from the Office for National Statistics, among other sources.
ABTA has been a trusted travel brand for over 70 years. Our purpose is to help our Members to grow their businesses successfully and sustainably, and to help their customers travel with confidence.
The ABTA brand stands for support, protection and expertise. This means consumers have confidence in ABTA and a strong trust in ABTA Members. These qualities are core to us as they ensure that holidaymakers remain confident in the holiday products that they buy from our Members.
We help our Members and their customers navigate through today's changing travel landscape by raising standards in the industry; offering schemes of financial protection; providing an independent complaints resolution service should something go wrong; giving guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety and by presenting a united voice to government to ensure the industry and the public get a fair deal.
ABTA has around 4,000 travel brands in Membership, providing a wide range of leisure and business travel services, with a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £40 billion. For more details about what we do, what being an ABTA Member means and how we help the UK public travel with confidence visit www.abta.com.


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Specialist car parts manufacturer Nifco Inc. has released details of a cutting-edge new product, designed as part of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Alive6 Project with government funding from the United Kingdom's Advanced Propulsion Centre.
The U.K. operations of Nifco shared details of the new oil pan that it claims is stronger and lighter than any of its steel counterparts. The thermoplastic composite part weighs 1 kilogram less than a steel equivalent, and has been engineered with continuous glass fibers that are longer than those used in normal reinforced plastics, to deliver optimum performance while remaining lightweight.
Nifco UK managing director Mike Matthews, said: “Metal was once considered to be the only material resilient and heat resistant enough to withstand the loads within a car engine, but with new technology comes the opportunity to create ever-more effective and efficient products.
“Nifco has invested heavily in research and development facilities and equipment, at a cost of many thousands of pounds, and we believe that our role as a Tier One supplier is to proactively support original equipment manufacturers to make the most efficient cars possible.”
The JLR Alive6 project was launched last year, to create a prototype engine incorporating new technologies.
Nifco has teamed up with plastics supplier DuPont Co. to create the new part, and it hopes to see it mass produced over the next few years.
Matthews added: “We have worked very closely with DuPont to adjust the design and optimize the process to answer the cycle time requirements of the mass series production. This part has been developed using its Vizilon product line, including a thermoplastic composite and specific overmolding resin. We are proud that this collaboration has produced a part that we know will add real value for our customers.”
“We have committed two members of staff to this project, on a full-time basis, and many other members of the team have contributed to its development, so it's fantastic to see this project making fantastic progress.”
Anthony Loth, program leader at DuPont, said: “This is a major success for a new material and a new technology that has been possible through our selected partnership with Nifco becoming an innovative leader on this oil pan market.
“We believe the Vizilon lightweighting solution will thrive in the future composite oil pan business.”


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Fast-food giant Burger King is facing the wrath of social media for their latest advert that shows a man chomping on burgers by holding them with chopsticks. The backlash has now forced the company to delete the ad which has been called “racist” and “culturally insensitive” by many users on social media.
The advert, first posted on Burger King New Zealand’s Instagram account, showed westerners attempting to eat the newly launched “Vietnamese Sweet Chilli Tendercrisp Burger” with large chopsticks.
The post, which went with the caption - “Take your taste buds all the way to Ho Chi Minh City” – was deleted by the company when another post, condemning the racial advert, garnered over 2.7 million views on social media.
Here’s the advert:
The video was criticised by thousands of users and some said that the fast-food giant was making a mockery of chopsticks and Asian customs.
“I'm so sick of racism. Of any kind. Of the kind that makes fun of different cultures, to the kind that shoots and murders those peacefully praying in their place of worship. Say no to every single manifestation of it,” wrote Maria Mo on Twitter.
“This is utterly unpalatable, @BurgerKing NZ. And from the looks of it, neither is your sandwich,” wrote another user.
However, one user pointed out that the advert was making fun of white people who have no idea how to use chopsticks and not mocking asians.


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LOS ANGELES – Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry in March ceded its rank as America’s best-selling midsize car for the first time in 17 months, slipping behind Nissan Motor Co.’s Altima and losing share to Honda Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. models.
Camry sales in the U.S. declined 12 percent to 37,663 units last month, or 100 fewer than the Altima, whose deliveries declined 8 percent, according to company figures.
The two midsize sedans lost market share to Honda’s Accord and Ford’s Fusion. Accord sales climbed 36 percent while Fusion sales were up 6 percent.
Toyota’s flagship sedan has been the country’s best-seller every year since 2002, but U.S. automakers are fielding their most competitive cars in decades.
At stake is supremacy in the biggest segment of the U.S. auto market at a time when demand is pushing light-vehicle sales to their highest levels in more than five years.
“Toyota may not have realized just how competitive the segment would get,” said Alec Gutierrez, industry analyst for auto-market researcher Kelley Blue Book. “This is the best-selling segment in the U.S., and the surge will continue for the rest of the year.”
Demand for midsize cars, along with pickup trucks from U.S.-based Ford, General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC, drove up U.S. auto sales 3.4 percent to the highest since August 2007.
“Long gone are the days when you saw Camry as the perennial winner by a big margin,” Al Castignetti, Nissan’s vice president of U.S. sales, said Tuesday. “We’ll all fight for that pie, and it will be more of an equal pie now that we’ll all share in.”
While the Altima topped Camry’s U.S. sales last month, the Nissan model ranks only third in the segment this year. For the first quarter, Toyota’s Camry is more than 12,000 units ahead of its nearest competitor, Honda’s restyled Accord. The Fusion, redesigned in late 2012, ranks fourth this year.
“We have Camry right on plan, and we feel really good about our position,” Bob Carter, Toyota’s senior vice president of U.S. sales, said Tuesday. “We’re absolutely confident we’ll continue to be the No. 1 vehicle in the market in 2013.”
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, saw its total deliveries of Toyota, Lexus and Scion models increase 1 percent in March, missing the 1.6 percent increase predicted by analysts in a Bloomberg survey.
Prius hybrid sales dropped 23 percent, Toyota said. The Prius decline resulted from a combination of less aggressive marketing last month and a drop in fuel prices, Carter said.
Toyota will continue its current no-interest loan offers and discounted leases for the Camry and other models for another month to sustain sales, he said.
Nissan, Japan’s second-biggest automaker, reported a 1 percent sales gain, beating the average estimate for a 2.1 percent decline. Deliveries of Nissan and Infiniti brand vehicles totaled 137,726, the most ever for the month of March, the company said.
Honda, Japan’s third-largest automaker, said it sold 136,038 Honda and Acura brand autos, up 7.1 percent. While that was the biggest increase among major automakers in the U.S., it trailed an expected 8.5 percent gain for the company.
Unlike major competitors, Honda doesn’t have a program to sell its vehicles directly to rental or business fleet customers. On that basis, the company estimates it outsells rivals to the Accord, Civic, CR-V sport utility vehicle and Odyssey minivan, said John Mendel, Honda’s executive vice president.
“It’s particularly rewarding to see Accord and Civic winning new customers against a headwind of competitor incentives and value-reducing fleet sales,” Mendel said in a statement Tuesday.


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A narrative-driven trend of games has found its stride on mobile. From the unique intellectual properties such as Nanobit's My Story to more renowned IP such as Fusebox's Love Island.
In fact, even Universal has gotten in on the action with new studio Series Your Story Universe not long announced.
Of course, it has had a lauded impact elsewhere as evidenced by Telltale's popularity, but its light and casual nature have found it especially welcomed on mobile.
One of the mediums earlier pioneers of the genre is Croatia-based games developer Nanobit, which has a fair few games under its belt such as My Story and Hollywood Story.
We caught up with Nanobit business development manager Tomislav Gojevic at Gamescom to find out more about the company, the Croation scene and where the company is heading next.
PocketGamer.Biz: How has 2018 been for Nanobit?
Tomislav Gojevic: So far it’s been very good. We’ve been growing over 100 per cent regarding revenue and it’s expected we’ll grow 100 per cent by the end of the year in comparison to 2017.
We’ve been growing in people as well and we published a new city builder game this year called My City in July, which was featured by Apple for a week. It’s been going well, but we’re going to keep working on it until we polish it.
We’re also working hard on My Story. We added a social feature, which is a book club, into the game so you can review the stories and then recommend them to a friend, which should help drive engagement. We’ll be adding some more content this quarter and in the next one.
We’re also working on other projects, but they’re in the early stages of development.
Can you tell us a bit about the games development scene in Croatia?
I’d say it’s rather small, but it is growing. We’ve had a lot of indie studios opening in recent years.
We’re the biggest studio in Croatia and the second biggest is Croteam, which makes games for PC and console like Serious Sam.
We’ve been seeing a lot of traction recently as we’ve been recognised from the state as an industry right now. So we’re a part of the media, video and it’s been helpful to get that recognition from the state that people are working here and that there’s money there.
We have Activision buying King and Tencent investing in Supercell, so you have these power-houses in Europe that are really big and dwarfing other companies.Tomislav Gojevic
That’s a good thing for us because a lot of companies can apply for state funding now, which is helpful for small indie studios that need it.
What are some of the harder challenges the local industry still faces?
The hardest challenge I’d say is finding people that have previous experience. This is a problem we’re attacking, but we’re still having issues there. So I’d say bigger and smaller studios are having issues too.
Of course, finding your way into the market [is a challenge]. The PC market is very mature, you maybe have 15 to 20 really big companies and then every now again a company that’s not that famous gets in, like the Polish company who made The Witcher.
The same will happen for mobile and there are some signs of it already. We have Activision buying King and Tencent investing in Supercell, so you have these power-houses in Europe that are really big and dwarfing other companies.
If you check the charts, the companies in the top 10 have been there for years without changing much. So it’s a big hassle to try and make a game and get some traction without some money to back it.
My Story and Hollywood Story have been some of your big stand out successes, how have you sustained that?
It may sound like a lot of clichés, but we invest a lot effort and energy into maintaining the game and doing the live ops on it, adding new content, adding new features, constantly optimising the monetisation towards retention and putting a lot of analytical effort in.
For My Story especially, we’re keen on finding new writers who can help us in making a story that’s both compelling and that will keep the players in the game.
We’re already seeing competitors entering the market with new games.Tomislav Gojevic
How do you see the mobile market developing as a home for narrative fiction games, do you think it’ll get stronger and stronger?
It’s going to get stronger and stronger.
We’re already seeing competitors entering the market with new games and we’ve been hearing chatter amongst the gaming communities that some really big companies are looking for a partner or are working on their own narrative games.
And we, of course, see an opportunity there. We already have games in the space that are popular.
We see a lot of new mechanics we can add too to make it even better, or to add to a sequel, like RPG elements, as those games can be quite story-driven themselves.
What's the focus for Nanobit moving forward? Are you looking to team up with any publishers or developers?
Yeah, as the business development manager I’m always looking into this. I’ve been in talks with some of the Chinese publishers, so we’re trying to go in that direction.
What we see is that there is still a lot of work. Well, it’s either a lot of work, or it’s ‘give us your source code and well do it for you’, which we’re not really keen on.
I’ve been in talks with some of the Chinese publishers, so we’re trying to go in that direction.Tomislav Gojevic
We want a partnership. We’d like to work on the game but have an advisor to help us do what we want to do. We’re trying to find a good partner to help us go into the Chinese market.
Is it just China that you’re keen on?
I’d say that China is the most interesting to us, I’ve seen a lot of projections that say that China is going to be bigger than the US in a year or two.
So for me, it’s a no-brainer. If it’s bigger than the US, and the US is our biggest market, and we can make a game that fits into that space then it’s what we need to do.
Do you think there is a gap in the Chinese market for a narrative game right now?
Based on the conversations I’ve had with some Chinese publishers it’s a yes. They feel there’s a gap in the market for a good narrative game and that they lack good content and good writers.
I feel like we would be a good fit for that.


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When it comes to getting emergency health services to cardiac patients, the fastest route may be as the drone flies. Recent studies in Canada and Sweden have shown some promising data with simulations of delivering care from the sky.
The e-commerce giant will shake up the medical supplies industry as it builds out its business-to-business platform, healthcare experts said.
Henry Schein Inc. reported an increase in profit as its medical supply segment continues to grow and the company doubles down on its dental equipment business.
Pfizer is one of several saline manufacturers that received subpoenas seeking documents regarding manufacturing, pricing and communication with competitors.
The deal will expand Cardinal's scale and reach but also increase its debt load.
Higi, a healthcare company launched by Tronc Chairman Michael Ferro, has received an undisclosed investment from Blue Cross and Blue Shield's venture fund, according to a statement on the company's website.
The hairs on top of your head, while aesthetically pleasing, serve no function as critical as the hair-like fibers that could soon be inside your head.
More than 42,000 people attended last week's annual conference of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. That's up about 1,000 attendees from last year for the industry's most popular conference.
Devicemaker Royal Philips has signed a strategic partnership with its largest health system yet.
New York state will provide $17 million to Johnson & Johnson Innovation to open a 30,000-square-foot biotech incubator next year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.The incubator, JLabs @ NYC, will be located at the New York Genome Center in SoHo.
Cleveland-based surgical navigation startup Centerline Biomedical is gearing up to enter the market in 2017 with its GPS-like system that provides 3-D guidance during endovascular surgery.
Providers keen to attract millennial patients should make sure to impress them the first time around or risk losing them to another provider, according to a recent study.


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BOSTON (CBS) – Sweet temptation! Especially in tough economic times.
There are times in everyone’s financial lives that they may come up short and not have enough dollars to make a full payment on the credit card bill that month. What I am talking about here is the person who maxes out their credit cards and only pays the minimum each month.
They have begun to dig themselves into a black hole for they owe more than they can possibly pay off. According to creditcard.com the average credit card debt is over $15,000, but according to a report from Transunion it’s around $5000. There is much confusion about exactly how much debt consumers are carrying month to month. So it is hard to get an exact handle on the amount. But whatever it is it is too much.
And students graduating from college have an average debt load of almost $3,000. Not student loans but actual credit card debt. And most of these individuals are only making the minimum payments each month so it will take a very long time to pay off that debt.
The government is aware of all of the debt we are carrying as consumers. And the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency pressured the credit card companies to raise the minimum payments required each month. The average minimum payment had been about 2 percent and most cards are now requiring between to 3-4 percent.
If we take an example of $3,000 which is the average student debt and pay off four percent each month, it will take 11 years to pay of the balance and cost $1,715 in interest. That’s more than half the original debt. I used the calculator at Bankrate.com!
Credit cards are wonderful financial tools, tools that can improve our financial lives and make them easier. But carrying that debt month to month limits what you will be able to do in the future. If you find yourself in over your head with credit card debt you will need to rethink spending habits. Getting out of debt and paying off the credit card in full every month can save you thousands of dollars over time. Dollars you can use to meet your other goals.
So even paying just a bit more each month has a huge impact on the balance and, of course, not charging anything else on the card that you can’t afford.
Will Rogers once said if you find yourself in a hole quit digging!


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Traditionally, pawn shops have been the last stop for people desperate for cash. But now there’s a small but growing group of pawn shops for the wealthy. Actor and model Regi Huc needed $75,000 in a hurry last year. He was making his first feature film, and needed to do re-shoots before the deadline to … Continue reading When The Wealthy Need Cash, Pawn Shops Can Be Appealing
Tensions are mounting between the pawn business and city police. Marc Kaye had to do something drastic when his children’s tuition bills at Columbia and Harvard came due just as his consulting business hit a dry spell. So he pawned his Picasso. An art collector, Mr. Kaye brought a sketch by Pablo Picasso with the … Continue reading Pawnshops for the wealthy
In an era of tight credit and a recovering economy, well-heeled borrowers face problems, too. Wall Street bankers need cash before the bonus check arrives. Heirs face estate-tax bills. Small-business owners have to pay for inventory up front. Pawnshops that cater to affluent clients are opening new outlets to fill the niche. The firms make … Continue reading Where to Pawn Your Warhol
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — An old-fashioned way of scoring cash is making a comeback with a twist. As CBS 2′s Maurice DuBois reported Tuesday, high-end, luxury pawn shops are popping up all over, offering loans on some very pricey items. Michele Savoia loves his motorcycle and his 1958 Chris Craft, but he couldn’t afford both. So he … Continue reading Seen At 11: Pawn Shops With A Twist
New York Loan Company, on the third floor of the state-of-the-art International Gem Tower at 50 West 47th Street, opened for business last year providing confidential collateral loans against diamonds, gold, jewelry, luxury watches and contemporary art. It is the sister operation to Beverly Loan Company, which has been the premier collateral lender in Beverly … Continue reading New York Loan Company Offers Collateral Loans to Dealers in the Trade at Discounted Rates
Check out our Beverly Hills company; Beverly Loan Company, which is mentioned in pages 51-54 of American Hard Assets. To read more click here: http://issuu.com/ahametals/docs/americanhardassets-december_january and check out pages 51-54!
It’s a legacy of the financial crisis that hasn’t quite faded away: Banks are still hesitant to loan to small businesses, constraining the growth of a part of the economy lionized by politicians and the public alike. While these businesses often rely on credit cards to finance operations and expansion, that’s a risky strategy, given that … Continue reading Should you get a small business loan from a pawnshop?
Traditional pawn shops are jumping on the trend. For instance, Beverly Loan Co., a pawn shop in Beverly Hills, Calif., opened New York Loan Co. in Manhattan, the Journal notes. “Small businesses needed loans more than ever before,” its CEO, Jordan Tabach-Bank, told the Journal. “Our bread and butter is the $20,000 loan to small-business … Continue reading New Breed of Pawn Shops Fills Business Lending Void
Some old-line pawnshops are expanding to capitalize on the trend. Beverly Loan Co., a 75-year-old Beverly Hills, Calif., pawn operation, earlier this year opened an enterprise in Manhattan called New York Loan Co. “Small businesses needed loans more than ever before,” says Chief Executive Jordan Tabach-Bank. “Our bread and butter is the $20,000 loan to … Continue reading High-Class Pawnshops Fill a Lending Void
New York, NY (prsync) September 30, 2013 – The most elite and prestigious pawn shop in New York has been thriving, despite being the only business currently open to the public in New York City’s International Gem Tower located in the Diamond District on 47th Street. While other occupants are busy planning and building out … Continue reading New York Loan Company Hands Out Hefty Referral Fees


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Mayors Jewelers to offer Alliance Data private label credit cards
Tamarac, Fla. – Mayors Jewelers, a brand of Birks Group Inc., will use private label credit card services from Alliance Data Systems Corp. Alliance Data is offering a customized, multi-channel credit program for the Mayors Jewelers brand, designed to help deliver incremental sales, cross-product selling and increased transaction size.
The Mayors credit card program offers reward certificates based on annual spending levels. Mayors also has access to Alliance Data’s "in the moment" acquisition tools, in addition to advanced analytics and consumer insight capabilities. Alliance Data will work with Mayors to leverage Web and mobile tools to drive credit card applications and to further engage card members through expanded customer-relevant tools
Overstock.com offers free shipment of used goods to charity
Salt Lake City – Overstock.com Inc. is launching a partnership with Give Back Box, a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitate charitable donations. Through the partnership, Overstock.com gives customers the ability to re-use the box in which their order arrived, along with Give Back Box’s free shipping label, to ship used household items directly to non-profit organizations across the U.S.
The process begins when a customer shops at Overstock. As the customer’s order is packaged for shipping, program materials are inserted into the shipping box. The material contains Overstock’s request to support environmental and social causes through the donation of used items directly to worthy organizations.
Security breached at 33 P.F. Chang’s locations
Scottsdale, Ariz. – On dates ranging from October 19, 2013 and April 10, 2014, hackers compromised the security of credit card processing systems at 33 locations of the P.F. Chang’s restaurant chain in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada and North Carolina, and may have stolen consumer credit card data. The U.S. Secret Service notified P.F. Chang’s of the breach on June 10, 2014 and P.F. Chang’s says it has been processing credit card numbers securely since June 11.
In a statement on the P.F. Chang’s website attributed to CEO Rick Federico, the company said it quickly moved to a manual processing system for all credit and debit card transactions to prevent any further potential exposure of customers’ credit and debit card information. The security compromise has been contained and P.F. Chang’s has replaced the affected hardware and returned to our standard credit and debit card processing system.
The potentially stolen data includes the card number and in some cases also the cardholder’s name and/or the card’s expiration date. However, P.F. Chang’s has not determined that any specific cardholder’s credit or debit card data was stolen by the intruder(s). P.F. Chang’s says it doesn’t have sufficient contact information to contact potentially affected guests directly, but has emailed customers that have provided their email address. The retailer is providing customers who used a credit card at the affected stores during the breach with free 12-month access to the All Clear Secure service.
According to the KrebsonSecurity blog, thousands of new credit card numbers went up for sale on a well-known underground website used by data thieves. Banks reported that all the numbers had been used beginning of March 2014 and May 19, 2014.


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BEIJING, China – Chinese manufacturing activity in July was weak but better than some forecasters expected, two surveys showed Monday.
A business magazine, Caixin, said Monday its purchasing managers index rose to 50.6 from June’s 48.6 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show activity expanding. The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, an industry group, said its separate PMI edged down to 49.9 from June’s 50.
China’s economic growth held steady at 6.7 per cent in the quarter ending in June but indicators lately have been mixed. Trade is weak but retail spending is growing and bank lending is relatively strong.
“Admittedly, unresolved structural issues mean this pick-up is on borrowed time and we still expect growth to slow again next year,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics in a report.
Analysts said Chinese manufacturing was hampered by summer flooding along the Yangtze River and weak global demand.
The Caixin reading was well above the consensus forecast of 48.8.
“This indicates that the Chinese economy has begun to show signs of stabilizing,” economist Zhengsheng Zhong said in a statement issued by Caixin. “But the pressure on economic growth remains, and supportive fiscal and monetary policies must be continued.”


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If you have logged onto Google Flights recently, you might have noticed a small change in the page’s layout. Alongside the usual sortable categories, like price, duration, and departure time, there is a new field: CO2 emissions.
Launched in October 2021, the column gives would-be travellers an estimate of how much carbon dioxide they will be responsible for emitting.
“When you’re choosing among flights of similar cost or timing, you can also factor carbon emissions into your decision,” wrote Google’s Vice President of Travel Products, Richard Holden.
Google is part of a wave of digital companies, including Amazon, and Ant Financial, encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices by offering eco-friendly filter options, outlining the environmental impact of products, and leveraging engagement strategies used in video games.
Experts say these digital nudges can help increase awareness…


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Talking about payments nowadays, and chances are you’ll hear a lot about Apple Pay, or the larger world of mobile payments or whether those six startups that let you pay with emojis have taken off. In other words, you’re probably hearing a lot about the future of payments, and notRead More
Post Tagged with: "Discover"
American Express today dispelled market rumors that it would expand its OptBlue program. The program, launched in May 2014, allows merchants who charge less than $1 million a year through American Express, to use one of 18 merchant processors to secure a lower discount rate. Market participants tell Bank InnovationRead More
People called, and MasterCard and Visa answered. In the past week, both card networks announced updates to their point-of-sale systems that promise to reduce the time it takes to use an EMV chip-enabled card at the checkout line. Cue cheering crowds. Visa released its new technology, dubbed Quick Chip, last week, claimingRead More
American Express has $1.4 billion of reasons to lament being left out of Powerball payments. Amex is the only one of the major networks not contracted to process Powerball “subscription” payments. And, unless you have taken residence on Pluto, you know that Powerball, which is administered by Mega Millions, hasRead More
Discover Financial Services might be the major FI most engaged in spending on information technology today. Which is why it is worth noting that the company claims it is already “seeing good returns associated with those” spending efforts, according to R. Mark Graf, the credit card issuer’s chief executive officer andRead More
Apple Pay will get a series of enhancements and updates with the iOS 9 release in the fall, the technology company announced today. Jennifer Bailey, vice president of worldwide online stores, made the Apple Pay-related disclosures at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. IOS 9 is available to developers now.Read More
Best Buy and Discover just moved into Apple Pay’s camp. Could these wins for Apple Pay mean that Cupertino is emerging as the winner in mobile payments and that more players, particularly major merchants, will inevitably follow? Not necessarily, but that doesn’t mean they’re not big deals. The addition of DiscoverRead More
What was most interesting at the ranking of Top 10 online banks released yesterday by GOBankingRates.com, a Bankrate.com challenger, were the companies that did not make the list. That list included some of the more well-known e-banks. So which banks were left off? Try Simple, Bluebird, Moven, GoBank, BankMobile, CapitalOne360 and Tangerine. And, fromRead More
What’s behind Apple’s internal deliberations about buying Discover? (Hint: China UnionPay.)
Never in the history of payments has there been such a media-frenzied, corporate disrupting and consumer-captivating moment as last week’s unveiling of Apple Pay.


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Malcolm Harrison has been announced as the new CIPS group CEO.
Harrison, currently CEO of the Crown Commercial Service, will take over from interim Gerry Walsh in July.
Tim Richardson, chair of the CIPS Global Board of Trustees, said: “After a lengthy recruitment process, Malcolm is a very welcome addition to the CIPS team, bringing with him a wealth of procurement and leadership experience from both the public and private sectors.
“CIPS is in great shape and Malcolm will have a solid base from which to build the next phase of growth and development for the organisation.”
Harrison has experience across a number of industry sectors and as CEO of the CCS oversaw annual spend of around £13bn on common goods and services across the UK public sector.
Malcolm Harrison’s CV
2015-present: Crown Commercial Service – commercial advisor and chief executive officer
2014-present: various – senior independent advisor
2010-13: Rexam plc – group director plastic packaging and group operations director
2006-09: Nestle SA (Switzerland) – senior vice president and CPO
2000-05: InBev NV/SA (Belgium) – vice president global procurement
1993-00: Bass Brewers / Bass plc – purchasing director, regional managing director, HR director, operations director
1982-92: Mars (Mars Confectionery and Pedigree Petfoods) – various, including buyer, procurement manager, UK sales national account controller
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Electric vehicles are touted as the future of transportation by many, but the high cost of EV batteries and excessive charging times have impeded mass adoption. Now, a breakthrough in electric vehicle battery design at Penn State may pave the way toward more affordable, faster charging electric vehicles.
“The need for smaller, faster-charging batteries is greater than ever,” says lead study author Chao-Yang Wang, the William E. Diefenderfer Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State, in a media release. “There are simply not enough batteries and critical raw materials, especially those produced domestically, to meet anticipated demand.”
California’s Air Resources Board passed an extensive plan in August 2022 to restrict and eventually ban the sale of gasoline cars within the state. If all goes according to that plan, the biggest car market in the USA will shut itself off completely from the internal combustion engine.
The hope in California is that residents will shift to battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). However, if that is really going to happen, Prof. Wang explains two major hurdles must be overcome: Current EVs take way too long to recharge, and current batteries are too big to be efficient and affordable. Instead of just a few minutes at the gas pump, some current EVs can take all day to recharge.
“Our fast-charging technology works for most energy-dense batteries and will open a new possibility to downsize electric vehicle batteries from 150 to 50 kWh without causing drivers to feel range anxiety,” adds Prof. Wang, whose lab partnered with State College-based startup EC Power to develop the technology. “The smaller, faster-charging batteries will dramatically cut down battery cost and usage of critical raw materials such as cobalt, graphite and lithium, enabling mass adoption of affordable electric cars.”
This breakthrough was made possible by internal thermal modulation, an active method of temperature control that promotes the best possible performance from a battery, Prof. Wang explains. Batteries do their best work when they are hot, but not too hot. Unfortunately, keeping batteries at just the right temperature has proven very challenging for battery engineers. Historically, these batteries have functioned using external, bulky heating and cooling systems that regulate the temperature, but these systems are often slow to respond and end up wasting energy along the way.
Prof. Wang and his team opted to take a different approach and regulate temperature from inside the battery. Study authors put together a new battery structure featuring an ultra-thin nickel foil. That new foil served as a fourth component besides anode, electrolyte and cathode. Prof. Wang explains the nickel foil acted as a stimulus, regulating temperature and reactivity, and allowing for a 10 minute charge time for just about any EV battery.
“True fast-charging batteries would have immediate impact,” the study reads. “Since there are not enough raw minerals for every internal combustion engine car to be replaced by a 150 kWh-equipped EV, fast charging is imperative for EVs to go mainstream.”
This research project’s partner, EC Power, is currently working on manufacturing and commercializing fast-charging batteries for an affordable and sustainable future of vehicle electrification.
The study is published in Nature.


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Do you how many people have said to me “Bob, you have not posted a blog in a long time!”? None. Despite this dispiriting lack of encouragement from you the reader, I soldier on knowing how you really feel!
Sky-High Platform Value Creation by FANGs
For most of 2016, the articles about major software platforms (e.g., the FANG stocks, such as Facebook, Apple, Netflix, Google, AirBnB, Uber, Amazon, etc.) were about value creation. And, don’t get me wrong, these articles continue. For instance, ICYMI, the New York Times recently ran a great article on the best investments since 1926 with the following graphic:
I’ve taken the liberty of highlighting some of the key software platforms driving valuations in the last 20 years. (By the way, Mastercard, another platform winner must have just missed the list. Mastercard debuted with a market cap of $5 billion in 2006 and now sports a market cap of $150 billion!) Of course, the private companies Uber and AirBnB do not appear on the chart. They reportedly have valuations of $30-$70 billion+ and have been around 8-9 years without going public yet.
To High Profile Investigations
But lately, most of the press about these high profile software platforms has been about their possible “abuses of power”. Hence, the bad pun that the FANGs are out!
- Uber, of course, has led the way with scandal after scandal, including London revoking their license and the latest governance mess
- Facebook, Google and Twitter are all involved in the “Russian-interference-in-our-election-ad-mess”
- Google is reportedly moving Google Shopping to a be a standalone unit after being fined €2.4 billion by European regulators for antitrust violations. Google is also under pressure from publishers to change their policies towards publishers with paywalls.
- AirBnB is facing a grass-roots, semi-covert campaign by the hotel industry to regulate it (see here)
- Amazon and Ebay face accusations of avoiding VAT taxes by MPs in Britain.
From Congress to Europe to US town halls, it is now fashionable to question the size, scope, and business practices of these gigantic FANG companies and other upstarts.
With Great Market Concentration, Comes Great Oversight
None of this is especially surprising if you know your business history. Or if you understand the the “winner-take-most” dynamics of software platforms. But the swiftness with which the tide seems have to have turned on these giants is rather remarkable. There has been a perfect storm of events to focus attention on the power of these FANG platforms and others like them:
- Election of a populist president
- Russian involvement in the use of several FANG platforms to help elect this president and an initial dismissive reaction by at least Facebook
- The Equifax mess (part of another oligopoly)
- Uber-arrogance (pun intended)
- Increasing awareness that the software industry creates tremendous wealth without creating a broad middle class (unlike previous industrial waves)
It all goes to remind you that if you are lucky enough to create one of these platforms, you not only need to gain the trust of and keep the multiple sides of your platform happy, you have to do the same for the “outside world”. That outside world often includes many constituents whom your platform may have dis-intermediated or crushed with your success. They really are out to get you!


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Kellogg’s is the latest brand to launch a delivery-only meal service through Deliveroo, with food inspired by the business’ cereal and snacks.
Kellogg’s Kitchen Creations has opened in East London on a six-month, with potential for further sites in 2020.
The menu includes meals based on Kellogg’s cereals and snacks, including Coco Pop Bubble Crepes, Crunchy Nut Shake and Nutri-Grain Cheesecake Bar.
It comes as the global giant tries to maintain momentum in the UK after returning to revenue growth in 2018 for the first time in four years. The business has struggled in recent years with faltering sales of its cereals as consumers turn to healthier alternatives or on-the-go snacks.
“In our 97-year history of selling food in the UK, this will be the first Kellogg’s kitchen delivering meals inspired by our cereal and snacks directly to people in their homes,” said manager of Kellogg’s Kitchen Creations Ben Ellis.
“We’re excited to see how people react to the food we are offering and if it’s something we can continue to do in other parts of the UK in the future.”
Deliveroo Editions launched in April 2017 and now has 16 sites in the UK, with more than 40 partners in total operating out of more than 100 kitchens. It hosts a number of well-known restaurants that have recently moved into the delivery-only sites, including Wagamama and Chipotle in Battersea in London and Honest Burger in Swiss Cottage in London.
The ‘dark’ kitchens allow businesses to reach new customers in areas where they don’t have a presence without the start-up costs of setting up a more traditional bricks-and-mortar site.
Yannis Alivizatos, general manager of Deliveroo Editions, added: “We’re really excited that major brands such as Kellogg’s are recognising the value of Deliveroo Editions.
“Our delivery-only kitchens will help them test new menus, reach more customers and grow their business. Deliveroo is proud to lead on innovation in food delivery to champion our restaurant partners and drive their growth.”


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Tableware market steps up to the plate during recession says GfK
Sector sees growth due to seasonal events
Despite the double-dip recession, the tableware* market has entered its third consecutive month of growth. GfK can report that the market saw a 5% month-on-month growth in April 2012, with the market being valued at £31.6 million.
The tableware market has steadily increased since February 2012, boosted by promotional activity and seasonal uplifts, such as Valentine’s Day and Easter. Both Easter and Valentine’s Day saw the tableware market increase by 16% when compared to the previous week.
This resilient market was also buoyed by Christmas, as 33% of all tableware sales were seen in December 2011.** With last minute Christmas preparations, tableware sales spiked during week 51, which is a crucial week for retailers. Consequently, the market reached £32.4 million - a record high figure witnessed by GfK since tracking the market in July 2011. When looking specifically at glassware and table dressing in week 51, this category increased by 66% and 61% respectively, week-on-week. Similarly, crockery and glassware sales accounted for 57% of the tableware market in December 2011.
Kate Smith, GfK TSR Account Manager, comments: ‘It is very encouraging to see the tableware category benefit from seasonal events during the challenging economic climate. With the Diamond Jubilee just gone and the Olympics just around the corner, it is hoped that the category will continue to see uplifts in sales.’
* Tableware by GfK’s classification includes: glassware, cutlery, crockery/china, teapots/ cafetieres, table dressing/settings, other tableware (such as Cruet Sets, Spice Mills, Serving Trays, Serving Jugs, Food Stands, Napkin Rings, Eggcups, Bottle Stoppers/Pourers, Wine Buckets, Warming Trays and Disposable Tableware)
** October 2011 - April 2012


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Mobile games revenue from Tencent and Netease has risen 382 per cent in 2018 as both companies compensate for China’s gaming regulations by expanding their international markets.
Despite reports that Tencent is reportedly cutting its marketing budget following a market slowdown driven by the regulatory disruption in China, business information provider IHS Markit (thanks, GamesIndustry.biz) reports international mobile game revenue has grown year-over-year by 382 per cent since January 2018, jumping from $78 million to $376 million.
Netease’s growth was the greatest of the two companies, taking 72 per cent of the combined revenue. According to IHS Markit, PUBG Mobile has only contributed 2 per cent to Tencent’s total mobile business this year.
"Tencent and NetEase have begun to build a stronger international franchise for their games in response to the regulatory environment in their domestic market," said Piers Harding-Rolls, IHS Markit games research and analysis director. "However, even with this stronger focus, in the opening nine months of 2018, direct international revenues from mobile games represented only three percent of the companies’ total mobile games revenue. Both companies still have a mountain to climb to derive meaningful revenues from international markets to offset slowing growth in mainland China."
Last month Tencent announced it will be restructuring for the first time in six years following increasing challenges dealing with Chinese governmental regulations for the gaming industry. The megacorp was hit with a fall in profits for the first time in 13 years owing to the very same Chinese regulatory issues that have pushed the decision to restructure.
Tencent also recently announced that it will expand its player identity verification processes across all its games by the end of 2019 after governmental pressure to reduce game addiction, minimise underage players, and curtail short-sightedness. The new legislation, introduced in August, has made it increasingly difficult for Tencent – which, by sales, is the world’s biggest game company – to release new titles or include microtransactions or in-app purchases. Its last release was back in March, pushing its share price down by 28 per cent and reducing the company’s market value by $138 billion.


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Amwal Al Ghad English - 2016-07-26 13:26:28
The second edition of the Innovation 4 Impact Competition will take place at the Global Islamic Economy Summit 2016. It will be held under the theme ‘Inspiring Change’, at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, from October 11-12. Islamic digital economy entrepreneurs from around the world will compete for a chance to win cash, gain global publicity, and attractive in-kind prizes.
Organised by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park and Thomson Reuters, the Innovation 4 Impact Competition is designed to support emerging Islamic digital economy entrepreneurs from around the world in showcasing their businesses, as well as connecting with investors and customers, gaining access to expert mentoring, and competing to win cash prizes and in-kind benefits. During GIES 2016, the emerging entrepreneurs from the Islamic economy space will engage in pitch sessions with leading entrepreneurs and investors from UAE and from across the region.
The winner of the competition will also receive free office space for one year at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre, DSOA’s wholly owned technology incubation center and the largest of its kind in the region. More»


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Contract Hire and Leasing News - Model 3
Accountant Michelle Williams has just leased a new Tesla Model 3 and taken it from Manchester to Aberyswyth and back, dropping her son off at university. A trip she'll be making countless times. Here's her real-life EV story, in her own words.
Whatever you think about Tesla cars, you could never deny Elon Musk’s company of a lack of ambition. Here’s a car maker that has only been in business for a few years, building vehicles that many c...
Tesla has released further information on its plan to bill its customers for using its Supercharger network. The American company has confirmed that Teslas ordered after 15 January 2017 will no lon...
In its “unexpected” announcement yesterday, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk confirmed that all new Teslas will be fitted with hardware that’s capable of Stage V autonomy. But we already knew – or at least pr...
Even faster charging? Yet more autonomous driving developments? A Roadster 2.0? Whatever Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has planned, he’s well and truly fired up the rumour mill by confirming the company is...
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In case you didn’t know, Jennifer Lopez has a new skincare line called JLo Beauty and she’d like you to use it! What better way to demonstrate the effects of her “That Jlo Glow Serum” or “That Fresh Take Eye Cream” than to, you know, actually show off what she has going on underneath her flawless makeup?
That’s exactly what she did on January 2, in celebration of the line, which is now available for purchase on jlobeauty.com.
In the post-New Year’s video, Lopez is still wearing her stage makeup from a recent performance, which she notes is “a lot of makeup.” The pop star starts her 3-step nighttime skincare routine by going in with her new “That Hit Single” cleanser. She only puts a quarter-size of the “pinky pearlescent” product on her face before scrubbing off her makeup by hand. “Wash away 2020,” she joked.
It needs to be said: Jennifer Lopez is just as stunning without makeup as she is in full glam!
In the remainder of her 8-minute video, Lopez demonstrates the rest of her routine by moving on to her $118 “That JLo Glow Serum,” which she says gives her “more glow than when I had the makeup on.”
Lopez claims she sent the product back to the drawing board about 23 times before she had that, “tightening and instant glow effect” she was after. Lopez then closed out her video by using her “That Blockbuster Wonder Cream.”
Jennifer Lopez recently revealed to Glamour that she has never tried Botox. “I’m not that person. I don’t have anything against people doing that; it’s just not my thing,” she said during a Zoom call with beauty editors. “I’m more about a natural approach to skincare. I think it starts first, honestly, with who you are on the inside and that shows on your face on the outside. That’s number one.”
Lopez is stressing how much care and effort she’s put into her line. “We’ve spent hundreds of rounds of testing products and formulations…all to make sure we created the perfect products for YOU to get THAT GLOW,” she wrote alongside the Instagram video of her makeup removal process. “I am so proud of what we came up with and I know you’re going to love it. We’re JUST GETTING STARTED!!!!”


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A new app lets users capture visual and audio input with a smart phone and search for related information.
A new app gets data from an implanted device and can share it with the patient, doctors, and family.
Mobile-phone activity can provide a warning of disease flare-ups.
The company’s mobile operating system can now control everything from lighting to gym equipment.
Three new Palm OS devices are impressive—but HP is playing some serious catch-up.
A new program analyzes iPhone apps and finds the ones that are grabbing your data.
From apps to chips, the moving image is everywhere.
The company’s widget platform is in stark contrast to Google’s set-top box approach.
Microsoft’s latest attempt at smartphone software is a job well done—but there’s still plenty of work ahead.
With a new mapping service, called Here, Nokia hopes to get smartphone users hooked on its mapping technology.


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FORT WORTH – For years Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage has been saying that everything at Texas Motor Speedway is bigger and better.
Today, he once again proved that statement to be true.
Gossage announced this evening that Texas Motor Speedway has partnered with with Panasonic to create the world’s largest high-definition video board and enhance another major aspect of the overall fan experience beginning in 2014 at the 1.5-mile speedway.
Gossage said that The Great American Speedway will now have the largest HD video board in the world.
The video board, nicknamed “Big Hoss TV” by speedway officials, will debut April 3-6 at the Texas 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend. No financial terms of the agreement between Texas Motor Speedway and Panasonic were disclosed.
“We are extremely proud to have the world’s largest video board coming to Texas Motor Speedway as well as now having the top two largest in the world at our facilities,” Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Bruton Smith said. “This continues to show our company’s commitment to our great race fans and our efforts to remain at the forefront of our industry. (Texas Motor Speedway President) Eddie (Gossage) always tells me everything is bigger in Texas, so I wanted to make this video board fit his motto.”
Gossage said the video board display, which will be located in the center of the backstretch, will feature a staggering 20,633.64 square feet of HD display – nearly a half-acre – with dimensions of 218 feet wide and 94.6 feet tall. The entire structure will stand nearly 125 feet above ground level and weigh more than 108 tons.
“We are excited for our fans because they won’t miss anything,” Gossage said. “It’s going to be better than sitting in the living room with true surround sound with all of these cars speeding by and there is the big screen right in your face along the back straightaway. It’s going to overwhelm you the first time you see it.”
Gossage also said the display size will allow Texas Motor Speedway to succeed its fellow Speedway Motorsports, Inc. facility – Charlotte Motor Speedway (16,000 sf) – as the owner of the world’s largest sporting venue hi-definition screen as well as wrestle the state title away from the Houston Texans’ Reliant Stadium that recently upgraded its facility with 14,549 square feet of HD video displays. Locally, it will be 79 percent larger than the video board at AT&T Stadium (11,520 sf), home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Big Hoss TV will feature a 1080p screen will consist of nearly 4.8 million pixels, display 281 trillion colors and feature a 140-degree horizontal viewing radius to provide rich, high-definition imagery for race fans in every frontstretch seat and suite of the state’s largest sporting facility. Also, for those fans in backstretch seating, Panasonic also will be installing an 18’x24,’ 1080p HD video board on the infield side of the backstretch for their viewing pleasure.
In addition, Big Hoss TV will feature live race coverage, leaderboard information, driver and race statistics, instant replays, interactive entertainment and more.
Gossage said that construction will begin following the Oct. 31-Nov. 3 AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend and the project is scheduled for completion by March 2014.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of our LED solutions and are pleased to partner with Texas Motor Speedway to provide this record-breaking video display that’s a perfect fit to an already spectacular speedway,” said Richard Ballard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Panasonic Eco Solutions North America. “We all know that things are always bigger in Texas, and Texas racing fans should get ready for an experience of a lifetime as their senses will be heightened by the amazing graphics and content that the board will provide.”
For a sneak preview of the Big Hoss TV promotional trailer, click here. Type in code Texas2014.


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Welcome Break starts click and collect roll out
The service is being trialled at their Burger King outlet in South Mimms.
Motorway service operator Welcome Break has launched its first click-and-collect ordering and payment service at Burger King at its South Mimms (M25) site, ahead of a wider roll out across more brands and sites over the summer.
The new service allows customers to browse the menu and pre-order meals and refreshments through the Welcome Break app and select their collection time before paying for their order.
During pick-up, customers are told to display the order number sent to their app and collect their meal.
The technology used is powered by QikServe’s Preoday platform. QikServe also partnered with Moto, another motorway service operator, for a similar click-and-collect scheme.
“Our number one aim is to give our customers a safe place to stop, whilst providing a best in class hospitality service. We want our customers to have a seamless, stress-free experience when they visit and following a successful trial we look forward to rolling this service out across all our sites over the summer,” Welcome Break chief information officer Kash Ghedia said.


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- BMW is recalling over 917,000 vehicles over a defect that could cause fires.
- A faulty heating element could short-circuit, BMW said.
- The company estimates that 1% of the vehicles recalled have the defect.
BMW is recalling nearly 1 million vehicles in the US to fix a faulty component that could cause a fire in the engine compartment. It's the third time BMW has recalled many of these older vehicles for the same issue.
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW said the recall includes just over 917,000 vehicles. The automaker estimates that 1% of those vehicles have the defect.
The recall encompasses many 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, and Z4 vehicles from the 2006 through the 2013 model years. BMW told NHTSA that a component called a blow-by-heater "may not have been produced by the supplier to specifications." As a result, the part can short-circuit and lead to a fire.
BMW issued recalls for the same part in 2017 and 2019. Since 2019, it learned of several "thermal events" in the engine compartments of vehicles that had been recalled and fixed. Now BMW is recalling those vehicles again and expanding the recall to include 2012 and 2013 vehicles.
The carmaker said it is still developing a fix. Owners will be notified in late April if their vehicle is affected. Owners can also input their VIN number at the NHTSA website to learn if their car is covered by the recall.


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In an era where convenience is king and sustainability reigns supreme, the energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation. One of the most promising innovations on the horizon is the revolutionization of fuel delivery services. Traditional gas stations are facing increasing pressure to adapt to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns. In response, innovative fuel delivery services are emerging to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving market. The future of fuel delivery services lies in their ability to provide convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. Imagine a world where instead of having to drive to a gas station, fuel is delivered directly to your vehicle whenever and wherever you need it. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to advancements in technology and logistics. One of the key drivers behind the rise of fuel delivery services is the proliferation of mobile apps and digital platforms. These platforms allow consumers to order fuel with the tap of a button, much like ordering food or a ride-sharing service. By leveraging GPS technology, fuel delivery companies can pinpoint the exact location of a vehicle and dispatch a delivery truck to refill its tank.
This eliminates the need for consumers to waste time waiting in line at a gas station or detouring from their planned route. Furthermore, fuel delivery services are not only more convenient but also more efficient than traditional gas stations. Delivery trucks can carry large quantities of fuel and service multiple vehicles in a single trip, reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with fuel distribution. Additionally, by optimizing delivery routes and leveraging data analytics, companies can minimize fuel consumption and emissions, further contributing to sustainability efforts. Another aspect that sets fuel delivery services apart is their commitment to environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector has come under scrutiny for its reliance on fossil fuels. However, fuel transport company fort worth have the potential to mitigate this environmental impact by offering alternative fuel options such as biodiesel, ethanol, or even hydrogen. By diversifying the fuel supply chain and promoting cleaner alternatives, these services are paving the way for a greener future.
Moreover, fuel delivery services have the potential to democratize access to fuel, particularly in underserved or remote areas. Traditional gas stations are often concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural communities with limited options for refueling. By offering on-demand delivery services, fuel providers can ensure that all consumers, regardless of their location, have access to reliable fuel supply. This not only enhances convenience but also promotes economic development and social equity. The future of fuel delivery services holds immense promise for transforming the energy sector. By harnessing the power of technology, efficiency, and sustainability, these services are redefining how fuel is accessed, distributed, and consumed. As consumer preferences continue to evolve and environmental concerns take center stage, fuel delivery companies are well-positioned to lead the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The days of waiting in line at the gas station may soon be a thing of the past, replaced by the convenience of fuel delivered straight to your doorstep.


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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you are probably wondering what to get your sweetheart. If our San Diego law firm could make a suggestion it would be to avoid Target’s “Message Bears”, which were recalled due to large amounts of lead have been discovered in the stuffed animals.
Our San Diego personal injury attorneys are always concerned about product liability when it comes to goods which are not properly monitored by government officials could bring about a series of children’s injuries, in cases of dangerous toys, like these items. So far, no serious injuries or wrongful deaths have been reported in conjunction to the Valentine’s Day bears.
California’s Attorney General Jerry Brown has outlined a letter that the “Message Bears” had levels of lead that violated federal law, prompting Target Corp. to recall all of the Valentine’s Day gifts which could cause serious personal injuries. The stuffed animals, manufactured in China, come in two varieties:
- A pink bear that has inflated letters reading “XOXO” along the chest area
- A brown stuffed bear with it’s letters displaying the message “I Love U“, with a heart representing love.
The inflatable letters on the bears contain 10 times the federal limit on lead. Exposure to lead can poison the blood stream, cause infection and require extensive medical treatment from a hospital.
This is not the first time that a product from China has been put on shelves in American markets, so why does it keep happening? What’s going on with the federal regulators who are supposed to be monitoring these types of items to insure products are safe to buy? Chinese drywall has recently come under fire for containing asbestos and with so many of our goods manufactured in China, it is disconcerting that we do not know what is safe and what is not.
Being personal injury attorneys here in San Diego, our job is to make sure that serious accidents are prevented, as well as helping those hurt by dangerous products. We ask you to actively participate in Target’s recall of the Valentine’s Day “Message Bears” and return them to a local store as soon as possible (the store has stated that it will accept returns even without receipt of purchase).
If you were injured and believe that you deserve compensation, then call our bilingual law offices right away at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer and find out how we can help you. We look forward to providing good advice for your case. There is no fee if no recovery.
What do you think should be done to better regulate products from foreign countries? What products are you concerned about buying currently?
SENIOR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY & FIRM FOUNDER
Michael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who graduated from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in 1987. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes how insurance companies work and how they decide how much to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael’s inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents. Learn more about Michael Pines


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Techstory brings you this week’s top stories which you might have missed! So start your Sunday by updating your knowledge with these top news that happened this week across the globe! And Yes it’ll take just few minutes to go through this! Get Wisdomatic!
Uber lost $1.2 billion in the first half of the year, while Apple patented its idea of catching a theif via fingerprints, Luxembourg-based firm Clouse SA invested heavily in Snapdeal and World’s First Self-Driving Taxis ‘NuTonomy’ Hit the Road in Singapore! All this and more :
Uber Said to Lose $1.2 Billion in First Half of 2016
Uber lost $1.2 billion in the first half of the year, according to Bloomberg report citing unnamed sources privy to a conference call with investors of the privately held ride-hailing service.
The company has raised $16 billion to help fuel its rapid expansion to 76 countries, and was last valued at nearly $70 billion.
Apple Patents Idea to Capture iphone Thieves Through Fingerprints
While licensing of intellectual property is now a trending big debate, Apple is staying ahead of the game, and patenting its idea. In any case, a fingerprint scan, photo, and video of the thief would prove to be solid information that could help users get back their stolen iPhones. However, this patent will also let Apple effectively register all fingerprints regardless of thief or not. Of course, as with all patents, there’s no guarantee Apple will ever bring the technology to consumers.
Luxembourg-based Clouse SA Invests $21 million in Snapdeal
Luxembourg-based firm Clouse SA invested more than $21 million as part of its previously announced funding round in Jasper Infotech Pvt. Ltd, which runs e-commerce firm Snapdeal, according to documents available with the registrar of companies.
Founded in 2010 by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal as a deals site, Snapdeal now claims to have 300,000 sellers and more than 50 million products across 1,000 categories. Snapdeal currently delivers goods to more than 6,000 locations in India.
Net1 to Invest $40 Million in MobiKwik, a Leading Digital Payment Platform in India
Net1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. today announced that it has signed a subscription agreement with One MobiKwik Systems Private Limited in India.
As part of the strategic partnership, Net1 will invest $40 million in MobiKwik. In addition, through our technology agreement, Net1’s Virtual Card technology will be integrated across all MobiKwik wallets in order to provide ubiquity across all merchants in India.
MobiKwik is India’s largest independent mobile payments network, trusted by over 32 million users and 100,000 retailers.
World’s First Self-Driving Taxis ‘NuTonomy’ Hit the Road in Singapore
Massachusetts-based NuTonomy, an automotive software startup funded in part by Bill Ford’s Fontinalis Partners, claimed Thursday to be the first to offer an autonomous taxi service in Singapore.
NuTonomy said its new “robo-taxi” service, which will include specially configured Renault Zoe or Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicles, will run on an on-going basis within Singapore’s one-north business district, where the company has been conducting daily autonomous vehicle testing since April.


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The absence of noise associated with electric vehicles is considered a relief for many traffic participants. But at the same time, cars gliding along in almost perfect silence represent a potential source of danger. Audi, like many other OEMs, now is trying to find the ideal sound for the e-cars.
It sounds like a paradox: One of the most striking features of e-cars, the absence of the robust sound generated by the exhaust pipe of a six-cylinder sports car or the knocking of a diesel engine creates a potential hazard for pedestrians. E-cars driving at speeds up to 25 km/h are typically not generating any noise at all, only at higher speeds the tyre noise is increasing, and at highway speed, in terms of noise there is no significant difference between electrical vehicles and conventional ones.
The absence of noise creates headaches to traffic safety experts. Used to the acoustic warning generated by conventional vehicles, pedestrians could fail to perceive the approach of electric cars and thus inadvertently cross the way of the e-car with imaginable consequences, they warn. Associations for the Blind all over the world already have demanded to give e-cars their own specific sound in order to warn visually impaired or blind persons. In the USA and Japan, legislative activities are already under way.
Like other OEMs, Audi engineers are alarmed by this potential hazard. The company has set up a research program to determine the best sound for its future e-cars. "As long as an electric vehicle drives in the speed range between 0 and 25 km/h we talk about 'quiet cars'", explained Ralf Kunkel who oversees the acoustic vehicle design for Audi. The engineers will equip future e-cars with some kind electronic sound generator. The problem for the acoustic designers is how an e-car should sound.
The challenge for the OEMs is not only to generate just a kind of noise that signals that a car is approaching: Audi engineer Kunkel regards the task of assigning a specific sound to the e-cars as a chance to create an acoustic brand label. "Of course it is natural to follow the model of the familiar combustion engine," explains Christian Schueler, head of brand development and Corporate Identity at Audi. "On the other hand, we intend to highlight the perception that electric or hybrid electric vehicles are innovative products and we want to make our brand audible also in the age of electromobility."
Now the engineers are mulling their options. Sounds similar to spaceships in science-fiction movies have been considered but have already fallen through, Audi admits. While currently no concrete solution is taking shape, the engineers already know that the electric Audi has to sound "innovatively". An idea could be the sound associated to the Audi RSQ in the movie "I, Robot", EE Times Europe Automotive learned.


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The Finnish mobile manufacturer, Nokia has unveiled a new flagship smartphone running Windows Phone 8.1 and named it as the Lumia 930. This smartphone has physical dimensions of 137 x 71 x 9.8mm and weighs at 167 grams. Globally, the handset is expected to roll out in June starting with Europe, Asia, Middle East and India. Added to this, the company also announced that the new Windows Phone 8.1 update will be available for the entire Lumia Windows Phone 8 portfolio as an over-the-air (OTA) this summer. The Nokia Lumia 930 price in India is not yet officially confirmed, but it is expected to be available roughly at Rs. 35,800 from beginning of June.
This Lumia handset will have a 5-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen supporting a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 441ppi. The display features a Gorilla Glass 3 screen added with Super Sensitive Touch feature and a near 180-degree viewing angle. This phone is featuring an aluminium frame with metallic accents. It will be available in a curved polycarbonate back with Bright Orange, Bright Green, Black and White colours. The smartphone is powered by a 2420mAh battery and boasts of built-in wireless charging option.
Nokia Lumia 930 is equipped with a 20-megapixel PureView camera and has optical image stabilization (OIS) and Carl Zeiss optics. Additionally, there is a front-facing 1.2-megapixel wide-angle camera supporting 720 pixels video calling ability. The other camera features inlcude 1/2.5 inch' sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, PureView technology, dual capture, geo-tagging, face detection and panorama. It is capable of capturing 1080p videos at 30 fps. The handset is powered by a 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC coupled with 2GB of RAM. There is a 32GB of built-in storage added with 7GB free OneDrive cloud storage. The gadget has four directional microphones and integrated Dolby Surround Sound.
The phone is featured with LTE quad-band chip and Bluetooth 4.0 LE support as well. It comes with OneDrive, MS Office, Nokia Camera, MixRadio and HERE Maps. It also has various imaging applications such as Nokia Camera, Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Creative Studio and Nokia Refocus. The sensors in this phone include Accelerometer, gyro, proximity and compass. The phone will come with updated imaging software along with some other software improvements. The connectivity features of the smartphone includes Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, NFC, and USB 2.0. The phone has FM radio and it will work with a nano-SIM card.


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McDonald's may have served "billions and billions" of happy patrons, but Bruce Friedrich, vegetarian campaign coordinator at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, was never among them.
So Friedrich, who writes anti-McDonald's leaflets, was surprised last month when he received a letter from the hamburger giant calling him one of McDonald's "most valued customers."
The restaurant chain also sent Friedrich a "Be Our Guest" card entitling him to a free Big Mac at a nearby McDonald's outlet.
"We would feel honored to have the opportunity to serve you in the near future," wrote Alan Feldman, president of McDonald's, USA.
This amused Friedrich, who calls McDonald's "the world's biggest killer of cows." He doesn't plan to use the complimentary card.
"There's nothing on their menu that I'd like to eat," Friedrich said from PETA's headquarters in Norfolk, Va. "At the very least they could throw vegetarians a tofu bone by offering us a veggie burger. It's especially ironic that they'd send a coupon for a Big Mac, their signature food, which is the corporate symbol of animal cruelty."
Anna Rozenich, a spokeswoman for McDonald's at the chain's headquarters in Oak Brook, Ill., said the letter to Friedrich wasn't sent in error.
"It's a follow-up letter to customers and others who communicated with us," Rozenich said.
But isn't it ironic for a company that makes billions selling animal meat to send a complimentary coupon to PETA? Is this some kind of a conversion effort?
"Certainly Mr. Friedrich is entitled to his viewpoints," Rozenich said. "We live in a free society."


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Covid-19 Response: Making Face MasksJan Heine
In contradicting what we’ve been taught until now – that face masks are not useful – I fully expect this post to be controversial. But too much is at stake, so please read on with an open mind.
The good news from Seattle is that our current lockdown seems to be working. New infections appear to be leveling off. It’s too early to tell whether this will last, but it’s encouraging: We aren’t powerless. We can change the trajectory of this pandemic. Unfortunately, the situation is more difficult in many places, and our thoughts go out to all who are affected. It’s a scary time!
And yet we must focus on the future. Now is the time to prepare for the fight against the virus after we start returning to normal life. The ‘shelter-in-place’ orders reset the clock by reducing transmissions, while we try to figure out who is infected and who is not. Once we come out of the lockdowns, the virus will still be in the community. There will be fewer carriers, but many will be asymptomatic.
What may seem like bad news – this won’t be over for a long time – is also good news: We get another chance. And this time, we can take measures that – hopefully – will contain the virus before we need to take drastic measures – such as lockdowns – again. We all want to return to our normal lives. The more we prepare and get it right this time, the more we will be able not just to return to normal, but also remain at normal.
This is where everybody has to help. What can we do? The obvious is continue safe practices:
- Take social distancing seriously.
- Wash our hands frequently (and for the full 40 seconds).
- Disinfect surfaces that we touch before we can wash our hands. Keep our bathrooms clean (and separate, where possible).
- Wear masks when we are out in public. (Yes, really!)
Masks appear to be one of several reasons why infections did not spike as rapidly in Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore. Everybody there wore masks during the outbreak, making the social distancing more effective.
The evidence on this is clear: Scientific studies have shown that a surgical mask will reduce exposure to airborne viruses, on average by a factor of 6. What does this mean? It means that masks don’t offer 100% protection, but they greatly reduce how much you’ll be exposed to the virus. And with Covid-19, it appears that the amount of your exposure is important. That’s why the virus spreads in clusters among co-workers, family members and – sadly – health care workers. The more exposed you are, the more likely you are to get infected. Reducing our exposure apparently reduces the risk to get infected.
Now Health experts are rethinking the guidelines. Several papers in scientific journals like Science and The Lancet recommend wearing masks. The head of the Chinese CDC said: “The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren’t wearing masks.”
Masks are not just effective in protecting the wearer (ourselves), they are also crucial in protecting others by catching the droplets that transmit the virus. Natsuko told me: “In Japan, we are expected to wear a mask when we have a cold or don’t feel well, to protect others. And if the flu is especially bad, we also should wear a mask to protect ourselves.” The Coronavirus is not the flu, but it is also transmitted via droplets that we exhale.
In fact, the CDC has always recommended wearing a mask if you are infected. But we don’t know who is infected – that is why we have the current lockdown – so it makes sense for everybody to wear masks. That way, those who are infected, and don’t know it, will wear masks, too.
The CDC also recommends wearing masks when you are around somebody who is infected. Again, we don’t know who is infected, so we should wear masks when we meet anybody. And like immunizations, this works best when everybody works together to control the spread of the virus.
Masks add an extra layer to social distancing, reducing the exposure when we come too close for safety – which is unavoidable, for example, at a grocery store checkout counter. As an added benefit, masks remind us when we touch our faces – a habit that many of us have to break right now. (Resist the temptation to adjust your mask constantly – you should touch it as little as possible.)
Cyclists will understand the value of making small, but meaningful, performance improvements: A set of supple tires will not make you a world champion, but it’ll make a noticeable difference even on a casual ride. Even the most home-made mask provides more benefits than the ‘marginal gains’ that many cyclists are chasing.
You may wonder: Why did we get such strongly worded recommendations not to wear masks in the first place? There were two apparent reasons:
- There is a shortage of masks, and the message that masks are ineffective was intended to prevent people from buying precious stocks. (They are needed for front-line health care workers.) That backfired, and hopefully, those responsible have learned the lesson that transparency is the best policy.
- Officials worried about the economic impact of the crisis. Just a few weeks ago, Seattle’s mayor complained that news of the outbreak were scaring away tourists. People wearing masks would have been an very visible reminder that the virus was already spreading in our community. In hindsight, that might have been good. It might have create a sense of urgency that was lacking during the early days of the pandemic.
So we agree that masks are an effective tool in slowing the spread of the virus. Yet during the current shortage, there are no masks available. And the few masks that we have should go to the medical teams first. But we can make our own masks. Many already have taken the initiative to make much-needed masks for hospitals and nursing homes. What I suggest is that we expand this effort so that everybody comes out of the current lockdown with a mask or two.
How effective are home-made masks? A study found that home-made masks “significantly reduced the number of microorganisms expelled by volunteers.” In fact, the CDC now recommends that health care workers cover their mouth and nose with scarves when masks aren’t available. We certainly can do better than scarves!
So we now know that masks will be helpful in reducing the spread of the virus, especially after the current restrictions are eased. Let’s get to work making our own! And if you want to do more, make a few extra for your neighbors, friends and others. Some volunteers even make them for medical workers. If you know somebody who likes to sew, get them involved. Natsuko asked her mother to make a few masks. (Her mother was bored because her gym is closed and she is not supposed to meet her friends.) Natsuko’s mom enjoyed the task, and you see the result in the top photo.
FMB, the makers of tubular tires, has been making masks for a local residence for the elderly (above). The ultra-fine weave of the fabric used in tubular tires looks perfect for filtering out most droplets.
There are many patterns and instructions online, like this one. (Thanks, Machiko, for the link!) Sewing a mask is about the easiest sewing project you can do. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can stitch it by hand.
You can use all kinds of fabric for the outer layer. Masks don’t have to be white or black… Making a mask for everybody during the next few weeks seems like a huge task, but it’s doable. And it will make a difference.
And we’ll keep thinking about what we can do to help. Because we’re all in this together!


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Neon Funding has recently introduced a YouTube video that may help consumers access its services. This walkthrough video explains how to apply for the company’s services as well as how they could possibly receive financial benefits like a reduction in their monthly expenses.
The company offers individualized applications. These applications may make it simple for consumers to enter their personal information and determine whether they are eligible for the company’s services.
Personalized calculators may give consumers a better picture of their financial health and how the company could potentially help them improve their standing.
It is important that every consumer understands how their finances could be impacted by certain changes they make in their habits. The company’s financial blog explains many of these topics in detail, potentially bringing consumers a better grasp of the many factors that go into a solid financial future.
The blog will cover many different aspects of financial well-being. From saving for an emergency fund to lending money to friends and family members, the blog may be able to provide consumers with the information they need to make positive financial moves on their own behalf. These blog posts are written with a broad audience in mind, and they are meant to educate people with varying levels of financial experience.
It can be challenging to navigate financial topics. The company understands that finances may be a difficult topic, and its goal is to foster positive conversations between family members. Taking the time to understand your finances could prove to be an advantage when building your financial future.
Together with the other digital tools provided by the company, the YouTube walkthrough could make it simple for American consumers to access Neon Funding’s services. The company’s goal is to save consumers money on their monthly expenses, and the YouTube video is an example of their dedication to making the application process simple and easy to understand.


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The US-based film and TV streaming system Netflix is now available for use in Norway and seems well-received except in one important area: Its rules of use demand Norwegian consumers to give up their consumer rights in Norway, and that’s viewed as illegal.
State regulators called the rules “unreasonable” and threatened it’s likely any attempted enforcement of them by Netflix would be struck down in a Norwegian court. In the meantime, Netflix may get hit with a ban on enforcing their rules of use and a fine “if they don’t change them,” Petter Ravne Bugten of the state consumer ombudsman’s office told newspaper Aftenposten.
Netflix’ rules of use require consumers to relinquish their right to claim such rights in court and that’s causing reaction among regulators as well as consumers. A Netflix representative tried to downplay the conflict, telling Aftenposten that Netflix “respects the rights that protect consumers” and that Netflix acknowledges that consumers have the right to seek protection from a local court.


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Updated Apr 7, 2013 - 11:20 am
Report: Marijuana may bring jobs to Arizona
As strange as it sounds, marijuana could actually make a huge impact on Arizona's economy.
Based on an economic analysis, The Phoenix Business Journal reported that an increase in marijuana dispensaries could lead to an additional $34 million in spending and $2 million in revenue for state and local governments in Arizona.
Along with the additional revenue, more activity in the industry could create 460 new jobs and make a new, innovative impact on Arizona's economy.
Currently there are 11 approved dispensary locations, one of the newest being Jamestown Center, which opened March 28 in Eloy.


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Send Smells Instead Of Texts With The oPhone
In a new wave of potentially expensive, yet most likely useless technology that will soon become a simple gimmick, the oPhone is a sophisticated smell-messaging phone. Dr. David Edwards, a biomedical engineer at Harvard and founder of Le Laboratoire, which is known for producing radical sensory devices, is the creator of the oPhone.
Biologically we respond powerfully to aroma, so if we become familiar with the design of aromatic communication we might be able to say things we couldn’t before,” said Edwards in an interview with CNN.
The device, which is set to enter beta testing in July, will be given to a few select coffee aficionados. The smells are created by an oChip, which offers 365 aroma combinations. A free app—because every new product has an app—allows users to compose and send a smell note by text or email.
MIT electrical engineer Eyal Shahar designed the oChips, or aroma containers. They work by releasing the aroma when they are heated by the touch of a button. The device quickly cools to keep smells distinct.
For those unlucky few who don’t have an oPhone, the message can be downloaded from aroma hotspots that will first be launched in Boston.
Another aim of the oPhone, and other aroma devices, is possible healthcare applications. Certain aromas are beneficial to the mind and body, and the oPhone is just the latest iteration to wade its way into the market.
Call it smell-o-vision 2.0.
Our motto is ‘aroma tells a thousand pictures,'” said Edwards.
Edwards hopes that the oPhone will usher in a new method of communication. With the ability to add smells to messages and pictures, sharing experiences with smell adds a new dimension to the way we communicate our experiences to one another.
An image of a delicious meal can be shared in both picture and smell. A photo on the beach brings the sweet salty smell of the ocean with it as well.
We’re reaching a limit with what we can do with text data, and there is the potential to connect more deeply and personally through smell,” said Anna Simpson, trend analyst and editor of Green Futures.


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Today we have some excellent news for all you Tumblr fans that have been waiting for a better Android experience straight from Tumblr themselves. This afternoon they’ve just released their all-new redesigned and improved
Multiple user accounts in Android would be awesome right? Think about that “living room tablet” the entire family shares, or the Nexus 7 as your Google Fiber TV remote. If Android had multiple user accounts you could
Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS is up for an award for the overall user experience in Android 4.0 ICS at the Parsons School of Design 2012 UX Awards. The team at AndroidDevelopers put together a neat little video
Most sophisticated mobile phones these days use some form of gesture based communications. This technology has been growing over the past few years. It takes the way we communicate with our phones to a whole new level. The people
Matias Duarte, Palm’s senior director of human interface and user experience, has decided to leave the company. Most of you may know HP recently acquired Palm a few weeks ago. There have been rumors that he could land at
Everyone is jumping on the Android bandwagon as of late. And that’s great news for us, we will get a bunch of new different devices from almost every sector of the tech world. The Cherrypal Asia will be a $99 android laptop.
There have been a lot of Android devices leaked for Dell this past week. Most aren’t scheduled to appear until 2011. An old roadmap has recently surfaced on Android Central with a few Android devices we haven’t seen until