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When asked about carrying capacity Cyberpunk 2077 to a streaming service in one recent investors call Adam Kicinski explains that “we are always looking at any business opportunity, but this type of subscription model is appropriate at a certain point in the lifecycle of a product – and shouldn’t come too soon.”
Kicinski continues to discuss how The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on subscription service sometimes, disclose to investors that while it may have worked once, you have to “weigh the benefits versus costs each time, compare sales, etc – so that’s it a data-driven decision.”
As a result, Kicinski emphatically asserts that “It is too early to Cyberpunk, ”So we will likely have to wait a long time before bringing the game to any streaming service.
During the investor call and third-quarter earnings report, CD Projekt also said it plans to release again a next-gen version for both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Thanks to Digital Scrapes (Now CD Projekt Red Vancouver) coming on board, these next-gen updates are expected in Q1 2022 and Q2 2022 respectively.
Along with next generation updates, as well as Cyberpunk 2077’s First Expansion, CD Project is also doing “exploration work on new projects that are in the early stages of development.”
https://mspoweruser.com/cyberpunk-2077-wont-be-on-xbox-game-pass-soon/ Cyberpunk 2077 coming to Xbox Game Pass soon


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Netflix gets unfair postal advantage, court finds
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that Netflix Inc received an unfair advantage from the U.S. Postal Service's special handling of its DVDs, and ordered postal regulators to remedy the discrimination or offer a good explanation.
The unanimous decision, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, is a victory for GameFly Inc, which said the postal service should treat the games it ships similarly to Netflix DVDs.
The court did not order a specific change in how the postal service handles digital disks, instead leaving it up to the Postal Regulatory Commission to determine an equitable solution.
"The commission must either remedy all discrimination or explain why any residual discrimination is due or reasonable," wrote Judge David Sentelle.
The case now heads back to the commission, which regulates the independent postal service.
"We trust that the commission will take the court's decision to heart, and require the postal service to be compliant with the law by offering the same price and quality of service to all DVD rental companies," GameFly Chief Executive Dave Hodess said in a statement.
A postal service spokesman said on Friday that its position has not changed. "The different treatment that we provided to our customers was fully justified and reasonable, and consistent with the law," spokesman David Partenheimer said in an email.
A Netflix spokesman declined to comment.
Movie rental service Netflix appears to be the postal service's biggest DVD mailer customer, the court said. The service processes Netflix DVDs by hand and with specially designated containers. Continued...

domain: news


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Coffee is good for you.
Drinking three to four cups of coffee daily is associated with health benefits across a range of diseases and conditions, according to a review published in the British Medical Journal. The study identified 201 meta-analyses of observational research and 17 of interventional research finding that coffee consumption was more beneficial than harmful.
Consumption of three cups a day was associated with a 19% lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 16% lower risk of mortality from coronary heart disease and a 30% lower risk of stroke mortality. There was no harm associated with increasing to four cups a day, but the beneficial effects were less pronounced. A meta-analysis of 40 cohort studies suggested that there is a lower incidence of cancer among people who consumed large amounts of coffee than among those who drank little. Coffee drinkers also have a 29% lower risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a 27% lower risk of liver fibrosis and a 39% lower risk of liver cirrhosis.
The outcomes are mixed for coffee in pregnancy, however, with high consumption associated with a higher risk of low birth weight.
Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J. Coffee consumption and health: Umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes. BMJ 2017;359:j5024. https://doi. org/10.1136/bmj.j5024
|Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback|
|Title Annotation:||30 days in medicine|
|Publication:||South African Medical Journal|
|Date:||Dec 23, 2017|
|Previous Article:||Heavy smoking and drinking ages us.|


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More than any other vice presidential contender in a generation, Kamala Harris’ biography is singularly Californian. Here are eight ways that California shaped Kamala Harris and that Harris has shaped California.
This explainer will walk you through California’s response — good, bad and ugly — to unemployment in the coronavirus recession.
Comstock’s spoke with Belen Flores about how her organization has adapted in recent months and why its mission remains important.
California has rapidly expanded its safety net in an attempt to catch millions of residents impacted by the coronavirus and its economic aftershocks. Have these efforts succeeded?
As the coronavirus pandemic and recession hits California, the governor’s top environmental official has launched a comprehensive review of the cap and trade program that has been the cornerstone of the state’s strategy to fight climate change.
Employers are considering making the temporary measures for
people to work from home caused by the coronavirus lockdown more
formal. What are their obligations to their employees?
California is ready to partially reopen major sectors of its economy as early as this Friday, including retail shops and the manufacturers that supply them, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on May 4.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing intense lobbying from both business and labor as he weighs an executive order that would make it easier for essential workers such as nurses and grocery clerks to get workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19.
California is home to more than 2 million undocumented immigrants, making up nearly 1 in 10 workers in the state. Many advocates and service providers say the coronavirus and stay-at-home orders have had a disproportionately high impact on undocumented and low-wage workers.
As of 2017, Sacramento County had enough licensed child care slots to accommodate little more than a quarter of children with working parents. State and local officials are spearheading efforts to change that.


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Doomsayers have pointed to high gas prices destroying consumer sentiment, crushing consumer spending, and ultimately ending the American economic recovery.
However, this fear has largely been debunked as we're learning more and more that the rate of increase is more important than just the level of gas prices.
Bank of America's restaurant analyst Joseph Buckley reiterates this same sentiment in a note to clients today.
Gasoline pump prices have increased steadily thus far in 2012 from $3.30 per gallon to more than $3.90 per gallon. Most restaurant companies that have commented on higher gasoline prices have noted a thus far negligible impact on sales, but we attribute part of the recent softening of full service restaurant sales to rising gas prices. The economic effect of higher gas prices is undeniable as each penny per gallon increase in price absorbs about $1.4 billion in consumer spending. However, a $4 per gallon price point is no longer shocking to consumers so the psychological impact of higher fuel costs may not kick in unless pump prices go to new records.
Restaurant sales have more to do with jobs than with gas prices. Buckley explains:
This is a simple and logical relationship. When consumers are employed, they spend more time away from home and more meal occasions will involve restaurants. Breakfast and lunch meal occasions are more likely to be at restaurants within the flow of a work day. Obviously, employed consumers have incomes and presumably more money to spend in more discretionary ways, including dining at restaurants."
Get the latest Bank of America stock price here.


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Nubia is all set to unveil its first-ever Red Magic gaming tablet. It will launch alongside the Red Magic 8S Pro. The launch event is scheduled for July 5 and will take place in China. And similar to the upcoming Red Magic phone, Nubia has released a series of teasers about its upcoming android tablet.
These official teasers give us some crucial information about the Red Magic gaming tablet. We now have a comprehensive understanding of the device's specifications, from display specs to the processor to performance scores.
Red Magic Gaming Tablet Display
Nubia has equipped the gaming tablet with a customized display. It is from BOE, which is a China-based display manufacturer. This panel is 12.1 inches in size and offers a 2.5K resolution. Thanks to having such a high resolution, the tablet will excel in delivering crisp, sharp, and detailed images.
Moreover, the Red Magic gaming tablet display is confirmed to have a 144hz refresh rate. 144Hz refresh rate is currently the standard for gaming, which offers a faster response rate and fluid gaming experience.
Other specs of the display include a peak brightness of 600 nits, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and 10-bit color depth. These specifications enhance the tablet's suitability for media consumption, as the images on the screen will appear lifelike with high brightness and punchy colors.
Processor and Performance of the Tablet
One of the highlights of the Red Magic gaming tablet is that it is equipped to deliver stable and smooth performance. As a matter of fact, the tablet will not fail to amaze you even in demanding gaming titles. It packs Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is a flagship-grade mobile processor.
Gizchina News of the week
As unveiled by Nubia, the AnTuTu score of the gaming tablet is 1,371,362. This score solidifies the gaming reputation of Red Magic devices and confirms that the tablet will be a powerhouse. Nubia has also confirmed that the tablet can maintain an average of 59.8 frames per second in a 60-minute gaming session.
Gaming Centric Features
The Red Magic gaming tablet comes with a wide range of cloud gaming and host streaming features. It even supports a wide range of peripherals, including mice, keyboards, and controllers. And for the built-in game X-gravity platform, you are sure to have a smooth experience with these gaming peripherals.
That said, the direct support for these gaming peripherals will play a crucial role. It will let you enjoy AAA games in the way you want. In fact, many hardcore gamers prefer playing with a keyboard and mice on a large display. So, it's good to see Nubia considering these features for the gaming tablet.
Other Specs of Nubia Red Magic Gaming Tablet
Nubia has recently confirmed that the gaming tablet will come with a 10,000 mAh battery. That is a respectable battery capacity for a gaming device. It will enable hours of gaming sessions without needing to worry about charging the tablet.
On that note, the gaming tablet has support for 80W fast charging, allowing you to get the battery juiced up quickly. The tablet is also expected to come with up to 12GB of RAM, allowing you to multi-task and open demanding apps and games with ease.
Overall, the Red Magic gaming tablet appears to be a tweaked version of the ZTE Axon Pad 5g. That tablet was announced earlier this year in China. However, unlike the ZTE Pad, the Red Magic tablet is geared toward gamers. That's why it comes with so many gaming-centric features.
That said, no official pricing information is available for the gaming tablet. However, the ZTE Axon Pad 5G debuted at 460 EUR, which is around 500 USD. So, we are expecting the pricing of the Red Magic gaming tablet to be similar.


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Back in November, we told you about Google now opening up the flood gates to get physical Google Wallet cards. But we didn’t know much else about the card, or what some of the perks were. Most of us figured it must be like PayPal, you put money in your Google Wallet account and you can swipe it like any other card, seeing as it is powered by Mastercard.
The card is only available and working in the US, and we know that because it uses the magstripe on the back, instead of the EMV technology that’s used in other countries. Google also specifies in black-and-white terms that the card cannot be used outside the US. What’s even more disappointing, is how the card actually works. About a year ago, we saw some leaks about Google working on a universal payment card that could take the place of any plastic credit or debit cards you carried in your wallet, with a single card where you could control the source of funding on the fly, from the Google Wallet app.
Those “leaked” plans were actually scrapped before Google I/O back in May, leaving this new Google Wallet card as a very watered down debit card. However, Coin is planning to do the thing that Google wanted to do. The card is actually really easy to activate, just head into the Google Wallet app, wallet.google.com or call the number on your card to activate it.
Funding the card is where things get tricky, you can add funds from your other accounts you have connected. But in the FAQ for the Google Wallet Card, all it tells us is that you can take out up to $300.00 per day at ATMs. Google also doesn’t charge fees at ATMs, but some of the providers might. However to fund Google Wallet from a credit card there’s a 2.9% fee involved. Using the card is very simple, just swipe and either sign or use your PIN. Just like any other debit or credit card.
Is the Google Wallet card for you? It might be, it might not be. For me, I already have a PayPal card, so I don’t really have a need for Google Wallet, but it is nice to have. How many of you have used the Google Wallet card already?


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History was made at the New York Fashion Week. For the first time, there was a collection in which every model wore a hijab on the catwalk. The hijab is the veil worn by Muslim women that covers the head and chest. It has been in the news for being banned in various countries. Muslim designer Anniesa Hasibuan wanted to show how stylish and elegant the hijab is. The 30-year-old Indonesian wowed the fashion world with her creations. She is the first Indonesian to show at a big global fashion event. She received a standing ovation at the end of her display in New York.
More and more fashion designers are using Islamic fashion in their designs. The international clothing company H&M released an advert with a Muslim model in a hijab. Dolce and Gabbana made hijabs aimed at wealthy Muslim customers. Not everyone is happy with the hijab entering mainstream fashion. Some say the new designs are un-Islamic. Dr Eva Nisa, a professor of Islamic Studies, said: "The essence of Muslim dress is to wear something decent, to be modest. For women, they have to make sure what they're wearing doesn't attract the attention of men."


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There's usually a surprise or two at the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition in Cannes....
The gay community in the US has, understandably, reacted angrily to new laws in Russia that outlaw so-called “homosexual propaganda” and gay...
Russian Standard is now the world's second largest vodka producer after finally getting full control of Central European Distribution Corp (...
Gruppo Campari's CEO, Bob Kunze-Concewitz, went a little off-piste in a conference call with analysts today (13 May)....
Pernod Ricard's acquisition of Absolut has once again made the future of Stolichnaya a subject of intense speculation. Pernod had been in negotiations with Russian owner SPI Group about a possible acquisition of Stolichnaya, but for anti-trust reasons has had to abandon any such plans and walk away from its existing international distribution agreement for the brand. Chris Mercer spoke with SPI minority shareholder Andrey Skurikhin about Stoli’s future.
Gloomy talk of a global economic slowdown have so far failed to dilute growth in the US vodka category. One of the better known contenders in the segment – if only for its ocean blue-coloured bottle – is Skyy vodka. In this month's just-drinks interview, Olly Wehring grills the president & CEO of Skyy Spirits, Gerry Ruvo, over the rise of the company's namesake vodka brand, what the future holds for the Campari-owned unit, and how much longer vodka's moment in the US sun can last.
Liqs has expanded the US distribution of its namesake cocktail shots into two new states eight months after launching in Florida.
SPI Group has launched a multi-market summer campaign to promote the idea of mixing its Stolichnaya vodka brand with lemonade.
The US unit of SPI Group, Stoli Group USA, has released a ginger beer designed to mix with Stolichanya vodka for a Moscow Mule cocktail.
The US unit of SPI Group has signed new deals with three distributors as it eyes growth across the country.
SPI Group has confirmed the appointment of Southern Wine & Spirits of America as the distributor of its vodka portfolio in six more US states.
- A tobacco analogy soft drinks will want to embrace
- PepsiCo to consider more re-franchising - CEO
- Pernod's Portman Group penalty - a coincidence?
- Cleaning China's seedier side brings Remy balance
- just The Preview - SABMiller's Q1
- Diageo's Captain Morgan Facebook ad banned
- Diageo faces public consultation over W&M sale
- William Grant silent on Drambuie bid talk
- Bacardi to fight US football team legal action
- Remy posts Q1 sales drop as Edrington loss bites


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Bill Designed to Expedite Cross-Border Travel with Canada Passes Congress
A bipartisan bill designed to improve cross-border travel between Canada and the U.S. has passed Congress and is headed to the president's desk.
The bill, officially known as the “Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act” aims to streamline travel and commerce between the U.S. and Canada by allowing for more pre-clearance of passengers traveling between countries. Pre-clearance is when passengers undergo border inspections prior to traveling, and can help to avoid bottlenecks at border-crossings.
New Hampshire Democratic Congresswoman Annie Kuster was a sponsor of the bill. In a statement, she said if signed by the president, the law would increase economic and trade opportunities for New Hampshire businesses.
The bill passed on a voice vote with no opposition.


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Tesco forced to make U-turn by scrapping some of its own range of groceries in favour of branded products
Tesco has been forced to make an embarrassing U-turn by scrapping some of its own range of groceries in favour of branded products from other suppliers.
The supermarket has created a number of products to compete with branded goods from other companies, but has now trimmed back the range, in one case reintroducing rival products that it had dropped from its shelves.
Tesco launched a number of exclusive ranges and so-called ‘venture brands’, including pet foods such as Lathams and Italian cooking label Parioli – with variable results.
Supermarket secret: Tesco's ice cream
The supermarket has removed its own-brand range of New York Soup Company products from its shelves in the past fortnight after it failed to fulfil sales expectations.
Meanwhile products from the New Covent Garden Soup Company have reappeared on shelves in recent days having been dropped by the store altogether in October last year.
Bryan Roberts, at market research firm Kantar, said: ‘This chimes with the current mood of humility away from the old “we-know-better-than-you” days of Tesco. It’s been replaced by an urge to work with suppliers.’
A spokesman for Tesco said: ‘We are always listening to what our customers want and that includes reviewing and developing our range of products on a regular basis.’
Another example of the shifting strategy has been the Tesco-owned ice cream brand ChokaBlok, which was launched without any use of the Tesco name on its label. But in March Tesco added the words ‘from Tesco’ to the front of packaging after requests from shoppers to do so.
Tesco has also withdrawn an extensive range of Yoo yoghurts, which were billed as a direct competitor to Danone and Muller, although it has kept a much smaller range of Yoo flavoured milk drinks.
When New Covent Garden Soup was removed the supplier told The Grocer magazine: ‘Clearly Tesco has made the decision to invest in their own tertiary brands.’
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All the bits fit to print here, in our daily news roundup.
- Beyoncé's costume at the Super Bowl, designed by Rubin Singer, was inspired by Valkyrie, the goddess of war from Norse mythology. [ModMods]
- Net-A-Porter's Natalie Massenet has announced that, in addition to debuting a print magazine, the luxury ecommerce site will soon be readable in French, German, and Mandarin. [The New York Times]
- Barneys New York's dedicated warehouse sale website is now live. [The Shophound]
- The first-ever Global Kids Fashion Week will showcase designs from labels like Paul Smith Junior and Little Marc Jacobs. [Vogue UK]
- Anja Rubik says that the second issue of her biannual magazine, 25, is inspired by the soft, sensual side of erotica. [Nowness]
- Donatella Versace, Victoria Beckham, and Mario Testino are just a few of the confirmed speakers at the 2013 Vogue Festival. [Independent]
- P'Trique takes chic to the next level in his new music video. [Elle]


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As the name suggests, Roadmap E puts Volkswagen on course for a future dominated by electric cars.
Speaking ahead of the Frankfurt show - Europe's premier new vehicle event of 2017 - VW chairman Dr Herbert Diess said the company anticipated that by 2025 demand for its ID models could reach a million per year.
BMW AG is showing off the four-door i Vision Dynamics electric concept vehicle to join its i3 and i8 electric models.
The German carmaker, and its subsidiary brands Audi, Skoda, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, outlined its Roadmap E strategy on the eve of the 2017 Frankfurt motor show as the next stage in a bid to fix its reputation following the emission-cheating diesel scandal that rocked the company.
While a "CleanAir" system always ensures a supply of clean air in the interior, regardless of ambient conditions, according to Volkswagen.
"We will have a long transition phase in which a wide variety of drive systems will coexist", he said.
"Our task is to make modern technology available to many people".
Volkswagen has no plans to ditch diesel engines and isn't anxious about the rising threat of Tesla. Though the number has fallen 10% from the previous show in 2015, 228 new vehicles and technologies will be on display for the first time.
"One thing is clear: The Golf of the future must once again be a people's auto!" Instead it has a unique door layout, wherein the front opens normally with conventional hinges but the rear being sliding doors. That's enough for a maximum speed of 112 miles per hour (180 kilometers per hour) and VW estimates range at 311 miles (500 kilometers) on a full charge.
Among other features, the I.D. Crozz has two motors with a total output of 225 kW - that's about 300 horsepower to you Colonials.
By locating the battery in the centre of the I.D. Crozz with a motor at each driven axle, the company says attains "an ideal weight distribution" which gives the EV crossover concept handling characteristics on par with that of a Golf GTI.
China, the world's largest auto market, announced this week that it intends to ban the production and sale of vehicles powered only by fossil fuels.


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By Catherine Bohigian, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs
Americans are rightly worried about their privacy – 81% feel that they have little or no control over the data companies collect about them. As a connectivity provider, protecting our customers’ online privacy is one of our most important responsibilities. We value and rely on their trust and loyalty. That’s why Charter has long called for a strong federal framework to protect consumers’ privacy online: it will help protect those we serve and rebuild confidence that their personal information is safe as more and more of their lives move online.
We are encouraged that recent comprehensive privacy proposals from leaders of both the Senate Commerce and House Energy and Commerce Committees indicate the potential for bipartisan action this year. Yes, there are differences. These proposals show that the issue is complicated and will require careful deliberation in order to establish a new privacy framework. But there are also shared priorities, and consumers have reason to be hopeful a solution is on the horizon.
Charter has consistently called for an “opt-in” approach to give consumers that choice and control, with limited exceptions. We are encouraged to see that each of the recent proposals include elements of opt-in choice for certain consumer data.
Additionally, consumers will be best served and empowered by a comprehensive federal privacy law that applies consistently to all businesses. Importantly, each of these current proposals take this approach. Having a strong national privacy framework that applies the same set of rules regardless of where the consumer lives, works or travels is equally important. Consumers should not have to wonder which protections apply depending on where they are. Placing the onus on consumers to make those determinations will only create confusion undermining consumer control and weakening privacy protections.
It’s time for Congress to take these serious and thoughtful proposals and introduce comprehensive, bipartisan, consensus legislation. We look forward to working with Chairmen Wicker and Pallone, Ranking Members Cantwell and Walden, and other stakeholders, to move the process forward and produce a uniform, national framework that protects consumers’ privacy online.
Catherine Bohigian is the Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, for Charter Communications. In this role, she oversees all aspects of Charter’s federal, state and local government affairs and franchising activities. Her responsibilities include developing the company’s public policy positions and directing its legislative and regulatory strategies in Washington, DC and in the 41 states Charter serves.


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MobileSpan Announces Plug-In BYOD for Enterprise; Raises $2.3 Million in Oversubscribed Series A Round
MobileSpan today announced MobileSpan for BYOD, the next generation remote access platform for personal devices in the enterprise. MobileSpan is the first platform to seamlessly plug into existing corporate systems and extend the reach of enterprise document repositories and web applications to BYO devices. MobileSpan for BYOD addresses both the enterprise and the individual by arming employees with the power of corporate information on their personal devices without the threat of lost or mishandled data or the high cost of managing devices.
The BYOD trend is being driven by both end-users who want to choose what devices they use and where they use them, and IT departments who want to get out of the "asset management" business. In fact, a recent study by Forrester on the consumerization of IT* revealed that 60% of enterprises currently have or are planning BYOD programs for smartphones while more than 40% are looking to BYOD for tablets and laptops.
"The growing BYOD trend has created a huge market for MobileSpan's flagship product, which enables employees to securely access company content anytime, anywhere and on any device," says Puneet Agarwal of True Ventures. "Nils is a proven entrepreneur who has assembled an incredibly exciting team, and we are thrilled to be working with them."
With a feature-rich product and a rapidly growing need in the market, MobileSpan secured an oversubscribed $2.3 million series A round of funding to drive future growth. True Ventures led the financing with participation from Greylock, K9 Ventures, Alchemist Accelerator, and several notable Angels. The company will use the capital to invest in R&D and marketing in 2013.
"Bring-your-own-device is sometimes seen as a threat to enterprise IT. But if done right, BYOD is an opportunity for IT to move away from owning and managing hundreds or thousands of devices, towards providing a service to workers using any device," said Nils Bunger, CEO of MobileSpan. "We are extending existing enterprise systems and practices to personal devices while maintaining full lifecycle data protection."
MobileSpan for BYOD will be showcased on Thursday, January 17 during Alchemist Accelerator Demo Day in Mountain View, CA. Alchemist Accelerator is a new accelerator targeted exclusively at startups whose revenue comes from enterprises.


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Post a New Topic
Blackhawk Plaza -- 25 years later
Original post made
on Jul 26, 2013
Nearly 25 years ago, rumors of gold-plated grocery carts began spreading through the Tri-Valley as Blackhawk Plaza welcomed its first customers to its tiled mall with soaring ceilings and domes leading to open-air walkways overlooking koi ponds, waterfalls and fountains at the upscale shopping center six miles east of Interstate 680.
Read the full story here Web Link
posted Thursday, July 25, 2013, 7:51 PM


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Honda has announced the updates to the 2015 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe, with the biggest update being the introduction of the Special Edition Civic Sedan.
Honda has announced the updates to the 2015 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe. Following last year’s long list of updates that included a facelift for the Coupe and a new CVT, Honda is keeping it simple for 2015 with the biggest addition being the release a Special Edition version of the Civic Sedan.
The new 2015 Civic Sedan SE is positioned between the LX and EX trim levels. It comes equipped with the CVT, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black painted inserts, Honda LaneWatch, automatic climate control, Display Audio with next-generation HondaLink and additional tweeter speakers.
Both models are powered by a 143-hp 1.8L four-cylinder that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT transmission. Pricing for the 2015 Civic starts at $19,080 for the Civic Coupe LX and $19,280 for the Civic Sedan LX.
Honda has not announced if there are any updates to the 2015 Civic Si Sedan and Coupe, Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas.


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The Department of Economic Development in Ajman (Ajman DED) issued a report on commercial control and consumer protection for the first half of 2023 (1H 2023). The report revealed that Ajman DED carried out 48,315 inspection campaigns, and achieved 100% of the inspection campaign plan. In addition, the Department committed to resolving consumer protection complaints by 95%, and the Department's commitment to resolving complaints of trademarks and commercial agencies has also reached 95%, within the specified time.
In this regard, H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Hamrani, Director-General of Ajman DED, said: “The inspection campaigns on economic establishments during 1H 2023 are part of the Department’s annual field visits and inspections plan. Commercial protection and consumer protection are our top priorities and mean the protection of Ajman’s economy and sustainability, in order to achieve the strategic goal of strengthening commercial oversight and consumer protection. The Department has received a total of 2,337 consumer protection complaints and trademark infringement complaints, which were verified and resolved in a timely manner, and the value of settling consumer protection complaints amounted to about AED 7 million.
Saud Sultan Al Shammari, Director of Control and Consumer Protection Section, confirmed the Department's keenness to deal with and respond promptly to consumer protection complaints, and stated that the Department has implemented 100% of the awareness campaign plan targeting the public and consumers, in addition to organizing several campaigns during 1H 2023 targeting a wide range of shops, in preparation for the holidays and events, The Department also issued 25 licenses for draws, all of which were carried out under the direct supervision of the Department by 100%.


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Stealing the day, "melamine tableware"
Recently, consumers have been talking about the "melamine" color change tableware new rules! The reporter learned from the Provincial Quality Supervision Bureau yesterday that the melamine tableware (Nanjing melamine tableware) is suitable for the "Sanitary standard for melamine-formaldehyde molding products for food containers and packaging materials". The National Standardization Administration Committee announced that it will Implementation began on September 1, 2009. According to the experts of the Provincial Quality Supervision Bureau, the new standard is stricter than the original standard in many aspects, and the release of harmful substances from the melamine tableware has been eliminated from the root cause. In addition, the new regulations clearly require melamine tableware to be marked with product materials, and inform the "food use" and "forbidden heating in the microwave oven" and other information. According to reports, melamine tableware is the trade name, the official name should be "melamine plastic tableware." Some unscrupulous companies have replaced the melamine formaldehyde resin with a low-cost urea-formaldehyde resin for cost savings. The reporter learned that the price of melamine formaldehyde resin on the market is at least 12,000 yuan to 13,000 yuan per ton, while the price of urea-formaldehyde resin is only 6,000 yuan per ton, and the cost is only about half of the former. However, urea-formaldehyde resins are unstable and have a higher formaldehyde content. He engineer believes that the new national standard fundamentally eliminates the use of urea-formaldehyde resin instead of melamine formaldehyde resin. According to reports, melamine is formed by polycondensation of melamine and formaldehyde, and will decompose under extreme conditions such as high temperature. He Peng said that melamine tableware (Nanjing melamine tableware) is hot-pressed. If the company increases production and speeds up the process to save costs, the high temperature is not enough, the die-casting time is insufficient, and it is easy to release substances harmful to health when used. The new national standard will change the migration limit of formaldehyde monomer from 30mg/L to 2.5mg/dm2, so that enterprises can no longer cut corners and must be processed according to sufficient process conditions within the regulations. In addition, the new national standard on the evaporation residue, potassium permanganate consumption, heavy metal limit value regulations are also more stringent, He Peng introduced, soaked in water at 60 degrees Celsius for 2 hours, due to material instability released by the material limit value than the previous standard Reduced by 5 times.


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The April 30th deadline for the commission studying the merger to release its report on the merger of the city and county has come and went, but apparently the deadline was more of a guideline than an actual drop-dead date. There are a couple of issues that the commission are still reviewing. One is alcohol law differences between the city and the county. From the Dalton Daily Citizen:
One of the key issues commission members are grappling with is what would happen to alcohol laws in what is now the city of Dalton if the merger takes place. Dalton currently permits the sale of distilled spirits as well as the sale of alcohol by the drink and in retail stores on Sunday. Whitfield County does not. Officials say that no successful merger of a city and county in Georgia history has involved governments with such different alcohol laws.
Smalley and Bisson said it isn’t clear what would happen to the alcohol laws if the two governments merged but it looks as if the county’s laws would take effect in the city. That means that Dalton restaurants and stores could no longer sell distilled spirits or sell any alcohol on Sunday. Those that currently make such alcohol sales could not be grandfathered in.
The attorneys also advised the commission that even if the April 30 deadline isn’t set in stone the commission still faces considerable time pressure if it wants to put a referendum to merge the two governments on the ballot. If commission members vote to recommend a merger, they must then draft a charter and present it to the federal Justice Department for review in time to get the measure on the November ballot.
“That (drafting a charter) will be serious business. Not that what we have done so far wasn’t serious. But drafting a charter for a new government will be complex,” said Thomason.
The commission has the option of recommending a “functional consolidation” of some departments. A functional consolidation would not need to be put on the ballot and only be approved by the Dalton City Council and Whitfield Board of Commissioners.


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For the last few years, Verizon has launched a giveaway along with the release of the new iPhone. This year is no different. Instead of a scavenger hunt, they have announced a Verizon Wish contest for the new iPhone. You will need a Twitter account to “wish” for a new iPhone 11 Pro.
Like the superstition of wishing for things at 11:11, the Verizon iPhone contest is based on 11.
ENTER THE CONTEST BY GOING HERE: verizon.com/iphone1111
Verizon will publish a digital wishing page where you can wish about what you would do with the new iPhone. Each wish generates a custom 11:11 design that reflects its owner’s aspirations and can be shared for a chance to win a new iPhone. Customers can sign up for a reminder to share it again at 11:11 for 11x the chance to win. See the official rules HERE
For reference, Apple announced 3 new iPhones a couple of days ago, the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 11 is the “lower-end” with 6.1 LiquidRetina display and dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras.
The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch diagonal all-screen OLED Super Retina displays, respectively. Both phones have Triple 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto rear cameras and 12mp front-facing cameras.
iPhone 11 and 11 Pro Pricing and Availability
Verizon also has great deals if you plan on buying the new iPhones from them from the carrier.
The iPhone 11 starts at $29.16 per month for 24 months ($699.99 retail price; 0% APR),
the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $41.66 per month for 24 months ($999.99 retail price; 0% APR)
and the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $45.83 per month for 24 months ($1,099.99 retail price; 0% APR).
- Switch to Verizon and get a new iPhone 11 on them, or get up to $700 off any new iPhone on a device payment plan when you trade-in your smartphone.
- Customers will receive up to $500 trade-in promo credit applied over 24 months and a $200 prepaid card. (New unlimited line required).
- New and existing customer can save $250 off any new iPad with any iPhone purchase. Both devices must be on a Verizon device payment plan. Discount applied over 24 months as bill credits.


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FREE, live webinar details card program expansion to parking, transit
Of the many considerations facing card offices today, one of the constants is the move to a more advanced card technology and whether it's the right decision for your campus.
The key to navigating the contactless conundrum is to seek out information and ask the right questions. In a new, live webinar with Blackboard Transact the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will discuss their move to a contactless credential and how it's changed the way the campus has approached the "one card" concept.
The webinar -- scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 1:00 PM Eastern -- will discuss the benefits UNC-Charlotte has experienced since migrating to contactless card technology and how the campus now uses the contactless card across all campus functions including parking, dining and transit.
Representing UNC-Charlotte on the webinar will be Gabe Gerber and Anthony Smucler, who will discuss how the 49er ID card has been transformed into a valid transit pass for local buses and light rail. The pair will also detail the campus' proactive and unique approach to UNC-Charlotte's campus wide re-carding, and how the university uses NFC technology at parking structures as a failsafe for the campus' new license plate recognition system.
The webinar will also feature a live question and answer session directly following the presentation. Key webinar takeaways include:
If your campus is considering the move to a contactless credential, or if you simply want more information regarding contactless card technology, the UNC-Charlotte Goes Contactless webinar will be a great resource.


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While posting strong second-quarter results, Marysville, Ohio-based Scotts Miracle-Gro is hoping for more cooperative weather.
Scotts posted net sales of $1.13 billion for the quarter ended April 2, up 8% from the same quarter last year. Net income increased 50% to $177.6 million.
For the quarter, company-wide adjusted gross margin rate increased 41.1% compared with 39.6% a year earlier. The improvement was due to the benefit of lower commodity costs, as well as supply chain efficiencies and a favorable product mix.


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After more than a year of vacancy, the former City Buffet on Richland’s main drag will open with a new restaurant.
The building’s windows facing out to George Washington Way announce that Luke’s Bar & Grill is coming and the restaurant is currently hiring. Owner Kayla Ashley told the Herald she’s tentatively plan to open in October.
Details about Luke’s menu and other offerings haven’t been finalized but Ashley is aiming to provide a sports bar environment with a country western theme.
The building at 924 George Washington Way, between Wendy’s and a Sterling’s Restaurant, was home to the Tri-Cities’ first Red Robin before its last stint of Asian cuisine.
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The new owners are documenting the major renovation on their Facebook page: http://bit.ly/lukesgrill.
Ashley said the building is taking a lot of work but that it’s the perfect location near city hall, John Dam Plaza and Howard Amon Park.
Watch here for its opening dates.
A popular sandwich shop with a location in Kennewick is expanding to a new outlet in Richland and shuttering its catering business based in Walla Walla.
John Lastoskie said he and his wife are looking to open the new Graze at 735 The Parkway in early September.
The shop will be in a storefront built more than a year ago that had yet to have a tenant. The couple have filed for a liquor permit for the shop.
The Lastoskies started in catering nine years ago and John Lastoskie said, “It’s an amazing business when you don’t have the resources to open a restaurant and you want to build it organically.”
But it’s become more difficult to maintain the catering side because it requires more volume to support the staff brought on to serve it. They plan to keep their Graze restaurant in Walla Walla.
Graze offers gourmet salads, soups, desserts and drinks along with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and paninis ranging in price from $7 to $11.
John Lastoskie said beyond being closer to Richland residents who enjoy Graze, the Parkway location also will help with the shop’s growing sandwich deliveries to offices in the Tri-Cities.


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Netflix is raising prices again on its plans, starting at $9.99
Get ready to pay more to stream Netflix.
The streaming behemoth revealed it will raise prices on plans in the U.S. and Canada. It's basic plan starts at $9.99, up from $8.99 previously.
The popular Standard plan, which supports high-definition content and allows users to watch separately on two screens, jumps from $13.99 to $15.49.
The Premium plan, which offers Ultra HD and supports up to four screens simultaneously, will increase from $17.99 a month to $19.99 a month.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Netflix said it is raising prices "so that we can continue to offer a wide variety of quality entertainment options."
"We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members," said Netflix in its statement.
The price increase will take effect immediately for new customers. Existing members will see the price change over the coming weeks. Members will be notified by email and through the app 30 days before the price changes takes effect on their account, said Netflix.
Netflix last raised prices in 2020, as millions of users flocked to streaming services while remaining confined to their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This story is developing.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.


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Charlie Sheen Tries to Trademark 'Duh, Winning,' 'Tiger Blood,'
When Charlie Sheen launched his post-rehab media blitz, no one thought it would last.
But then the actor set off to tour his reportedly chaotic and failing one-man show--Violent Torpedo of Truth.
And now in Charlie Sheen news? He's filed trademark applications for 22 of his "special" catchphrases.
Late last month, Hyro-gliff, a new company associated with Sheen, filed the trademark applications, many of which are connected to products, such as bras, drinks, candy and games.
Sheen is seeking to trademark phrases like "Duh, Winning," "Vatican Assassin" and "Tiger Blood," as well as his own name and signature. He's even tossed in his nicknames for his home (Sober Valley Lodge) and his girlfriends (Sheen's Goddesses), reports TMZ.
So how is this Charlie Sheen news going to pan out?
It's hard to say at this point whether the trademarks will be granted.
Technically, trademark law protects names, phrases and images associated with products and services. Sheen clearly intends to capitalize on his media attention in the form of product placement and branding.
In fact, he already sells merchandise with many of these phrases on his website.
However, there is already some competition out there, reports the Associated Press. But since these phrases are closely connected to Sheen and he has already used them in commerce, chances are the usurpers won't be a problem.
The trademark applications could take over a year, so hopefully we have more exciting Charlie Sheen news in the meantime.
You know, like reporting that he finally got help.
- Don't forget: 'I got booed off the stage in Detroit' (Associated Press)
- Trademarks Basics FAQ (FindLaw)
- Obama Fried Chicken: Taste Aside, Is it Legal to Use the President's Name? (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Charlie Sheen Lawsuit: Producer Chuck Lorre, Studio Owe Him $100M (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)


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[Update May 26 at 5:41 p.m.: According to this FAQ document, breweries that partner with food trucks or restaurants can re-open for dine-in. See below for more information.]
[Update May 25 at 4:30 p.m.: Denver has issued a statement saying it will align with the State’s decision to allow restaurants to re-open for dine-in service on May 27. See below for the full statement.]
After much anticipation, Governor Jared Polis has finally released the date Colorado restaurants can re-open. Starting Wednesday, May 27, establishments that serve food can open their doors to patrons for both indoor and outdoor seating. But much like everything else in this pandemic, the experience of eating out will not be the same.
After an initial public feedback period, Polis has issued the official standards restaurants must meet if they are to re-open. These guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Indoor dining can operate at 50% of its occupancy but it is capped at 50 people maximum
- Tables and patrons must remain six feet apart at all times and clear markings on the floor must help people maintain distance
- All employees, vendors and contractors must wear facial coverings at all times while in the establishment
- Tables, chairs and shared surfaces must be disinfected between seatings
- Reservations are highly encouraged
- No buffets, communal seating or seat yourself options
- No parties larger than eight
- Must provide hand sanitizer for patrons
- Monitor symptoms and health of employees
- Encourage and use outdoor seating with tables six feet apart
Go here to read the full guidance
Despite these statewide guidelines there are still some issues up to the discretion of local public health departments. Therefore who, what, where and when will likely be different for every county. For example, restaurants need expanded outdoor seating to compensate for the reduced indoor capacity. Local governments will be in charge of how or if expanded outdoor seating is implemented. So while some counties and restaurants will be able to re-open starting as soon as May 27 — many still have to wait while more details are ironed out. What about breweries? The Governor’s website says establishments that do not serve food will be evaluated in June. But this caveat posted in the FAQ section explains that breweries that partner with food trucks or restaurants can re-open under the new guidelines as long as the food is prepared and served on-site. Lightbar snacks or items commercially prepared and heated up on-site do not count.
As for Denver, the city announced Monday afternoon it will align with the state’s decision.
“The City and County of Denver will align with the State’s decision allowing restaurants to resume limited sit-down service on Wednesday, May 27. The city may make additional adjustments in the coming days, and face coverings will be required for restaurant employees and customers, except while eating and drinking. We are looking forward to safely welcoming back sit-down service at Denver restaurants, and are working quickly to process the 375 applications we have received the past few days to expand outdoor patio seating. I also strongly encourage vulnerable populations to continue to abide by more stringent safer-at-home guidelines,” explained Mayor Michael B. Hancock in an emailed statement.
We will update this article as more information becomes available. For more specific info on your county go here. For more info on the restaurant guidance, go here.
This content was originally published here.


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As reported by the Commercial Observer:
Marketing studio The Garage and post-production firm KMH Integration have joined Industry City’s roster of creative tenants, Commercial Observer has learned.
The Garage, a studio that produces commercials for brands like Heinz Ketchup and Jack Daniel’s, signed a 14,682-square-foot lease at 86 34th Street in Industry City, according to information from the Brooklyn complex’s developers, Belvedere Capital, Jamestown and Angelo Gordon & Co. The Garage will use the space for tabletop cinematography, and to provide training and teach online classes.
“They came to us for a reason,” Kathe Chase, the director of leasing for Industry City, said. “They wanted a cool space that felt energized when people came in.”
KMH Integration signed a 1,267-square-foot lease at 254 36th Street for its post-production work. KMH integrates traditional broadcasting technology with live streaming capabilities, and provides educational classes and training as well.
“What we’ve already created at Industry City is a hub of companies here that leverage off each other,” Chase said.
In August, the city selected Steiner Studios to build a film and television production facility at the nearby Bush Terminal, further cementing Sunset Park as a production hub, Chase said…
While Industry City doesn’t currently have studio stages, and doesn’t plan to build managed spaces on spec, its developers are in talks with some end-users to build custom stages for them, Chase said. In addition, since Industry City owns its own streets, companies can film outside without permits.
— Posted by JVS on 9.19.20, backdated to 9.17.20


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Sheepskin boot giant Ugg has opened its first standalone store selling men’s product only.
The 800 sq ft store on New York’s Maddison Avenue is the brand’s first dedicated solely to men’s footwear and is connected to its existing women’s and kid’s store.
“Our men’s business is growing in double digits,” said Ugg president Connie Rishwain. “Men’s is a big opportunity for the brand.”
The store’s design was inspired by aviation, and a large aeroplane wing structure covers the ceiling.
To celebrate the opening the high-end Ugg Collection sub-brand was flown in early from Italy, where it is made.
Ugg’s next store in the US will open in New York’s Meatpacking District in October.
Ugg recently told Drapers that it is still committed to its wholesale business in the UK, despite having axed several high-profile wholesales stockists, including ASOS, Cloggs and USC for autumn 12.


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A lifestyle farm with a craft centre, holiday lets and equestrian centre has gone on the market in North Wales for £1.8m.
The couple are best known for Piggery Pottery, so named because it began in a disused pig shed.
As well as providing paint-your-own ceramics for generations of children, Barbara’s piggy banks have been used in TV advertising campaigns for the likes of Aldi and Citroen.
However the couple have now decided to downscale.
It means waving goodbye to a 30-acre farm that includes a vast array of facilities.
Dol Helyg is being marketed by Hugh Steele-Perkins of Coast & Country Fine Homes.
He said: “This is an impressive lifestyle business on the fringe of Snowdonia National Park, ideally suited to be run as a family enterprise.
“It offers so much and will, without doubt, return great pleasure and financial reward to the new owners.”
As well as pottery workshops, Dol Helyg has a retail shop, café, kiln room and an arts and crafts teaching hall, spread across 4,500 sq ft of floor space.
There’s also an equestrian centre with an eight-stall stable and a nearby menage, together with planning consent for a show jumping arena.
In addition, the farm caters for the holiday lets market, given its location in the foothills of Snowdonia.
The period farmhouse, with exposed beams, has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two sitting rooms and a large conservatory.
Nearby is a stone-built barn conversion that has solar-powered underfloor heating.
This too has five en-suite bedrooms, set around a courtyard with a wood burner-heated sitting room.
Together, the farm can accommodate groups of up to 30 people, each paying up to £2,900 per week in peak season, said Mr Steele-Perkins.
Also in the package is a “modest” detached bungalow, which is where the current owners live.
In addition, Dol Helyg has a machinery store, portacabin offices and two static caravans.
It is laid almost entirely to pasture with a new hardwood plantation, and is bounded by Afon Rhyhallt.
Mr Steele-Perkins said the property, on a key tourist route, offers an ideal base for larger groups as well as families and couples on holiday.
“It has endless possibilities,” he added.
For the latest North Wales news sent to your inbox for free, sign up here


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CRISIS support and suicide prevention charity, Lifeline, has opened an exciting new concept store in Nelson Bay.
The double-fronted shop is at 128 Magnus Street (next to Baskin Robbins ice cream shop) and is styled in a trendy boutique fashion with only high quality items for sale.
All items are $5 unless otherwise stated.
Retail Manager Shiralee Tilling told News of the Area, “We decided to open a shop in Nelson Bay as the Port Stephens community have been fantastic supporters of Lifeline and we are excited to give more to this area.”
The store is staffed by a mixture of paid employees and a team of fashion loving staff.
All proceeds from the store will go to support Lifeline’s local crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast is largely self-funded, relying on its 12 shops to generate the necessary revenue for its services.
Lifeline provides a 24/7 helpline for anyone feeling suicidal or in crisis on 131114.
They have a range of online tools and can also put you in touch with a support worker or provide a referral to other local services.
Both relationship and financial counselling services are available as well as a whole range of other initiatives.
The shop is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
A donation bin is situated outside the shop during opening hours where you can place donations.
Lifeline are in need of volunteers and a pack can be obtained by calling into the shop.
Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast save the lives of 5000 people annually but rely on community support for more than 80% of their funding.
The shop is a welcome addition to the Nelson Bay retail community.
By Sarah STOKES


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Huawei’s sub-brand Honor recently launched its premium flagship the Honor View 20 and now the company is ready to launch four new devices including the Honor 9S, Honor 8S, Honor 10i, and Honor 8A Pro.
Honor 8S and Honor 8A Pro have reportedly received certification by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) whereas Honor 10i has been certified by the Chinese certification body TENAA, and the fourth device slated to come out is Honor 9S which has been trademarked in Argentina.
Though it cannot be said for sure, it’s very likely that the Honor 9S might actually be the global variant of the Huawei Enjoy 9S, a device that was earlier launched in China, or it may be a new phone altogether.
Since it is only a trademark of the name, the listing of the device does not reveal any details or specs of the phone. Since the listing has been issued in the name of Huawei Technologies and its Argentinan counterpart, therefore, it is most likely to debut in Argentina first than in any other country.
If the upcoming Honor 9S is actually the rebranded version of the Huawei Enjoy 9S, we are expecting to see a 6.21-inch display along with the mid-range Kirin 710 chipset and a triple camera setup on its back.


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America has been a global beacon of entrepreneurship since it ditched managerial capitalism for entrepreneurship in the late 1970s. So why can’t the UK replicate this success? Natalia Thomas, a Researcher based at CfEL, talks about the different attitudes to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial role models.
By guest blogger Jordan Milne (pictured left), co-author of book on work-life balance ‘Winning without Losing’ Last week I was on a call with a Director at a leading Global company. He had a big decision to make, and analyzing it was causing him stress. After speaking with him for some time it became clear [...]
In general, most of us focus our efforts on the strongest ties in our networks when looking for new opportunities. However, this may not be the best approach. Entrepreneur Carrie Bedingfield, founder of Onefish Twofish, counters that it’s more productive to look to our weaker ties if we really want to tap into the power of our network.
Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2013 in Rio will include a fringe event by the Cambridge Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning, Dr Joanna Mills is looking forward to it.
To be an entrepreneur requires a clever idea, a passion and a degree of personal risk – but how do you know when a risk is worth taking? Carrie Bedingfield (pictured), founder of OneFish TwoFish, says her personal philosophy is not to invest money in people or systems that she can’t afford to lose. Carrie will be one of the panellists in a virtual open day being held by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge to give a taster session for its Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDE) programme on 5th March 2013 11.00 – 14.00 (GMT).
Control is a recurring theme in business, especially amongst entrepreneurs. We are often quick to praise business leaders for taking control and attribute their ability to do so as a factor in their success. However, our guest contributor Jordan Milne explains why this is only part of the picture.
Tips for successful networking.
Entrepreneurs can benefit tremendously by learning from other people’s experience successes and failures. The education and sharing becomes very relevant when you are living the same experience, says Dr Dominic Chan a Hong Kong-based entrepreneur and speaker at a recent CfEL event.
Marketing for entrepreneurs: could an Advisory Board pave the way to opportunities and credibility for your business?
How to create an advisory board to strengthen your entrepreneurial venture.
The drive for success can often mean entrepreneurs increasing their workload, but this may actually be counter-productive. In this follow up to ‘Five tips to make this the best holiday season yet . . .’, Jordan Milne talks about making some behavioural changes as an entrepreneur which can actually make you stand out from the crowd and enable the development of skills which could be far more beneficial for business success.


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VR is in a tricky spot. Devices like the Rift and the Vive have proven that immersive virtual worlds are within our reach, and yet, no one cares. The problem is that current VR headsets still have a lot of rough edges. They aren’t quite precise enough and the good ones are too expensive for most folks. But with the new Oculus Quest, Facebook thinks it has something to solve some of VR’s big issues.
Originally codenamed Santa Cruz, the Quest is the high-end, standalone VR headset it’s been teasing since 2016. Unlike PS VR or a Vive Pro, the Quest’s standalone nature means there aren’t any wires to get tangled up in your feet and no need for an external PC or console to provide graphics. The Quest will also work with most previous Oculus software, so at launch there shouldn’t be a shortage of content.
Oculus will include two of the Rift’s Touch controllers with the Quest in order to provide a consistent, yet familiar method of interacting with objects in virtual space. The Quest also sports a full six degrees of freedom, so not only can you tilt your head to look at things, the headset should be able to track your head (and maybe your body?) so you can move around and enjoy the experience of untethered VR. But the most enticing thing about the quest is its price: $400.
That’s the same price as Oculus’ current Rift bundle, $100 less than a Vive, and a whopping $400 less than a Vive Pro, and that’s not including the relatively high-end PC you’d need to power them. With a more affordable price and no need for a pricey PC, Oculus is hoping to get 10 million people invested in its ecosystem, at which point, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Oculus should become a self sustaining platform that will generate profit for devs while also keeping the company’s VR platform rich with content.
Unfortunately, during the Quest’s announcement at Oculus Connect 5, Zuckerberg didn’t mention what kind of internals or optics the Quest is packing. And while company’s official press release mentions a resolution of 1600 x 1400 and 64GB of built-in storage, that’s not a lot to go on. And to make matters worse, it seems the Quest won’t actually go on sale until spring 2019.


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Tickets on sale this week for month-long tourism event
MANITOULIN—Anglers are counting down the days to when they can launch their boats and head out into Manitoulin’s territorial waters. To help whet their appetite, the Manitoulin Expositor Salmon Classic is pleased to announce the fourth edition of its month-long fishing derby, July 27-August 25, with tickets available beginning this Friday, April 5.
Dave Patterson, Salmon Classic organizer, was invited to speak at a recent meeting of the Little Current Fish and Game Club. He told the group about the huge economic spinoff the salmon derby has on the local economy.
“The salmon derby attracts hundreds of anglers over the course of an entire month, bringing millions of dollars to the local economy,” Mr. Patterson explained. “That’s the whole reason we started the Salmon Classic—as an economic booster—and we urge businesses to capitalize on this; have local specials, sales and promotions aimed at our angling guests. Use the Salmon Classic to your advantage.”
“Basically, it’s a free marketing opportunity to draw business that you would not normally have.” Mr. Patterson added.
Mr. Patterson noted that sponsorship letters have once again been sent in the mail and thanked all those who have donated in the past and who continue to give so generously to this unique event. Items and gift certificates are also welcomed and will be used as prizes.
“All of the sponsorship funds are put toward off-Island promotions, such as posters and radio advertising, to get people here,” he explained.
Tickets for the Salmon Classic will be available beginning this weekend at the Sudbury Sportsman’s Show being held at the Garson Arena. Tickets, again just $65 for adults and $35 for youth (ages 14 and under) are also available at the Expositor Office in Little Current, Manitoulin West Recorder in Gore Bay, Up Top Sports Shop in Mindemoya, Moxy’s Bait and Tackle in Lively and online at fishmanitoulin.com. More ticket sellers will be announced as the summer approaches.
Anglers will be happy to hear that the fishmanitoulin.com site has received a major overhaul during the winter months and will now feature a live leaderboard during the derby. Once a fish is weighed, the weigh station volunteers (these people who are so important to the event’s success) will input the information which will go directly online. This, Mr. Patterson said, should help to encourage catch and release. A quick visit to the leaderboard will show whether a fish is in contention or not.
“We look forward to another great year,” Mr. Patterson added. “Our numbers are steadily increasing year over year and it can only get better.”
For more information, email email@example.com, visit the website or call Mr. Patterson at 705-368-2744 or 705-968-0237.


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Burger King Worldwide Inc. is serving up a new video and a specially wrapped version of its flagship sandwich to trumpet its support of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered people.
The effort makes the Miami-based burger giant the first of the big U.S. fast-food chains to take such a bold stance on the politically charged issue, and underlines how a growing number of retailers see support for LGBT rights as good for business.
Burger King on Wednesday launched a short film on YouTube in support of the LGBT community. The company filmed patrons of a Burger King along the San Francisco Pride Parade route who were surprised to open a Whopper wrapped in rainbow-colored paper with the message “we are all the same inside.” The “Proud Whopper,” which is otherwise identical to the Whopper sandwiches not wrapped in the rainbow paper, is available at that San Francisco Burger King through July 3. Read More »
A fresh advertisement by the IKEA franchisee in Thailand, featuring a woman speaking with a deep male-like tone, has sparked fury among transsexuals, who are accusing the furniture giant of openly mocking transgender individuals for being “deceitful and deviant.”
The criticism comes only months after IKEA apologized for removing women from its Saudi catalog and expressed regret over having profited from the use of prison labourers in East Germany some 25 years ago. Those mea culpas followed the sacking of four French managers who allegedly hired private detectives to snoop on workers and disgruntled customers.
The Thai Transgender Alliance is demanding in an open letter that IKEA officially apologizes for an ad they describe as “negative and stereotypical in nature.”
The ad, shown below was broadcast on the Bangkok sky train system from Dec. 28-Jan. 13.
It shows a couple browsing an IKEA store. When the woman spots an item on sale, her voice drops into a dark male-like tone and the man next to jerks away. In the last scene, the man runs away as the woman carries off boxes of flat-packed furniture by herself.
“We want everyone to feel welcome to our stores and we apologize if it [the ad] is seen as negative,” IKEA Group spokeswoman Ylva Magnusson said.
Being the world’s biggest furniture retailer, with nearly 140,000 employees and operations in over 40 countries, is sure to come with the occasional slip-up. Still, with the rate of controversies that IKEA is currently pushing, the smoke barely has time to settle before there’s a new fire to put out.
So is all this drama hurting the IKEA brand?
“Yes and no,” according to Chief Executive Mikael Ohlsson. In an interview Monday before the Thai controversy was widely known, he said that although he would of course prefer to the get attention for all the good things IKEA does – investing billions into renewable energy and donating loads of cash every year to child charities – the increased publicity also challenges IKEA to be more open and transparent.
“What we have seen with some of those cases that have been in media is that by being very open and transparent, and just say this is what happened, it was a mistake and we’re correcting it, it also makes us stronger and I think it also builds trust,” he said.


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The following companies had unusual price changes in Mexico trading. Stock symbols are in parentheses and prices are as of 4 p.m. New York time.
The IPC index added 0.9 percent to 37,948.75, extending gains after jumping the most since November in the previous session.
Retail and consumer goods: Companies in the U.S. added more workers than forecast to payrolls in January, showing a pickup in the labor market, according to figures from ADP Employer Services. Mexican growth is tied to the U.S., which buys about 80 percent of its exports.
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB (KIMBERA MM), Mexico’s biggest consumer products company, advanced 4 percent to 70.50 pesos. Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB (WALMEXV MM), Latin America’s largest retailer, gained 3.8 percent to 35.60 pesos.
Alfa SAB (ALFAA MM), the world’s largest producer of aluminum engine heads, fell 0.5 percent to 142.17 pesos. The company had its recommendation cut to “neutral” from “buy” at UBS AG by analyst Marimar Torreblanca, who said the stock’s rally since September made it unlikely that it would continue to surge in 2011.
Cemex SAB (CEMEXCPO MM) declined 0.6 percent to 11.45 pesos. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sought to reclaim Cairo’s streets as his supporters clashed with protesters demanding the president’s ouster, and leading rival Mohamed ElBaradei called on the army to step in. The Middle East and Africa, led by Egypt, accounted for 7.5 percent of the cement maker’s revenue in 2009. The company will report fourth-quarter earnings tomorrow.
Empresas ICA SAB (ICA* MM) gained 3.2 percent to 32.42 pesos. The country’s biggest construction company sold $400 million of 10-year bonds, an increase from earlier plans to sell $300 million, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Grupo Bimbo SAB (BIMBOA MM), the world’s largest bread maker, slumped 1.9 percent to 102.04. The company plans to exercise an option to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Compania de Alimentos Fargo SA, Mexican newspaper El Semanario reported on its website, citing shareholder Fernando Chico Pardo. The company’s press department didn’t respond to requests for comment made by phone and e-mail.


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There’s a new album by Prince coming out: hurrah! But it’s an album of cover versions: boo! But wait, it’s covers of songs that Prince himself wrote for other artists to record: hurrah again!
‘Originals’ will be released on 7 June through a partnership between the Prince Estate, Warner Bros Records and Tidal, with the streaming service getting a 14-day exclusive streaming window before other services get the album.
‘Manic Monday’ and ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ are among the tracks featured, all pulled from Prince’s famous ‘vault’ of unreleased material. “In the spirit of sharing Prince’s music with his fans as he wanted, the album will be available to stream in Master quality via Tidal’s HiFi subscription tier,” explained the announcement.


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Vastflux is one of the largest ad frauds ever discovered, with approximately 1,700 spoofed apps, 120 targeted publishers, and 12 billion false ad requests daily.
EACH TIME YOU OPEN AN APPLICATION OR WEBSITE, a flurry of unseen processes occurs without your knowledge. Behind the scenes, dozens of advertising firms are vying for your attention: they want their advertisements to reach your eyes. A series of instant auctions frequently determine which advertisements you see for each ad. This automated advertising, commonly referred to as programmatic advertising, was worth $418 billion last year. But it is also susceptible to abuse.
Today, security researchers disclosed a new widespread attack on the online advertising ecosystem that has affected millions of people, defrauded hundreds of businesses, and may have yielded its perpetrator’s substantial profits. The attack, dubbed Vastflux, was discovered by Human Security researchers, a company that investigates fraud and bot activity. The attackers spoofed 1,700 apps and targeted 120 publishers compromising 11 million mobile devices. At their peak, the attackers made 12 billion requests for advertisements per day.
Marion Habiby, a data scientist at Human Security and the case’s lead researcher, explains, “When I first received the results for the volume of the attack, I had to run the numbers multiple times.” Habiby describes the attack as one of the most sophisticated and the largest the company has ever witnessed. “It is evident that the bad actors were well-organized and went to great lengths to avoid detection, ensuring that the attack would last as long as possible to generate as much profit as possible,” Habiby explains.
The business of online and mobile advertising is complex and frequently murky. However, it generates enormous profits for those involved. Every day, billions of ads are placed on websites and in apps. Advertisers or ad networks pay to have their ads displayed and earn money when people click on or view them.
In the summer of 2022, Human Security researcher Vikas Parthasarathy discovered Vastflux while investigating a different threat. According to Habiby, the operation of the fraud required multiple steps, and the perpetrators took a variety of precautions to avoid being discovered.
First, the group responsible for the attack — which Human Security has not identified due to ongoing investigations — would target popular apps and attempt to purchase ad space within them.
“They were only going through one ad slot,” Habiby explains. “They were not attempting to take over an entire phone or app.”
Simply put, the attackers were able to hijack the advertising system so that when a phone displayed an ad within an affected app, it displayed up to 25 ads on top of one another. Each advertisement would pay the attackers, and you would only see one advertisement on your phone. However, your phone’s battery would deplete more quickly than usual as it processed all the fraudulent advertisements.
“It’s quite brilliant because as soon as the advertisement disappears, your attack ceases, which means you won’t be found easily,” Habiby explains.
In June 2022, at the group’s peak of activity, 12 billion ad requests were made per day. According to Human Security, the attack primarily affected iOS devices, but Android phones were also affected. The fraud is estimated to have affected 11 million devices in total. Legitimate apps and advertising processes were compromised, leaving device owners with little recourse against the attack.
Michael Aciman, a spokesperson for Google, states that the company has strict policies against “invalid traffic” and that there was limited “exposure” of Vastflux on its networks. Aciman says, “Our team thoroughly evaluated the report’s findings and took swift enforcement action.” Apple did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
Mobile advertising fraud can take on a variety of forms. This can range from ad stacking and phone farms to click farms and SDK spoofing, as with Vastflux. The rapid depletion of a phone’s battery, large spikes in data usage, or the random activation of its screen could be indicators of ad fraud. In November 2018, the FBI’s largest ad fraud investigation resulted in the indictment of eight men for operating two infamous ad fraud schemes. (Human Security and additional technology firms participated in the investigation.) And in 2020, Uber won a lawsuit alleging ad fraud after a company it hired to increase app installation used “click flooding.”
In the case of Vastflux, the attack likely had the greatest effect on those involved in the vast advertising industry. The fraud affected both advertising firms and apps that display advertisements.
Human Security’s senior manager of threat insights, Zach Edwards, explains, “They attempted to defraud all of these distinct parties along the supply chain by employing a variety of techniques against each.”
Multiple strategies were employed by the group to avoid detection; up to 25 simultaneous ad requests from a single phone would have appeared suspicious. They spoofed the advertising details of 1,700 apps, making it appear as though many apps were involved in displaying the ads when, in reality, only one app was used. Additionally, Vastflux modified its advertisements to only allow certain tags to be attached to advertisements, thereby evading detection.
Matthew Katz, head of marketplace quality at FreeWheel, a Comcast-owned ad tech company that was partially involved in the investigation, asserts that the sophistication of attackers in the space is growing. Katz states that Vastflux was an especially complex scheme.
According to researchers, the attack involved significant infrastructure and planning. According to Edwards, Vastflux utilized multiple domains to launch its attack. The name Vastflux is derived from “fast flux,” a hacker attack type involving the linking of multiple IP addresses to a single domain name, and VAST, a template for video advertising developed by a working group of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and abused in the attack. (According to Shailley Singh, executive vice president, product, and chief operating officer at IAB Tech Lab, using the VAST 4 version of its template can help prevent attacks such as Vastflux, and additional technical measures from publishers and ad networks would help reduce its effectiveness.) Habiby explains, “It’s not the typical type of straightforward fraud scheme.”
Due to ongoing investigations, the researchers refused to disclose who may be behind the Vastflux or how much money they may have made. However, they claim to have witnessed the same criminals committing advertising fraud as early as 2020. In that instance, the ad fraud scheme allegedly targeted US swing states and collected user information.
At least for the time being, Vastflux has been halted. Human Security and several companies with which it has partnered to combat ad fraud began actively combating the group and the attack in June of last year. In June and July 2022, three separate disruptions of Vastflux reduced the number of daily ad requests from the attack to less than one billion. The company stated in a blog post, “We identified the bad actors behind the operation and worked closely with the abused organizations to mitigate the fraud.”
Since December, when the servers were taken offline by the attackers, Human Security has not observed any activity from the group. Tamer Hassan, the chief executive officer of the company, asserts that there are multiple actions individuals can take against criminals, some of which may result in law enforcement action. However, money is important. Stopping attackers from making a profit will reduce the number of attacks. “We defeat cybercriminals as an industry by winning the economic game,” Hassan says.


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The CEO of TFS Corp (TFC), now rebranded itself to #39;Quintis#39;, Frank Wilson, said he along with the cricket legend Adam Gilchrist, a shareholder and brand ambassador of the company, would be visiting India to meet potential business partners in May this ... Money Control, 1 month ago
TFS Corp eyeingto make India biggest business partner - Business Standard, 1 month ago
The government may soon initiate the process of setting up the proposed telecom finance corporation (TFC), with the finance ministry giving its nod. TFC has been mooted as a vehicle for mobilising funds from the international market at competitive rates to ...The Financial Chronicle, 2 months ago
The central government on Wednesday assured Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of looking into resuming cross-LoC trade disrupted due to shelling on the border.Mehbooba Mufti took up the issue of Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Chakan da Bagh ...Prokerala, 1 month ago Hopeful we'll be able to pick up from where we left: Mufti on Indo-Pak ties catchnews.com, 1 month ago Cross-LoC travel suspended amid Pak shelling in Poonch Deccan Herald, 1 month ago
With the current financial year inching towards closure, CBDT has directed the taxman to step up survey operations to check non-deduction of TDS by firms and employers, especially in cases where such payments have dropped by more than 15% as compared to last ...DNA, 2 months ago
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The formula shortage has been a struggle for many moms and their children.
And now, Bette Midler has been called out for her ‘ignorant’ response to the baby formula shortage.
This comes as many moms have opened up about their struggle with this shortage.
Kayzie Weedman, a TikTok mom, shone a light on how millions of other mothers are struggling right now because of the lack of formula available to them.
Weedman took to TikTok to share her outrage and desperation in a video that has recently gone viral, in it she said: “Let’s talk about the formula shortage that is plaguing the US right now because more people need to know about this. You go to your local Target, your local Walmart, and you think you’re going to get the formula your baby needs? Nope. Shelves are bare. And there are babies who can’t have just any formula that’s on the shelf.”
Before adding a picture of her baby, she continued: “I’m going to insert a picture of what my daughter looks like when she has cow’s milk because she has a huge cow’s milk protein allergy.
“So, what am I going to do when I go to the shelves and can’t get the formula that I need? The pharmacist who fills her prescription formula can’t fill it because they can’t get it — it’s back-ordered six months and I just have to sit there and stare at empty shelves and not know what I’m going to do next,” she said.
Weedman continued: “Formula is not available on any of the shelves. They’re empty — nowhere near three hours near me [has it]. Can’t get the formula. What are we going to do? Where do we go from here? How do formula moms feed their kids?” the worried mom then inserted a photo of the bare formula shelves at a nearby store.
After watching her video and sympathizing with the young mom, many others took to the comments section to share their own experiences and the struggle they have faced due to the shortage. One user wrote: “I am having so much anxiety for all the moms right now this is not ok.”
Another commented: “I’m 38 weeks pregnant and so terrified!! Just bc I plan to breastfeed but you never know! Things don’t always go as planned.”
“I have had to travel up to two hours to get formula,” Weedman later told BuzzFeed, adding that she keeps seeing people tell mothers to “breastfeed or try harder,” which doesn’t help. “I could not breastfeed because of Palmer’s immune system and allergy needs. MY breastmilk was slowly killing my baby and if I did not have formula, she would be far worse off,” she said.
In a desperate effort to get help from the online community, she posted on TikTok and Facebook to try and see if there was anyone who could help her. And women everywhere came to support the mom by offering to ship her the specific formula she needed for her baby.
“The community of mothers around me has been outstanding. The amount of help I have received from complete strangers is something I never imagined. The tribe of mothers out there are special people,” Weedman gushed on Facebook.
She added that although she now has a good supply of formula, this is still a huge problem here in America: “This formula shortage is very scary and very real. My suggestion is to be on the lookout every time you go to any store that sells formula. Find your formula-feeding friends and band together to look for and purchase formula for each other. I have friends and family from all over looking for her cans every time they go to the store. Help moms out and just grab ONE can. Frenzy buying isn’t helping.”
But, since the formula shortage, Bette Midler, singer, songwriter, actress, and comedian, has shared her own opinion on the matter…
And she’s received a lot of backfire as a result of the opinion she shared.
In a Tweet on May 13, Midler’s response to the shortage just didn’t sit well with anybody.
But before we take a look at her tweet, let’s see what people thought…
First, Jennifer Sey took to the comment section to share her thoughts on the tweet…
“This is profoundly insensitive,” she began replying to Midler’s tweet which read: “Try BREASTFEEDING! It’s free and available on-demand.
“First, there are a million reasons why some women can’t nurse at all, or can’t nurse full time & supplement with formula.
“Second, women don’t even need a “reason”. She can decide not to just because she doesn’t want to. Period.
“Third…If she hasn’t up til now, she can’t just start at any time. It’s not like turning on a spigot. The ‘breastfeeding wars’ are just another example of the class divide. It’s elite WFH class judging those who can’t or don’t breastfeed full time, #leavewomenalone #MyBodyMyChoice” she wrote.
Stephen Miller was next to speak out…
Political advisor, Stephen Miller, took to the comment section to share his thoughts: “What a profoundly offensive & ignorant statement. There are countless reasons why breastfeeding is not an option for many mothers—too many to get into here. And if you’ve been using the formula you can’t just flip a switch. Not to mention millions of babies with milk/food allergies,” he wrote.
Ilyse Hogue then commented…
“Bette, respectfully, this is a very bad take. I had twins. I didn’t produce enough milk for both. Without formula, I would have had to have chosen which one got to eat. To say nothing of kids that get separated from the birth mothers very young,” Hogue wrote.
Tim Carvell then spoke out on behalf of those raising children in a male household…
“Imagine having a large gay fanbase, many of whom are raising kids in two-dad households, and thinking this is a good suggestion,” he noted.
As many other people piled into the comment section to share their opinions on the “horrific” statement…
Midler posted another tweet. “People are piling on because of former tweet. No shame if you can’t breastfeed, but if you can & are somehow convinced that your own milk isn’t as good as a ‘scientifically researched product’, that’s something else again. The monopoly news is news to me, tho, no lie, #WETNURSES” she wrote.
But, people still weren’t having what seemed to be Midler’s way of apologizing… Or at least clarifying what she meant.
“Just shut the f*ck up, Bette,” writer and artist Tony Posnanski said.
“Noooooo. Stop. Do not double down on this. This is so bad,” Amber Gustafson said.
“Formula might not be better for babies but it sure is hell better for a lot of moms. We matter too,” another person wrote.
What do you think?


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India’s image tarnished: auto makers
The auto industry is blaming the government for not being able to fix the issues facing India’s economy, which has tarnished the country’s image as an investment destination, and has hit the sector very badly.Updated: Sep 05, 2013 01:50 IST
The auto industry is blaming the government for not being able to fix the issues facing India’s economy, which has tarnished the country’s image as an investment destination, and has hit the sector very badly.
"The current scenario does not inspire confidence for a company to invest," said Arvind Saxena, MD, Volkswagen Group Sales India Ltd. "There is a great deal of uncertainty and unless some major decisions are taken, it is not likely to improve."
The passenger car industry grew by a robust 30% in 2010-11 but could not touch that peak in the following years. In 2011-12, sales grew a little over 2% and in 2012-13 it declined by nearly 7%. In this financial year so far, the decline has been nearly 10%.
"Three years ago, India was the talk of the town. It was discussed at board rooms and coffee tables," said a senior official with a leading German car maker. "Today, it has become a no-go area. People are looking at Indonesia more closely. India ranks very low in ease of doing business and corruption and lack of leadership is rampant."
Investments have already begun to dry up and job losses are beginning to mount. India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) said last month it will miss its target of setting up its new factory in Gujarat by 2016 due to the slowdown in the industry.
"It is unlikely that we would be able to commission the Gujarat plant even by the end of financial year 2016," said R C Bhargava, chairman, MSIL. "The slowdown in the auto sector is very acute. We are trying to access the sales projections and would accordingly decide on when to set up the factory."
First Published: Sep 05, 2013 01:47 IST


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Panasonic would also bring the distribution responsibility in-house, and pare down the market-share targets to about 5% in two years from initial projections running into two digits.
Samsung said that it will further consolidate its leadership in India with frequent smartphone and services launches in coming month
Nokia has made comeback to the Indian market with its HMD Global-powered smartphones, targeting the competitive sub-Rs 15000 price category
The fight for camera performance has got intense in the mid-price segment, with Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Vivo giving their best deals for the Indian consumers till date.
In terms of the overall market share (smartphones plus feature phones), Micromax has been pipped by a little-known Chinese player Itel.
“Flooded with competition (Chinese) products, channels require different margins and rivals offering a lot more that create obviously even a tougher comparative environment,” Chialin Chang said.
When it comes to making a good beginning in the fast-evolving Indian smartphone market, it doesn't matter even if you are as grand an icon as Sachin Tendulkar.
This means that Vivo will become the official sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cups in Russia and 2022 edition in Qatar.
The intense competition is leading to a massive share shifts, the firm in its finding said.
Chinese vendors saw a 180% revenue growth in 1Q’ CY 2017 in comparison to the same quarter last year.
Gionee said that it has grown its distribution network by 30% and has doubled the national distributors in the country.
Chinese-based smartphone vendors have now captured more than half of Indian smartphone market
Lenovo has emerged as the top Chinese mobile handset brand that India is using, according to a CMR report.
Huawei today changed tack by introducing Honor 8 Lite, priced at Rs 17,999, as the first model from its online Honor stable for retail sale across stores in India to gain volume.
Flipkart Buyback Guarantee program available with Lenovo, Vivo, Oppo devices, expects jump in smartphone sales
The facility will be made a permanent feature for Flipkart smartphones after the sale, but at a higher price, senior official at the company said.
Samsung Electronics appoints new mobile marketing chief as part of reshuffle
Apple iPhone 5S has emerged as the top premium smartphone in seven states while other versions of iOS-driven devices occupy the top five premium spots in non-metro states, a report said on Wednesday.
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Australia’s December quarter consumer price inflation report (CPI) is about to be released.
Arriving just four times a year, it’s arguably the most important data release on the Australian economic calendar, especially when it come to the outlook for official interest rate settings.
Australian inflationary pressures have been close to non-existent since early 2016, sitting at or below 2% for much of that period.
Economists expect that trend to continue today, with some anticipating that underlying inflationary pressures will move further away, rather than closer to, the RBA’s 2-3% annual target.
That means today’s report will be a blockbuster event, especially with growing expectations the RBA may cut Australia’s cash rate by the end of this year.
Here’s the state of play.
- The CPI report is based off price movements in a set basket of goods and services commonly purchased by metropolitan households.
- Individual items fall into 11 broader categories, and are weighted based on estimated expenditure by households.
- In the September quarter last year, headline CPI — including all price movements in the ABS basket — rose by 0.4%, leaving the increase on a year earlier at 1.9%.
- Indicating that inflationary pressures continued to be driven by price movements linked to government, the “market goods and services ex volatile items index”, tracking private sector inflationary pressures, grew by just 0.5% over the quarter and 1.1% over the year.
- This reading excludes volatile price movement for items such as utilities, property rates and charges, child care, health, urban transport fares, postal services and education, among other areas.
- Underlying inflation — which is more influential on the outlook for official interest rate settings — rose by 0.32%, leaving the increase over the year at 1.75%.
- Underlying inflation is the average of the ABS trimmed mean and weighted median measures, and is seasonally adjusted unlike the headline CPI measure. It is designed to strip out volatile price movements seen during the quarter.
- The quarterly increase in underlying inflation was the weakest since the March quarter of 2016. The annual rate was also the lowest since the March quarter last year.
- Those trends are likely to be repeated in today’s report, according to economists.
- The median forecast for headline inflation looks for a quarterly gain of 0.4%, a result that will see the year-end increase slow to 1.7% without revisions to prior data.
- For underlying inflation, the median forecast looks for a quarterly lift of 0.45%, leaving the increase over the past year unchanged at 1.75%.
- Such a result would be in line with the RBA’s forecasts offered in November.
- Westpac Bank is forecasting that both headline and underlying inflation will undershoot market expectations by some margin, seeing both measures accelerate away from the RBA’s target. It has a better track record than most for accurately forecasting Australian inflationary trends.
- Financial markets are pricing in a greater than even chance the RBA cash rate will be reduced by the end of this year.
- Based on commentary from the RBA late last year, the bank believes the next move in the cash rate is still likely to be higher. Updated economic forecasts from the RBA will be released next week.
The inflation report will arrive at 11.30am AEDT.
Business Insider will have all of the details and potential ramifications as soon as it’s released.