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- In 2-1 ruling Thursday, the National Labor Relations Board absolved McDonald's as a joint employer from responsibility for labor violations brought forward in 2012 by Fight for $15 and other labor groups, according to a press release from NLRB.
- The ruling approved a roughly $170,000 settlement between McDonald's operators and their employees, Bloomberg Law reports. The groups claimed that McDonald's fired workers for engaging in union activity.
- This ruling suggests it's unlikely the agency will punish franchisers for the violations of their operators in the future, per Bloomberg Law.
McDonald's victory will likely protect other restaurants from paying for their operators' infractions as joint employers in the future — a win for chains and a serious blow to labor groups.
The 20 employees that filed charges against McDonald's in 2012 hoped to make the fast food giant liable for what they deemed as franchisee retaliation against employees looking to unionize. But McDonald's argued that it doesn't employ its workers directly since 95% of its U.S. system is owned and operated by franchisees.
This particular McDonald's battle had become a symbol of the American fast food worker's struggle for agency, and the ruling is now a case study that could inform future disputes — and have other major chains breathing a sigh of relief. Whether this ruling will discourage other fast food employees from filing labor suits against their companies is unclear. Still, in today's talent-strapped labor market, restaurants need to present as progressive and supportive of employee welfare in order to attract and retain workers. This is a battle McDonald's is currently losing.
McDonald's has had a recent slew of sexual harassment suits claiming the chain has "systemic" issues and ignored complaints from its workers. It was also sued in November by 17 employees for failing to address workplace violence at its restaurants.
In one of the larger cases this year, workers filed a suit claiming that a Bay Area franchiser violated overtime, meal and rest break requirements, and sued both the operator and McDonald's as joint employers. The employees argued that McDonald's computer system, which is used for time-keeping for shifts, was involved in the violations, so corporate should be on the hook. While the franchiser paid employees $235,000 in a settlement, a federal judge in San Francisco denied the class action against McDonald's, arguing that its oversight of store workers is centered on brand management and quality control issues, not day-to-day operations.
While these cases may signal that McDonald's could avoid monetary damage, the brand's image could suffer, possibly losing both customers and potential employees in a tight labor market.


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The Realme Watch was first declared in May, previously we get to know that there’s only an S pro version that will be available. But now it is confirmed that there’s will be a model without a pro version with a model number RMA207, that passed the FCC certification.
As per FCC certification, we get to know that the Realme watch S packed up with a 390 mAh battery & come with an IP68 rating, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensors. This Realme Watch S houses two buttons on its right side. We expect that this smartwatch will be officially revealed by Realme in October.

domain: news


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Declines in real income and record levels of debt prompted American consumers to cut discretionary spending last month for big-ticket items like cars and furniture, and economists say they expect the pattern to continue.
The Commerce Department reported today that retail sales in April were up a mere one-tenth of 1 percent, to $125.38 billion, with much of the increase attributed to higher prices rather than more buying.
Food and gasoline showed the most significant increases, both reflecting higher prices. Auto sales were down nine-tenths of 1 percent from March and sales of furniture and home furnishings were down 1.4 percent. Several Factors Cited
Economists attributed the weakness in consumer spending to a number of factors: falling real income, a record high level of consumer debt, increases in interest rates for consumer borrowing and uncertainties about the future of the economy.
The Labor Department reported last month that real earnings declined seven-tenths of 1 percent in March. Consumer debt fell slightly in March, but still remained at more than $579 billion, $40 billion more than a year ago.Continue reading the main story
''The consumer spending boom is over,'' said Lawrence Chimerine of Wharton Economics. ''Consumer spending is growing very, very slowly at best, making very little contribution to economic growth. It's not a retrenchment, in the sense of major cutbacks, but clearly it's not giving us much upward push.'' 'Very Weak' Report
''I think we're going to see this pattern continuing,'' Mr. Chimerine said.
Michael K. Evans of Evans Economics, a Washington consulting firm, said, ''It's a pretty weak report. Very weak, as a matter of fact, I really think that consumers have given up. They don't have the money, and they're not borrowing anymore. There's no strength whatsoever in this report.''
And Cynthia Latta, an economist with Data Resources Inc., in Lexington, Mass., said that economists had expected some slowdown because consumers could not indefinitely go deeper in debt for retail purchases.
But she also argued that it was ''a little soon'' to conclude that the consumer is retrenching, saying, ''We don't want to make too much of one month's numbers.''
The nine-tenths of 1 percent drop in auto sales followed a 3.6 percent rise in March car sales and a 13.6 percent increase in February. But both figures came off a disastrous January, when sales were down 26.7 percent.
Sales of durable goods, items expected to last three years or more, fell six-tenths of 1 percent from March levels. Furniture and home furnishings stores' sales were off 1.4 percent, while sales from building materials and hardware stores were down six-tenths of 1 percent.
Sales of nondurable goods were up six-tenths of 1 percent. Gasoline service stations recorded a 1.3 percent increase in sales, and grocery stores recorded a 1 percent rise in sales.Continue reading the main story


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Losses from Adobe Systems Inc. and Rackspace Hosting Inc. stood out among tech stocks Wednesday, running counter to what was an otherwise broad slate of gains for the sector.
Late Tuesday, Adobe reported fiscal third-quarter sales of $1.01 billion, which was shy of the $1.02 billion forecast by Wall Street analysts. Adobe also said that for its fiscal fourth quarter, it expects to earn between 26 cents and 32 cents a share, on revenue in a range of $1.03 billion to $1.08 billion. Analysts had earlier forecast Adobe to earn 29 cents a share on $1.05 billion in sales for the quarter.
Rackspace US:RAX shares tumbled by almost 18% to end the day at $32.39. After Tuesday’s market close, the cloud-computing company said it had stopped efforts to sell itself and would remain independent. Rackspace also appointed company President Taylor Rhodes as its new chief executive.
Among tech-sector leaders, gains came from Apple Inc.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index


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Apple’s iPhone has undoubtedly become a symbol of technological innovation and sophistication, captivating the hearts of millions worldwide. With each new release, tech enthusiasts eagerly await the next iteration, hoping for groundbreaking features and improved user experience. As rumors swirl about the highly anticipated iPhone 14, consumers are left wondering when they can get their hands on this cutting-edge device. In this informative blog article, we delve into the availability of the iPhone 14 in stores, providing you with valuable insights and shedding light on the release date, pre-order options, and potential challenges you may encounter. Whether you’re a loyal Apple fan or simply curious about the latest tech trends, read on to discover what lies ahead in the realm of iPhone 14 availability.
Since the release of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has been revolutionizing the smartphone industry with each new iteration of their flagship product. The iPhone has become a status symbol, a powerful tool, and a source of endless possibilities for its users. With the release of the iPhone 14 on the horizon, Apple enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals are eagerly awaiting its arrival in stores.
As with any highly anticipated Apple product, there is always speculation surrounding its availability in stores. Will there be enough supply to meet the demand? Will it be available in all regions? These are just a few of the questions that iPhone enthusiasts have been asking themselves. In this article, we will explore the availability of the iPhone 14 in stores and provide you with an informative insight into this highly sought-after device.
|Expected to be limited
|Varies based on storage capacity and model
At this time, the release date of the iPhone 14 has not been officially announced by Apple. However, based on previous release patterns, it is expected to hit the stores in the fall of this year. Apple typically holds a special event to unveil their new products, and shortly after, the devices become available for purchase in stores and online.
When it comes to the initial stock of the iPhone 14, it is important to note that Apple has faced supply constraints in the past, especially with highly anticipated models. It is expected that the initial stock of the iPhone 14 will be limited, leading to high demand and a potential shortage in stores. Apple enthusiasts are advised to keep a close eye on pre-order announcements and be prepared to act quickly to secure their device.
One of the key advantages of Apple’s global presence is the availability of their products in various regions. The iPhone 14 is expected to be available in all major markets, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and other regions. However, it is worth noting that the availability may vary from region to region, and it is recommended to check with local Apple retailers for specific details and release dates.
When it comes to pricing, Apple typically offers different storage capacities and models for their iPhones, with varying price points. The exact pricing details for the iPhone 14 have not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to follow a similar pricing structure to its predecessors. The base model is anticipated to have a competitive price, while higher storage capacity and advanced features may come at a higher cost.
In conclusion, the availability of the iPhone 14 in stores is eagerly awaited by Apple enthusiasts worldwide. While the exact release date and pricing details are yet to be announced, it is expected to follow Apple’s typical pattern of availability. Due to potential supply constraints, it is advised to stay updated with pre-order announcements and act quickly to secure your device. With its global availability, the iPhone 14 is anticipated to be accessible in various regions, allowing Apple fans across the world to get their hands on this highly anticipated smartphone.
1. The Highly Anticipated iPhone 14: What to Expect
The iPhone 14 has generated immense excitement among tech enthusiasts worldwide. As Apple’s flagship device, it is expected to introduce groundbreaking features and advancements that will push the boundaries of smartphone technology. From a redesigned body to a more powerful processor, the iPhone 14 promises to be a game-changer.
2. The iPhone 14 Release: Will It Be Available in Stores?
One of the burning questions for iPhone enthusiasts is whether the iPhone 14 will be available in stores upon its release. Apple typically launches its new devices both online and in physical stores, but due to the ongoing pandemic, the availability may vary. It is advisable to stay updated with official announcements from Apple to determine if the iPhone 14 will be available for in-store purchase.
3. How to Secure Your iPhone 14 on Launch Day
With the high demand for new iPhone models, it can be challenging to secure your desired device on launch day. Planning ahead and being prepared can significantly increase your chances of acquiring the iPhone 14 as soon as it hits the stores. From pre-ordering online to lining up early outside Apple stores, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure you get your hands on the latest iPhone.
4. Exploring Alternatives: Online Ordering vs. In-Store Purchase for the iPhone 14
Deciding whether to order the iPhone 14 online or purchase it in-store depends on personal preferences and circumstances. While online ordering offers convenience and the ability to avoid crowds, in-store purchase allows for a hands-on experience and immediate gratification. Consider the pros and cons of each option and determine the best approach for obtaining your new iPhone 14.
1. Are iPhone 14 models currently available in stores?
No, as of now, the iPhone 14 models are not available in stores. The iPhone 14 has not been officially announced or released by Apple yet. Apple typically follows an annual release cycle for their iPhones, introducing new models in September. Therefore, it is expected that the iPhone 14 will be available in stores around September of the respective year.
2. When can we expect the iPhone 14 to be available in stores?
Based on Apple’s usual release pattern, it is anticipated that the iPhone 14 will be available in stores around September. However, it is important to note that this is speculation and Apple has not officially confirmed the release date. It is advisable to stay updated with Apple’s announcements and official sources for accurate information regarding the availability of the iPhone 14 in stores.
3. Will the iPhone 14 be available for pre-order before it hits stores?
Apple usually offers pre-orders for their new iPhone models before they are officially released in stores. It is likely that the iPhone 14 will also be available for pre-order. Pre-order availability allows customers to secure their devices in advance and ensure they receive them as soon as they become available. It is recommended to keep an eye on Apple’s official website or authorized retailers for information on pre-order dates and procedures.
4. What are some expected features of the iPhone 14?
As of now, specific details about the features of the iPhone 14 have not been officially announced by Apple. However, rumors and leaks suggest that the iPhone 14 might feature a new design, upgraded camera capabilities, enhanced performance, and possibly new display technology. It is important to remember that until Apple officially unveils the iPhone 14, these features remain speculative.
5. Will the iPhone 14 be available in different storage capacities?
Apple typically offers its iPhones in various storage capacity options, and it is expected that the iPhone 14 will follow suit. The exact storage options for the iPhone 14 are not confirmed yet, but it is likely that it will be available in different storage capacities, such as 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, similar to previous iPhone models.
6. Can I trade in my current iPhone for the iPhone 14 at an Apple Store?
Apple offers trade-in programs where customers can trade in their existing iPhones for credit towards the purchase of a new iPhone. It is highly likely that Apple will continue to offer trade-in options for the iPhone 14. By trading in your current iPhone, you can potentially reduce the cost of upgrading to the iPhone 14. To get accurate information and details about the trade-in program, it is best to visit an Apple Store or check Apple’s official website.
7. Will the iPhone 14 support 5G connectivity?
Considering that the previous iPhone models, starting from the iPhone 12, already support 5G connectivity, it is expected that the iPhone 14 will also be 5G compatible. 5G technology offers faster internet speeds and improved network performance, and Apple is likely to continue integrating this feature into their future iPhone models.
8. What colors will be available for the iPhone 14?
The color options for the iPhone 14 have not been officially confirmed by Apple yet. However, based on previous iPhone releases, it is likely that Apple will offer a range of color choices. Apple has historically offered a variety of colors, including options like silver, gold, space gray, and various vibrant shades. It is advisable to wait for official announcements or check Apple’s website for the confirmed color options for the iPhone 14.
9. Will the iPhone 14 support Face ID or Touch ID for unlocking?
Information regarding the unlocking mechanism of the iPhone 14 has not been officially announced by Apple. However, it is widely speculated that the iPhone 14 will continue to support Face ID, which uses facial recognition technology for secure unlocking. There have been ongoing rumors about Apple potentially reintroducing Touch ID, which uses fingerprint recognition, alongside Face ID. These rumors suggest that the iPhone 14 might feature both Face ID and Touch ID as unlocking options, but until Apple confirms this, it remains speculative.
10. Can I expect the price of the iPhone 14 to be similar to previous iPhone models?
Apple has typically offered a range of iPhone models at different price points, catering to various budgets. While the exact pricing details for the iPhone 14 have not been announced, it is expected that the price range will be similar to previous iPhone models. However, it is important to note that if the iPhone 14 introduces significant technological advancements or new features, it might lead to a variation in pricing compared to previous models. It is best to wait for official announcements from Apple to get accurate pricing information for the iPhone 14.
The availability of the iPhone 14 in stores is a topic of great interest for tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike. Through this informative insight, we have explored various factors that affect the availability of the iPhone 14 in stores, such as supply chain issues, production delays, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it is important to note that at the time of writing this article, the iPhone 14 has not been officially released by Apple. As a result, there is limited information available regarding its availability in stores. Therefore, it is advisable for consumers to stay updated with official announcements from Apple or authorized retailers to get accurate information on the availability of the iPhone 14.
In conclusion, while the availability of the iPhone 14 in stores remains uncertain at this point, it is expected that Apple will make efforts to ensure a wide distribution and availability of their latest flagship device. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that the iPhone 14 will eventually be available in stores worldwide, providing consumers with the opportunity to experience the latest innovations and features that Apple has to offer.
1. Reuters. (2021). Apple’s iPhone 14 production hit by chip shortage – Nikkei. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/apples-iphone-14-production-hit-by-chip-shortage-nikkei-2021-11-03/
2. MacRumors. (2021). iPhone 14 Expected to Launch on Time Next Year Despite Global Chip Shortages. Retrieved from https://www.macrumors.com/2021/11/03/iphone-14-launch-on-time-chip-shortages/
3. Forbes. (2021). iPhone 14: Everything We Know So Far. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2021/11/06/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-mini-upgrade-release-date-cost-design-camera/?sh=4f0e6a6315c9
4. The Wall Street Journal. (2021). Apple’s iPhone 14 Faces Production Delays. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-iphone-14-faces-production-delays-11636156346


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City officials announced today that more rules and specifics on the types of masks required to ride TheBus or TheHandivan will go into effect, starting Monday, in order to comply with a presidential executive order and new federal guidelines.
Since last September, the City and County of Honolulu has had a strict “No Mask No Ride” policy in effect for TheBus and TheHandi-Van, requiring all riders to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth when boarding and for the duration of their ride.
The new mandate, however, specifies the types of masks that are acceptable while riding TheBus, and bandanas, scarves and masks with open vents will no longer be allowed.
The new mandate also requires riders to wear masks while waiting at transit center facilities, including bus stops and terminals, as well as while entering and riding on a bus.
Children under the age of 2 are exempt from wearing masks. Only those with a valid medical exemption card may wear a face shield only.
The following types of masks are acceptable for riding TheBus:
>> Double/triple layer cloth mask
>> Disposable mask
>> Two-layer gaiter
The following are unacceptable, and can bar riders from getting on board:
>> Shirt pulled over face
>> Masks with vents, valves, holes
>> Face shield only (except with a valid medical exemption card).
To apply for a medical exemption card, riders should contact customer service at 848-5555 (press 3) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except city holidays.


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MEXICO CITY (MarketWatch) -- Mexican flour and tortilla maker Gruma SAB (GMK, GRUMA.MX) said Wednesday its net profit rose sharply in the first quarter to 4.09 billion pesos ($355 million) from MXN257 million in the year-ago period, padded by the sale of its stake in financial firm Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB (GBOOY, GFNORTE.MX).
Gruma received about MXN9 billion for its 8.8% stake in Banorte. The company used some of those funds to pay off more than $800 million in debt.
Earlier this week, the company said it had purchased the Albuquerque Tortilla Company for $8.8 million.
Gruma's revenue for the first quarter came in at MXN11.92 billion, up 7% over the MXN11.16 billion in the year-ago period, with a 5% increase in volume sales. The company said its sales expanded in Mexico, Venezuela and the U.S.
Cash flow as measured by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, rose 7% to MXN1.04 billion for an Ebitda margin of 8.8%, Gruma said.


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Instamojo, a website which allows users to buy and sell their digital goods, has introduced an online store that will provide users with tools to build a page and sell products on them. The storefront will be made available on instamojo.com/ and will be free to maintain.
Instamojo will essentially profit from integrating its payment service into these webfronts on which it charges 1.9% of the transaction amount. Unfortunately, it looks like users can’t use their own domain name, so it’s not really useful for larger businesses. Bigger merchants will be better off creating their own website on their own domains, but for smaller businesses or individual sellers, this should be useful storefront to sell on.
As an introductory offer, Instamojo is holding a contest for the ‘best’ store made on its platform by the 21st of this month, which will get free transactions for the first year. The company currently has launched a few storefronts, and provided some guidelines on how to go about creating one.
Instamojo first introduced a new option for sellers to sell and collect payments for physical goods in July 2014. Till then the platform supported payment collection service for digital goods and services only, although it allowed users to give away physical goods for free. In September the same year, it launched an app store that provides users with a suite of apps to simplify online selling and collection of payments.
Instapay launch: In May last year, Instamojo launched Instapay, a payment method that lets users collect payments using their Instamojo usernames. Essentially, the user’s username would act as a proxy for their bank account, enabling to pay directly.
Founded in 2012 by Sampad Swain, Harshad Sharma and Akash Gehani, Instamojo allows users to collect online payments by simply creating a payment link, adding details like price, sharing the link on websites, through an email, and even on WhatsApp or through SMS, and receive payment.


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The collaborative economy is moving forward in Spain supported by its more social approach
A conference on collaborative economy in Spain was held with Uber, MyTwinPlace, EatWith and Arboribus as part of the programme of events to celebrate our twentieth anniversary. The common theme through all of the presentations was that the collaborative economy has become an established business model with a huge future and social values as its best asset.
On 23rd February we brought together Leire Laboreo, Country Manager of EatWith for Spain; Jean-Noël Saunier, CEO and co-founder of MyTwinPlace; Josep Nebot, co-founder of Arboribus, and Nadia Védrunes, EMEA Talent&Mobility Lead at Uber, to discuss the challenges facing the collaborative economy in Spain.
Leire Laboreo from EatWith began the conference by stating that “despite being an online platform, we want to make the experience social and personal”. In this regard, she emphasised that “collaborative economy implies a change in the commercial exchange to which we have become accustomed, it is something more experiential”.
EatWith is a platform through which cooking professionals and aficionados alike can offer meals at their homes and share their food and passion for cooking in a more intimate and direct way. In her speech Laboreo emphasised that “the culture of a country is the most important part of the collaborative economy; culture is our user experience”. On the future of the collaborative economy she noted that “this type of consumption is here to stay and what needs to be understood is why people like it and its overall scope”.
Accommodation is one of the sectors in which this type of exchange has proliferated. MyTwinPlace is a good example of a 100% collaborative way of traveling using a home exchange service that allows users to save money. Jean-Noël Saunier explained in the second conference that “home exchange through MyTwinPlace doesn’t entail any economic expenditure, although there is a payment for travel insurance. In exchange for leaving your home you receive virtual coins that you can use to stay at other people’s houses”.
Like Leire Laboreo, he insisted that “the importance of human relationships within this type of platform which, despite being launched for cost-saving purposes, sees its users return because of the human relationship that is established due to hosts being as satisfied (9.7/10) with the experience as guests”. Jean-Noël Saunier said that he views the future of collaborative economy with optimism, “although the costs of attracting users when launching a business on the network are very high and we also have to pay taxes like other businesses”.
The third speaker was Josep Nebot from Arboribus, a crowd lending platform through which investments in loans to previously analysed and selected companies can be made. It is an alternative to traditional banking that allows people to choose which companies they lend money to, how much they lend and under what conditions.
Nebot stressed that “it is a very transparent model as an increasing number of investors want to control their investments. When investing in an investment fund, you probably do not know which companies you are financing. Many companies want to try us for the sole reason that we are not a bank, although we are supervised by the Bank of Spain”.
He highlighted the idea that “the magic of collaborative economy is that small investors can participate in the same way as large investors, receive the same services and generate the same profitability”. Regarding the evolution of this sector, Nebot explained that “the crowd lending growth curves in Europe are very important and show that this model has achieved an excellent level of acceptance”.
The conference concluded with Nadia Védrunes from Uber who underlined the fact that private transportation currently has 12,000 drivers in 500 cities in 70 countries. She explained that “as with most businesses based on collaborative economy, Uber was launched to meet a demand from the population, an everyday problem, such as not being able to find a taxi on a cold night in Paris”.
The Uber representative agreed with the other speakers about the social value of this service that “makes transportation easier for the population, connects people with the city and its public transportation, and moves the most remote areas of a city closer to the centre”.
She also highlighted that “positive phenomena have occurred in cities like London or Paris, such as a reduction in pollution and an increase of pedestrianised areas, which were not part of Uber’s initial goals but have occurred as a direct consequence of its implementation and popular acceptance”.
More information about the conferences and the speakers can be found at the following website (in Spanish): http://www.tbs-education.es/es/20-years/economia-colaborativa-donde-estan-los-limites


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US cab-hailing firm Uber Technologies Inc is battling a range of issues from regulatory problems to sexual harassment complaints, and now an exodus of senior executives. From president of engineering Amit Singhal in February to finance chief Gautam Gupta last week, Uber has lost or sacked at least a dozen senior executives. Take a look.
- Stressed Assets Investment Summit 2021, Virtual Event, 13 Aug, 2021
- Overcoming Complexity in Decisions:, Digital Masterclass, 24 Sep, 2021
- FinServ Summit 2021, Virtual Event, 17 Sep, 2021
- Measurable Corporate Governance, Hyatt Regency, New Delhi | Hybrid Masterclass (A blend of physical & digital masterclass), 22 Oct, 2021


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We must holla out that the falafel-platter-and-gyro phenomenon Halal Guys is opening a new brick-and-mortar Berkeley location on Friday, Jan. 26 with a hella good lunch launch. Notably, the grand opening of the new Berkeley Halal Guys right across from the Downtown Berkeley BART is offering a free lunch to the first 50 people in line.
And there will be a line. Halal Guys’ openings are notorious for their long queues, even when free food isn’t involved. Their Union Square S.F. location that opened last year had people lined up around the block prior to 10 a.m., so you’d better plan to get well before the 11 a.m. opening.
“There will be a DJ, free swag and menu items, and the first 50 people in line will receive a free meal and drink,” the restaurant said in a release. “The first 50 people in line starting at 11 a.m. on Grand Opening day will receive free platters and swag, and freebies will be handed out all day.”
We should note that the free meal deal only applies at the new Berkeley location, not at Union Square. According to Berkeleyside, that Berkeley location has been delivering via Caviar since Jan. 2, but opens for in-house business on Friday.
And yes, late-night Berkeley drunks, your new Halal Guys will be open ‘til 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. They’ll be open at 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends.
Halal Guys started out as a simple Manhattan food cart in 1990, and quickly acquired a cult following among club hoppers and cab drivers. Powered by the popularity of their famed white sauce and red sauce, known colloquially as “Valhalla Sauce” or “Angel Jizz,” Halal Guys now purports to have more than “200 locations in development across the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia.”
Halal Guys Berkeley opens Friday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m., at 2126 Center St., Berkeley, thehalalguys.com


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U.S. consumer borrowing jumped 8.8 percent in November, the most in more than two years, a sign of growing confidence in the economy.
The Federal Reserve said Monday that Americans added nearly $28 billion in credit card, student, auto and other debt in November. That brought outstanding consumer debt to a total of $3.83 trillion.
And a category of debt made up mostly of credit cards jumped $11.2 billion, the most in a year, to $1.02 trillion. That is the highest level on record, without adjusting for inflation.
Americans are increasingly confident in the economy and are willing to borrow more to fund their consumption. Surveys show that consumer confidence reached a 17-year high in November, though it declined a bit last month. And retailers say early reports from holiday shopping have been mostly positive.
That represents a turnaround from the first few years after the Great Recession, when Americans paid down — or defaulted — on debts that were run up during the housing bubble that preceded the downturn. But in the past two years, Americans have increasingly been willing to borrow more, particularly in the form of student loans. Auto loans have also ramped up.
A new record high for total credit card debt is also a sign of confident consumers. But some analysts worry that consumers are over-extending themselves. With the Federal Reserve likely to raise interest rates further next year, that will likely raise the cost of credit card debt.
The Fed's monthly consumer credit report does not cover home mortgages or any other loans secured by real estate such as home equity loans.
A measure of mostly student and auto loans increased $16.8 billion, the most in roughly one year, to $2.8 trillion.
Economists track consumer spending closely because it makes up 70 percent of the economy. Growth topped 3 percent at an annual rate in the spring and summer, the best six-month pace since 2014.


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The Blue Waters Hotel officially notified the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union today of its intent to close the Hotel as of 27th January 2021.
The Hotel informed of its intent to reduce the hours and to place workers on rotation and even lay-off but due to a downward spiral in booking as a result of the lockdown in November and the more recent lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed by the major source markets.
The next few months are not looking positive and we have to take the difficult financial decision to close the resort say Kevin Phillips, General Manager, in a letter to the Union.
A meeting is scheduled with staff at the Resort at for 2:30pm today 15th January 2021. Bluewater presently employ 123 employees it is not clear as to how much will be retained for the upkeep of the property, nor when the resort will reopen.
Trumpet News will continue to monitor updates in the industry as the second wave of lockdown in various source market have its toll on varius Hotels locally.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
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JUNE 28 2019 — Standard Tokenization Protocol, a globally compliant open-source standard and decentralized network for the tokenization and issuance of any asset, announced today the launch of a new “Proof of Business” (PoB) program that will enable companies to stake STPT tokens and earn staking rewards. Through STP Network’s PoB program, any company or […]
Some Chinese listed companies have jumped on the bandwagon of bitcoin mining following the bitcoin bull run throughout 2017, either under the guise of cloud computing or providing mining hosting services, in an effort to bypass regulations considering the country’s tough stance on bitcoin.
A recent report indicating that Huatie HengAn, a subsidiary of Chinese publicly listed company Huatie, lost over $ 23 million for its secret bitcoin mining business has caused quite a stir among investors and triggered investigations from regulators.
SAN FRANCISCO and TOKYO– Bitcoin.com, the leading source for Bitcoin information with over 4 million Bitcoin wallets, and Cred, the leading provider of crypto borrowing and lending with over $ 300 million in credit facilities, today announced a partnership that will allow Bitcoin.com customers to earn up to 10% of interest on their Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash.
Kavita Gupta, the managing partner of ConsenSys Ventures, the venture arm of ConsenSys originally bankrolled with $ 50 million by Joseph Lubin, has reportedly left the firm. Gupta was tagged to lead the Ethereum-focused fund when it launched in 2017 and, over her tenure, has invested in startups ranging from BlockFi to Tenta Browser. I guess […]
The post Cardano partner EMURGO announces blockchain explorer Seiza appeared first on CoinReport.
BMW Group Asia, Intel and Nielsen are now corporate partners of the Singapore government-supported blockchain accelerator Tribe.
In Friday’s roundup of news from across the cryptosphere, we look at the rise of U.S. presidential candidate Andrew Yang and his acceptance of cryptocurrency donations. We also detail a new partnership between Kleros and Ethfinex that will see the Ethereum-based exchange utilize crowdsourced jurors to govern token listings. Finally, we round up news from hardware wallet manufacturers Ledger and Trezor.
The post Dubai’s SEED Group names INVAO as intl. blockchain investments partner appeared first on CoinReport.
Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao jumped on Periscope yesterday to conduct his first live Q&A, fielding questions from the crypto community. While there was significant focus on Binance’s upcoming decentralized exchange, perhaps the most notable aspect of the Periscope Q&A was when CZ revealed that he is interested in a partnership with Ripple to use its cross-border payment platform, xRapid. “We’re […]
Despite the initial intention behind the creation of Bitcoin (BTC), the cryptocurrency movement has become increasingly reliant on adoption by big-name financial institutions to further drive the bullish thesis. With the impending launch of institutional products like the Bakkt futures exchange, many retail investors believe the next big wave of adoption could happen at any […]
Credit card giant Visa Inc. is acquiring British payments firm Earthport for $ 250.6 million. Earthport — which provides cross-border payment services to banks and businesses — has been partners with Ripple, the blockchain-based payment network, since 2015. Under the merger, Visa paid four times Earthport’s closing stock price on December 26, Reuters reported. Visa was interested in acquiring Earthport
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The post Ledger, Neufund partner to build secure framework for managing real-world assets on blockchain appeared first on CoinReport.
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Crypto-backed loan platform Nexo (NEXO) recently announced that TrueUSD (TUSD), a dollar-pegged stablecoin, has selected the project as its official lending partner. TrueUSD selects Nexo as its official lending partner. As a result of our strategic partnership with @TrustToken, TrueUSD has become the latest collateral option (with a 95% loan-to-value ratio) and repayment method for our instant […]
Aiming to create an SEC and FINRA-compliant U.S. exchange, blockchain-based crowdfunding firm seriesOne and crypto exchange Bithumb have formed a joint venture. According to an announcement made on November 1, 2018, officials behind the venture look to trade security tokens within a “compliant marketplace” and within the context of “other applicable regulatory approvals.”
For South Korea-based Bithumb, the venture provides the exchange with new expertise around U.S. regulation. seriesOne, a company created by finance industry veterans in the tech, investment banking, venture capital and compliance sectors, operates a U.S. platform for initial security token offerings compliant with SEC exemptions like Reg CF and Regulation D.
Medici Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Overstock, one of the most cryptocurrency friendly businesses in the world, whose CEO has frequently promoted the use of bitcoin and other cryptos. Medici is specifically geared toward blockchain businesses, development, and technology, and on Thursday it signed a second Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwandan Government
The post Overstock Crypto Venture, Rwanada Government Partner for Blockchain Property Rights Platform appeared first on CCN
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Abu Dhabi Ports has partnered with its Belgian counterpart to begin a blockchain-powered supply chain pilot project, the company revealed in a press release. Silsal, as the project is titled, uses an electronic blockchain ledger system to provide full cargo visibility and streamline trade flows and supply chains. If tested successfully, the Silsal project expects to automate the
The post Abu Dhabi, Belgium Ports Partner over Blockchain Trade Pilot Project appeared first on CCN
Mike Novogratz thinks Bitcoin’s long-awaited institutional investor pile-in will happen by Q2 2019 as his Galaxy Digital tests Fidelity Investments’ new custody solution.
Custody Opens Road To Influx In ‘Q1/Q2’ 2019
Speaking to Bloomberg October 15, the infamously bullish Novogratz said that while Bitcoin market maturity was taking “a little longer than you hoped it would,” the advent of custody improvements like Fidelity’s would ultimately facilitate institutional onboarding.
“It’s not going to happen overnight,” the former Goldman Sachs partner told the publication.
On Oct. 6, Larry Cermak, former editor at Diar and head analyst at The Block, reported that leading crypto exchange Bitfinex obtained a banking partner in HSBC, a $ 133 billion banking giant based in London. “Bitfinex is now banking with HSBC through a private account of Global Trading Solutions. Very good fit if you ask
The post Major Crypto Exchange Bitfinex Obtains Banking Partner in HSBC, Will it Last? appeared first on CCN


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SaksFifthAvenue.com, the retailer’s online e-commerce site, recently launched its first streaming video, “A Holiday in New York,” designed to boost holiday gift sales and to drive traffic to the site.
Hosted by Natalie Cole, the video features music from the singer's greatest hits CD. Customers who are lured to view the video through banner ads on NYTimes.com, Yahoo and AOL will see scenes of holiday revelers in Saks territory on Fifth Avenue, skaters at Rockefeller Center and Saks’ holiday windows.
The video is designed to give Saks customers worldwide “an opportunity to see the hustle and bustle of New York City at Christmas,” a store spokeswoman said yesterday.
Integrated marketing firm Global Fashion Village produced the video and custom interactive video player window for Saks.com. The custom player allows Saks to sign up users and to collect customer contact information through a contest offering a chance to win a trip to Aspen, CO.
The company plans to make the streaming video an annual holiday event and may use the medium in other seasons, depending on the success of the streaming video.


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Hitachi Automotive Systems pleads guilty to fixing price of auto parts
Staff Writer |
Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd. has agreed to plead guilty and to pay a criminal fine of at least $55.48 million for its role in a conspiracy.
Article continues below
The conspiracy was to allocate markets, fix prices and rig bids for shock absorbers installed in automobiles sold to U.S. consumers, the Justice Department announced.
According to charges filed in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Ohio today, from the mid-1990s until summer 2011 Tokyo-based Hitachi Automotive Systems agreed to allocate the supply of shock absorbers sold to targeted vehicle manufacturers.
To keep prices up, Hitachi Automotive Systems and its co-conspirators also agreed to coordinate on price adjustments requested by the vehicle manufacturers and strived to keep their conduct secret by using code names and meeting in remote locations.
In 2013, Hitachi pleaded guilty and paid a $195 million fine for fixing the price of starters, alternators and other electrical automotive components.
At that time, Hitachi received credit for substantially assisting the division’s investigation. But in the course of providing that assistance Hitachi failed to uncover that it had also conspired to fix the price of shock absorbers.
As a result, the division will recommend a substantial increase in Hitachi’s criminal fine from the bottom of the Guidelines fine range and also recommend that the court place Hitachi on probation for three years.
These recommendations are consistent with the division’s approach in cases where a company fails to uncover the entire scope of its illegal conduct at the time it enters into a plea agreement.
Hitachi Automotive Systems has agreed to cooperate with the division’s ongoing investigation. The plea agreement is subject to court approval.
Today’s charge is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement sections and the FBI.
Including Hitachi Automotive Systems, 46 companies and 64 executives have been charged in the division’s ongoing investigation and have agreed to pay a total of more than $2.8 billion in criminal fines. ■


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The board of Norspo AS and the Norwegian Sports Industry Association have formally decided to cancel the Norspomesse summer 2020, scheduled for June 21-22, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The next show will be opening its doors in January 2021.
The Norspomesse is held twice a year, in summer and winter, at the X Meeting Point, a modern exhibition center in Skjetten near Oslo. The show is open to trade visitors only. In January 2020, 83 suppliers exhibited at Norspomesse, making it Scandinavia’s biggest trade show for sports equipment.


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Edmee S. will be sailing all day at the small craft festival, and she will also be taking on guests who want to experience sailing a Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe!
"Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival
Saturday, October 3, 10am-5pm
One of the most popular gatherings of small and unique water craft in the U.S. – the 27th Mid Atlantic Small Craft Festival –takes place at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
More than 200 unique small craft will be on display, including kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, rowing shells, sailing skiffs, prams and the unusual “one-of-a-kinds.”
Proud boat owners – many who hail from ports up and down the East Coast—will offer boat building demonstrations as well sailing, paddling, and rowing competition. The Museum’s boat yard staff, and instructors from the Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders School, will also be on hand to offer maritime demonstrations."


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Instagram goes down [update: crisis averted]
Instagram’s app and web site had been struck by a brief service outage at this time. At round 11:06am, customers within the US, Europe, India and elsewhere started a downpour of “Is Instagram down?”. Instagram confirmed the downtime with the assertion on Twitter:
[Update: However, Instagram soon deleted that tweet as it managed to get its app and site back online quickly at around 10:35am PT]
The outage got here at an inopportune time as simply this morning Instagram unveiled its new shoppable picture tags that allow individuals study extra about merchandise they might purchase with out leaving the app. Although the announcement of the product check didn’t trigger the outage, it might shake the religion of entrepreneurs that the app is a dependable place to speculate their efforts. However because the outage was so temporary, the one ones actually shook by it had been essentially the most loyal and intense customers.


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February 2, 2005
JCK Fund Grants Awarded
The JCK Shows and JCK magazine have announced the grant recipients of the annual JCK Industry Fund. The grant was established seven years ago in an effort to enhance the image of the jewelry industry and to support strategies and ideas that would further its growth. This year, the five recipients of the grants include the Jewelers' Security Alliance, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the American Gem Society, Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America. The grants were given to the following programs:
- JSA received $138,000 to fund the production of a jewelry crime training DVD for law enforcement personnel. By educating law enforcement personnel about the special circumstances within the jewelry industry, JSA says its new DVD will aid in making quantum leaps in fighting crime.
- JVC received $100,000 to support its efforts to provide enhanced legal compliance for the jewelry industry in the form of improved monitoring, education and communication. "We are passionate about being able to continue our quest to enhance legal compliance and monitoring across the board and to ensure greater compliance through educational training at industry events," says Cecilia Gardner, executive director and general counsel. "By developing diverse methods of communicating our core message, including an Internet education component, we are making the industry a safer and more trusted place in which to conduct business."
- AGS received two separate grants of $50,000 and $12,000 to both support their 2005 education program at the AGS Conclave and their AGS Graduate Sales Associate educational program for 2005, respectively. * MJSA received $68,000 to further the development of their "Safe and Secure" program.
- JA received $32,000 to aid them in their project "Protecting the Reputation of Our Products and Business: Managing Social, Ethical and Environmental Responsibilities and Risks."
All applications were reviewed and chosen by a Fund Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from the manufacturing and retail sectors of the business and JCK magazine and The JCK Shows.


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Your wallet will be obsolete by 2015: PayPal
Friday 01 July 2011
Internet money transfer company PayPal has just hit its 100 million active accounts milestone, and with it, the company is predicting that mobile payments will supersede physical wallets in the not too distant future.
"Consumers are increasingly giving up traditional payment methods such as cash and checks and turning to a more modern - and anytime, anywhere - form of payment," said PayPal president Scott Thompson in a June 29 post on the company's blog.
"We believe that by 2015 digital currency will be accepted everywhere in the U.S. - from your local corner store to Walmart. We will no longer need to carry a wallet," he added.
The company is so sure about its no-cash prediction, it is asking five of its San Francisco Bay area employees to "use only digital currencies to pay for all their purchases" in a pseudo-competition (read viral marketing stunt) that will be announced on July 11.
A Canadian study conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of PayPal and released on June 28 found that more than half of Canadians are comfortable with a cashless society.
During an opening keynote at the GSMA Mobile Money Summit in Singapore, Visa's head of mobile innovation, Bill Gajda, announced Visa's vision to convert mobile devices into "true digital wallets" adding that "we're at the dawn of the next generation of mobile money - maybe 'mobile money 2.0.' As an industry we've moved past what software we're going to buy and can now talk about what we're going to do."
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From Mexico to Music City: Nashville tequila companies help fuel craze for agave spirits
On rolling hills in Jalisco, Mexico, jimadors spend nearly a decade tending to their blue agave plants until they’re ready to be harvested for tequila.
The large, spiky succulents are chopped down and the piña — the core that resembles a pineapple — is cooked, pressed, fermented, distilled and then sometimes aged in barrels before it’s sold to tequila fans around the world.
Some 1,700 miles from those Jalisco farms, in the heart of whiskey country, several Nashville entrepreneurs are betting big on the growing demand for craft tequila in the U.S. as the liquor sheds its spring break reputation. Two Nashville-owned tequilas, TC Craft Tequila and Cuestion Tequila, are popping up on store shelves and in bars across Middle Tennessee.
“Tequila is sort of, I think, a misunderstood spirit because of the way it has been marketed to Americans for generations,” said Todd Bottorff, co-owner of TC Craft Tequila. “Most people have the super cheap, spring break, plastic bottle experience and that is so far from what it really is. In fact, it’s really the opposite when it’s made properly.”
High-end tequila and Tennessee whiskey are key drivers of growth in the U.S. spirits industry right now.
In 2017, 17.2 million 9-liter cases of tequila were sold in the U.S., up 40 percent from 2012 and 140 percent from 2002, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). “Super premium” tequila volumes, which is the highest quality tequila category, dominated growth in the segment, rising 804 percent since 2002.
Meanwhile, U.S. supplier sales of tequila jumped nearly 10 percent in 2017, outpacing growth in the American whiskey category and the overall spirits industry.
“Tequila was once used almost exclusively in mixed drinks, like the venerable margarita,” said David Ozgo, chief economist with DISCUS. “While the margarita is still very popular with the public, the development of higher priced 100 percent blue agave tequilas has given today’s tequila drinkers a wide variety of flavorful and nuanced products to choose from.”
Nashville tequila takes off
Household names that dominate the tequila industry include Jose Cuervo, El Jimador, Don Julio and Patron. Several celebrity-backed tequilas have exploded in popularity in recent years, including George Clooney’s Casamigos, which he sold to liquor behemoth Diageo last year in a deal valued at $1 billion.
Despite the big names and big-money deals, Todd and Chad Bottorff of TC Craft Tequila have carved a niche for themselves with Nashville bartenders and imbibers. The brothers started their passion project a decade ago to bring high-quality craft tequila to the U.S.
“At the age of maybe 40, I could not drink even two sips of red wine without getting a headache. Just for me, personally, what I found is that I could enjoy tequila and feel great doing it, if it was the right tequila,” said Todd Bottorff.
They partnered with a small distillery in Jalisco — where most of the world’s tequila is made — to produce TC Craft Tequila, officially launching in the Nashville market two years ago. Today, they sell a few thousand cases of tequila a year and it’s available in more than 300 stores and restaurants in Middle Tennessee.
Their products include an unaged blanco tequila, a reposado aged one year, an añejo aged three years and an extra añejo aged nine years.
Similarly, Belvidere, Tenn. native Jason Fandrich set out to bring a craft tequila to the U.S. after he discovered Cuestion Tequila while on vacation with his mom in Playa Del Carmen.
Soon after, Fandrich partnered with Cuestion co-founder Jose de Jesus Dominguez Figueroa and started distributing Cuestion Tequila in the U.S. in 2011 under Nashville-based Cuestion Spirits Inc. The blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas quickly started racking up accolades.
“Our goal was very simple; we wanted to make a tequila that you could enjoy drinking. I wanted to make a clean, crisp, tasty tequila that wouldn’t punish you later. It wouldn’t give you those hangovers that everybody has a story about when drinking bad tequila,” Fandrich said.
Cuestion Spirits scaled back for a few years when demand started outpacing supply, and now Fandrich is ready to slowly expand into new U.S. markets and potentially into Europe. Tennessee Titans legend and actor Eddie George joined the company’s board last year.
Agave shortage threatens industry
Tequila’s boom hasn’t come without its challenges.
Soaring demand for tequila has made the agave plant more valuable, and some industry insiders fear an agave shortage could lead to escalating tequila prices. Farmers in Jalisco are scrambling to get more agave in the ground since the plant doesn't reach full maturity for nearly a decade.
TC Craft Tequila and Cuestion Spirits both produce 100 percent blue agave tequila, meaning their products don't have the added fillers that are present in many inexpensive, or "mixto," tequilas on the market. The companies rely on the agave grown in Jalisco to make their tequila.
Fandrich said agave prices have roughly quadrupled since 2010, which puts pressure on tequila companies to raise prices.
“What you have to do is find a way to harvest your agave better — do a better job extracting the sugar, do a better job of roasting the plants so that you have enough agave and you’re not wasting anything,” Fandrich said.
Both Nashville tequila companies say they’re not willing to cut corners, like harvesting agave plants before they’re fully mature, and they hope consumers will notice the difference in the glass.
“There are only two ingredients in our tequila: agave and water. Our process is completely pure, meaning there’s not even any chemical herbicides or pesticides used in growing the agave,” said Todd Bottorff.
“I’ll put our juice up against anybody, and especially anybody for the price, because it is smooth.”
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New Delhi has also argued that the discussions by some countries are not consistent with the mandate of the multilateral trading system.
“In our view, these negotiations strike at the roots of the multilateral system and its mandate,” India said on Wednesday at a heads of delegations meeting.
Stating that it is not persuaded to join the negotiations, India said it is working on a national ecommerce policy, which will be finalised soon. “This policy will inform our international engagements on this important subject,” India said.
In its draft National E-Commerce Policy, India has proposed regulating cross-border data flows, locating computing facilities within the country to ensure job creation and setting up a dedicated ‘data authority’ for issues related to sharing of community data.
It has asserted that the data generated in the country is a national asset, and citizens and the government have a sovereign right over it. Though New Delhi is opposed to the plurilateral on ecommerce, it will pursue the existing multilateral work programme that prohibits countries from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions, something that India and South Africa have questioned, citing revenue loss to developing nations.
SEEKS REFORMS India has in its submission also sought reforms of the multilateral body and resolution of outstanding issues urgently.
“The top most priority is to protect and preserve the system, fix the Appellate Body issue so that the independent dispute settlement mechanism… can function effectively,” the Indian trade envoy said, cautioning against debating contentious issues like differentiation, which could be divisive and further reduce trust within the organization.
Bismi is a family-controlled venture owned by entrepreneur VA Ajmal who leads the business as its managing director. The company has revenue of around ₹800 crore. While the Ajmals are seeking a valuation of about ₹600 crore, Reliance Retail is currently negotiating on the valuation which could ultimately be lower, the executives said.
HUL on Sunday put advertisements for the appointment of new distributors for its brands in all major cities in Madhya Pradesh. The company, which owns brands such as Lux, Lifebuoy, Surf excel, Rin, Pond's and Dove, has invited people willing to invest up to Rs 1-3 crore and can arrange a godown with required infrastructure.


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Usually, when you want a customized vehicle, you have to shell out the big bucks — unless you purchase the Dodge Viper GTC. Dodge recently announced the creation of the Dodge Viper 1-of-1 Program — a customization program that allows Viper lovers to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle that is all theirs. “The Dodge Viper is an iconic, one-of-a-kind, hand-built American Supercar with a 645-horsepower hand-built aluminum V10, a hand-crafted body comprised of hand-laid carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel, and a racing pedigree,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO of Dodge and SRT for FCA North America. “Because every Viper is hand crafted with such an extreme level of […]
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Chrysler showed off its new and improved Uconnect system. This updated connectivity service now includes a new Uconnect smartphone app that lets drivers set navigation destinations, locate their cars with their phones, and get a health report, all without sitting in the driver’s seat. A health report is a monthly email that shows the car’s vital statistics, including the status of the engine, transmission, suspension, fluid levels, and more. The car can even alert you if there are any critical issues that need immediate maintenance. Additionally, you’ll never have to worry about trying to find your car in a crowded parking […]
A new traffic plan was revealed to the public last week by the city of Peru, detailing an upcoming intersection that will make life easier and safer at the 38th Street shopping intersection, north of the Peru Mall. According to the plan, two left-hand turns would be restored to the road, and Venture Drive would be moved about 150 feet westward, so that it intersects with 38th Street at the location where the entrance to a strip mall currently resides. Local drivers and local business owners received the news well at a Tuesday meeting, responding with almost universal praise. This plan would certainly make shopping excursions safer, especially during busy […]
Dodge seems to have some pretty clear resolutions for 2015; the auto company is continuing to shed its “family image” in favor of a more rough-and-tough attitude, targeted to a younger male audience, starting with vehicles like the Charger SRT Hellcat, which can go 204 mph. In fact, Chrysler is calling the Hellcat the “fastest production sedan on Earth,” hardly an advertisement aimed at an average family looking to head to soccer practice. The auto company hopes that this Dodge image change will increase its sales by switching its audience. Chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Sergio Marchionne, believes that there’s an American niche longing for this change. […]
The Union of Concerned Scientists put together a list of the top technology trends they found at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show. These are all of the fuel-saving strategies automakers are employing in order to adhere to tightening emission standards. Looking at this list, we at Coronet Dodge are amazed at the ingenuity and concern for the environment being demonstrated. TURBOCHARGING: As the research group notes, this isn’t the first instance the world has seen of turbocharging. Historically it was used to enhance performance in road and sports cars. Now, it is increasingly used “with a smaller engine to maintain vehicle performance while increasing fuel economy.” START-STOP: This technology […]
If you’re a fan of the Viper, we at Coronet Dodge have some great news. The new GTS and TA 2.0 Special Edition Models are now available. The GTS centers on sophistication while the TA 2.0 is clearly track-ready–so take your pick. The 2015 Dodge Viper special edition models are being made available because drivers just can’t get enough. According to Dodge, since they’ve repositioned the limited-production hand-built Viper in September, people just can’t get enough. “Today, we’re expanding the Viper lineup by offering the track ready Viper TA 2.0 and GTS models with even more content,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO of Dodge and SRT. “This limited-production hand-built […]
The 2015 Chrysler 300 was unveiled last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, revealing a throwback style reminiscent of the vehicle’s 2005 design. Chrysler brand CEO and President Al Gardner recently said, “It’s going to come with a whole bunch of character and soul, and it’s going to take you back to the 2005 car,” and he wasn’t kidding. The 2015 300 has a bold, grated grille and an aggressive style that Chrysler hopes will bring back some of the customers that loved the 300 so much in 2005. And on the inside, there’s now a 7-inch full-color monitor display, one of the new perks for the 2015 model. […]
Welcome to the blog that will leave you knowledgeable on everything Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep, but also informed on everything going on at the Coronet Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram store in Peru, Illinois! We run monthly specials on cars, auto parts and service and aim to better serve you through the information on this blog. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We are located at 3705 Frontage Road in Peru, IL. Visit www.coronetdodge.net for more on our inventory, specials and service now!


text: Download hi-res photography at BellMediaPR.ca.“We are happy to leverage the advertising potential of Astral Out of Home’s digital landmark in such a prime location at Vancouver International Airport,” said Christian Schueller, Director of Marketing and Digital Innovation, Audi Canada. "We look forward to leveraging the creative ownership of YVR’s Grand Central Wall and the endless ways we can reach Air Canada travelers at the airport.” “We are excited to have worked with Astral on securing this key location on behalf of our client,” said Urania Agas, SVP, Business Director at MediaCom. “The prime location and digital format will allow Audi to truly own the space and forge a rich connection with consumers.” “This installation is the first of several new digital landmarks that will be deployed at YVR in the coming months, said Benjamin Mathieu, General Manager, Airports, Astral Out of Home. “We are introducing additional digital networks at departures and arrivals, offering clients a large range of advertising solutions to adapt long term and short term buys.” Astral Out of Home was awarded the advertising contract for Vancouver International Airport in June 2015. YVR sees more than 20 million in passenger traffic annually, making it one of Vancouver’s top venues for advertisers looking to reach a privileged clientele.


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An in-depth look at how this toy-driven company continues to evolve into an entertainment, content and licensing powerhouse worldwide.
Little Brother Books will publish the Official Pokémon Annual 2017 in the U.K.
Square Enix and Eidos-Montréal have released “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided,” the latest installment in the “Deus Ex” gaming franchise.
AC Worldwide has unveiled a range of officially licensed Bluetooth speakers featuring characters from the “Halo” video game franchise.
Cartoon Network and GameMill Entertainment have joined forces to launch a new video game, titled “Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers.”
Activision Publishing has unveiled a number of new characters and content for its video game, “Skylanders Imaginators.”
JumpStart, a creator of learning-based games for kids, has partnered with Random House Children’s Books to release an educational book series tied to the online game “School of Dragons.”
Square Enix has announced a change of the release date for “Final Fantasy XV,” the latest game in the “Final Fantasy” franchise.
Activision Publishing and Bungie will launch “Destiny–The Collection,” Sept. 20.
Ubisoft Canada will expand its “Raving Rabbids” game franchise within the country with the debut of The Rabbids Amusement Center Aug. 29 in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
Ubisoft has announced that the Rabbids Amusement Center will open Aug. 29 in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, a suburb of Montreal.
Target has unveiled its annual Top Toys list, highlighting the playthings that will be most in-demand this holiday season.
Sony Computer Entertainment America is signed a raft of new partners for the PlayStation brand and its other IP around the world.
Activision Publishing has launched the new game "Skylanders SuperChargers" on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and the new Apple TV.
Activision kicked off 2016 with the introduction of a new character–the Birthday Bash Big Bubble Pop Fizz.
Activision, makers of the video game “Skylanders SuperChargers,” has teamed with the organization Autism Speaks to “Light it up Blue” with new toys to raise awareness for autism.
Activision has teamed with KontrolFreek, a gaming accessories company, to create new “Call of Duty”-themed gaming accessories.
Activision Publishing, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, will launch the new “Call of Duty” video game–“Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare”–worldwide, Nov. 4.
Square Enix has partnered with Gumi to co-develop and launch “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius” on iOS and Android.
Fender Musical Instruments has extended its partnership with Harmonix Music Systems to feature the brand’s instruments in Harmonix’s “Rock Band” franchise until 2027.
Endemol Shine North America has revealed a slate of new properties and licensees across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
©2016 UBM. All rights reserved. A UBM Company.


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Digital payments firm Visa announced that a survey conducted on Indians, exploring their awareness and perceptions of biometric authentication confirms that while consumers continue to have a strong interest in new biometric technologies, almost 51 percent are concerned with the risks associated with security breach of sensitive biometric information.
According to the Visa study conducted on 500 Indians by AYTM Market Research, only 48 percent perceive biometric authentication for payments as more secure than passwords/PINs and 46 percent consumers have a peace of mind of their payment protection.
This comes at a time when there are data security related concerns have been raised about Aadhaar.
However, it points out that 99 percent are personally interested in using at least one biometric method to verify their identity, and 99 percent are interested in using at least one biometric method to make payments.
Highlights of the survey:
It added that higher income consumers are more interested than lower income consumers in facial recognition. Younger consumers (36 and under) are more interested than older consumers in vein pattern recognition. Findings from the survey illustrate consumers’ desire to see the implementation of biometric tools in payment authentication processes.
TR Ramachandran, Group Country Manager, Visa, India & South Asia, Visa, said, “The payments ecosystem is witnessing a rapid change in adoption of new form factors of payments and modes of authentication. For financial institutions, the time has never been better to integrate biometric technology into banking apps and payments experiences for customers.”
Today smartphones have advanced features increasing the accuracy and speed of biometrics, such that they can be used for financial transactions. “Indian consumers too have discovered the ease of biometric authentication and are open to using this technology for transactions going forward, which augurs well for the Indian payments industry,” he added.


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The European Commission (EC) has begun stockpiling drugs and organising joint procurement of pharmaceutical supplies following a Europe-wide medicines shortage.
A surge in demand for drugs across the European Union has pushed the European Medicines Agency to register shortages across drugs including penicillin and paracetamol.
In response, the EC has started stockpiling drugs, obliging manufacturers to guarantee supplies, and organising joint procurements. Regulatory reform is also in the pipeline.
A spokesperson for the EC told Supply Management the shortage of medicines was a global issue. They said: “The root causes of shortages of medicines are complex and related to many factors such as production capacity issues and unexpected increases in demand.
“Shortages of medicines have become a systemic challenge with numerous vulnerabilities, including the lack of geographical diversification for certain products, regulatory complexity, or public procurement practices.
“The Commission will address these aspects in the upcoming reform, notably by stronger obligations for supply, earlier notification of shortages and withdrawals and enhanced transparency of stocks.”
The spokesperson added: “The Commission can also offer support from its Health Emergency and Response Authority from a crisis management perspective, for instance by joint procurements of countermeasures or matchmaking events. The Commission also works on a more systemic industrial policy/strategic autonomy policy to improve security of supply of medicines to EU patients.”
The EU suffered from slow progress on its vaccine rollout, with its joint procurement being criticised despite the EC saying it would simplify negotiation processes. The European Court of Auditors said this was because the EU’s first phase of Covid vaccine procurement failed to include clauses around ability to fulfil supply.
Thanos Plevris, health minister for Greece, said the drug shortage was affecting all EU countries, the UK and the US, making drugs more expensive and reducing availability in hospitals. Plevris said the shortage had been caused by a lack of raw materials.
Greece banned the export of drugs earlier this month, after pharmaceutical companies were found to be importing drugs into the country at low prices before exporting them again with considerable mark-ups.
France has banned the sale of online paracetamol, known as Doliprane, to ensure the availability of stock in shops.
The UK has enacted multiple Serious Shortage Protocols, allowing pharmacies to substitute prescriptions of drugs in high demand and low supply with alternatives under less pressure.


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Bitcoin wallet application Blockchain has rushed to release an update after a critical bug left multiple users unaware that they were sharing a bitcoin wallet, leaving their cryptocurrency completely unsecured.
The bug affected users running Blockchain’s app on Android version 4.1 or older, the company says, and it “resulted in one specific address being generated multiple times, leading to a loss of funds for a handful of users.”
Blockchain advises users who fear they were affected to update their app, create a new bitcoin address, and transfer their funds out of the affected wallet.
The flaw apparently came about through a series of bad development choices which all failed in the worst way possible. Bitcoin wallets are typically created by randomly generating a public address and a related private key. As a result, it is important for address and key to be truly random, or else it may be possible to guess the private key by looking at the public address.
To that end, Blockchain used two sources of random numbers, in what ought to have been a belt-and-braces approach: it pulled a random number from the Android operating system’s built-in random number generator, and then connected to online service Random.org to get a second random number, which it combined with the first.
Unfortunately, on some Android phones (reportedly including devices from the Sony Xperia range), the built-in random number generator failed to report back to the blockchain app. Normally, this should have been survivable, because the app used a second source of random numbers.
But on 4 January, Random.org strengthened the security of its website, requiring all visits to be made over an encrypted connection. The blockchain app, however, continued to access the site through an unencrypted connection. So rather than getting a random number, as expected, it got an error code telling it that the site had moved.
It then used that error code as the random number, every single time.
A representative from Blockchain told the Guardian that “the issue we identified related to an extremely rare case where address entropy could create multiple duplicate addresses (meaning more than one wallet essentially was in custody of the address simultaneously). We immediately disclosed the issue and released a fix.
Blockchain denied that the incident was a total cryptobreakdown, and said that “only a very small number of users were affected; we’ve counted just three users who have reached out related to the address in question, which is an extremely minor amount compared to the 3.5 million wallets we have.”
The magnitude of the error sparked shocked reactions from information security professionals.
In the meantime, Blockchain has asked users who think they may have been affected to contact its helpdesk.


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The PRA has taken a second opportunity in a week to tell MPs that forecourts should not be forced to install electric chargers.
Just days after PRA chairman Brian Madderson addressed MPs scrutinising the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill, the PRA has provided evidence to an inquiry into electric charging infrastructure being conducted by the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Select Committee.
In its submission the PRA called for a market-led development of the market, rather than the method prescribed in the Bill with government forcing businesses to install equipment, and the threat of sanctions if they do not comply.
PRA said its members were keen to invest in viable alternative fuel provisions such as electric charge points, but costs were currently prohibitive and the government should be exploring ways to incentivise the uptake of charging points.
It said some PRA members had been quoted as much as £50,000 to install charging equipment, but with electric vehicles only making up 1.1% of electric vehicles on the road, the required return on that investment was not currently possible.
It also pointed out that the technology was developing rapidly, with charging times falling rapidly and a lack of standardisation in equipment, meaning businesses would need to judge when the time was right to enter the market.
Citing the way PRA members had adapted to a changing market by moving into convenience retailing, it concluded: “PRA members have demonstrated an ability to pinpoint the appropriate time to enter a specific market.
“There is no reason to suggest the uptake of EV charging infrastructure by these businesses will be any different.”
“PRA believes that government intervention should not dictate businesses entry into the market, but that it should trust fuel retailers to invest in charging infrastructure when the technology has developed to an appropriate level of commercialisation.”


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Federated Co-operatives Limited has placed first again in SaskBusiness magazine’s list of the top 100 largest companies in Saskatchewan.
It’s the fourth year in a row.
Last year, FCL has revenue of 9.1 billion dollars and net earnings of 539 million dollars.
A total of 375 million dollars was returned to 200 local retail Co-ops across Western Canada, which are member owners of FCL.
CEO Scott Banda says FCL is joined by 19 retail co-ops on the top 100 list.
Retail Co-ops in Saskatchewan had combined sales of 2.3 billion dollars last year.
Among investments by FCL this year, a 200 million dollar project to clean and recycle wastewater at the Co-op Refinery complex.
As well, FCL is spending 75 million dollars to construct two new fertilizer terminals, including sites in Hanley, Saskatchewan and Brandon, Manitoba.
Regina’s Sherwood Co-op is the fourth largest single Co-op in the province, behind Saskatoon, Swift Current and Prince Albert.
After Regina is Lloydminster, then North Battleford.
Yorkton is 7th, Moose Jaw 8th, Melville 9th and Weyburn holds tenth spot.


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JOINS FORCES WITH THE METAL MULISHA TO FORM “METAL MULISHA MOTO-X CHAMPIONS”
Iconic Metal Mulisha team members amongst the world’s top motocross pros
invited to battle head-to-head in front of sold out crowds!
LOS ANGELES (Sept 20, 2012) – ASA Entertainment is proud to announce that the ASA World Championships of Freestyle Motocross (FMX) will return to the Pomona Fairplex with a new twist for its 10 Year Anniversary. The event has partnered with the prestigious Metal Mulisha brand to create the Metal Mulisha Moto-X Champions during the final weekend of the L.A. County Fair, on Saturday, Sept. 29 (starting at 7:30 p.m.). Some of the best motorcycle aerialists in the industry, including several Metal Mulisha team members, will compete in a series of double elimination head-to-head battles for the event title.
The event has a deep history with former Champions such as Nate Adams (four times), Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg (two times), Mike Mason (two times) and Taka Higashino all taking top honors. All of the riders in this year’s competition will have to throw down their biggest tricks in this unique contest that is sure to be filled with the full-throttle intensity and aerial acrobatics that makes freestyle motocross so exciting to watch live.
“Bringing the Metal Mulisha on as a partner will help the event to evolve into its next generation,” said Rick Bratman, CEO of ASA Entertainment Group, the event’s owner and producer. “Although this event has always been ‘the riders contest’, we are extremely happy to work with Brian Deegan and the entire Metal Mulisha organization to take the event to the next level. People will not believe what these pros can do on a dirt bike with huge back-flip variations, no-handed tricks and so much more. So Cal fans do not want to miss this.”
“We’ve been wanting to partner with ASA on this event for a while, and the 10th year anniversary seemed like the perfect time to jump in,” said Brian Deegan, leader of the Metal Mulisha. “This has been a great event for the pros for so long and we want to help ASA build it even further for the next generation of riders.”
Tickets are on sale now and only $25.00 for box seats and $18.50 for reserved seats for this one-night only event. They can be purchased at the Fairplex Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Tickemaster.com or by calling 800 745 3000 to charge them by phone. Fair admission is separate.
Jennifer Chidester 858.472.1952


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C-stores See Contraction in Trips & Basket Spend Amid Continuing COVID-19 Crisis
ALEXANDIRA, Va. — Trips and basket spend contracted in the convenience store industry during the last two weeks of June as market dynamics continue to change countrywide.
According to the latest biweekly report from PDI and NACS on how COVID-19 is impacting consumer behavior, packaged beverages and beer contributed to the biggest trip declines for the two-week period ended June 28, but trip setback generally broadened.
During and since stay-at-home orders in April and May, the packaged beverage category experienced a significant climb but reversed course in the final week of June. The foodservice and commissary categories continued to lag most categories.
There is generally positive news: The changes in recent weeks have been marginal, and week-over-week spend data indicate that consumer behavior is remaining relatively consistent. The latest data indicate that foodservice, commissary and packaged sweet snacks continue to improve in terms of trips, although they have a lot of ground to make up from their pre-COVID-19 performance.
Additional insights from the biweekly report include:
Foot traffic in the weekday morning rush period (7 to 9:59 a.m.) stands at 85 period of prior year traffic, down slightly from 86 percent for the week ended June 14. Remaining dayparts lost more of the ground that they'd gained in prior weeks but still are above 90 percent of last year's level.
Dollar sales growth fell slightly from the prior two-week period: 6.4 percent vs. 8.4 percent for the weeks ended June 14.
Basket spend dipped slightly year over year: 19.1 percent vs. 19.9 percent for the weeks ended June 14.
Trips fell from the prior two week: -11.1 percent vs. -10.2 percent year over year for the two-week period ended June 14.
Packaged beverage trips declined year over year (-0.3 percent vs. +1.3 percent for the two weeks ended June 14), as did cold dispensed beverages (-28.3 percent vs. -26.7 percent) and beer (2.9 percent vs. 6.4 percent).
Lottery/gaming and other tobacco products trips fell year over year: -8.8 percent vs. -4.3 percent and -4.8 percent vs. -3.1 percent, respectively.
Powered by PDI Insights Cloud, the PDI and NACS report provides consumer trip and basket-level data and analysis from 5,500 mid- to large-size convenience retail sites across all key geographic locations. The full report is available here.


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Ruger reports rise in second-quarter net income, sales
Sturm, Ruger & Co. which is planning its third manufacturing plant in Mayodan to meet continued demand, said Wednesday that its net income rose to $32 million in the second quarter, up from $18 million during that period a year ago.
The company (NYSE-RGR) also reported net sales of $179.5 million, up 50 percent from net sales of $119.6 million in the second quarter of 2012.
Ruger CEO Michael O. Fifer said the company’s second-quarter was buoyed by newly introduced gun product sales that represented $102.7 million, or 31 percent, of firearm sales during the first half of the year. The company introduced new products including the LC380 pistol and the SR45 pistol.
Ruger reported the earnings after production resumed at its Prescott, Ariz., manufacturing facility, where a severe storm caused a small portion of the roof to collapse last week. Local officials said this week that, though incentives hearings have been delayed, company representatives have indicated that the company is still interested in the Mayodan plant, which would add up to 500 jobs over five years.
Katie Arcieri covers manufacturing, transportation/logistics, aviation, textiles, tobacco and furniture. Contact her at (336) 370-2913.
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Subang Jaya, 18 June 2018 – According to the market trend in the past, the two months starting from Hari Raya will be a low season for the car market. Therefore, looking at the trend, the Malaysia car market is expected to revive in August.
Subang Jaya, 13 June 2018 – Hari Raya will be a busy festive week for travellers and road users, and although we are sure your Proton will not be causing you any issues, we have a total of 36 Proton Mobile Assist teams around the nation to assist you.
Subang Jaya, 13 June 2018 – PROTON achieved a sparkling performance at the first ever Cars of Malaysia Awards when three of its models, the Proton Saga, Iriz and Ertiga were acknowledged for being among the three best cars in their respective categories.
Subang Jaya, 12 June 2018 – Proton car sales for May 2018 showed an increase of 2.3% at 4,091 units from 3,999 cars sold in the previous month, despite the overall uncertain sentiments in the market in May and sales were pushed towards the end of the month.
Shah Alam, 8 June 2018 – Setia Gemilang Auto Sdn Bhd was officially launched as the first PROTON 4S dealer outlet upgraded, carrying a new refreshed look. The event was officiated by Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, in the presence of Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Rashid Musa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and other senior management members of PROTON.
Subang Jaya, 18 May 2018 – In response to the government’s statement to zero rate GST on 1 June 2018, PROTON announced on 17 May that it would give customers service vouchers that are equivalent in value to the difference between the pre and post GST price of all its cars.


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Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS will regain some of the smartphone market share it has lost recently - but will still be in last place in 2014, according to research firm IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.
- Cisco warns WLAN controller, 9000 series router and IOS/XE users to patch urgent security holes
- With password compromise growing, CISOs are pushing towards a passwordless future
- Australian companies dealing with incidents by ‘accidental insiders’ every few weeks
- Widespread DNS hijacking attacks steal target's VPN credentials
- Wipro breach highlights third-party risk from large IT services providers


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The once-troubled condominium project at 225 Rector Place is now almost 50 percent sold, developer Related Companies said today. Related began a fresh round of marketing the apartments this past May, after buying the building out of foreclosure for $82.8 million the previous summer.
The 181 units at the development range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, priced between $500,000 and almost $2.8 million. Related also today listed a dozen penthouses on the top two floors of the 24-story building, which range in size from 1,024-square-foot one-bedrooms to 1,963-square-foot three-bedrooms, the company said.
About 25 percent of the units were already in contract by May, and prices then were slightly lower. (For example, a studio was listed at $495,000.)
“Reaching this milestone, in just five months, signals that the marketplace has clearly responded to the inspired design and value proposition at 225 Rector Place,” said Sherry Tobak, senior vice president for Related Sales and the building’s director of sales.
After taking possession of the building, Related hired Irish designer Clodagh to refurbish the interiors and common spaces. The building’s amenities include a 40-foot swimming pool, fitness center, yoga studio, children’s playroom, rooftop terrace and bike storage
The longtime rental building was originally converted to condos by developer Yair Levy, and sales first started in 2007. However, Levy was forced to shutter the sales office and stop construction in 2009, and defaulted on the construction loan.
A New York State judge later ordered Levy to pay back $7.4 million that he allegedly “raided” from the reserve fund at 225 Rector Place and banned him from selling condos and co-ops, as The Real Deal reported.—Leigh Kamping-Carder


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While the summer grilling season is slowly slipping away, there is still an opportunity for marketers to reach audiences committed to grilling every month of the year. In fact, 60% of grill owners (over 200 million Americans own grills) fire up the grill year-round, especially during celebratory occasions like the Super Bowl, Easter, Thanksgiving and even on New Year’s Eve.
Before marketers hang up their grill tongs as we head into the fall and winter months, one key market to consider is Hispanic consumers. With 86% of Hispanics under the age of 25 owning a charcoal grill compared to the national household average of 72%, according to HPBA, grilling year-round has become a cultural mainstay for Hispanic families.
Marketers like Amy Colella, VP marketing and communications at Padilla Import Sales Marketing who works to help authentic Hispanic brands like El Yucateco break into the U.S. market, understand the popularity of grilling among Hispanics and recently used this at-home event to elevate brand awareness for thehot sauce maker.
To drive Hispanic and American market impact to El Yucateco’s spicy line of sauces that are perfect for grilled dishes, Colella helped it launch a digital influencer marketing campaign, #KingofFlavor.
“To celebrate the tradition of family grilling and bring awareness to the El Yucateco brand, we recently tapped into Hispanic influencers, as well as general market influencers, to create grilling parties with a twist,” said Colella. “We didn’t want our influencers to talk about El Yucateco as a product or just as something to be added at the end of a recipe for heat. We challenged them to come up with very creative and innovative ideas that centered on an entire meal that could be cooked on a grill, not just a singular dish.”
With the end goal of reaching both acculturated and non-acculturated Hispanics, the campaign used influencers from different language perspectives to create content that was written in English and Spanglish. Interesting to note, many Hispanic brands request English content because they want to use the influencer’s content across their social channels.
Like their Hispanic counterparts, millennial moms are putting more meals on the grill and using grilling as an opportunity to get the family together. Millennial moms are using the grill to create adventurous, flavorful and easy-to-cleanup meals for their family, and the campaign tapped this market to share their experience and innovative meal ideas for other family grillmasters to try. Surprisingly, there were many cauliflower recipes created, an ingredient that appears to be big with Millennials, which was a trend culinary trendologist Christine Couvelier predicted back in 2104.
Overall, results of the campaign show that 58 influencers' original blog posts earned 93.1K content views and generated more than 100,000 blog page interactions. And did the campaign drive sales? Colella had this to say, “We saw double digit sales!”


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One of the panels Ben and I hit up at New York Comic Con was the Virgin Comics panel featuring the announcement of thier deal with Stan Lee. While it was awesome to see the godfather of comics, I was very skeptical about how things were going to work out. Attempting to launch a major comics line isn’t the easiest thing to do in this day and age, where if you’re not Marvel/DC/Image or a hip indy line, people aren’t going to take you seriously.
Well, part of my skepticism was warranted as Virgin Comics announced today they are closing their New York operation to move operations to their Los Angeles branch. From Newsarama via a Virgin press release:
“The Company is currently working with management to restructure the business and will release its future plans in the next few weeks.
Sharad Devarajan, CEO, said, “We remain excited about the business and partnerships we have built through Virgin Comics and are working towards a restructuring that properly takes the business forward. The decision to scale down the New York operations and concentrate on core activities is due to the current macro-economic downturn and is in no way a reflection on the dedicated and valuable employees we have had the privilege to work with.””
You can read the full Newsarama article here, but when you’re restructuring a comic line and closing down offices, that can’t be good. My guess is that by the next NY Con, Virgin will be deflowered and non-existent.