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13.08.13 AECOM expands in Brazil
Global design and management consultancy AECOM develop key business relationships which have now led to over 12 new contracts.
London-based Latin America law specialists, Nabas Legal International Lawyers, has expanded into Colombia and widened its Brazilian operations on the back of their role in the Olympic 2012 Games.
18.07.13 Sporting behaviour
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) helped UK company 4global to see the potential of growing its business internationally and has supported the company’s expansion through the London Olympics and beyond.
18.07.13 Seeing success
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) supports IndigoVision as it is broadening its business into new markets, and has helped the company to secure work with the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.


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The Google-China standoff pitted the world's largest technology and media company against the country with the most sophisticated online censorship and the greatest number of Web users. Considering that Google had to operate without backing from its home government, the result is a surprising victory for the free flow of information.
Last week, China renewed Google's license to operate. This ended a battle of wills that began in January, when Google revealed that foreign agents had tapped into the email accounts of Gmail users, including human-rights activists in the U.S. Google pointed to Beijing and said that, in response, it would no longer join other search engines in censoring its results in China. Google acted through a combination of principle and self-interest in protecting its promise of secure email.
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domain: news


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A bakery which promises tasty baking at tasty prices has set up shop in Chester.
Poundbakery opened the doors of its new premises on Frodsham Street on Friday .
Shop manager Ann Marie Wingeatt said: “We’re very excited about our new shop opening and have already had a fantastic welcome from existing customers looking forward to shopping with us.
“Poundbakery is a great place to pick up all your bakery products, with its fun atmosphere and service with a smile.
“With two pasties or pies for ï¿½1, large loaves for ï¿½1, two fresh cream cakes for ï¿½1 and even freshly made sandwiches for just ï¿½1, the tasty baking and tasty prices will certainly keep us all smiling over the coming winter months.”
Poundbakery will be open Monday-Saturday from 8.30am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.


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European Commission publishes Inception Impact Assessment on revision of Regulation 330/2010
On October 23, the European Commission published an “Inception Impact Assessment” as part of the review process of Regulation (EU) No 330/2010 (Regulation on the application of Article 101.3 TFEU to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices) in force until 31 May 2022.
The Commission intends to assess policy options for the review of those critical areas of the Regulation identified in the Staff Working Document published on September 8 (September edition of the newsletter) and mainly related to online sales. In this context, the Commission has identified four main issues that will be covered by the review:
- “Dual distribution”: the Commission will alternatively assess whether to limit the scope of the vertical exemption to scenarios that are unlikely to raise horizontal concerns, or to remove the block exemption in cases of dual distribution, thus requiring an individual assessment under Article 101 TFEU;
- Active sales restrictions: the Commission envisages a review focusing on extending the exemption to all or only certain categories of restrictions on active sales;
- Online sales restrictions: the Commission will consider whether to make the measures differentiating online channels from offline channels lawful, such as dual pricing and the elimination of the “equivalence principle”, while providing for competition safeguards; and
- Parity obligations: in view of the anti-competitive effects of such clauses identified by national competition Authorities and national Courts, the Commission will consider whether to remove the exemption for all or only certain categories of parity obligations.
The Commission intends to launch an open public consultation by the end of 2020 to gather feedback on the policy options proposed and their ability to tackle the issues identified in the Staff Working Document. In 2021, the Commission will publish a first draft of the revised Regulation and Guidelines.
Investigation by the Antitrust Authority against Google for alleged abuse of its dominant position in the display advertising market
On October 20 the Antitrust Authority launched an investigation against Google to ascertain whether certain conduct by the company in the display advertising market could result in abuse of its dominant position.
With the measure launching the investigation, the Authority assumes that Google – a vertically integrated entity present in the various markets that make up the online advertising chain and in the offer of services allowing the acquisition of data crucial for the targeting of display advertising campaigns – has engaged in conduct liable to hinder its non-integrated competitors and to maintain and further strengthen its market power in display advertising, in violation of Article 102 TFEU.
In particular – according to the AGCM’s preliminary analysis – Google has engaged in conduct of internal-external discrimination, involving the refusal to provide Google ID decryption keys and the foreclosure of the possibility of tracking third-party pixels, against the simultaneous use, by its internal divisions, of tracking tools that allow Google to achieve a targeting capacity that other equally efficient competitors are not able to replicate.
Interested parties may intervene in the procedure within 30 days of the publication of the measure launching the procedure in the official bulletin of the Authority (which took place on 2 November 2020).
The Authority’s Press Release and the measure launching the investigation are available here.
Online resale price fixing: Spanish Antitrust Authority launches an investigation
On November 2, the Spanish antitrust authority (Comision National de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC)) launched a formal investigation against ISDIN S.A., a well-known Spanish dermo-cosmetics company, to establish a possible infringement of Article 101 TFEU, involving fixing online resale prices, at least for sunscreen products. The investigation was launched following a complaint made by a distributor of over-the-counter body and healthcare products.
The proceedings are part of the trend of increasing attention on restrictions on online sales by European antitrust authorities, as outlined in the March edition of the newsletter. Last July, the Italian Antitrust Authority also launched an investigation on possible restrictions on sales of electronics products on online marketplaces.
President of the EU General Court outlines the boundaries of the Commission’s antitrust powers
With two orders of 29 October 2020, the President of the EU General Court ruled out on the interim measure actions brought by Facebook in relation to two formal requests for information issued by the Commission in the context of two antitrust investigations – concerning, in particular, anti-competitive data collection practices by Facebook and distortion of the online classified ads market through the Facebook Marketplace service integrated into the platform – which would capture documents and information unrelated to the investigations (eg documents containing purely personal information, documents containing personal opinions and political engagement, Facebook’s proprietary information).
The President of the General Court considered that the requests for information at issue are very similar to an inspection, since the addressee has been required to produce a large number of documents collected on its servers on the basis of search terms. Moreover, the relevance of these documents will be assessed by the Commission only at a later stage.
In the President’s view, it is therefore necessary to ensure a level of protection for the applicant’s rights equivalent to the one guaranteed during inspections.
With regard to the disclosure of personal data, the orders clarified that, despite the fact that the GDPR does not prevent the transmission of information containing personal data to EU institutions, the collection and processing of such data must be necessary and proportionate to the exercise of the Commission’s powers.
In the light of the above, the President of the General Court imposed the following ad hoc measures for the safe collection of documents and information falling within the scope of the contested requests for information:
- Facebook shall identify and communicate the sensitive personal data to the Commission on a separate electronic medium;
- those documents shall then be placed in a virtual data room which shall be accessible to a limited number of members of the team responsible for the investigation, in the presence (virtual or physical) of an equivalent number of Facebook’s lawyers;
- the members of such team shall examine and select the documents in question, while giving Facebook’s lawyers the opportunity to comment on them before placing the documents on the file; and
- in the event of disagreement as to the classification of a document, Facebook’s lawyers shall have the right to explain the reasons for their disagreement. In the event of continuing disagreement, Facebook may ask the Director for Information, Communication and Media at DG Competition to resolve the disagreement.
Examination of witnesses in antitrust proceedings
On 22 October 2020, the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) rejected the appeal proposed by certain undertakings operating in the retail food packaging sector against the ruling of the General Court confirming the Commission’s decision by which the undertakings concerned were fined for an anti-competitive agreement.
The appellants claimed, inter alia, a violation of the procedural guarantees and the rights of the defense enshrined in Article 6 of the ECHR and in Articles 47 and 48 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, since the General Court had not summoned a witness in order to hear him, confining itself to taking into consideration only the minutes of his statements.
The CJEU established that it falls to the General Court to assess the relevance of a request for the examination of witnesses to the subject matter of the dispute and that, as such, the need to examine the witnesses named is left to the General Court’s discretion.
In the CJEU’s opinion, Article 6(3) of the ECHR does not require every witness to be called, but is aimed at full equality of arms, ensuring that the procedure in issue, considered in its entirety, gave the accused person an adequate and proper opportunity to challenge the suspicions concerning them.


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Chawatama joins Knowledge Bank
Knowledge Bank has appointed Shane Chawatama as sales director, to spearhead the fintech firm’s excitinggrowth plans.
Chawatama joins the digital criteria platform from multiple award-winning brokerage Dynamo, formerly known as the Buy to Let Business. He joined when the business had only single digit staff numbers andplayed a pivotal role in building the business. He spent eleven successful years in mortgage sales, most recently as sales manager leading a high performing team.
The addition of Chawatama follows a string of recent recruits including chief executive office assistant Emma-Louise Ogilvie, business support Emma Stilwell, telephone business development manager Shayne Marugah and machine learning engineer Akanksha Agarwal. The business also hired Laura Smith as sales and marketing manager, and Hannah Betton as business support earlier this year.
Knowledge Bank has experienced continual sharp growth since launching in 2017. Its latest surge of hires forms part of the company’s expansion following the acquisition of a significant shareholding by serial entrepreneur Ying Tan last December. As part of its exciting roadmap, it is launching new product lines with game changing technology using data and AI to help both lenders and brokers.
Knowledge Bank’s founder and chief executive Nicola Firth says: “Shane brings a great wealth of experienceand energy to the role, and we are delighted to have him on board at this crucial time. His appointment plays a key role in our ambitious expansion plan. 2022 has been a huge year for Knowledge Bank but 2023 is set to be bigger and better, as we continue to grow the team and revolutionise our platform further.
“We live and breathe innovation and, with added drivers in the seat, we will be able to deliver more ways to help brokers and lenders. With the unique market we find ourselves in today, now more than ever, we can utilise what we have built and captured to push boundaries even further within the mortgage fintech space. It’s a very exciting time for Knowledge Bank.”


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Workers at Tesco’s Dagenham distribution centre have said they will take strike action in a dispute over pay.
A 24-hour strike has been set for 17 and 18 May at the depot.
Union Usdaw said it hoped the retailer would bring forward a “suitable offer” so that industrial action can be averted to avoid disruption.
Usdaw members at the DC voted by 70.1%, on a turnout of 62.6%, in favour of industrial action.
The union’s divisional officer Dave McCrossen said: “Usdaw has engaged positively with Tesco for over a year in an attempt to find a mutually acceptable settlement for the 2017 Pay Review. Unfortunately, the company have refused to improve upon their initial offer which was worth less than 3%.
“Industrial action is always a last resort and the decision to call a strike has not been taken lightly. Usdaw remains open to further discussions and hopes that the company can make an offer which is acceptable to the membership.”
A Tesco spokesman said: “We have put forward a fair and competitive pay deal to our distribution colleagues as part of our annual review process. All our 21 distribution sites, except one, have now agreed their offers. We are very disappointed that the union committee representing our Dagenham site has decided to move towards Industrial Action. We will continue to engage with the committee on this issue as we believe having a conversation is the best way forward.”


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Fruits and vegetables check many of the boxes when it comes to the words being used to sell food.
Convenience store chain Rutter’s has added local fruits and vegetables to its retail and foodservice offerings.
Irvington, N.Y.-based BrightFarms has gotten creative in granting consumer requests to tour its greenhouses.
Editor Tom Karst and retail editor Ashley Nickle discuss the big stories of the week, including recommendations from the Leafy Greens Food Safety Task Force and the latest back-and-forth with China on trade.
Albertsons Cos. and venture capitalist Greycroft have created a fund that could put as much as $50 million toward developing technologies for the grocery space.
Tom and Ashley discuss the major stories of the week, from ongoing issues like high freight rates to new developments like Del Monte buying Mann Packing and Supervalu feeling the heat from an activist investor.
Feb 09, 2018 by Ashley Nickle


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Today, Truphone is proud to announce the launch of a suite of connected mobile communication...Read more
Explore the history of communication within global financial markets, and what the future might look like.
Brand new plans offer cheaper alternative to keep iPads connected via cellular. Competitive plans...Read more
How Control Functions Across all 3 Lines of Defence are Updating their Resilience Planning.
Partnership will allow Digi-Key to provide customers with connected cellular devices and a fully...Read more


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Manufacturers have been able to double the capacity of hard drives over the past 4 to 5 years. But as the gigabytes stack up, analysts and industry insiders are expecting the overall growth rate to slow as technological limitations take hold. To prevent this, hard drive makers are working to test the boundaries of storage capacity. Fujitsu's hardware, the company says, incorporates "sensitive" technology that can read more data off hard drive platters inside the drive where data is stored.
The technology, called "current perpendicular to plane," improves on the current giant magneto resistive head technology. When the new hardware is combined with the platter, or media, advancements that Fujitsulast August, hard drive density is expected to reach 300 gigabits per square inch, according to the company.
This would translate to about 170GB of capacity on hard drives with 2.5-inch platters--commonly used in notebook PCs. Current hard drives have a density of about 49 gigabits per square inch, or 30GB per platter.
However, hard drives using these technologies are still two to four years out, Fujitsu said. Competitors, such as IBM withtechnology and Read-Rite with hard drive head innovations, are working to create similar hard drive storage advancements.
"What we're seeing here is the next generation of hard drive technology," IDC analyst Dave Reinsel said. "Capacity growth will slow down, but what this does is keep us on a growth curve."
The rate of innovation has taken its toll on hard drive manufacturers, resulting in thin profit margins and in some cases, forcing companies to leave certain markets. Last year Fujitsuthe 3.5-inch, or desktop, hard drive business to focus on the more profitable and faster growing 2.5-inch, or notebook, hard drive business.
"We would like the (growth) rate to slow down...the longer we can ship a product, the more we can make off of it," said Chuck Nielsen, chief technologist with Fujitsu's storage product group. "But we are driven by the market."
Nielsen added that some drives hold more capacity than most people use--thus capacity is becoming less of an advantage when competing. What Fujitsu's new technology will do, he said, is encourage the adoption of hard drives with 2.5-inch platters.
Nielsen said that he expects the rate that hard drive capacity doubles in the market to slow from 12 months to 15 months--and eventually to 18 months.


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- More and more electric vehicles are coming even as demand slows.
- Dealers say selling EVs is getting a lot harder.
- Some of the new models in the pipeline might appeal more to the new demographic of EV shopper.
Just as selling electric cars is getting a whole lot harder, a slew of them are slated to hit the market.
Industry analysts tend to agree that more than 50 new electric models are expected to hit the U.S. market in the next three years as the automotive industry continues to wean itself off of gas-powered vehicles. But it’s unclear if there will be willing customers on the other end.
Dealers are already sounding alarm bells on slowing demand, pointing to a new demographic of electric car shoppers who shop the expensive battery-powered cars against traditional gas-powered vehicles and hybrids.
“We’ve had those early adopters,” Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, told Insider. “Now we’re looking at how we provide this value proposition to this new early majority we’re transitioning to.”
Valdez-Streaty said it will be important in the coming months and years for dealers to dig deep into this new demographic of electric-vehicle shoppers to understand what exactly they need in order to choose an expensive plug-in that may come with more life adjustments over something cheaper and more practical.
Whether that’s pushing the environmental benefits, the technology, or being ready to talk about things like the total cost of ownership when you factor in local and state incentives, dealers need to be conveying that information,” she said.
Reckoning with the new reality for EV shoppers
This year is stacking up to be huge for electric vehicle growth. After years of stagnation, sales of electrics have been growing exponentially in the last three years. Through September alone, EVs accounted for 9% of all car sales, according to JD Power.
But that growth rate is slowing, and manufacturers are already responding. For example, Ford and GM have both retracted their EV production goals this year and now won’t say when they might hit the targets they originally set.
All of this is leading to a realization that basing EV product plans on early adopters who have driven the last few years of growth in the segment may have led to an overestimation of long-term demand.
“The EV segment is absolutely still going to march forward, but there are obviously going to be some bumps in the road,” Valdez-Streaty said.
She said pulling back on the new EVs coming down the pike might not be the smartest move, given that some of the holes in the EV market align with the new, more price-minded shoppers.
“Anything that’s going to be in that $30,000 range could be successfully launched,” she said. “Having new models that are priced more affordably is still going to be very important.”


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Hundreds of k-pop fans, mainly women, made an event to show that in our country exists a great amount of people who loves this music
This event was because of the statement from SM Entertainment -agency which manages the most popular singers in Korea, such us, TVXQ, BoA, Super Junior, SNSD, SHINee among others- about the possibility of doing a Latin America tour, however, until this moment only Brazil and Chile have been considered; that’s why Peruvian fans want to show the world that in Peru there is a huge kpop fanbase
The event was carried out at Mr. Aldo Peralta’s house, owner of Kasoo, one of the stores that sell all products related to k-pop. This store is inside the well known gallery Centro Comercial Arenales, one of the favorite places of young people.
In the event, many choreographies from their favorite artists were done.
This is the first of many activities that they are planning to do until they see their dream fulfilled; which is for the SM Entertainment artists to have a concert in our country.
Check out the video below:
Credits: La Republica Journal LINK
English translation: Roxy @ SHINeePERU


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It’s always a fun time of year when our morning coffee orders get a whole lot more festive. We won’t be the only ones looking forward to the newest holiday drink offering from Dunkin’ once you hear about the Sugarplum Macchiato!
Dunkin’ hasn’t exactly announced this new beverage yet, but that hasn’t stopped it form making the rounds on Reddit. Thanks to leaked paperwork outlining the holiday offerings, we know that the Sugarplum Macchiato is coming out on Dec. 2. According to the description, the drink is made with espresso and milk, available in hot and iced options, has a frosted berry flavor, and is made with Sugarplum Swirl. The first sip should be quite the Christmas-inspired experience!
You didn’t think Dunkin’ would give us a new limited-edition holiday drink without also giving us a donut, did you? The Frosted Snowflake Donut is made up of a yeast ring donut with dark purple dipping icing and topped with snowflake sprinkles. It’s simple, festive, and bound to be really good. Plus, the purple icing matches the purple ombré Sugarplum Macchiato.
Luckily, you won’t have to wait until December to indulge in your holiday go-to drinks. Dunkin’ is bringing back the Signature Peppermint Mocha Lattes and Signature Gingerbread Lattes on Nov. 4. Both of them are available in hot, iced, and frozen versions and taste just like the names suggest. No wonder they keep coming back every year!
Also coming on Nov. 4 is the new non-dairy Chai Oatmilk Latte, which is made with a sweetened chai tea blend that includes cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg spices. It’ll pair well with the new Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich that will be available soon. The sourdough toast is layered with two eggs, five half slices of bacon, and white cheddar cheese. It really is the season of indulgence!


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Join us for this year’s World Demolition Summit (WDS), which will be held as a virtual event on 12 November because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Summit is free to attend and registration is now open.
The event, starting at 15:00 (UK time) on the 12th, will comprise four presentations highlighting world-class demolition projects from around the world, together with a virtual awards ceremony, with winners announced in the 13 categories.
Speakers and topics already confirmed include:
New torque converter with stator clutch could reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%
Andy Martin takes up role as part of the UK-based company’s plan to drive growth
Latest information from European demolition contractors to be announced at online event this month
The project will be a featured presentation at the World Demolition Summit in November 2020
This is one of two Contract of the Year categories and always popular with demolition contractors
In our first category-by-category announcement, we start with one of the two manufacturer awards
Your chance to find out which companies will contest the online awards ceremony in November
In the video, industry experts from recycling, waste management and North America’s leading trade association in the sector discuss the impact of Covid-19 and future solutions
The event, which was sponsored by Kiverco Recycling Plant, Matec Machinery Technology and Terry Irving Business Generation, is essential viewing for anyone connected with the construction and demolition waste recycling sector.
For 2020 sponsorship and promotion opportunities contact:
Bridget Leary: Bridget.firstname.lastname@example.org
Italian heavy lifting specialist, which helped demolish Morandi Bridge, to present on 12 November
The impact of Covid-19 will see most equipment markets fall by 15-35% and the global picture would much worse were it not for China
Strong employer Covid related liability protections among priorities in latest correspondence


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|제목||New rules for the digital economy and multilateral cooperation|
|저자||Kyu Yub Lee|
New rules for the digital economy (WTO e-commerce, BEPS) call for multilateral cooperation and coordination. The bottom line for new rules should stem from balance and fairness considerations in a comprehensive way. New rules for digital trade should embrace consumers, small-and-medium-sized firms, and developing countries, while new taxation rules should be designed as least distortive as possible. Also, new rules for digital trade and digital tax should not discourage innovators and inventors from developing digital technology as general purpose technology aimed at global economic prosperity. Digital technology has been observed to enhance environmental and financial issues in Africa, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Multilateral cooperation and coordination towards new rules for digital trade and digital tax enable us to reap full benefits from the digital economy and share them across developed and developing countries. I hope that the upcoming developments we will see in digital technology, together with the new rules we will eventually agree upon, can expedite the era of the 4th industrial revolution, digital disruption, or digital transformation ‒ whichever term you choose.
본인인증을 위해 E-mail인증절차를 진행하고 있습니다.
발송된 메일로 인증확인 후 해당 서비스를 이용하실 수 있습니다.
* 입력한 E-mail은 저장되지 않습니다.


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GS4 unveiled an autonomous, Linux-based robot security guard called Bob, based on a MetraLabs “Scitos A5″ robot programmed by the University of Birmingham.
U.K.-based security firm GS4 Technology has launched a three week trial at its Gloucestershire headquarters of a robot called Bob that was designed by the University of Birmingham School of Computer Science. GS4 will evaluate Bob’s performance as a trainee security officer. Bob is part of a £7.2 million ($12.2 million) project called STRANDS, hosted by the University of Birmingham, with an aim of expanding the role of robots in the workplace.
However, there is a need for more clarity on whether Google Fit will be integrated into the next version of Android, or offered as a standalone app that could be downloaded independently.
It added: “One source with knowledge of Google’s plans said Google Fit would allow a wearable device that measures data like steps or heart rate to interface with Google’s cloud-based services, and become part of the Google Fit ecosystem.”
After testing the developer’s build of Ubuntu Touch smartphone OS in 2013, the company behind Ubuntu Linux (Canonical) has finally confirmed that it will soon release its first batch of entry-level smartphones running the open-source operating system later this year. The company has teamed up with Meizu and Bq to be its initial Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As compared to the open source Firefox OS released last year in consortium with Alacatel, the mobile edition of Ubuntu is not an HTML 5 or browser-based ecosystem. Similar to Android, it loads native Ubuntu applications (messaging, phone, and camera) flawlessly, even with the absence of wireless connectivity.
Q: Where and why is SlimPort being implemented?
A: SlimPort was first implemented in the Google Nexus 4 back in 2012 and has continued to be used in a number of high-end tablets and smartphones from Fujitsu, Asustek, LG, and ZTE, as well as finding its way into Chromebooks from brands like Hewlett-Packard (HP), among others. The key is that the technology enables more features and can reduce costs. For example, users want to have the ability to take mobile audio and video and get it up on a big screen. Previously, the ability to get the video off of a tablet/smartphone was typically done by running it through a micro-HDMI port. Using SlimPort allowed the OEMs to drop the micro-HDMI port and simply run everything through the five-pin micro-USB port that is needed for charging. SlimPort simply takes control of the connector when a SlimPort dongle is plugged in, and while the devices are connected, SlimPort enables the display to also charge the mobile device. In 2013, support for Full HD was added but we really expect the technology to take off this year with SlimPort Pro.
The Samsung Z looks and feels very much like Samsung's Android smartphones. There's the tiles section at the top of the home screen, with some app icons at the botton, and there's the pull-down notifications and settings tray at the very top. You also get the hardware Back and Menu buttons, in addition to the main Home button. The Settings app looks almost identical to Samsung's Android version.
SoftBank and Aldeberan have teamed up on a Linux-based, $1,930 personal robot named Pepper that can read emotions and respond autonomously.
As we gradually approach the “singularity” when robots overtake human intelligence, we often comfort ourselves in believing robots will never duplicate our often troublesome capacity for emotion. Yet such James Kirkian sentiments may prove suspect as roboticists make robots more sensitive to emotions while using emotional expression to communicate.
A $149 “Sherlybox” NAS debuted on Kickstarter today, based on a Raspberry Pi core, and offering a secure VPN that creates an invite-only cloud service.
After Polish startup called “Sher.ly” developed a VPN and file-sharing software product of the same name, the developers felt it needed a little kick with the help of a Kickstarter-funded hardware device called “Sherlybox.” The device is somewhat similar to another Linux-based Kickstarter project called Lima, which has yet to enter commercial pre-sales more than 10 months after being funded. While the Lima was built from scratch, the current Sherlybox prototype is based on a Raspberry Pi Model B single-board computer.
The $130 Linux-based Crock-Pot WeMo Smart Slow Cooker was unveiled at CES earlier this year, and will be available in stores soon. I got to spend some time with one this week and thought I'd share some early impressions ahead of the full review. Belkin and Jarden Home Brands' app-controlled slow cooker struck me as an unlikely smart home contender at first. Slow cookers are about as low maintenance as possible, so how much value could WeMo integration add to something already so straightforward?
While Samsung is trying to create an early-bird monopoly in the smartwatch market, Apple and Google are busy working on a smartwatch of their own. Though both the smartphone giants haven't announced anything yet, it's only natural to assume that they're not going to overlook such a huge market. Samsung, with their Galaxy Gear smart watches was the first big company to make a foray into wearables. Serving as a mere companion to Samsung's Galaxy smartphones, these smart watches haven't been met with glowing reviews. Many find the Gear smartwatch clunky, lacking features, and overall, an unbaked product. Though Samsung made the first Gear watch based on Android, it has quickly realized its mistake and switched to Tizen instead. Thus, we don't have any major Android-based smartwatch available yet. Given that the smartwatch competition has just commenced, we, as tech fans, have some seriously high expectations from Google. If Android were to make its face shown on a watch, it better be good. That's why we've listed some of the things we want from an ideal Android smartwatch.


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"I don't think we're having a recession," Trump told reporters.Marketsread more
Americans now say they approve of free trade by 64%-27%, a margin of better than two to one. That's up from 57%-37% early in Trump's presidency, and 51%-41% near the end of...Politicsread more
Trump said Cook made a "good case" that it would be difficult for Apple to pay tariffs, when Samsung does not face the same hurdle because much of its manufacturing is in...Technologyread more
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note briefly fell below the 2-year rate on Wednesday, a phenomenon in the bond market known as yield curve inversion, which is...Marketsread more
"I don't want to do business at all because it is a national security threat," Trump told reporters.Technologyread more
Despite aggressive strides, Waymo needs one thing before their self-driving cars become a seriously useful transportation system: people. We talked to the ones closest to it.Technologyread more
The MacBook Pro recall and its subsequent ban from flights underscores the increasing brand risk from problems with lithium-ion batteries.Technologyread more
Experts say the timing of Amazon executives' contributions to Rep. David Cicilline likely reflect the company's heightened urgency over growing regulatory scrutiny.Technologyread more
CNBC combed through Wall Street research to see which stocks are still a buy after their earnings reports.Marketsread more
Coinbase security chief Philip Martin explains, "Possession of a key is possession of your currency. What that means is that you can't revoke a cryptocurrency key, if that key...Technologyread more
Fraud investigator Harry Markopolos' accusations extended beyond GE's management to actuaries, auditors and analysts who he claims overlooked billions in liabilities.Marketsread more
The shopping malls unit of Emaar Properties, Dubai's largest listed builder, has priced at the upper end of analysts' expectations, setting the stage for the United Arab Emirates' biggest public offering since 2007.
Emaar Properties said on Monday that it had priced shares for its new Emaar Malls Group (EMG), at 2.9 dirhams (79 cents), valuing the firm at close to $10.3 billion. It will begin trading on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) on Thursday.
Emaar Properties is listing 15.4 percent of EMG, in a IPO that is expected to raise $1.58 billion. The firm said that the retail tranche of the deal was 20 times oversubscribed and the institutional tranche was 30 times oversubscribed.
"The pricing corresponds to a relatively aggressive, but fair valuation of the Emaar Malls business," Mohammed Kamal, director of Equity Research at Arqaam Capital, explained to CNBC.
"The group's primary asset, the Dubai Mall, continues to capitalise on rising tourist numbers and consumer retail spend. Emaar Properties stock remains a proxy trade into the Dubai growth story."
The listing of one of the Emirate's best-known brands has been eagerly anticipated in the region for weeks. Emirates NBD, a leading retail bank in the area, has offered shares through its ATM network, with close to 3000 investors subscribing through the service.
The launch comes on the heels of the IPO of Marka, a Dubai retail brand with a small asset portfolio, which surged 59 percent at its debut last week. The offering broke a five-year IPO dry stint for the DFM.
Now, there is a sense of excitement ahead of the EMG launch that is reminiscent of Dubai's lofty IPO days of 2007, when port operator DP World raised $4.96 billion in a record-breaking listing.
As with EMG, DP World's launch was heavily oversubscribed (by 15 times). However, shares faltered when trading began. Two years later, its financial status was downgraded to "junk" during the 2009 Dubai debt crisis.
Unlike Kamal, some analysts argue valuations for EMG looked stretched.
In addition, Rehan Akbar, analyst at credit ratings agency Moody's, told CNBC that the intention to distribute IPO proceeds was "credit negative" for Emaar Properties.
However, he added: "The EMG listing ticks a number of boxes including its role as a catalyst for future IPOs, promoting Dubai's growth story and deepening its stock market, and providing a windfall gain to shareholders."
Read MoreBest place to invest in real estate?
Dubai's economy expanded 4.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2014 led by the manufacturing sector, slightly faster than the 4.1 percent recorded in the same period last year, according to recent data from the Dubai Statistics Center.
The DFM, which was upgrading to emerging market status by index compiler MSCI in June, has gained over 50 percent this year, which has been marked by major volatility.
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- CVS Pharmacy's agreement restricting a former senior executive's future employment was valid and enforceable, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. The employee, who headed up CVS Caremark's retail network, went to work for Amazon's PillPack while the noncompete was still in effect, a move the judge found violated the agreement because he was providing similar services to a competitor.
- There's a high bar for awarding injunctive relief, but the judge said CVS clearly met it, providing "substantial proof" John Lavin's new employment for PillPack violated the terms of the noncompete agreement. CVS paid Lavin $150,000 to refrain from working for competitors for an 18-month term, but during the course of the agreement, he went to work for PillPack. The ruling likely will mean Lavin will have to stop working for PillPack during the duration of the noncompete.
- Jefferies analysts said the case documents show Amazon is seeking to bypass pharmacy benefit managers and contract directly with payers for its services, a negative signal for the PBM industry.
Amazon's PillPack unit, which aims to disrupt the nation's pharmacy business, is now roiling employment waters, too. CVS, like other pharmacy chains, is involved in an ongoing struggle with Amazon for dominance in the mail-order prescription delivery market.
"The Court does not grant a preliminary injunction to enforce a non-compete clause lightly," Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island said. "It is aware of the narrow and restricted application Courts should give to the agreements under Rhode Island law."
But the court said the evidence in favor of CVS was clear.
"After reviewing all the evidence, the Court finds that the services Mr. Lavin was to perform at PillPack, a Competitor in the industry, are substantially like the services he provided for CVS Caremark," the opinion said. "Moreover, the Court finds that it is highly likely that Mr. Lavin's new employment will result in the disclosure of Confidential Information to CVS's Competitor."
The original job description for which PillPack hired Lavin included negotiating with payers, similar to his former position at CVS, the opinion said. Lavin was also expected to contribute to PillPack's overall growth strategy and help drive its long-term disruptive strategy.
And there's no doubt Amazon has disrupted the industry. PillPack delivers individualized packages of pre-sorted medicines, meant to help people manage multiple daily medications such as for chronic conditions.
When Amazon announced its estimated $1 billion acquisition of PillPack about a year ago, it sent shares of retail pharmacy companies like CVS and Walgreens plummeting.
Non-competes, also called restrictive covenants, can have legitimate business purposes, but they must meet certain criteria to be enforceable. The agreements must be reasonable in scope and companies often have to show that violation of the agreement would cause them substantial harm, for example. In this case, the judge said CVS easily met that standard.
For executives like Lavin, companies generally draw up noncompetes with terms from three to five years, Autumn Gentry, a litigator with Dickinson Wright in Nashville, told Healthcare Dive. The relatively short 18-month period of the agreement here was a point in CVS' favor in the litigation. High-level employees like Lavin generally have quite a bit of knowledge about their competitors' financing, pricing, terms and conditions, she said.
"The higher up you go in the industry, the more likely it is an agreement will be enforced," Theresa Connolly, an employment defense attorney and co-managing partner of the Washington, D.C. offices of Fisher Phillips, told Healthcare Dive.
Left unanswered is what the remedy here will be. It's likely Lavin will be required to stop working for PillPack for the duration of the agreement terms. It's possible his violation of the agreement will start the clock anew on the 18-month employment prohibition, the remedy CVS asked for in its complaint. CVS is also seeking monetary damages and attorney's fees.
PillPack's Jacquelyn Miller said the company declined to comment, and no one at CVS was available to respond to a request for comment.


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The value of the transactions is going to breach $1.2 trillion in five years, says Juniper Research.
The value of mobile payments biometrically authenticated is expected to reach $1.2 trillion worldwide by the close of 2027, according to a recent Juniper Research study.
The study expects a massive growth rate from the $332 billion the transactions are currently worth.
Juniper Research has provided an evaluation of the transition from traditional transaction security methods such as passwords and PINs to biometric authentication of mobile payments, in its paper titled: “Mobile Payment Biometrics: Key Opportunities, Regional Analysis & Market Forecasts 2022-2027”.
According to the paper, there will be a spectacular 365 percent growth rate of the value of the mobile payments completed by way of biometric authentication between this year and 2027. OEM solutions such as Google Pay and Apple Pay are predicted to be the top growth drivers. Also contributing to the growth rate are the introduction of the Strong Consumer Authentication (SCA) checks as a component of the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) in the European Union.
The EU regulations went into effect in March 2022 in the United Kingdom following several years of delay. The goal is to be able to boost friction along the user’s online journey unless merchants and banks start accepting more streamlined risk-based authentication processes.
Financial institutions are putting step-up authentication into place, where some mobile payments see biometric approval escalation.
“To maintain trust and reduce fraud, financial institutions are implementing step-up authentication, where certain transactions are escalated for biometric approval based on risk scoring,” said a Juniper Research report. “Therefore, vendors must offer multiple ways to authenticate, as well as developing new techniques to keep biometrics secure.”
Juniper cautioned of “digital injection” attacks and other forms of advanced spoofing method, which are created to skip past facial recognition technology. It’s expected that the biometrically authenticated remote mobile payments volume will experience a 383 percent growth rate by 2027, bringing the total value to 39.5 billion worldwide.
The industry could experience another boost if Apple, Google, and/or Microsoft announce their support for a new FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) authentication standard.


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Home and business owners who have been devastated by damage from Hurricane Florence are now facing another disaster: the costs of rebuilding.
According to an article in The New York Times, the costs to rebuild after the flood waters recede in the Carolinas and Virginia will be in the range of 20% to 40% higher because of Donald Trump’s trade war.
The Times interviewed officials in the construction industry who were very clear in saying that the Trump administration’s new tariffs will add significantly to the costs of rebuilding at a time when many people can least afford it.
For example, they said that Trump’s new tariffs on many Chinese goods (including kitchen countertops and all types of furniture) will make reconstruction costs at least 20 to 30 percent more expensive than they would have been without the trade duties.
And on top of that, prices for wood and similar construction materials have increased by about 40 percent over last year.
The Times article pointed out that Trump added a large new tariff on softwood lumber imports from Canada last year. When coupled with price rises due to increased demand and smaller supply, there has been devastating inflation in the prices of all the materials needed to rebuild from the devastating impact of the hurricane.
Most people agree that major new tariffs on imports put in place by the Trump administration earlier this year have driven up costs significantly.
“We’re all going to pay the price for Trump’s tariffs in the form of higher construction costs,” said Alan Banks, president of the North Carolina Home Builders Association.
The Times also disclosed that property and casualty insurance companies will only cover a small portion of rebuilding costs from Florence.
Most of the damage suffered in the Florence disaster areas has been caused by flooding, and flood damage isn’t covered in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. To get flood coverage, a special rider must be purchased to add to the basic policy. And it has been reported that only a small portion of the homes in the Carolinas have flood insurance riders.
One building contractor in North Carolina told The Times that he was already forced to stop one project because of the high prices, and that he believes costs will increase in the wake of the hurricane, making reconstruction unaffordable for many people.
“In the short term, it is definitely hurting us,” the contractor said. “I hope that going through all this pain is worth it in the end. We’ve got a tariff war going on with China and Canada, and the result was that I couldn’t move ahead with building affordable housing.”
Due to Trump‘s policies, the U.S. has been in a trade war with China over the past few months. Both countries have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of imports, raising prices domestically.
On Saturday China announced that it was cancelling planned trade talks with the U.S. over the most recent round of tariffs announced this past week. Our largest trading partner said that none of the United States‘ actions have “given any impression of sincerity and goodwill.”
Trump is proud of continuing his trade war, but he doesn’t seem to be aware that most of the casualties of his war are being suffered by Americans.
I am a lifelong Democrat with a passion for social justice and progressive issues. I have degrees in writing, economics and law from the University of Iowa.


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OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T are receiving the latest OxygenOS 5.1.6 software update which brings support for 4G VoLTE on Idea Cellular’s network in India, improved Bluetooth stability for phone calls, the latest Android security patch, and official support for Project Treble.
The changelog of the minor OxygenOS 5.1.6 lists Project Treble support, VoLTE on Idea’s network in India, improved Bluetooth stability for phone calls, and support for the latest October 2018 Android security patch.
Project Treble was rolled out in OxygenOS 5.1.5 as per reports earlier, however, OnePlus has officially acknowledged its support in this update. Only users running OxygenOS 5.1.5 will be able to upgrade to the latest build.
- Supported Project Treble
- Supported IDEA India VoLTE (Default On)
- Improved Bluetooth stability for phone calls
- Updated Android security patch to 2018.10


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Astrex Inc. Of Lakeshore Receives Government Money For Automotive Innovation
Thursday February 16th, 2017
Posted at 3:02pm
Hello time traveller!!
This article is 515 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.
Astrex Inc. of Lakeshore will receive a repayable contribution of up to $17 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund.
The investment will enable Astrex, a manufacturer of auto parts, to establish a facility that produces lightweight, high-strength aluminum components. The parts manufactured at this plant will reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
The company plans to create 62 new full-time jobs this year and an additional 24 jobs in the next two years as a result of the federal investment.
“At Astrex, we have created a facility at the leading edge of aluminum extrusion technology and with the support of thGovernment of Canada, we are proud to be able to create more manufacturing jobs in the Windsor area,” said Mark Blackmore, General Manager, Astrex Inc.


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CCAvenue, the payment gateway used by Ringing Bells on its website, told ET that it has started refunds worth Rs 84 lakh for 30,000 transactions made by about 14,800 unique customers.
Payment for the smartphone will now be accepted only on delivery for all the 25 lakh bookings the company received.
“The refunds have already started and will be completed by Monday. They will only use cash on delivery now.” Congress lawmaker Pramod Tiwari alleged in Parliament that the offer by Ringing Bells was a scam in the making, while similar charges have been made by the BJP’s Kirit Somaiya. The company’s founders have denied the allegations.
A call centre for the company has filed a police complaint against Ringing Bells alleging fraud and non-payment of dues and has sought Rs 80 lakh.
A Ringing Bells spokesperson confirmed the refund move. The company is expected to make a formal announcement on Monday.
Ringing Bells opened bookings for Freedom 251, the world’s cheapest 3G smartphone at Rs 251, on February 17, but due to unprecedented demand, the website crashed and was revived only once before it went down again. The bookings closed on February 21.
A couple of weeks earlier, the company held a sale of Smart 101, a 4G smartphone, at Rs 2,999. According to sources, PayUbiz, the payment gateway, collected about Rs 1.75 crore from customers ordering Ringing Bells’ devices.
PayUbiz said that the customers’ money would be released to Ringing Bells only when the deliveries are completed, allaying consumer concerns. “We have their money and unless they give us delivery details, we will not release the money to them,” said Nitin Gupta, CEO of PayU India, the parent company of PayUbiz.
“If a customer has a problem, they can raise a charge and if the company (Ringing Bells) is not able to defend it, the money will be refunded to the customer,” Gupta said. He did not comment on the amount of money PayUbiz had.


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Just two days before its official release, most of the features of the upcoming new action camera of GoPro have been leaked online. The last release in the GoPro Hero series was made in October 2020. And compared to its predecessor, the Hero 9 came along with a completely revamped design, in-front display, ultra-wide camera support, and much more. Now in the upcoming release – GoPro Hero 10 black is not going to have many changes in terms of design, as per the leaked render. The major difference that one can find in between the Hero 10 black and its predecessor will be in terms of features.
So, let’s check out the leaked render and specifications of the GoPro Hero 10 black in detail.
GoPro Hero 10 Black: Leaked Features
As per an article posted on WinFuture, the upcoming release in the Hero series will be almost similar to Hero 9, in terms of the overall design. The physical overview and looks could also be the same as Hero 9. Further, it is also expected that the company will continue to offer front displays. Most of the changes that we are going to see will be in terms of camera features.
As it can be seen in the leaked render, this time GoPro has gone with the blue colour shade for their company logo on the camera. The Hero 10 black will feature the latest GP2 processor which will make sure that the camera offers the best performance along with a higher refresh rate. It will also make sure that the camera offers better image stabilization, and enhanced low lighting output. The camera further features a new lens cover that will minimize the reflection up to a greater extent. And it will eventually increase the quality of images, and videos produced. It comes as an extra accessory. Therefore, it’s up to you whether you want to equip it with your camera or not.
Now coming to the display, as per WinFuture, the upcoming release will feature a display on the front. And compared to its predecessor, the Hero 10 Black will offer a higher refresh rate. A higher refresh rate will make sure that you get a better, and fluid viewing experience. Further, the touch controls and shutter release will respond faster compared to Hero 9 Black.
If we talk about the video output, the coming model will offer a 5.3K video recording at 60 FPS, a 4K recording at 120 FPS, and a 2.7K recording at 240 FPS. Additionally, it will also come along with an upgraded sensor. Compared to its predecessor 20-Megapixel max. photo resolution, the Hero 10 Black will offer 23-Megapixel max. output. And for taking the best quality and stable image, the camera supports Hypersmooth 4.0. Some additional features of the camera are 10-metre water resistance, superphoto, HDR mode, and Timerap 3.0
GoPro Hero 10 Black: Pricing And Availability
As of now, we don’t have much to share on the pricing and availability of the product. The Hero 10 Black is expected to launch on September 15th at a price of around $630. Compared to the predecessor, there is a slight increase in the pricing of the upcoming model. Anc it could be because of the ongoing chip shortage.
So, this will be all the available information regarding GoPro Hero 10 Black. We will update this article as soon as any new update comes on the product. Till then keep visiting our website, to remain updated on the tech industry.


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Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a $2 billion cash and in-kind commitment today, stepping up efforts to help end hunger in America. The new five-year initiative,"Fighting Hunger Together," includes four key components:
- Donating more than 1.1 billion pounds of food from Walmart stores, distribution centers and Sam's Club locations, valued at $1.75 billion;
- Grants totaling $250 million to support hunger relief organizations at the national, state and local levels;
- Mobilizing Walmart associates and customers. For example, Walmart's logistics team will lend their expertise to help food banks become more efficient in their operations; and
- Collaboration with government, food manufacturers and other corporations that are fighting hunger to increase impact and reach a greater number of families in need.
According to a November 2009 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, hunger rates in the U.S. are the highest since 1995 with nearly 15 percent of households lacking access to an adequate supply of nutritious food. Walmart expects its cash and in-kind gifts of fresh produce, meat, dairy and other foods to provide more than 1 billion meals to these needy families.
"Increasingly, we see opportunities to use our scale and reach to solve challenges in our communities. This is one of those times," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, Walmart's vice chairman."By working together, we believe we can reach a day where no individual in this country has to go to bed hungry or worry if there will be food to put on the table tomorrow."
Castro-Wright announced the company's plans on Capitol Hill today, joined by USDA Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon; Senate Hunger Caucus Co-Chairwoman Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.; House Hunger Caucus Co-Chairmen Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.; Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.; Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark.; and Terry Shannon, president and CEO of St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix – the first food bank in the U.S.
"Solving the problem of hunger in America will require help from partners at all levels – government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector – acting together," said Concannon."Walmart's five-year commitment of money and resources, coupled with its outreach to employees and customers, will help meet the nutrition needs of countless children and families across our country."
Today, the Walmart Foundation announced the first grants as part of this commitment:
- Donations totaling $8 million will help U.S. food banks improve capacity. This includes $6 million to purchase 60 refrigerated trucks for Feeding America food banks. Added to the 69 previously donated by Walmart, the trucks will help ensure that each food bank can safely transport donations from Walmart stores and other grocers.
- Donations totaling $10 million will help ensure that children across the U.S. are fed healthy meals during the school year and summer months. For example, $2 million will support the National Parks and Recreation Association's summer feeding program and provide 2 million meals for U.S. children.
These and other efforts are designed to help improve the efficiency of the U.S. food bank system, make nutritious food more accessible and provide long-term solutions to eradicating hunger.
"We are genuinely thankful to Walmart for their sustained commitment to fighting domestic hunger," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America."With 49 million Americans struggling with hunger, our country is in crisis. Walmart's multi-year contribution will help give Feeding America and our nationwide network of more than 200 food banks the latitude to more effectively serve the 37 million people who turn to us every year for assistance with access to nutritious food that is needed more than ever before. No one should go hungry and we thank Walmart for supporting our mission for a hunger-free America."
Walmart will help each of its 1.4 million U.S. associates and the 140 million customers who shop its stores every week find opportunities to support food banks, senior meal delivery programs and other hunger relief organizations in their communities. More details on how customers can get involved will be announced this summer.
Last year, when high levels of unemployment placed greater demands on U.S. food banks, Walmart doubled its food donations, providing 81 million more pounds of food than the prior year. The company's contributions made up 45 percent of donations from retailers to Feeding America food banks. The company also helped to feed more than 93,000 children in 2009 through a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of America's summer feeding program.
For more information, including a state-by-state list of Walmart's planned food donations over the next five years or to find local volunteer opportunities, visit www.walmartgiving.com.
The Walmart Foundation President Margaret McKenna will participate in a live conference call for media on May 12 at 12:30 p.m. EDT. Get information to participate here .
*Editor's Note: According to the USDA, 1.28 pounds of food is equivalent to one meal. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation expect cash and in-kind donations to help U.S. food banks deliver 1.4 billion pounds of food to food banks by the end of 2015 – the equivalent of more than 1 billion meals.
Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303
About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.2 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


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Cultural tour in Kamakura
To introduce and spread Japanese culture, Satsumaya Honten, a well-established sushi restaurant in Fushisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, will host a special tour for foreigners in one of Japan’s historic cities, Kamakura, on March 7.
Participants will walk around Kamakura and visit various sites, including Sugimoto-dera, one of the oldest temples in the city, guided by the bilingual proprietress of the sushi restaurant.
For lunch, they can enjoy authentic Japanese dishes at Kofuku, a traditional Japanese restaurant. Participants will then attend a sushi making class and dinner, during which there will be a brief talk on Japanese dining etiquette at Satsumaya Honten.
To wrap up the day, a cross-cultural discussion will be held to review the tour.
The tour will start at JR Kamakura Station at 10 a.m. and finish at the restaurant at 6:30 p.m. Admission is ¥6,980 per person and includes lunch, the sushi making experience, dinner, Sugimoto-dera entrance fee, Hokokuji Temple green tea and insurance. The tour is limited to 20 participants and there is a ¥920 transportation cost.
Please visit the website www.satsumayahonten.com/japan_tours to apply, or call 0466-23-2487. Application deadline is at 5 p.m. March 5.
Flavored soy milk
Soy sauce manufacturing giant Kikkoman Corp. will release two new flavors of its soy milk beverages, pear and cola, on March 3.
As part of its tie-up with Kibun Foods Inc., Kikkoman has produced flavored soy milk beverages, which have proven very popular, especially among the health conscious. The drinks come in a wide range flavors, including black tea, banana, cocoa, green tea, coffee and many more.
The companies plan to release the new flavors ahead of the summer heat. The pear-flavored soy milk is expected to taste sweet and refreshing and be a good fit in hot weather.
The cola-flavored drink, dubbed Healthy Cola, is a noncarbonated drink with 6.2 grams of dietary fiber.
It will be available at stores nationwide through the end of September.
For more information, call 0120-1212-88.
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Coming to Italy and France in May
Xiaomi is definitely entering a few more European markets. Xiaomi confirmed that it will start officially offering its devices in Italy and France and it is about to open up a retail store in Vienna too.
Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and UK
Xiaomi has big plans for 2018. It started with the IPO that might value the company anywhere between $80 to $100 billion and it plans a massive European expansion.
UK, France, Japan, and Canada
We got a note from the nice people at Essential that PH1 phone and accessories are swarming over some parts of Europe, Canada and Japan too.
Forever upwards. It seems
Sales of semiconductors in February last exceeded forecasts, according to the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA).
Most still think on-premise security is better
New research from Barracuda shows that while cloud has been a industry bussword for some time, most EU businesses are clueless when it comes to the technology.
Bipartisan deal will force US Cloud companies to hand over data
Buried in a federal spending bill released late is bipartisan legislation to clarify a law that would require Cloud companies to hand over data stored overseas.
Up up and away
The European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA) said sales of semiconductors in the region rose by 19.9 percent in January, compared to sales in January 2018.
It can be regulated
The US app-based taxi company Uber has lost a crucial court battle in Europe which could see it being regulated in all member states.
Cryptocurrencies used for money laundering, claim
European Union and United Kingdom regulators will take action to prevent trading in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency being conducted under conditions of anonymity, amid claims that people are hopping on the bandwagon to finance drug dealing, terrorism and money laundering.
Starts with Spain
Xiaomi has been launching smartphones and other devices all around the world, but it has been quite hard to get them in Europe, at least until now, as the company has started its push to The Old Continent starting with a very old country called Spain.


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A shortage of vegetables is expected, and prices are expected to increase after flash floods damaged farms in Labasa. The situation has vendors worried as they would be forced to spend more to buy vegetables from outside Labasa to meet demand.
Traders said yesterday they did not want a repeat of what they had faced after Severe Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Severe Tropical Cyclone Ana which resulted in them purchasing vegetables from Sigatoka.
Another vendor said business in the market had not returned to normal after the recent wet weather in the North. “A lot of vendors are still at home because the floods have affected them and their farms,” he said. “We have been told by our suppliers that a lot of vegetables have been damaged so we expect a shortage.”


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Next week will mark the 12-month anniversary of Street Talk’s report that Woolworths was preparing to buy PETstock, a privately owned, Victorian-headquartered dog and cat food and accessories business.
Several days later, Woolworths confirmed it would acquire a 55 per cent stake in the PETstock’s parent, Petspiration Group, for $586 million. It is the second-largest player in the specialty pet sector. And shortly thereafter, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission kicked off consultation on whether the acquisition would create a problem for other players.
Sources close to the transaction now expect the competition regulator to be closing in on endorsing the deal – either next week, or in mid-January. And there’s plenty of pent-up irritation at the ACCC’s go-slow on the matter. Especially since the New Zealand Commerce Commission approved the deal in April.
Woolworths, which is advised by Jarden Australia, and PETstock, which has engaged Melbourne’s Intrinsic Partners, have already agreed to divest 41 specialty pet retail stores, 25 co-located veterinary hospitals, four brands and two online retail stores. That was agreed to in October.
Some involved in the transaction suggest the ACCC is applying extra scrutiny because the deal involves Woolworths. The supermarket giant has a mixed track record with the competition regulator, which did not oppose its purchase of 65 per cent of wholesale food distributor PFD Food Services in 2021 or online retailer MyDeal last year, but was against its takeover of the SUPA IGA in Karabar, NSW, in May.
Others, however, are more sanguine. Part of the delay is PETstock’s fault, with the company – which trails only TPG Capital’s Greencross in the market – taking its time handing over information requested by the ACCC. Another wrinkle is that PETstock had not previously requested ACCC clearance when it went on an acquisition spree, buying up Best Friends Pets, Pet City, Animal Tuckerbox and the Pet & Aquarium Warehouse.
When the deal was done, PETstock had a network of 276 retail stores, 65 vet clinics and 162 grooming salons. It also has an established e-commerce platform, a 2.4 million-member loyalty program, and an own-brand range called Caribu and Glow.
Woolworths already has a sizeable interest in pet food and accessories, which are sold in its supermarkets. It also has a controlling stake in specialist online retailer PetCulture and a joint venture focusing on pets with insurer Hollard Group.
The ACCC declined to comment.


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In case you hadn’t noticed, Google likes VR. So much so that its video platform, YouTube, is going to introduce live 360-degree streaming at some point in the future. If true, YouTube would distance itself as the leader in 360-degree content, further building on the platform’s support for VR content. Suddenly all those new 360-degree cameras we saw at CES don’t seem so crazy.
YouTube has supported 360-degree video for nearly a year now, and has leveraged the popularity of Cardboard as the easiest way to experience what’s possible in the world of VR.


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Located in Pune and spanning some 40,000 square metres, the new facility is the first in the company to be a Zero Liquid Discharge site, which means that all of its waste water is purified and recycled at the end of the treatment cycle.
Additionally, it uses LED lighting throughout the site to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the installation of solar panels is also in planning and on the way.
“[This is in line] with our 100% renewable energy target, the target date for [which] to be realised is 2025,” Paramita Sarkar, Givaudan Commercial Director, Flavours, South Asia told FoodNavigator-Asia.
“[We have also set other targets, which] include a 15% reduction in water use per tonne of product, by 2020, and Science Based Targets on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Also, we have committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% between 2015 and 2030, and [will] work to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 20% over the same time period. [All of these are] within our A Sense of Tomorrow sustainability programme [and the Givaudan Climate Action Agenda].”
She added that the facility aims to support the growth of the company’s food and beverage business across all segments and categories. It will strengthen Givaudan’s capabilities in liquids compounding, powder blending, emulsions, process flavours and spray drying.
Givaudan’s Indian focus
The company also said that this facility was its largest investment in India, and its launch and reaffirmation of Givaudan’s plans to grow its Asia Pacific business further, especially in the country.
“India is a key high growth market for Givaudan. This major investment, our biggest in India, reflects India’s importance to Givaudan, and is part of our overall 2020 strategy of investment in high growth markets,” said Sarkar.
Givaudan APAC Commercial Head, Flavours, Monila Kothari added: “Over the last few years, there has been tremendous growth in the food and beverage industry in India and we have seen sustainable growth in this market.
“Given this rapid transformation, we need to be agile to address the needs of these markets and this new manufacturing facility in India is designed to cater to this.
In response to queries about Givaudan’s most-successful product in India, Sarkar said that: “There is no one key winning flavour or flavours. Indian consumers are evolving and asking for more non-traditional off-beat flavours, fusion and exotic directions.”
“The reason for this is clearly that Indian consumers are becoming more exposed to the western culture and show the inclination to move with key global trends.”
Other sustainability initiatives in India
Givaudan is also looking at other strategies to drive sustainability in the Asia Pacific region, and especially in India.
One of these is direct support of chili growing communities in India, where the company helps with efforts such as traceability and sustainable production
“A comprehensive and integrated approach has been adopted to ensure that economic improvements are combined with social development across indicators like health and sanitation,” said Sarkar.
“While the selected farmers are being trained in the best methods for farming chilli, safety kits including personal protection equipment were also introduced to safeguard 100 farmers from accidents throughout the crop cycle.
“These activities are part of what we call sourcing for shared value. It benefits everyone engaged in the production and supply of chilli and allows us to meet our customers’ demand for inspirational flavours.”


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Information Minister to Sponsor GCC Consumer Protection Week
The Sultanate, represented by the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP), will celebrate the launching of the Gulf Consumer Protection Week in the Wilayat of Sohar with its counterparts from consumer protection agencies and departments in the GCC countries, under the patronage of Dr. Abdul Munim bin Mansour al- Hasani, Minister of Information.
Abdul Rahman bin Salim al- Qasimi, Director General of the Directorate General of Consumer Protection in the Governorate of North Al Batinah said that the Sultanate’s celebration with its sister countries in the GCC countries stems from the belief of PACP in the prominent role played by GCC consumer bodies, to protect consumers and maintain their safety and health at all levels.
He added that PACP has been celebrating this occasion annually, as it carries noble objectives for all segments of society, spreading consumer culture, raising awareness and seeking partnership between all sectors of society to achieve a balanced market.
He explained that the celebration of PACP in the Wilayat of Sohar will include several activities, most notably a documentary about the march of PACP and its most important achievements. He added that it will also include an exhibition of counterfeit and fraudulent goods drawn from the market and other miscellaneous items, as well as a song recorded specifically for this occasion, in addition to a number of awareness lectures in all governorates of the Sultanate, directed to various civil society organizations.
Source: Oman News Agency


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Joe Coffman: What's good for us rarely feels good at the time
EDITOR'S NOTE: President Trump on Thursday retreated from his earlier threat to shut down the southern border, saying he would wait one year and first impose auto tariffs on Mexico in an attempt to curb the rate of illegal drugs entering the U.S.
As I write this, the country is teetering on the edge of the Great Avocado Famine of 2019. President Trump, in an effort to control the surge of Central Americans seeking refugee status, has decided to put pressure on Mexico by threatening to completely close the border.
Nearly all of our avocados come from Mexico this time of the year, and closing the border will quickly deplete our current supply. Guacamole will become so expensive that the average family will not have the means to cover their toast with the green stuff.
I know this is true because I saw it reported on several stations — four of them to be specific — and, although it was said kind of tongue-in-cheek, I think these kind of news stories reveal a little bit of truth about us.
Various experts have pointed out that shutting down the border will cost the economy billions of dollars, with the automobile industry carrying the bulk of the pain. So many parts are manufactured in Mexico that final assembly here in the states would be severely impacted.
The rest of the burden would be spread around various grocery store items, not the least of which is (you may want to brace yourself here) beer! Two of the world's largest breweries, Dutch Heineken and Belgian Anheuser-Bush Inbev, brew their product in Mexico. This makes Mexico the world's largest exporter of beer. Now you’re talking pain!
Truth be told, I think that the fear of losing avocados and beer is, at least in the short term, a stronger motivator for the average citizen than the deeper implications of a damaged economy We can tolerate a lot, with some moaning and complaining, but don’t take our creature comforts away from us.
Like water, we will usually take the path of least resistance. “If it feels good, do it” isn’t lost in the 1960s, it's the credo of many of us today.
Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that what is good for us rarely feels good at the time we are doing it. I am not saying that doing the right thing is agonizingly painful, but that it usually pushes us out of our comfort zone, out of the cushiness of our easy chair and into the world of reality.
Our personal healthcare is a great example of this. Science tells us there are some practices we can adopt that will enhance our health and possibly even prolong our life. None of these practices are comfortable when they are initiated, but they grow more and more comfortable as they are consistently practiced.
Getting healthy is uncomfortable. It stretches our limits. Yet our own health can be improved without spending a dime of hard earned cash, or popping another expensive pill. Doctors tell us there are three uncomfortable actions we all can take that will make a difference in our long-term health.
First, (and you knew this was coming) watch your diet. What you put in your mouth matters, and for most of us, how much we put in our mouths matters a lot. Invest in a food scale and measuring cups, and you might be surprised at how much you really eat at each meal. Eat slower, chew longer, drink more water with your meal and fill your plate once, you’ll be surprised at the results.
The second thing you can do is get a good night's sleep. Studies show most Americans are “sleep deprived,” meaning they get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Simply going to bed a little earlier, eliminating alcohol and caffeine in the evening and turning off the screens that surround us can make a tremendous difference.
Finally, move your body. Exercise. I know, it’s painful, it’s tiring, it’s inconvenient. The beauty of this step is that it doesn’t have to cost you anything. You don’t need to join a club, or buy equipment or purchase new clothes. Just go for a walk — 15-30 minutes a day of discomfort is all you need, especially if you haven’t exercised in awhile.
Getting out of your comfort zone can be good for you. Give it a try.
— Joe Coffman is a Holland resident. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Book is slated for 6th edition after heavy sales in Germany
Mostly purchased by history enthusiasts, according to book publisher
In January 2016, the Institute of Contemporary History released the first reprint of Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” since World War II. One year on, the German publisher says the book has sold some 85,000 copies and spent 35 weeks on Der Spiegel non-fiction best-seller list.
Dr. Magnus Brechtken, deputy director of the Institute of Contemporary History, told CNN the institute was “quite surprised” that public interest in the book was so strong in Germany.
The Munich based institute, which has previously published annotated editions of “Hitler’s Speeches, Writings and Directives, 1923-1933,” “Hitler’s Second Book” and the diaries of ranking Nazis Joseph Goebbels and Alfred Rosenberg, said they initially planned to print 4,000 copies of the new edition.
But shortly after announcing its release, the institute received 15,000 pre-orders.
Now, the book is in its 5th edition, with plans to publish a 6th slated for later this month.
Who is buying the book?
Feedback from the book’s distributors suggests most people purchasing the new edition are academics or people with a keen interest in historical events.
“People who are reading history books in general, like a biography of Hitler or a book on the Third Reich, are interested in getting basic research information on a text which has not been available in a critical edition so far,” Brechtken said.
He added that critics concerned that the new edition could incite negative outcomes from far right groups should not be worried.
The annotated edition counters Hitler’s original text and is the antithesis of their ideology, he said.
“In my opinion, far right groups are mostly unhappy with the new edition,” Brechtken said.
“We had no reaction from the far right because they don’t like the book. For them, they want the text just as it was in the original – they don’t like that we have a critical edition, which is exactly why we have this edition.”
“People who might want to read something from Hitler will never follow any of his thoughts when they are reading our book because Hitler is completely deconstructed in our edition,” he said.
In a statement posted to the Central Council of Jews in Germany’s website prior to the reprint’s release, council president Dr. Josef Schuster said, “The Central Council of Jews in Germany is convinced that Hitler’s scorning propaganda ‘Mein Kampf’ must remain prohibited,” but that the group would “not object to a critical edition, contrasting Hitler’s racial theories with scientific findings, to be at the disposal of research and teaching.”


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- There was a sea of cars in the Kohl's parking lot at midnight as hundreds of shoppers rush to get an early morning bargain Friday.
While stores like Walmart opened at 8 p.m. last night, Kohl's customers had to wait until midnight Friday.
But many shoppers said the bargains were well worth the wait.
"We left the cabin at 8 a.m. and have been going all night," said Anna Mathy.
Jennifer Polzin said, "I think I saved a fair amount. I'm in college so I can't spend a lot."
Over 350 people were in line at Kohl's Friday morning.
It took employees only 9 minutes to get the crowds into the store.
And once the store was packed, the shopping madness began.
Customer Service Supervisor, Karrie Caselton, said, "Some of the toys that go for like 60% off. We've got small electronics that go for really crazy prices. 60-70% off. A lot of traffic a lot of really good products."
Some customers even came in their pajamas.
And while many typically think it's the women who do all the shoppin--think again.
There were plenty of men packed into the store as well.
Taylor Cutting, said, "We're just trying to help her find some nice lingerie....keeping it real."
All Friday's early morning specials ended at 1 a.m.
Written By: Jenn Sullivan


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TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust.
If you're concerned about companies becoming ever more intrusive, then you may want to check your device settings after downloading the latest Uber app. As promised in its user privacy statement last year, the ride-hailing firm's new Location Information feature can track users before a ride starts and after it ends.
The updated app will allow Uber to track a customer's location as soon as they order a ride. Once they've been dropped off, it will continue to monitor their whereabouts for five minutes. The company says this will enable drivers to locate passengers without having to call them, and the post-ride surveillance will help Uber analyze elements of the service, making sure passengers are dropped off on the right side of the street, for example.
"We're always thinking about ways we can improve the rider experience from sharpening our ETA estimates to identifying the best pick up location on any given street. Location is at the heart of the Uber experience, and we're asking riders to provide us with more information to achieve these goals," Uber said in a statement.
As noted by Ars Technica, following Uber's announcement last year that it would collect the precise location of a device when the app is running in the foreground or background, the Federal Trade Commission registered a complaint against the firm in response to the news.
It's worth noting that the app does request permission via a popup before it starts tracking users. If you agree but later change your mind, Uber says it can be turned off by disabling location services through your device settings.
For those worried about this sensitive data falling into the wrong hands: Uber made an agreement with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman earlier this year to encrypt it and protect the information with multi-factor authentication.


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Exploring raspberry production methods in Canada
A few experienced producers provide insight on their success growing container-high tunnel raspberries.
February 22, 2019 By Treena Hein
To boost both production and quality, some Canadian producers have been using high tunnels in conjunction with container production and a soilless growth medium.
“There is growing interest in Ontario,” reports Erica Pate, fruit crop specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, “and there are a couple growers who are in the early stages of production.” Pate says there has been a request for funding for a project in which the government will partner with others to study container high tunnel raspberry production, and confirmation should be received in February.
On the West Coast, the British Columbia Raspberry Industry Development Council does not know of anyone using high tunnels and containers in that province, but some producers in that province do use high tunnels.
In Quebec, however, a few growers have been using this type of production for years. Among them is Fraises de l’ile d’Orleans in Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans owned by André Gosselin, a retired Laval University horticultural scientist. Gosselin considers high tunnels essential for raspberry production in the climate of Quebec, and also notes that using soilless growth mediums in containers eliminates root diseases, along with favouring higher yields and better fruit quality. He uses a peat moss based growing medium developed over many years in collaboration with Berger, a company located in Saint-Modeste, Que. which also has outlets or processing plants in several provinces and two U.S. states.
Fertigation of raspberries grown this way, adds Gosselin, should be based on recommendations from Northern Europe (Holland, Belgium and Switzerland).
“Cultivar selection must be based on conventional criteria such as yield, fruit quality and shelf-life, disease resistance, winter resistance, early maturation and so on,” Gosselin says. “The good news is that excellent new genetic selections are now available from Holland, Italy, France, Poland and more, but they must be tried and evaluated at various sites and growing conditions.”
Also, in Quebec’s Ile-d’Orléans region, Onésime Pouliot Petits Fruits has been growing container-high tunnel raspberries since 2008. They also grow blueberries, strawberries and sweet potatoes, and sell their products through major food chains throughout Quebec, the Maritimes and parts of the U.S.
The farm’s business development manager Joey Boudreault notes because wet raspberries have a very limited shelf life, the dry conditions provided by high tunnels is a game-changer in itself. Having plants in pots allows growers to move some into storage when the weather turns cold, and lay the rest down and cover them for the winter. This means that growers like Onésime Pouliot Petits Fruits can therefore use varieties that would not otherwise survive conventional field cultivation, maximizing both taste and yield.
Putting some of their canes in cold storage has another advantage.
“When the spring comes, we take some of them out but not all of them,” Boudreault explains. “We keep some in there, in dormancy. About a month later we take them out, and they progressively start to give fruits like they normally would in the spring. So, we can expand the season, and have a more constant supply of berries throughout the season instead of having one big boom of berries.” Their season runs from mid-July to the end of September, or even very early October depending on the year.
Currently, Onésime Pouliot is unable to meet all of the marketplace demand. But, Boudreault says they should be able to completely meet demand as production grows.
“We do export some of the raspberries in the U.S., to smaller farmers markets,” he adds. “We want to expand that as well. It is good business with the exchange rate.”
While it’s hard to compare the yield between ‘bush’ field-grown raspberries and the container-high tunnel varieties (each cane grows to about six feet tall), Boudreault says the latter obviously benefits from fertigation, which makes them highly productive. They are also much easier to harvest.
“Harvest represents around 50 per cent of our costs, so improving that is major for profit,” Boudreault notes. “We try a lot of varieties each year. For now, the Tulameen stays in front of all of them. Some other varieties have better yield then Tulameen, but it stays the reference in term of taste. We believe that we will get better results long-term with this instead of having more yield of a poorer-tasting berry that will maybe disappoint a customer.”
Onésime Pouliot farm is also a nursery in that it sells varieties suited to container-high tunnel production, and demand is growing for that every year as well. Boudreault notes that sometimes it takes time for people to decide to start this type of production because it’s more expensive than field cultivation.
“You have to put more work in as well,” he says. “The 15 to 25 irrigations per day needs to be taken care of by someone, and growers usually do not need more work. We have a full-time employee dedicated to check the irrigation, verify that everything goes well in the tunnels, program the pumps and injectors, check that the tubes are clean and that everything is going well,” he adds. “This is how much monitoring you need to do. This is very costly production, so if you are going to do it, you have to do it well. Everything is important and the attention to detail will make a big difference down the stretch.”
Boudreault notes that harvest efficiency is key to keeping expenses down, and that they are learning how to be more efficient all the time. They also make high tunnels themselves and might even start selling them to other growers in the very near future.
Yves Desjardins, professor in the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food at Laval University, has conducted several studies of soilless high tunnel raspberry cultivation with colleagues in the recent past. With cultivar Jeanne d’Orléans, he and his team found that compared to field-grown plants, they produced a taller and thicker primocane, more fruit and higher total fruit yield. He says that while the growth medium is important, after a couple of months, the roots occupy most of the pot volume and therefore fertigation is the main factor that is influencing plant development.
In another study with cultivar Autumn Britten, Desjardins and colleagues studied responses to fertigation solutions, various substrates and propagation methods. Higher fruit yield was mostly found in this study, he says, due to the advancement of the peak fruiting period because of higher greenhouse temperatures in early spring while root-cutting propagation occurred.
“We are indeed favouring the fastest establishment to obtain good yield of primocane raspberry. Having root cuttings that have a head start at transplantation and providing higher temperatures under tunnels allow for a rapid establishment of the crop,” Desjardins says. “I would personally say that for raspberry, high tunnel production is a must,” he adds. “Californian companies like Driscoll is growing under tunnels for the quality of the fruits, the increased shelf life and size. In northern climate conditions, the gain in productivity is even more important.” He confirms that several, “large Quebec growers are doing very well with this production style.”
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Yeezy 500 Super Moon Yellow Desert Rat
An initial launch took place earlier this year, exclusively via Yeezy Supply. But there was a catch for those who wanted to cop early. The Yeezy 500 Super Moon Yellow had to be bought alongside a clothing bundle which came with a hefty price tag.
Thankfully, you’ll soon be able to cop this colourway via the global release which is coming to adidas UK as well as several Consortium stockists. It’s the chunky aesthetic that makes the Desert Rat so controversial. Not everyone is convinced but as with most trends, it’ll only be a matter of time until these are hugely sought-after.
Stay up to date with new stock and sizes on our Instagram page! @crepselect


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It’s not really a “good time to be a farmer”, despite President Trump’s desperate PR plea amid the unveiling of a $16-billion bailout for farmers hit hard by the trade war with China. Now China is halting the import of U.S. soybeans, and the question is whether the $16-billion bailout will be enough. Beijing won’t be cancelling orders it’s already made, but it’s putting any new orders on hold, essentially backtracking on an earlier agreement to purchase 10 million tons of American soybeans.
Calling them “true patriots”, Trump had trumped up the aid package by saying that the Chinese would be footing the bill for it; just as he has suggested that Beijing is paying for the tariffs the administration has slapped on Chinese goods. Neither are, of course, true, but serve to create a positive sentiment around the trade war by intensifying negative sentiment against the Chinese.
None of the rhetoric will help American farmers.
To put things into perspective, in 2014, China purchased some $14.5 billion in American soybeans. In 2017, China imported $12.3 billion. Last year, when the trade war began, China imported only $3.1 billion. For 2019 and 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that Chinese demand for American soybeans will shed an additional 42 million tons. And this, at a time when soybean prices are trading at a 10-year low.
The USDA’s crop progress report shows that farmers have planted less than half of their intended corn acres for this year, and soybeans are taking up only 19 percent of acreage, down from the typical 47 percent.
Not only are they battling politics, geopolitics and even loss of land to foreign ownership, but they’re also battling severe weather. And it’s all shaping up to be an agricultural nightmare for the American farmer.
Related: China’s Plan To Influence Global Commodity Pricing
The situation was already bad before the trade war, making the trade war the final straw--especially for the smaller farmers.
According to the Los Angeles Times, most of this aid money will more likely go to big-revenue-earning farms that are already benefiting from significant federal subsidies and low-priced crop insurance. In other words, the aid helps those who are already largely covered from the fallout of the trade war.
In the meantime, the spectre of the mission creep of foreign ownership of American farmland is put into more glaring perspective.
According to NPR, foreign investors hold nearly 30 million acres of American farmland today.
While there’s been a steady increase over the past two decades, noticeable increases happened during the last recession, when investors could get their hands on land for the low prices of financial desperation.
The amount of agricultural land held by foreign investors doubled from 13.7 million acres to 27.3 million acres between 2004 and 2014, estimating it as roughly the size of Tennessee.
About 2 percent, or the equivalent of 25 million acres of U.S. farm and forestland, was foreign owned in 2012, data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows. Although a small percentage, it still caused the value of the foreign-owned U.S. farmland to soar from $17.4 billion to $42.7 billion during the same period.
By 2015, at least 26.8 million acres of privately held farmland were held by foreign owners, according to the USDA 2015 report on foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land.
Canada is the largest foreign owners of U.S. land, with 6.87 million acres, followed by the Netherlands with 4.87 million acres, Germany with 1.94 million acres, the UK with 1.7 million acres, Italy with 1.4 million acres, Portugal with 1.38 million acres and France with 1.04 million acres, according to USDA 2014 report on the Foreign Holding of U.S. Agricultural Land.
China also owns a big chunk of American farmland--most notably thanks to the high-profile 2013 purchase of the world's leading pork producer, Smithfield Food, by Hong Kong-based meat processor WH Group. This company instantly gained control over 146,000 acres of prime farmland becoming the largest overseas foreign owners of the American farmland.
By Alex Kimani For Safehaven.com
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