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Source: National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) today jointly urged Congress to enact new Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, saying it is crucial to securing well-negotiated trade agreements, including a Pacific Rim pact that must open key markets to more U.S. dairy products.
In a letter to Congress, NMPF and USDEC said renewing TPA, which expired in 2007, will increase congressional influence over trade negotiations and lead to agreements that are better for both the country and the dairy industry.
“By having a clear framework for participating in the process and identified priorities that a successful agreement must address, Congress increases its influence over these agreements as they are being written,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern.
Added USDEC President Tom Suber: “TPA plays a key role in supporting a strong trade policy agenda. That is particularly important to the dairy industry, since it now exports the equivalent of one-seventh of its U.S. milk production.” Last year alone, Suber noted, the U.S. industry exported more than $7 billion in dairy products.
The dairy groups urged Congress to approve TPA, but also to become engaged in the final stages of negotiations with 11 other countries over the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership.
“To achieve an agreement with net benefits to the U.S. dairy industry, access to the region’s most protected dairy markets – Japan and Canada – is imperative,” said Mulhern. “While some progress has been made in Japan, both of these countries need to open their markets to a full range of U.S. dairy products.”
Suber said another key issue is improving safeguards for using generic food names, including many common cheese names, in export markets. The European Union, he noted, is attempting to erect trade barriers by limiting the use of names like feta, parmesan and asiago among many others, to particular geographic areas.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), based in Arlington, Va., develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of U.S. dairy producers and the cooperatives they collectively own. The members of NMPF's cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S, milk supply, making NMPF the voice of nearly 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more on NMPF's activities, visit www.nmpf.org.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. USDEC accomplishes this through programs in market development that build global demand for U.S. dairy products, resolve market access barriers and advance industry trade policy goals. USDEC is supported by staff across the United States and overseas in Mexico, South America, Asia, Middle East and Europe. The U.S. Dairy Export Council prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, marital status, military status, and arrest or conviction record.


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A new article has been posted titled “Reusable Bags and Ergonomic Issues” by Anthony van Leeuwen.
The article provides some useful information about reusable bag sizes, volume, and average weight when filled. Consumers should educate themselves about bag sizes and weights when filled, to avoid wasting money by buying bags that are too large and heavy when filled by store employees.
With more and more communities in California and the nation adopting plastic carryout bag bans ergonomic safety issues related to using reusable bags have been largely ignored. The chief selling point often touted by proponents is that “Reusable bags hold more than plastic bags”. What is often overlooked is that “If reusable bags hold more, they weigh more.” This means that handling of heavier reusable bags by both store employees and customers alike, present ergonomic safety hazards that should be taken into consideration.
A new article has been posted titled “Plastic Bag Alternatives Much More Costly to Consumers” by Anthony van Leeuwen, Fight The Plastic Bag Ban, and Don Williams, Stop The Bag Ban. The article is work of collaboration between two engineers both of whom have a passion to defeat plastic bag bans on the grounds that bans are the wrong solution to litter problems that adversely affects residents.
The new article expands on an earlier article titled “Shopping will cost more with Plastic Bag Ban” and includes a table comparing the different bagging options available to consumers. The article looks at costs associated with purchasing your own plastic carryout bags, purchasing store supplied paper bags, and purchasing and using your own reusable bags. The cost to retailers of supplying you with “free” plastic carryout bags is also estimated for comparison. The article looks at both the cost of bags and the value of labor or personal time associated with managing bags and in the case of reusable bags the time required to wash or sanitize bags.
We show that the cost to retail stores to supply a typical family plastic carryout bags is about $21 per year; whereas, that same family would spend up to $300 per year to use reusable bags. That is a factor of more than 14 times as much.

domain: news


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No Verizon iPhone Any Time Soon
For the last few weeks, there have been rumors about the exclusivity contract between AT&T and Apple expiring soon. Some have speculated that Verizon may be the most likely candidate if the iPhone went to another carrier, even going as far as stating that the deal may produce the Verizon iPhone 4G before the year ends. Others, however are hesitant to believe the reports, citing many physical obstacles including redeveloping the Apple smartphone from the current GSM of AT&T to Verizon’s CDMA. Contract wise, the deal between Apple and its carrier is said to be iron clad and will last until 2012. Now we have news which may disappoint Verizon subscribers who were hoping to see the iPhone 4G in their midst soon.
According to a representative from the Verizon carrier, the company is not planning to support an iPhone anytime “in the immediate future.” Some have deemed this statement contrary to Steve Jobs’ recent statements during the D8 Conference. With one question regarding Apple looking for a new carrier, he simply replies that “there might be” some chance of the iPhone finding an additional home. Actually, the statements do not go directly against each other. Steve Jobs is open to bringing the carrier to another carrier, he just does not say which one. This means it might be Verizon or it might not be.
There is also another reason which makes the leap from AT&T to Verizon somewhat vague at this point. The carrier is currently highly vested in Android smartphones as of the moment. With the current line of Android smartphones doing well for the carrier, the iPhone 4G may not be the first priority on the carrier’s list. Until Steve Jobs actually says which carrier Apple will be adding to the list, all we have is speculation. According to Jobs pertaining to the carrier issue, “The future is long. I can’t talk about that stuff.”iPhone 4G


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WASHINGTON (3/7/16)--More than 266 legislators signed a letter calling for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to use its authority to protect credit unions as of Friday. The letter, composed by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) and addressed to the CFPB, cited a Government Accountability Office study that shows how increased regulatory burden for credit unions and other small institutions leads to reduced lending.
WASHINGTON (3/3/16)--The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced Wednesday an application process for areas not currently deemed “rural” receive that designation under federal consumer financial law. However, the final rule does not contain language helpful to credit unions by removing Truth in Lending Act requirements that lenders prove they "predominately" operate in rural or underserved areas.
WASHINGTON (3/3/16)--Online payment platform Dwolla was hit with a $100,000 penalty, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced Wednesday, stemming from alleged misrepresentation of Dwolla’s data security practices.
WASHINGTON (3/2/16)--Complaints about prepaid products have risen in recent months, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s complaint snapshot. The monthly snapshot also examined complaints from Texas and the Houston metropolitan area.
WASHINGTON (3/1/16)--CUNA was in attendance Monday at a discussion about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding its “successors-in-interest” proposal. The CFPB first proposed changes to the rule in December 2014, and CUNA expressed a number of concerns in its March 2015 comment letter, but no rule has been finalized.
WASHINGTON (2/26/16)--Space is still available at a March 1 webinar for those with questions about the Truth in Lending Act-Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act integrated disclosures rule and construction lending.
WASHINGTON (2/26/16)--A Dear Colleague letter addressed to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urging the agency to use its authority to protect credit unions has gained several dozen signers from House representatives--a direct result of this week’s credit union visits with legislators.
WASHINGTON (2/23/16 UPDATED 3:55 P.M. ET)--Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray told a crowd of nearly 5,000 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference attendees today that credit unions should be applauded for making consumer protection job No. 1, even before the existence of the CFPB.
WASHINGTON (2/11/16)--As a U.S. House Financial Services subcommittee gears up for today’s hearing on short-term, small-dollar lending, CUNA presented its concerns that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken a “broadsword approach” that could seriously hinder credit unions’ ability to serve their most vulnerable members.
CUNA compliance staff recently responded to a query if credit unions are required to disclose the numerical value of the military annual percentage rate to borrowers covered under the Military Lending Act.
Following its groundbreaking comprehensive study on regulatory burden, CUNA released its new Regulatory Burden Calculator that allows individual credit unions to assess the impact of regulation on their operations.
After months of advocacy by CUNA, the CFPB Thursday wrote to CUNA announcing it will initiate a rulemaking this summer to address issues with the bureau’s Truth in Lending Act-Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act integrated disclosures rule.


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Rockstar Games is cashing in on the onslaught of harassment and threats against several women in the gaming community with a new game designed to satiate the violent and often misogynistic urges of gamer trolls.
Available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, The Sluttening is an action-adventure game that allows players to take on the role of an angry, misogynistic Internet user who is exacting revenge on the character of Jill, a “slut” who claims to want to date nice guys but who actually dates jerks.
“We’re really excited about this one,” says game developer T.J. Ferraro. “Our customers have been eager for a more realistic, woman-degrading gaming experience, and we finally have the perfect plot to satisfy that demand.”
The game begins with the user joining a gang of Internet vigilantes united to avenge Jill’s ex-boyfriend, who’s really a pretty cool guy if you’re not shallow or a bitch. Users gain points by attacking Jill’s reputation, threatening her from anonymous accounts, and generally exposing her for the fraud whore that she really is. “Jill really is a whore,” says Ferraro.
Helpful tools, hidden in crates around the various levels, include burner Twitter accounts, NSFW sub-reddits, and endless Facebook comment threads. Players advance more quickly through more graphically sexual threats. Other missions involve the implementation of anonymous death threats to Jill’s phone and surreptitiously hacking into her computer to find nude photos to post to 4Chan.
A negative review of The Sluttening written by Lisa Anderson on Metacritic has sparked an outrage among fans. “We don’t hate women,” wrote Reddit user XxdickblastxX. “We just hate sloots like Lisa Anderson who can’t understand what gaming is all about. By the way, ‘Sloot’ is a nicer way of calling a woman a slut.”
Another user, DrWhoFarted, replied by saying, “We hate that gamers are being made out to be people who would post Lisa Anderson’s home phone number, which is 516-484-9338. That’s just not who we are.”
“This isn’t about misogyny,” added forum moderator iSpoogedOnAnneFrank. “It’s about the questionable ethics of feminist whores who don’t belong in gaming or game journalism.”


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Kemono Friends Franchise Releases Puppets And Other Merchandise
posted on by Rai
Characters from the popular series Kemono Friends are getting their very own puppets, as well other new merchandise. Starting on August 12, the merchandise will be available in a prize lottery at hobby shops, book stores, and other retailers in Japan.
Kaban hand puppet
Common Raccoon hand puppet
Fennec hand puppet
Penguin finger puppets, including five different types of penguins from the show
Metal clips featuring different characters from the show
Wall stickers with different animal themes
Messenger bag with Kemono Friends pattern
The anime is getting "original content" on TV Tokyo's new AniTele app, which launched on April 1. A second anime series is currently under production, but "may take some time." Yen Press has licensed Furai's manga adaptation.
The franchise is part of a multimedia project hat includes Nexon's original app game, which launched in early 2016 and ended service on December 14 — before the anime even premiered. Nexon announced in February that the app would not return despite the anime's popularity, but a spokesperson for Nexon later stated that the return of the smartphone app "is possible." In the RPG, animals around the world have transformed into girls and players could recruit them into their party for battle.
Source: Comic Natalie
this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history


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Posted by Bob Brunskill
The world's first in-hotel ARMANI/Spa has opened at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, it has been revealed.
Located in the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, and co-developed and designed by internationally renowned fashion stylist Giorgio Armani, the hotel has become one of the most exclusive spots in Dubai since its opening earlier this year.
The ARMANI/Spa is designed to be latest luxury attraction at the hotel, offering a fully-tailored sensory experience to suit individual needs.
Oliver Key, general manager at Armani Hotel Dubai, commented: "The ARMANI/Spa offers a range of unique therapies based on three concepts - MU, to quench a desire for relaxation and stillness; LIBERTA, evoking freedom of movement and the release of physical pain; and FLUIDITA, assisting in the enhancement and balance of energy."
Under a huge dome, spa visitors can also enjoy sequential bathing experiences of heat, humidity and falling water "to cleanse and heal the body and mind".
The announcement comes after an Ernst & Young study revealed this week that Dubai's hotels saw their spa treatment revenues rise by about 70 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.


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Cheers to National American Beer Day
Oct. 27 marks National American Beer Day.
And while many of you may argue that every day should be a craft beer celebration, the Courier-Journal plans to use this designation as a time to educate folks about the brewing process and reflect on how the industry has grown in our area.
Above, take a behind-the-scenes look at one Louisville company's brewing operations. And below, find a few key statistics about craft beer growth in our state and across the nation, as compiled by the Brewers Association.
► In 2015, 24 craft breweries called Kentucky home, ranking the state 38th in the nation for the total number of breweries and 46th for breweries per capita.
► A current list of Kentucky breweries shows that at least five more have opened this year, with 15 others on the way.
► Breweries are currently open in 11 cities statewide, though breweries in six additional cities are in the planning stage.
► In 2015, Kentucky breweries produced 87,156 barrels of craft beer, with 0.8 gallons of beer produced per each adult of drinking age.
► In 2014, Kentucky breweries made an economic impact of $495 million, ranking 27th in the nation.
► Nationally, craft beer production increased 13 percent in 2015.
That year, the country saw a 17.9-percent increase in the number of total breweries, growing from 3,722 in 2014 to 4,269 in 2015. That number is about 3 percent more than the 4,131 U.S. breweries open in 1873.
Remember to drink smart, drink safe. Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at 502-582-4646 or email@example.com.


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Omnicom helps Citroën launch online films for DS5
Citroën, the French car marque, has launched six online films starring the winners of a competition to be among the first people to drive the new Citroën DS5.
The films, which were made by Omnicom Media Group's content agency Drum, follow the five winners when they were taken to St Tropez for a weekend, to drive the car and include their reviews of its design and features.
The winners were chosen from the hundreds of people who responded when Citroën UK asked its Facebook community to say why they should be one of the first people to drive the Citroën DS5.
The films will be seeded online via Citroën UK's owned and earned properties, as well as through paid-for channels such as YouTube from today (22 February). A special two-minute version will be shown in selected national art house cinemas.
This marks the first time that Citroën UK has used social engagement to generate digital content.
Melina Kacherou-Carage, head of digital at Citroën UK, said: "The success of DS4 Seekers in 2011 has set the benchmark, so we hope DS5 Star Experience will also produce fantastic results."
The campaign was conceived by Citroën UK’s media agency OMD UK. Associate director Richard Evans, said: "We've been tasked with achieving 500,000 views, but we're hoping the campaign will really bring to life the New Citroën DS5 and lay the foundations for the future."
Follow Maisie McCabe on Twitter @MaisieMcCabe
This article was first published on campaignlive.co.uk
- Affiliates Executive - No. 1 Agency! GoodEgg Digital Circa £25k + Exceptional Benefits, Central London
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- Digital Designer/Developer Major Players £200 - £400 per annum, City of London
- FT to reveal first design overhaul in seven years
- Philips launches campaign for app-controlled lightbulbs
- Sorrell warns of Scotland becoming an 'outlier' and the UK 'diminished' by a Yes vote
- Notonthehighstreet.com launches brand campaign
- Publicis boss Maurice Lévy to step down in 2017 amid board shake-up
- 18 Feet & Rising wins Skoda digital brief


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Don’t expect copyright law to change this year — but it might change next year, according to Representative Jerrold Nadler, speaking at the Association of American Publishers meeting in New York.
“I expect a number of hearings and not much else,” said Nadler, a Democrat from New York. “I don’t think we’re going to do major legislation this year — maybe next year.”
Nadler is the ranking member of the Congressional Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, which considers issues of copyright, intellectual property, fair use, digital first sale doctrine and other issues important to publishers. He is the highest ranking Democrat, second to the Republican chairman of the committee.
The committee is moving slowly on issues around copyright, holding hearings on topics such as fair use and the outdated Digital Millennium Copyright Act (more commonly known as DMCA), which sets out the rules under which rights holders can have websites taken down if it contains infringing material.
Because copyright generally isn’t a partisan issues, Representative Nadler believes that new legislation has a chance of being passed, even in a very divided Congress. On the issue of DMCA, for instance, opinions weren’t split.
“The notice and take-down provision isn’t working,” said Nadler. “The DMCA was written in 1998, which was a couple millenniums ago, at the rate the digital world is changing.”
The problem with the DMCA is that when copyright holders issue take-down notices, minutes later new infringing websites are up, creating a “whack-a-mole” situation for rights-holders.
The issue that interested publishers in the audience most is the digital first sale doctrine, according to Tom Allen, president of the AAP and a former Congressman, who was interviewing Nadler on stage.
Currently, when consumers buy a print book, they have the right to re-sell it. The same isn’t true for ebooks. But there are companies — Apple, Amazon and ReKiosk, for instance — that would like to see the creation of a secondary market for digital content.
“Unlike print, ebooks never wear out and if they could be resold over and over again, there wouldn’t be much of a market for the original purchase,” said Allen. “For this industry, that’s a big deal.”
Representative Nadler acknowledged that there is a difference between physical and digital content when it comes to resale. The trick is whether other legislators agree.
“The ‘you bought it, you own it’ principle is an extreme digital view and I don’t think it will get much traction,” he said, referring to the mantra of proponents of the right to resell digital goods. “We’re going to have to look for some sort of balance. The debate will be where you put that limit.”
But that debate won’t conclude in earnest until at least next year, according to Nadler. The publishing industry will just have to wait.


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US state of Georgia announced on Friday that South Korean automaker Hyundai will be setting up an EV and battery plant. It will be a $5.5 billion manufacturing plant located near Savannah. Hyundai Motor Company president Jay Chang along with Brian Kemp made the announcement. Stated that around 8,000 jobs will be created by setting up the plant.
Kemp said, “We are proud to welcome Hyundai Motor Group to Georgia as we forge an innovative future together,” According to Kemp, the plant is “the largest economic development project in our state’s history.” According to Hyundai suppliers, they are going to invest another $1 billion in the factory. It will be having a capacity of 300,000 units.
The construction is expected to begin by January 2023 and be completed by half of 2025. Further details about which vehicle models will be manufactured are not revealed yet. Chang said in a statement, “This new EV plant is the future of our business, and it will help us meet the growing demands of our US customers.” Hyundai has targeted that around 27% of its global fleet will be electric by 2030. Furthermore, with the battery production, Hyundai aims “to establish a stable supply chain for EV battery and other EV components in the US market.”
US manufacturing plant
Biden arrived on Friday in South Korea, on a trip aimed at cementing economic ties with Seoul. He is due to meet with Chang on Sunday, according to the White House. The Hyundai plant will be the second electric vehicle factory in Georgia: electric truck maker Rivian announced in December that it will invest $5 billion to build its second US assembly plant there. Hyundai aims to be the third-largest provider of electric vehicles in the United States by 2026, but it faces stiff competition.
The sector is currently dominated by Tesla, but traditional automakers General Motors and Ford plan to invest tens of billions of dollars to increase their electric offerings in the coming years, and many start-ups are also trying to break into the industry.


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HeyBryan Announces Plans to Enter Booming Smart Home Automation Market
HeyBryan is entering the smart home automation game. The company today announced it is adding a new service category for smart home installation and repair to its app.
Smart home technology makes it possible to control and monitor connected home technology using apps, smartphones and other networked devices. Some of the most popular smart home technologies are Sonos, Nest Smart Home, Ring video doorbell, Ecobee thermostat and the August Smart Lock. And an increasing number of home devices are capable of integration with Google Home, Echo and Alexa.
Lance Montgomery, CEO of HeyBryan, says: “Smart home devices are no longer niche products – they are going mainstream. While some are fairly straightforward and are essentially ‘plug and play’ items, many do need professional installation to ensure that they are configured correctly and work properly and safely.”
The smart home industry is estimated to reach $53.45 billion by 2022. Today, 27% of Canadians own smart home tech but it is estimated that more than 76% plan to purchase more smart home technology in the next 12 months.
HeyBryan is currently recruiting Experts for its smart home category. Services will include installation and repair of a range of smart home devices including:
- Smoke detectors
- Security cameras
- Plugs and switches
“Smart homes and connected devices have become popular at a unique time in history, where we are seeing consumers move away from getting many of their home entertainment services from the cable companies and instead from online and smart technologies. This has left an incredibly talented group of individuals who can transition their skills to the smart home industry. We are excited to be a part of enabling that transition.” added Montgomery.


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What Does Amazon Labor Union’s Win Mean for the Future of Labor Organizing in the US?
Earlier this month, workers at an Amazon warehouse in New York City voted to form the first union in company history.
Three-Day Weekends Could Be the New Norm in California, Thanks to Bill Pushing for 32-Hour Workweek
Two California Assemblymembers are looking to make a four-day workweek the law of the land in the state, responding to the “Great Resignation” and post-pandemic malaise about work.
Food Industry Policy
S.F. bakery faces $4,460 fine for topping trees — neighbors are coming to its defense
San Francisco Chronicle 4/11
A city fine for topping street trees has caused a neighborhood backlash and petition to overturn the fine slapped on to Ambrosia Bakery in San Francisco’s Lakeside district.
Fairfax outdoor dining permit program extended
Marin Independent Journal 4/11
Fairfax businesses with dining parklets will soon have to comply with new rules.
On the Side
This cheeseburger explains your bigger grocery bill
To understand what’s driving the nation’s largest increase in food prices in 40 years, just take a close look at your all-American cheeseburger.
Fast food restaurants can never stop selling these cult-favorite items
The Mercury News 4/12
After COVID-19 changed the world, stay at home orders and safety precautions decimated the restaurant industry. Governors across almost all 50 states, including Florida, issued emergency executive orders changing the status-quo of the treatment of “to-go beverages.”


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This story is readily available solely to Enterprise Insider subscribers.
Come to be an Insider and start off looking through now.
- Whilst the fashion marketplace at substantial struggles in the pandemic, activewear is thriving, with revenue and engagement spikes throughout social media.
- Activewear brands like Fabletics and Vejas have been standouts in conditions of engagement on influencer information mentioning them, in accordance to new data from Traackr.
- Business enterprise Insider broke down important findings from Traackr’s latest report, together with major activewear models and trend influencer content material by classification.
- Subscribe to Business enterprise Insider’s influencer e-newsletter: Insider Influencers.
The American fashion market at massive — and particularly luxurious — has declined in gross sales and engagement on social media through the pandemic.
Onetime stalwarts like J.Crew, JCPenney, and Brooks Brothers have submitted for personal bankruptcy in the final couple of months although some luxury retailers like Need Source and Totokaelo shut down forever.
As a final result, many manufacturers have cut back their paying on paid out promotions with creators.
Luxurious fashion brand names observed engagements (the number of likes, shares, and comments on influencer content mentioning a model) tumble 50% in the very first 50 percent of 2020 vs . the 12 months-back time period, according to new knowledge from Traackr, an influencer-marketing and advertising platform, based on an examination of forty one,000 influencers.
But not all trend makes are struggling. With much more folks donning comfy clothes though doing the job remotely, activewear manufacturers have been a vivid spot.
The quantity of influencers mentioning activewear makes rose one zero one% in the initially 50 percent of 2020 vs . the year-in the past time period, Traackr claimed. The variety of activewear posts from influencers enhanced by 63% and complete engagements amplified by 331% in the similar period of time.
Fabletics, regarded for its leggings, was the major-executing activewear brand amid 150 makes in Traackr’s databases, with its engagement spiking one hundred sixty five% in January-August compared to the 12 months-in the past period of time, Traackr claimed.
Traackr attributed the advancement in aspect to Fabletics’ influencer ambassador and gifting method where by influencers enable market Fabletics’ subscription company.
An additional manufacturer, Vejas, grew its engagement by forty% in the same time period.
Of study course, some activewear brands grew sales even with a reduce in influencers putting up about them. Lululemon, for instance, observed an eighteen% reduce in engagement in the identical time period but second-quarter product sales improved two% and e-commerce product sales 157% year-more than-yr.
Here’s how fashion influencer written content has been doing by classification, according to Traackr’s examination of to start with fifty percent of 2019 as opposed to the 1st fifty percent of 2020:
- Activewear (+331% engagements)
- Sleepwear (+177%)
- Sustainable (+81%)
- Rapidly Fashion (+eighteen%)
- Luxurious (-50%)
- Small business everyday (-fifty%)
Knowledge the activewear boom
Other active- or healthful life style information has surged in the pandemic as creators throughout industries have pivoted to this style of material.
Lindsay Silberman, a travel and lifestyle influencer with 169,000 Instagram followers, advised Enterprise Insider previously this 12 months that she turned to at-home exercise sessions and loungewear tips in her articles, such as starting up a a training collection called “Quarantoned” that led to a sponsorship with a conditioning app.
Other influencers who previously shared physical fitness written content noticed a surge in engagement and sales for immediate-to-consumer services such as exercise classes.
Traackr uncovered that when compared to 2019, the number of influencers publishing at-household conditioning material amplified by 128%, and engagement on that articles greater by just about 286%.
This information volume has declined considering that peaking in the spring, but is however increased than it was a 12 months ago, Traackr observed.
For extra details about the influencer market, study these Small business Insider tales:
- How the coronavirus is changing the influencer enterprise, according to entrepreneurs and best creators on Instagram and YouTube
- New details reveals the five top-accomplishing skincare brands on social media in the last calendar year, as a new generation of influencers on platforms like TikTok gravitates toward very affordable manufacturers
- The best 9 splendor and manner brand ambassador plans that provide influencers with perks like paid out visits and free of charge items


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It's looking more and more likely that the iPhone 7 won't have a 3.5mm headphone port at this point and it's a decision that's already proving controversial, but Apple may have a solution to help ease the pain.
According to Forbes, a source "with knowledge of the project" claims that Apple is working on a custom low-energy Bluetooth radio chip for use in wireless earbuds.
That could solve one of the biggest problems with Bluetooth headphones, namely their low battery life, and make them a more appealing option for the headphone port-free iPhone 7, especially if they're bundled in the box.
The source doesn't claim that they will be arriving with the next iPhone, in fact apparently Apple has been working on them for a few years, following the 2013 acquisition of Passif Semiconductor, a company which specializes in "wireless transceivers with low power consumption and a small footprint."
Only a matter of time
Supposedly Apple planned to release the new headphones last year, but delayed them due to Bluetooth performance issues.
The question now is whether a year was long enough to fix those problems, but the timing would certainly make sense, as Apple will surely want to have a compelling alternative to 3.5mm headphones.
It still won't help those who want to connect their existing wired sets and the inevitable Lightning port adapter sounds like an inelegant solution, but if Apple can fix the battery life problems of Bluetooth sets it could signal a move away from wired headphones altogether.
We'll know what Apple's got cooking soon, with the iPhone 7 likely to be announced in early September, but with the potential for a whole shift in the headphone landscape you might want to hold off on buying an expensive pair of wired ones.
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James is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything ‘smart’, from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV.


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Savvy consumers already know that when considering a product advertised with the word “free,” it often pays to read the fine print. In a sign that battles over pay-TV customers are heating up, Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA) has filed a lawsuit saying a new DirecTV (NYSE: DTV) promotion stretches that word too far.
DirecTV launched an advertising campaign stating that its popular NFL Sunday Ticket package is available at “no extra charge.” However, the company only gives that package away when customers sign up for a two-year contract, so Comcast is saying that it isn’t truly “free.”
In fact, Comcast says that the “free” claim is “an outright lie,” because “the offer requires a two-year contract with hefty termination fees for early cancellation, with the NFL Sunday Ticket service automatically renewing in the second year at full price.”
DirecTV typically offers NFL Sunday Ticket for $66.99 per month.
Of course, if asking for a two-year contract with a “free” product is an “outright lie,” it would seem like a whole lot of cell phone arrangements and other promotions could be in trouble. And DirecTV’s offers-even the one featured in the complaint-do feature fine print explaining that the promotion is only available with a 2-year commitment to a certain package.
Comcast also says that DirecTV is disparaging cable systems like Comcast in its ads, as well. “One DirecTV advertisement contains the literally false claim that cable subscribers only can view a single NFL game each Sunday during the NFL season,” write its lawyers in the complaint, which was filed in federal court in Chicago (and is embedded below).
Some of the specific ads Comcast objects to include ones where former football player Deion Sanders is featured saying things like “only DirecTV gets you every game every Sunday.” An ad in the Philadelphia area shows an actor wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey who says “I can’t watch my Eagles here… I’ve got cable.” That claim is “literally, clearly and unambiguously false,” write Comcast lawyers, “as Philadelphia Eagles games are of course broadcasted in that area.”
A DirecTV spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but told Bloomberg that Comcast’s complaint was without merit and that DirecTV will vigorously defend the case.
A Comcast spokeswoman portrayed the lawsuit as an action taken to protect consumers, calling the ad campaign “false, deceptive and misleading.” Comcast had asked DirecTV to take the advertisements down, she said, but the company refused. “So, we have filed a complaint to make them comply with the law and advertise fairly to consumers.”
Comcast v. DirecTV
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BMW 5 Series GT. Photo Gallery
The GT has not gone well for BMW, despite a 7-Series chassis and big promises.
So the 5-Series crossover is being given a big tweak and the same front and rear update - check the crazy camo - seen across almost the whole range.
It should be seen at the Detroit Motor Show in January.


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The United States’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently revealed damning evidence against Kochava, one of the world’s largest mobile data brokers. In an ongoing battle, the FTC alleges that Kochava has been amassing and selling sensitive data without consent from millions of people, a practice that has raised concerns about privacy invasion and consumer harm. This article delves into the details of this case, exposing Kochava’s alleged unlawful activities and the potential consequences for the data brokerage industry.
Kochava’s Database: A Treasure Trove of Personal Information
FTC claims that Kochava’s database contains an astonishingly large amount of sensitive and identifying information about consumers. These include personally identifiable data such as names, home addresses, and phone numbers, as well as more sensitive information like race, gender, ethnicity, annual income, political affiliations, and religion. Kochava’s vast collection offers advertisers a remarkably detailed “360-degree perspective” on individuals, enabling invasive targeting based on specific personal characteristics or attributes.
Tracing Movements and Unveiling Secrets: Kochava’s Promise
One of the most concerning aspects of Kochava’s alleged operations is its ability to trace individuals’ movements with great precision. Advertisers purportedly can access data on an individual’s whereabouts with an accuracy of “a few meters” over periods ranging from a day to a year. From hospitals to temporary shelters and places of worship, Kochava’s products can uncover individuals’ visits to highly sensitive locations, raising profound questions about privacy infringement and potential misuse.
Invasive Targeting and Audience Segments: A Recipe for Ethics Concerns
Kochava’s alleged audience segments feature has only contributed to the concerns surrounding data misuse. Advertisers can reportedly target customers by categories that include specific personal characteristics or attributes identified from Kochava’s massive data collection. Notably, this means that advertisers can group people beyond traditional demographics such as age and gender, allowing them to target individuals based on the places they have visited, political associations, or even their current circumstances. The FTC cited examples such as targeting “all the pregnant Muslim women” or “parents with different ages of children,” showcasing the potential ethical ramifications of such practices.
Legal Battle and FTC’s Crackdown on Data Brokers
The FTC’s allegations against Kochava mark another step in their ongoing mission to reign in data brokers and protect consumer privacy. The recently unsealed court filing unveils substantial evidence gathered by the commission, strengthening their accusations of unfair use and sale of sensitive data. US District Judge B. Lynn Winmill’s decision to allow the disclosure of the amended complaint reaffirms the concern surrounding Kochava’s practices and underlines the necessity to hold data brokers accountable for their actions.
Consequences for Kochava and the Data Brokerage Industry
If found guilty, Kochava may face severe consequences both legally and reputationally. The FTC’s case against Kochava sheds light on broader issues within the data brokerage industry, raising awareness about the potential misuse of personal data. This case might prompt increased scrutiny and regulation, forcing companies to reassess their practices and prioritize consumer privacy.
Kochava’s loss in its battle against the FTC has unveiled a disturbing pattern of data misuse and privacy invasion. With a database allegedly containing a vast amount of sensitive information about consumers, Kochava’s operations have raised serious questions about the ethics and transparency of the data brokerage industry. As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how this case will shape the future of data brokers and their responsibility towards consumer privacy in the digital age.


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Has BF2's beta patch jumped the dolph-, er, shark?
EA have issued another community update on the ongoing BF2 stats issue.
The Battlefield 2 stats system is globally borked.
Showing that they haven't forgotten old Battlefield 2, EA DICE have released a new official map in collaboration with Intel.
Eve of Destruction has now been bumped up to the Battlefield 2 engine.
A new patch has been released for Battlefield 2.
The v1.4 Battlefield 2 patch is finally here.
EA have officially announced the further postponement of the promised v1.4 update for Battlefield 2.
DICE have released the v1.4 beta patch for Battlefield 2.
DICE have posted another community update on the official Battlefield 2 website.
Electronic Arts have released the v1.3 patch for Battlefield 2.
EA's official Battlefield 2 site has been updated with news of the forthcoming v1.3 patch.
EA have let loose the latest update for Battlefield 2.
EA have released the promised v1.21 patch a day earlier than originally scheduled.
EA and DICE announce that the team are hard at work at the next patch for the popular FPS.
A trailer for Euro Force, the first of the two upcoming "booster packs" for Battlefield 2 is now availble to download.
The Battlefield 2 v1.2 patch has been released - grab it now!
EA promises that the heavily anticipated v1.2 patch is almost here.
The latest community update on EA's Battlefield 2 site confirms that the v1.2 patch has been delayed.
EA's Battlefield 2 information page has been updated with details regarding the Euro Force booster pack.
Some further details and clarifications regarding DICE's next patch release for the ever-popular Battlefield 2 have emerged.
We're currently testing a Battlefield 2 leaderboard for GA members!
EA reveals some further information regarding the upcoming booster packs for Battlefield 2.
The GameArena Battlefield 2 Ladder has moved into freeplay!
The Battlefield 2 GameSpy master server problems have been resolved.
Word from the EA Games messageboards spills some details about the next patch update for Battlefield 2.
EA and DICE have released the 1.12 patch for Battlefield 2.
We've got a new Battlefield 2 Custom Maps server!
The v1.03 patch for Battlefield 2 has been released.
Release for the Battlefield 2. 1.03 patch is imminent
Battlefield 2 competition players are reminded that it is a requirement that they have their Bf2Nick in their account profile.
One week left to sign up for our Battlefield 2 competition!
Some more stats problems in BF2.
A beta version of the mod authoring toolkit for Battlefield 2 is now available for download.
All the weapons unlocked? Here's why.
Details of the v1.03 patch for Battlefield 2 have been announced.
Sign up for the phattest BF2 competition in all the land!
The Battlefield 2 hotfix has been released.
Battlefield 2's hotfix for patch problems is not far away. Hopefully.
GameArena and EA are proud to announce a $40,000 BF2 competition!
The first Battlefield 2 patch has been released.
EA have announced some details about the first BF2 patch.
Battlefield 2, all you can eat.
An update on the Battlefield 2 stats issues, direct from EA.
Battlefield 2: not a bad game at all. We review it.
BF2 demo woes.
GameCreate support for Battlefield 2 Demo!
Battlefield 2 demo. Enough said.
GameArena have opened the Battlefield 2 ladder for signups in preperation for the upcoming demo
EA have a new release date and demo details for BF2.
Battlefield 2 Gold, plus a new trailer.
A new Battlefield 2 trailer has been released!
Ten new screenshots from Battlefield 2 have been released.
Even Balance have confirmed that PunkBuster will be available in Battlefield 2.


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PETALING JAYA - Cashless system operator Touch 'n Go said that hacked smartphones cannot be used in place of its cards, disputing a viral video showing a man using his mobile phone in place of a Touch 'n Go card.
"To date, there is no conclusive evidence that tampered mobile devices can be used to bypass the system," a company representative said Monday.
The representative was referring to a video uploaded on Facebook last week that showed a man on an unidentified highway purportedly using a mobile phone to beep his way through a toll plaza.
In the 45-second clip, a car driver is seen holding a smartphone as the car approached the toll plaza.
The driver then unplugs the phone and puts it against the toll gate lane's Touch 'n Go scanner.
The scanner beeps and the toll gate boom goes up.
Following its release, Touch 'n Go investigated the video's veracity.
"We found that this video did not reveal any compromise in our system," the representative said.
The representative added that "every single activity" related to its system was under constant monitoring and surveillance, and reassured the public that the integrity of its system was intact.
Touch 'n Go, however, asked the public to report instances of "delinquency and misconduct"to: firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. for the Eagles, landing at the New Orleans Arena on Jan. 23. This sale to the general public follows a presale for American Express cardholders.
In a related development, longtime Eagles manager Irving Azoff was recently named CEO of Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. He has instituted a new marketing experiment: The listed ticket price for the remaining dates on the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden" tour -- ranging from $195 for club seats and $190 for floor seats to $60 for the least expensive bleacher seats at the New Orleans Arena -- is the total price for buyers who print out their Ticketmaster tickets themselves.
Translation: Ticketmaster's "convenience fees" are already built into the price.


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In a bid to economize and maximize income, Konami plans to outsource growth of latest video games in key franchises like Castlevania, Metallic Gear Strong, and Silent Hill to 3rd celebration studios.
Because it fired Hideo Kojima years in the past, Konami’s tempo of recreation releases has slowed down. Proper now Konami earns the lion’s share of its earnings from annualized Professional Evolution Soccer and YuGiOh releases, cellular titles, and pachinko. The corporate remains to be very worthwhile with out large mainline releases (Q3’20 profits were up 65%, for example), and the restricted slate means Konami has sunk much less cash into video games to keep up sure income targets.
Now it seems to be like Konami is continuous this pattern and plans on licensing out franchise rights to different video games firms. Sources inform Video Game Chronicle that Konami’s first-party studios will not develop new Castlevania, Silent Hill, and even Metallic Gear Strong video games, and can as a substitute outsource them to unnamed third-party studios.
It is a good concept for an organization like Konami, who has tailored a lean enterprise mannequin. If true, Konami will change into extra like Disney’s Lucasfilm Games division, a gatekeeper who licenses out the Star Wars IP to a mess of studios however does not truly make video games themselves.
Licensing is comparatively low-risk. Konami will not need to spend tens of hundreds of thousands on video games growth and different related prices, together with advertising, publishing, and worldwide distribution. One other studio will deal with the gruntwork and Konami will acquire royalties on each recreation offered. Konami additionally will not lose dev prices if the sport does poorly.
In fact we do not know who’s making these new video games, or if the rumor is even true, however it does align with Konami’s present construction.
Sources recommend Bloober Staff, the devs behind Layers of Worry, are developing a new Silent Hill reboot. It is also doable Hideo Kojima or Sony Japan Studio is making another unconventional Silent Hill game.
As for Metallic Gear Strong or Castlevania…these are up within the air.


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THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF FOOD BLOGS, BUT ONLY ONE CULINARY NO-NO!
Once again this week we are suspending our usual format to provide important related information about the coronavirus.
Photos: Milwaukee Independent
From the business section of Slate.com:
As the U.S. economy staggers under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic and its attendant lockdowns, the hospitality sector is hemorrhaging jobs and revenue. Thousands of restaurants around the country have shuttered or curtailed operations under orders from state and local officials. In a recent survey of 5,000 restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association found that 44 percent had temporarily closed their businesses, 3 percent had permanently closed, and 11 percent projected that they’d have to close for good within the next month. The association estimates that 3 million restaurant workers were laid off in the first three weeks of March—about one-fifth of the entire U.S. restaurant workforce. April will look even worse.
Read the entire article here.
More than a million farmworkers aren’t hunkered down at home…Their labor — in fields, orchards and packing plants — is keeping food on America’s tables. But workers and groups who represent them are sounding an alarm. Their warning: As the virus spreads, many farmworkers are living and working in conditions that put their health particularly at risk. And if outbreaks hit farmworker communities hard, they say, that could put the nation’s food supply at risk, too.


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We have said previously that Samsung Galaxy M34 5G is going to launch on July 7 in India. You have seen already some confirmation, leaks, and certifications of its specs. Now, it has appeared on Google Play Console. The Google Play Console listing has confirmed that it will come with Exynos 1280 chipset. Let’s check the listing.
Samsung Galaxy M34 5G appeared on Google Play Console with the model Number samsung m34x. Here you can see in this listing that it confirms the screen size to be 1,080 x 2,340px. It appeared with a 6GB RAM model. The chipset codenamed S5E8825 which recognizes the Exynos 1280 SoC. The listing says it will run on Android 13.
We know that Galaxy M34 5G is already in that Amazon. Which confirmed some of its specs- 6.46” 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a 6,000mAh battery. Some leaks claimed that it will offer 25W fast charging and a 32MP selfie camera.
The launch is knocking at the door. So, hold your hand tight and wait for the bang.


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Porsche Carrera Cup Australia (PCCA) has secured major sponsorship with IFX that will see the online trading company become the Title Partner of the one-make Porsche championship.
IFX, a new Australian FX trading company, is part of City Index, a global leader in online derivatives trading.
The agreement will see IFX become the Title Partner of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia; with the championship to be named Porsche IFX Carrera Cup Australia.
IFX enters the partnership with Porsche as the first online trading company to take a major sponsorship of an Australian motorsport championship.
IFX’s strategic alignment with Porsche will bring its customers closer to the Porsche brand through motorsport and the unique driving and lifestyle experiences Porsche offers.
Porsche Cars Australia Managing Director, Michael Winkler, welcomes the partnership. “IFX and Porsche are brands well suited to each other through a common strategic approach to business as well as sharing customers of a similar mindset.
“Just as Porsche prides itself on innovation and constantly raising the benchmark, so too IFX leads the way in the field of online trading.
“Through Carrera Cup and our range of exciting customer programmes we will work with IFX to help them deliver the type of driving experiences only premium sports car brands such as ours can offer.
“This announcement is also testament to the excitement and energy surrounding the reintroduction of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia in 2011 and we’re naturally delighted to have such a dynamic company as IFX as our Title Partner.”
For City Index, the partnership is the first major alliance with a global and prestigious automotive brand.
City Index Asia Pacific Managing Director, Geoff Sawyer, said: “We are very excited to be the Title Partner of Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and to be working closely with Porsche. We are looking forward to build a long lasting relationship with them.
“City Index and Porsche are both strong performers and recognised brands in our niche fields and we’re thrilled to build on our complementary and dynamic brands to deliver value-add services to our clients.”
The excitement of the 2011 Carrera Cup championship is highlighted by just 46 points covering the top four title contenders after the first nine races of the season.
The fourth round of the seven round Porsche IFX Carrera Cup Australia championship will be held at the L&H 500 at Phillip Island on September 16-18.


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Insiders are closely watching Nordstrom Inc., which is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings results after tomorrow’s opening bell.
The Seattle-based company’s stock has been under pressure in recent months following a disappointing Q1 report that sent shares down 11%. (On May 21, Nordstrom posted adjusted profits of 23 cents per share on revenues of $3.44 billion.) This Q2, analysts are expecting earnings per share of 75 cents on revenues of $3.93 billion, with Wall Street estimating an annual sales decline of 3.4%.
The upcoming report marks a pivotal quarter for the retailer as it prepares for the opening of its first Manhattan flagship in October. Nordstrom’s New York women’s store comes at a time when many retailers are downsizing their brick-and-mortar footprints as skyrocketing rents and a broader shift to e-commerce continue to change the face of businesses.
However, in an interview with FN last summer, president of stores Jamie Nordstrom explained the company’s seemingly risky bet. “We’re not economists; we’re retailers. We know what’s durable, which is great product and great service,” he said. “And if we keep that as our focus — giving the customer a great value, being relevant to what they’re looking for and how they want to shop — then we’ll be successful.”
The Nordstrom family has also reportedly been working on a proposal to raise its stake in the department store chain to more than half. The group currently owns 31.2% of the firm and seeks to increase its ownership to upwards of 50% in an effort to tighten its grip on the family business.
Despite a failed go-private attempt last year as well as some unevenness in its business over the past couple years, Nordstrom had mostly outperformed many of its peers amid a supposed retail apocalypse and wider industry disruption that peaked around 2017.
The firm has also been lauded for its innovative concepts and omnichannel savvy — including its buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) service, revamped loyalty program and experiential store offerings — amid a challenging season for the retail sector.
Department stores, in particular, have made headlines in the recent week following a stock sell-off on Wednesday that marked the worst trading day of the year. (This week, major brick-and-mortar mainstays — including Kohl’s, Target and Ross — have either reported or expect to report financial results.)
As of 3:00 p.m. ET, Nordstrom’s stock was down 2.95% to $25.33.
How Two Male Fashion Bloggers Created a Nordstrom-Approved Shoe Brand
Women, On Average, Earn 80 Cents to a Man’s Dollar — But Not at Nordstrom
Nordstrom Family Reportedly in Talks to Increase Stake to More Than Half
See designers Tory Burch and Tabitha Simmons speak about confidence, motherhood and their careers.


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AFTER 19 years of retail experience with Midlands Co-op, Simon Lee has been appointed manager of the society's £ 5 million food store in Eccleshall set to open on April 19th.?
Mr Lee said: "I've been lucky to manage a number of Midlands Co-op stores. I'm very excited about my latest challenge.?
"The new store is going to be fantastic, it's so much bigger and better than the existing store."


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A few of the most popular sites were Reddit, Pinterest, TMZ and Foursquare, among thousands of other smaller sites.
Some larger sites that saw intermittent downtime were Imgur, Flipboard, Instagram and AirBnB,
The outages began in the early afternoon, and performance was still considered 'degraded' as of 5 P.M.
Amazon had been hit with two other similar outages this year, once in June and once again in July due to severe weather near its Virginia data center.
Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 22 Oct 2012 20:19


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Kia’s Sorento has made a stunning debut in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey, proving it is king of the hill by claiming second place in the off-road class and reaching thirteenth in the overall rankings ahead of established rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Land Rover’s Freelander and Discovery.
This continues the Sorento’s award winning streak adding to its existing titles of Tow Car of the Year 2006 and number one 4x4 for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power Survey 2005.
The 46,000 motorists who took part in the survey rate vehicles over ten categories and Sorento was placed in the top five for practicality and ease of driving and in the top ten for reliability and comfort.
Paul Williams, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited commented: "We are delighted that the first time Sorento has been in this survey it has beaten off premium brand competitors and is proof that the Kia brand is making the savvy car buyer’s shortlist."
Kia also overtook established premium brands such as Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, Vauxhall and Renault to climb three places and claim fifteenth position out of the 37 manufacturers rated.
Paul Williams added: "Sorento introduced an entirely new generation of products to the Kia range and our success in this survey highlights our ongoing commitment to producing quality products. We are now working on developing our models further, and four of those will be with us by the end of this year, making 2006 the year that customers will see Kia move up another gear."
This is a 15-year+ news article, from our Kia archive, which dates back to the year 2000.
If in doubt check with your local Kia dealer as car prices and technical data will have changed since 2006.
Although our car news is published in good faith, we cannot guarantee it to be error free or complete or up-to-date.
Kia Sorento Images may not be UK specification cars. Colours and exterior and/or interior elements may differ from actual models.
The car news and images remain the copyright of the rights holder and may not be used without their consent.


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This is the kind of negotiating that a car buyer could get used to. Through Monday, eBay is selling at least 10 new cars per day in a very unique way: The asking price for each vehicle starts at MSRP—and then drops by $500 every hour until somebody buys.
Starting on Thursday at noon ET, eBay Motors launched what it’s calling a “New Car Revolution Devolution Sale.” It’s an auction, though not like the typical eBay auction in which prices rise with each new bid.
Instead, prices get cheaper the longer the auction goes on. Each car is first offered at the sticker price, and each hour that passes in which no one purchases the car, the price is lowered by $500. The process continues until someone clicks the “Buy It Now” button. By 3 p.m. on Thursday, for example, a 2012 Ford Escape was listed at $24,452—$2,000 less than the initial price ($26,452)—because no one had bitten yet. (The Escape eventually sold for $17,952.)
A total of 11 vehicles were offered for sale on Thursday, and all sold — usually for $7,000 or more under MSRP. A 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup truck wound up selling for $16,796, or a whopping $9,500 less than the sticker price, while a Chevy Malibu sold for $10,500 under MSRP.
(MORE: Apocalypse Marketing: Top 10 Products and Services for the End of the World)
The 2012 models eBay is selling in this fashion include Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Challenger, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Prius, and Ford F-150. At least ten vehicles will be sold each day Thursday, July 28, through Monday, July 2, and eBay says there is no price floor for sales. Everything must go, as they say in the business. A spokesman explained the promotion’s concept to CNN Money:
“This sale was inspired by the classic Summer Blowout Sale you might find at a local dealer’s lot,” eBay Motors spokesman Danny Chang said. “We wanted to provide a modern version of that sale for tech-savvy shoppers.”
In addition to clicking on “Buy It Now,” it’s necessary to sign in as a registered eBay user and send in a $500 deposit via PayPal to snag a vehicle at the current list price.
(MORE: The Stubborn Consumers Who Just Aren’t Buying Cars)
Whether or not eBay or its partner, the AutoNation national auto dealership group, will make money from the online blowout auction remains to be seen. Previously this year, the partners have paired up to sell cars at half price in order to draw the attention of the public, and the current promo is another obvious attempt to generate publicity and get consumers more comfortable with the idea of buying cars via the Web.
The online auction giant has its work cut out for it, as the vast majority of drivers seem to still want to kick the tires in person before making such a large purchase. In 2009, GM tried to sell new cars on eBay, but the automaker killed the program due to lack of interest and low sales just two months after it launched.
Brad Tuttle is a reporter at TIME. Find him on Twitter at @bradrtuttle. You can also continue the discussion on TIME’s Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.


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Vietnamese Prime Minister Approves Vinachem Restructuring Plan
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung approved a plan to restructure Vietnam National Chemical Group over the next three years, according to a posting on the government’s website.
The company, known as Vinachem, will focus its main activities on businesses such as making chemicals, fertilizer and crop-protection products.
While Vinachem is to remain state-controlled and a leader in its primary businesses, the company would sell stakes in as many as 13 units by 2015 and reduce its holdings in others, according to the posting.
Vinachem will focus on meeting domestic fertilizer demand and helping to ensure national food security, according to a company profile on its website.
To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Jason Folkmanis in Ho Chi Minh City at firstname.lastname@example.org
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Dick Schumacher at email@example.com


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Agent Provocateur, a British lingerie retailer founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré and Serena Rees, is known to push the limits to sell its sexy lingerie.
Campbell, still much in demand at 44, is featured in a photo spread titled “Wanted Badly.”
“Stake your claim on the most wanted lingerie from our new spring summer 2015 collection featuring Naomi Campbell,” the company advertises on its Web site.
The British supermodel, who plays a seductress and femme fatale, was lensed by famed fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth and styled by Agent Provocateur creative director Sarah Shotton.
“Naomi fitted into the story effortlessly. Naomi is the ultimate Agent Provocateur woman: witty, gorgeous and confident,” Shotton said in a statement released with the photos to WWD, a fashion industry trade magazine.
The line was inspired by “forceful heroines,” “’70s style” and Hollywood film noir, according to Shotton.
Campbell accessorizes with garters, whips and handcuffs and flashes a hint of a nipple in one photo.
Check out her photos, let us know your thoughts and be sure to follow IM on Twitter for the latest fashion news. Your support means a lot to us, so many thanks in advance.
|Naomi Campbell Ready to Whip You (Click Photos to Enlarge!)|


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Select a topic or year
HAIFA, ISRAEL - 09 Dec 2008: IBM's (NYSE: IBM ) Research Department has partnered with Samsung Electronics to develop a cutting edge solution that facilitates the reuse of embedded software using a component-based development approach. With consumer electronics software becoming increasingly complex and new variations in product lines becoming the defacto, consumer electronics companies are urgently looking for better ways to reuse the software they produce. By introducing the use of modeling and standards for components and architectures of product lines, the new technology developed by IBM researchers and Samsung can enable consumer electronics manufacturers to boost productivity, lower software development costs, and reduce the total time to market.
"The best way to meet these demands for mass customization is through the introduction of software engineering methodologies and tools that will enable the industry to benefit from higher levels of automation and interoperability," explained Julia Rubin, Manager of Model Driven Engineering Technologies at the IBM Haifa Research Lab. "By creating a new component market, the consumer electronics industry can be transformed from a production arena to an integration discipline."
The collaboration between Samsung and IBM is part of IBM's First of a Kind program for new research innovations. The program brings IBM Researchers together with other companies to create industry-changing, first of a kind technologies. Samsung experts joined forces with IBM researchers to develop the component modeling technology. The two companies worked closely to improve the modeling language and tooling, and ultimately produce the new solution.
Printers are an example of a consumer electronics product line with a variety of models that could benefit from software reuse and simplified customization. A single printer model may have a number of variations, each with different combinations of features and functions. These variations in components include color or black and white printing, scanners, faxes, copiers, and more. Much of the software for each of these printer models is identical, while other individual component variations need to be developed and managed before manufacturing the different models.
"Incorporating smarter mechanisms such as model validation and code generation has the potential to significantly improve the development process," noted Dr. Jagun Kwon, Senior Engineer at Samsung Electronics Software Laboratories in Korea. "The new development environment provided obvious benefits and was relatively easy to learn for anyone already familiar with component modeling."
The new technology has a potential to reduce the cost of creating, modifying, and maintaining consumer electronics product lines by improving the productivity of consumer electronics software development and decreasing time to market. Much of this savings will come from the efficient re-use of existing components in new products, the integration of off-the-shelf components into new product lines, and the standardized interfaces available with model driven development.
Combining the composition of software components with product-line requirements, The new IBM technology works as a plugin to the familiar Rational development environment and is based on the UML standard modeling framework. Developers can automatically generate various product artifacts including build scripts and production-level code for each variation of a product. It also facilitates the move from legacy components and methodologies to model-driven development with the benefits of software development at a higher level of abstraction and with increased automation.
In addition to the new research collaboration, IBM recently took a detailed look at the electronics industry and has developed a report titled, "Rebooting the Electronics Industry," which illustrates ways electronic companies can operate efficiently in the new economic environment. The current economic environment is challenging global business leaders to aggressively rethink their strategies. Across the electronics industry, effects are likely to be quite different, reflecting the enormous diversity of the industry itself. From consumer electronics to medical devices, industry sub-segments will have to respond -- each in its own way -- to lower consumer spending and stricter access to capital while continuing to value the necessity to innovate. To view the complete study please visit http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/index.wss/ibvstudy/gbs/a1030739?cntxt=a1000050.
For More Information, visit www.ibm.com.
Chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, materials and mathematical sciences, physics and services science
Information Management, Lotus, Tivoli, Rational, WebSphere, Open standards, open source


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Publix opens Ballantyne location Wednesday (PHOTOS)
Publix Super Markets Inc. will open its Ballantyne Town Center store at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
That 56,000-square foot-store is located at 11222 Providence Road West in Charlotte.
It is the Lakeland, Fla. grocer’s first location in North Carolina.
“It’s really kind of a historic milestone for us,” says Chuck Roskovich, Charlotte divisional vice president.
He notes the grocer has been in business for nearly 84 years. Its focus on quality and customer service has helped set it apart in the market, Roskovich adds.
The grocery chain has announced plans for 14 Publix locations in the Charlotte market, including a mix of new and remodeled sites in recent months.
Most of those stores are slated to open by the end of 2015.
Publix has said it focused on aggressively growing its presence in North Carolina, calling it a natural extension of its geography.
The grocer opened its first stores in the Charlotte region — both in South Carolina, near Tega Cay and in Indian Land — in October 2012.
Publix was putting the final touches on that Ballantyne location Tuesday, stocking shelves and preparing to make fresh baked goods before the doors open.
It offered a sneak peek to members of the community and media. The grocer also presented $500 checks to 12 local schools for books, supplies and other needs.
That store will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
A full-service deli will feature Board’s Head meats and cheeses as well as subs, fried and rotisserie chicken, which is prepped fresh in-store. A salad bar, soup bar and hot bar with pan-Asian foods are located in that department.
Jennifer Thomas covers retail, health care and education for the Charlotte Business Journal.
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- Planetary alignment peaks with celestial show this weekend
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UPDATE 1-Valero may raise over $3.5 bln in retail sale -sources
* Retail may fetch 8-10 times $450 mln EBITDA -sources
* Convenience chains, private equity interested -sources
* Unclear if U.S., Canada stores would be sold as a whole
By Soyoung Kim and Olivia Oran and Greg Roumeliotis
NEW YORK, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Valero Energy Corp is selling its retail business through an auction that could fetch more than $3.5 billion and has lured the interest of private equity firms and convenience-store operators, people familiar with the matter said.
The retail business, which operates gas stations and convenience stores and consists of nearly 1,000 U.S. stores and some 775 units in Canada, has around $450 million in annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and could sell for 8-10 times EBITDA, the people said.
The U.S. refining company said in July it would split off its gas station and convenience stores, and cited a tax-free spinoff to shareholders as one option.
Since then, a number of parties have expressed interest in potentially acquiring the business, leading the company to explore a sale, the people said.
Valero, which is being advised by Credit Suisse Group on the retail split, has sent financial information about the unit to interested parties and is expected to receive initial offers in October, according to two of the people.
The people asked not to be named because the sale process is not public. Credit Suisse declined to comment.
"We have said we are looking for a tax-efficient method to unlock the value that is in our retail business," Valero spokesman Bill Day said on Thursday. He declined to comment on the sale process.
A diverse group of strategic buyers that have footprints in convenient stores, grocery stores and real estate, as well as major private equity firms, are expected to participate in the process, according to the people familiar with the matter.
Large convenience-store chains such as 7-Eleven, Casey's General Stores Inc and Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc would likely have some interest, the people said.
Carlyle Group LP and TPG Capital LP are also among the buyout firms that are taking an initial look, one of the people said.
Earlier this year, Carlyle agreed to invest in Sunoco Inc's Philadelphia refinery, giving it a strategic vantage point on Valero's retail assets.
TPG and Carlyle declined to comment, while representatives for Couche-Tard and Casey's General Stores did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokeswoman for 7-Eleven said the company is "aware of Valero's interest in selling its retail business", but declined to comment further.
The auction is at a very early stage, and it remains unclear if the U.S. and Canadian operations would be sold as a whole or separately, the people said.
The retail split would allow Valero to focus on its core refining business. It could also generate additional shareholder value since retail businesses similar to Valero's trade at higher valuations than refining companies.
Retail units are typically viewed as an outlet for fuels produced at a company's refineries. Such stores allow refiners to keep utilization rates up even when demand slows, a situation that puts them at an advantage to competitors without stores.
Shares of Valero rose 1.7 percent at $31.44 on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday.
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There’s been a trend of automakers slashing the price of their plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles as consumer interest in saving gas money grows. Toyota has finally got on the price-cutting train, cutting up to $4,600 from the price of the top-trim Prius Plug-In. But is that enough to help what have thus far been tepid sales?
It’s not that the Toyota Prius Plug-In hasn’t been selling; Toyota sold about 12,500 Prius Plug-Ins last year, only just missing their goal of 15,000 units. But through September of 2013, fewer than 8,000 Prius Plug-Ins have left dealer lots, making it unlikely that Toyota will exceed 2012 sales levels unless the hybrid gets a big boost.
That boost comes in the form of a $2,010 price cut off the cheapest Prius Plug-In model, dropping the MSRP to $29,990, as well as being eligible for a $2,500 Federal tax credit, dropping the effective price to $27,490. The top-trim Prius Plug-In Advanced, meanwhile, gets a $4,600 price cut, bringing the MSRP down to $34,905; with the $2,500 tax credit the price drops to $32,405.
The Toyota Prius Plug-In offers an all-electric driving range of just 11 miles, however, which is only one-third of the driving range of the segment-leading Chevy Volt. Ford’s one-two combo of the Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi is also outpacing sales of the Toyota, which many thought would take a commanding lead in the growing market for plug-in hybrids. With the competition having already slashed prices on EVs and plug-in hybrids though, are Toyota’s efforts too little, too late?
Is this price cut enough to get Toyota back in the running, or is this the first chink in the armor of the once-indomitable Prius brand of hybrids?
Source: Toyota | Image: Tom Raftery


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Apecoin, is the Ethereum-based token related to the recognition and It is virtually as seemingly not associated to 4Chan The Bored Ape Yacht Membership NFT venture noticed a drop in market capitalization of 67.2% or $4.3 billion throughout Could and has continued to slip ever since.
Regardless of the bearish macro elements looming over each the cryptocurrency and inventory markets all through 2022, Could particularly was a tricky month for cryptocurrencies (thanks Terra!)
Like so many different property, Apecoin has not been in a position to escape the brunt of this downturn, and its market capitalization to reject by $4.3 billion to almost $2.1 billion by Could 31 as the value fell from $21.27 to $6.97, in response to knowledge from CoinGecko.
Buying and selling volumes have been about $5.7 billion at the start of Could however fell to $498 million on the finish of the month.
Since then, the market capitalization has continued to say no to $1.3 billion, at $4.40 per token on the time of writing, whereas the overall 24-hour buying and selling quantity is presently round $264 million. That is the bottom since its launch in March.
Total, Apecoin is down 83.5% since its all-time excessive market cap of $6.81 billion, at $26.70 per token on April 28.
Pharrell Williams signed for Doodles NFTs
Doodles, one of the crucial essential NFT initiatives within the area based by esteemed artist Burnt Toast, has signed acclaimed musician Pharrell Williams as head of the model.
To date, the Doodles NFT venture has I used to be born About $503 million in secondary gross sales since its launch in October 2021, and the staff is presently getting ready to drop a second NFT of 10,000 tokens at a time but to be revealed later this 12 months.
– doodles June 22 2022
Williams is the person behind the beloved, disturbing, headache-inducing track “Completely happy,” which has over a billion performs on YouTube, and can direct venture technique associated to paintings, music, manufacturing strains, animation, and digital/public occasions. The musician will even produce a doodle-inspired music album titled “Doodles Information: Quantity 1.”
Asserting the announcement at a NYC NFT occasion on June 22, the venture additionally revealed that it has closed a funding spherical led by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The scale of the capital was not disclosed nevertheless.
“I’m an enormous fan of the model,” Williams stated in a video message, including, “We are going to construct from the core neighborhood outward and take doodles to new heights and new ranges.”
NFT artwork helps the artwork market basically: professional
Artwork professional Magnus Resch believes that mainstream adoption of NFT helps to interrupt down obstacles to artwork amassing and entice new consumers to a discipline that always struggles for numbers resulting from its elitist nature.
Wealthy is an artwork market economist with a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard College. He additionally authored two books on paintings referred to as “Artwork exhibitions administration And the “The right way to develop into a profitable artist. “
Speaking to “Artwork Information” on June 23, Wealthy highlighted An attention-grabbing level about symbolic artwork, the place he argued that worth transparency and relative ease of buy make it much less threatening for brand new collectors to enter the market:
“The most important downside with the artwork market is that we’ve too many guests and too few consumers, and the variety of consumers is declining. and why is that? As a result of consumers are afraid to enter the artwork world. It is vitally elitist, not open to first-time consumers. If you cannot impress the rookies [to join] Within the artwork world, we are going to all fail.
However NFTs may also help resolve this downside. And instantly there are people who find themselves shopping for as a result of they’ve full worth transparency and computerized entry.”
Solana is constructing a smartphone, cue jokes
Solana Blockchain / Solana Labs Co-Founder and CEO Anatoly Yakovenko has announce The staff will launch an Android web3 smartphone within the first quarter of 2023, referred to as Saga.
The cellphone may have a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED show, 512GB storage, 12GB RAM and might be powered by Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. It’s going to even have a 50-megapixel main digital camera and a 12-megapixel wide-angle digital camera. It will likely be priced at $1,000 and pre-orders with a $100 deposit are actually open.
No phrase but on if the cellphone will flip off each couple of months and require a guide restart.
Solana’s cellphone is rising for humanity
Pressured cessation will free many minds and lives
– Mooney (@mewn21) June 23, 2022
Different Nifty information:
Meta, the mum or dad firm of Instagram, introduced on June 22 that it’ll begin Take a look at NFTs on Instagram Tales Utilizing the augmented actuality platform Spark AR.
eBay, the e-commerce big, on June 22 KnownOrigin’ acquisition introduced The NFT Market that may assist the corporate enter the world of blockchain know-how and digital collectibles.


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And this year, an ongoing “tripledemic” (flu, Covid, RSV), along with economic uncertainty for many, continues to pose challenges for New York’s usually robust nightlife scene. Morning Consult found that 73 percent of those embracing Dry January were forgoing alcohol to save money.
“There is always a slight seasonal downturn in January, but the situation has definitely been more fraught at this moment in time,” said Zack Kinney, a founder of Kings County Brewers Collective, a brewery in Bushwick, Brooklyn. “There is still Covid, inflation is higher, people are more sensitive about spending money, all those things are contributing to the tight squeeze on top of Dry January.”
Mr. Kinney estimated that beer sales were down 15 to 20 percent so far this month.
Instead of replacing two employees who left the brewery in recent weeks, he has asked other workers to fill in the gaps.“We are asking people to switch hats and do other roles including working on our delivery team or the packaging team,” he said. “It’s giving us a little bit of wiggle room.”
He is also finding other countries to export his beer, shipping it to China for the Chinese New Year and to Chile, where it is currently summer. “We are trying to find the opportunity somewhere in the globe where there isn’t a seasonal downshift right now,” he said.
At Interboro Spirits and Ales, a brewery and distillery in East Brooklyn, business has been slower “even than other Januaries,” said the owner, Laura Dierks.
Her business is taking a hit because her clients — other bars and restaurants across the city who buy her beer — are struggling. “If you don’t do well in the fall, and you haven’t been able to save enough money to pay your rent in January, then you’re in trouble,” Ms. Dierks said.
But Interboro is pivoting to reflect the demand; it is one of the city’s many businesses offering nonalcoholic beverages to appeal to a wider population, especially this month. “We did a test keg last month,” Ms. Dierks said. “People liked it, so we are going to do more.”