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WEINIG launches largest group-wide investment program in the company’s 117-year history
The supervisory board of the WEINIG Group has approved a comprehensive, Group-wide investment program that will fundamentally reposition the Group and its headquarters in Tauberbischofsheim. In total, more than 120 million euros will be invested over the next 5 years. For the Voitsberg site in Austria, the production location of the subsidiary HOLZ-HER, 15 million euros have already been approved in advance and will be invested in assembly, production and logistics. The newly adopted program focuses mainly on the solid wood division of the mechanical engineering company.
With 117 years of history at its main site in Tauberbischofsheim, the long-established company has set up a completely new site concept that will sustainably modernize production, significantly optimize delivery capability for customers and improve the working environment for its employees. This will included a new logistics center, a new manufacturing concept and new production facilities, as well as new exhibition and customer training rooms. Around 70 million euros will be invested in the infrastructure of the Tauberbischofsheim site alone.
The supervisory board and the management board emphasized how the upcoming investments will position the company for the future. Dr. Thomas Bach, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of WEINIG AG, pointed out that it is part of the WEINIG DNA to see crises as opportunities, and that not least the Corona pandemic has provided room for conceptual work: "We looked for, identified and seized an opportunity in the crisis. As a result, we can confidently say today: WEINIG is fit for a successful future."
Chief Executive Officer Gregor Baumbusch explained that the wood processing industry is a growth sector that is getting an additional boost through sustainability and climate protection. The demand for machines and solutions that serve this market is correspondingly high and continues to rise. A further 40 million euros will therefore be invested in expanding the product portfolio. Mr. Baumbusch stated: "Today, we already have the broadest product portfolio of any supplier in the solid wood industry worldwide. Especially in the rapidly growing segment of timber construction, we will be able to offer our customers even better solutions from a single source, namely WEINIG, in the future." Chief Technology Officer Dr. Georg Hanrath added that the future belongs to the triad of sustainable production, sustainable machines and the sustainable products manufactured on them. WEINIG is doing its part.
Dr. Thomas Bach and Gregor Baumbusch expressed their thanks to the supervisory board and the shareholders, and in particular the works council and the employees of the WEINIG Group. He added that it is up to each and every one of us to ensure long-term economic success. The workforce is fully behind the planned measures and is looking forward to the improvements they will bring. Works council chairman Rainer Haag commented: "It is a joint project. Only if we all work together can we succeed. We have been discussing what that looks like over the past few months. The most important thing is that no jobs are cut. On the contrary, we will grow!"
The machine builders from Tauberbischofsheim are prepared to tackle the future.


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Retail conglomerate Apparel Group, franchise owner of TOMS Middle East is set to tap into the metaverse with the grand launch of limited-edition TOMS Shoe NFTs
TOMS will launch 10 limited-edition NFTs inspired by its milestones since 2006 when it launched the iconic Alpargatas. The limited-edition TOMS NFT collection will be available on OpenSea.io from December 16th. The proceeds from the sales will go to TOMS’ impact partner, International Medical Corps, with whom the leading footwear brand has enhanced the lives of millions across the globe since 2013.
The 10 NFTs have been created to showcase key moments in TOMS history and will be featuring the TOMS classic Alpargata – the shoe that started it all. The designs are inspired by the below TOMS milestones:
- In 2006, TOMS launched the Alpargata in four colours: black, navy, red, and ash grey.
- In 2010, TOMS celebrated 1 million pairs of shoes given.
- In 2018, TOMS became a Certified B Corporation. In 2020, TOMS launched the first Repreve collection, with recycled polyester and plant-dyed canvas styles from botanical pigments.
- In 2020, TOMS celebrated 100 million pairs of shoes given.
- In 2022, TOMS revamped the iconic Alpargata by modernizing its silhouette and adopting new fabrics.

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While you may think being asked to present your ID at the checkout is flattering, this man was left fuming.
A 48-year-old was stopped from buying a bottle of wine at a Tesco store.
Why? Well, because he was accompanied by his teenage son.
Karl Hall was shopping at a Midlands branch of Britain's biggest grocer with 17-year-old son Kane.
And when he went to the counter to purchase the wine and some chocolate, he claims both he and Kane were asked for ID.
And when the cashier found out his son's age, they told him he couldn't buy the wine.
Karl considers himself a fairly loyal customer at the shop - but now says that employees made him feel like a "criminal".
He told the Leicester Mercury: "I went to the counter with a bottle of wine and some chocolate with my 17 year-old son with me.
"We were both asked for ID and after the employee behind the counter found out the age of my son I was told I could not buy the wine."
Tesco said it takes its "responsibilities towards the sale of alcohol very seriously" and apologised that it "didn’t get it right in this instance".
Mr Hall said that he was told by the worker of the Dominion Road branch in New Parks that if there was a reasonable reason to believe he may be buying it for his son then they could refuse to sell him the alcohol.
He left the store having been refused the wine.
But the father returned a week later after he claims he couldn't find a policy in relation to what he was told.
He said: "I went back about a week later and asked to speak to the manager.
"But I was told the same thing, and was made to feel belittled and an inch tall.
"They're judging me as a parent that I'm going to be buying my 17 year-old son a bottle of wine."
He claimed he felt like he was treated "like a criminal" by the employees and won't be returning to give the store his custom.
Leicestershire Live contacted Tesco about the incident and for clarification on their policy.
On their website, they claim to have strong systems that ensure they do not sell to underage customers, such as the challenge 25 policy which helps staff to know when to ask for ID and "refuse a sale where appropriate".
They said they take their responsibility towards the sale of alcohol extremely seriously and train their colleagues to look out for proxy puchases.
A spokesperson for the company said: "We take our responsibilities towards the sale of alcohol very seriously and we’re sorry that we didn’t get it right in this instance.
"We’d be happy to welcome the customer back to the store to discuss his concerns."
When can supermarkets refuse to serve their customers alcohol?
Technically it is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 anywhere including supermarkets.
Offenders risk a fine of up to £20,000 and premises may be shut down so it’s a big deal for supermarkets and their staff.
Why do supermarkets not like selling booze to under 21s or under 25s?
They are perfectly happy to sell booze legally.
But there is something called Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 policy .
That means customers are asked to prove their age if they look under 21 or under 25 and, if they can’t, they will not be allowed to make the purchase.
The idea is to prevent selling booze accidentally to teenagers and it seems to be working.
Some supermarkets go further with some Tesco stores enforcing a Challenge 30 policy.
Supermarkets prefer to refuse sales than risk a single incident of selling to a minor.
What about people shopping in groups?
Sometimes supermarkets might chose to ask all members of a group for ID.
This can lead to adults well over legal drinking age being refused service.
But there has to be common sense.
There is a difference between gangs of youths trying their luck and dad who happens to be accompanied by his daughter.
Will I be able to buy alcohol if I’m tipsy?
Selling alcohol to anyone already under the influence and staff will have been warned to look for signs.
Slurred speech, clumsy movements and swaying will all be noted by trained staff and the purchase will not go ahead.
Here’s what some of the supermarkets have to say.
Asda has a Challenge 25 policy but said “where there is any element of doubt we support our colleagues to make the right decision”.
Lidl said stores operate the Challenge 25 policy, as well as ‘proxy sales’ awareness when it is believed an adult is buying alcohol for a minor rather than for themselves.
Tesco said the chain operated a Think 25 policy for selling alcohol. There is no policy in place for refusing to sell alcohol to customers who have their children with them, they said,
Sainsbury’s operate a Think 25 policy.


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The billionaire SpaceX
and Tesla CEO will acquire the social media platform for $54.20 per share in a deal worth about $44 billion, Twitter representatives announced today
Musk said in a statement said
"Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,"
"I want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, and authenticating all humans,"
Elon Musk is one of Twitter's
most influential and popular users, with more than 83 million followers. He frequently uses the site to give updates about his companies and projects
His acquisition of Twitter has
een brewing for weeks now. On April 4, it was announced that Musk had purchased a 9.2% stake in the company, becoming its single largest shareholder.
Twitter took some time
to think about it. The company ultimately decided to accept the deal, which is expected to close this year.


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Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicates that Nintendo will be releasing two new models of the Switch. It is believed that they will be announced during the company’s E3 2019 Direct where they have most of their major announcements. The two models would be a Switch Pro and Slim kind of how Microsoft and Sony have done with their respective consoles although, the enhanced Nintendo console will not be as powerful, but aimed at avid videogamers.
The Nintendo Switch Slim would get rid of some features like the HD rumble and would be portable focused and it would be an attempt to bring over 3DS users. The outlet also says that the devices will look different from the original and some of us might be surprised. This is currently just a rumor, but The Wall Street Journal has been correct multiple times before. If the Slim would be aimed for gamers on the 3DS that would mean they want to slow down their support for their 2011 handheld console. Who knows, some of the other things about this upcoming slim console could be that you can’t remove the joy-con controllers, but that is just a guess.
Prices for both console models remain to be seen. We will have to wait and see what the official specs would be for the Nintendo Switch Pro and it looks like we won’t have to wait too long as E3 is creeping up fast.
Recently, Cuphead was announced for the Nintendo Switch with Xbox Live support. Pokemon Sword & Shield are aimed to come out this year and would make a great launch title with these new consoles.


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SIF is making better business moves thanks to the BBB!For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been a go to source. They help people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In fact, almost 400,000 businesses have received BBB accreditation status. In order to
Our new luxury showroom will exclusively feature OBJECT CARPET. Summit International Flooring (SIF), together with OBJECT CARPET, will reveal a brand-new showroom at NeoCon 2018. Located on the eleventh floor (11-135) of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, this showroom is expected to wow patrons!
The SIF family helped feed families in need at The Free Farmer's Market. Nearly one in four children in the United States experience hunger every day. For most, they don't know where they will get their next meal. Yet thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, The Community Soup Kitchen and
Giving back with The Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center. 49 million Americans struggle to put food on the table. But there are ways people can make a difference. Therefore, on Wednesday, January 24, Summit International Flooring (SIF) will be volunteering with The Community Soup Kitchen and
Thanks to the international trade council, we are helping others!“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Although it has been well over two decades since Ronald Reagan spoke those words, they still hold merit today. In fact, Summit International Flooring became a member of the
Summit International Flooring Donated Toys to Saint Barnabas Medical Center this holiday season. Sometimes it's easy to forget the true meaning of the holidays. Between the hustle and bustle of stores, to booking holiday travel plans, taking time give back is often overlooked. Nonetheless, there is
Thanks to Portico by Google, we are helping supply eco-friendly products to all! Everyone knows about Google: their outstanding search engine, their maps, their doodles and probably even their glass. They are known for their innovation in technology. But did you know that their green program


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Remember late last year when the colourful and lively "Zingolo" advert lit up our t.v. screens? If you need reminding, then check this out.
Before that, I had never been so excited to see my fave show break for adverts. And I STILL love watching it. As annoying as the "Zingolo" tune may be, we can't deny it is catchy. Also, to see a Ghanaian artist on another channel other than on OBE really is something! But the most important thing is that the advert made the British public aware of where the cocoa beans that make their chocolate come from. It also confirmed Cadbury's move to Fairtrade. Fairtrade is a non profit organisation which ensures that the people in poorer parts of the world who produce the raw materials needed to make some of the things we enjoy, such as tea, wine, or even cotton shirts are not ripped off.
Sadly, there are not a lot of companies that are Fairtrade certified. And it's sad that there are people all over the world who are not given the opportunity to make a decent living. I'm not going to pretend that I always check for the "Fairtrade" mark before I carelessly throw a packet of biscuits or a bag of sweets into my shopping trolley. But the Cadbury's advert has made me more aware.
The news of Cadbury's takeover by American food company, Kraft, left us in the UK wondering what would become of the Bourneville factory in Birmingham. Most importantly, what will happen to the thousands of jobs it provides, if it is to close down?
I would hate for all those jobs to be lost, trust me, I would. But Kraft's chief executive Irene Rosenfeld said "[she] warmly welcomes Cadbury employees into the Kraft Foods family". However, what will happen to the Cocoa farmers in Ghana? There has been so much discussion and dialogue over the loss of British jobs, but I haven't heard a peep about the fate of the Ghanaian farmers with no welfare system to fall back on and with little else but their cocoa farms. I have searched up and down the Cadbury's website, and can't find anything about how Kraft's takeover will affect the livelihoods of those producing the cocoa beans.
Let me finish by congratulating Cadbury for it's efforts in supporting Fairtade all over the word; in countries such as St. Lucia, India and South Africa.


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Gold prices remained almost flat in a cautious trade on Monday amid improving market mood as fears of China’s Evergrande bankruptcy recede.
At 1130 hours GMT, gold in the international mar-ket was available at $1,749.40 per ounce after shed-ding $1.80.
ams of yellow metal in Pakistan increased to Rs95,400 after gaining Rs300. The closing prices of the yellow metal in the coun-try remained Rs95,100 on Saturday last.
The in-crease in local gold prices was also due to deprecia-tion of Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.
According to experts, gold is easing off the higher levels, as the risk-on market environment amid ebb-ing China Evergrande fears and US stimulus opti-mism dulls the safe-haven appeal of the bright metal.
They said that gold inched down despite a broadly weaker US dollar, as the Treasury yields retreat from multi-month tops. They said that gold traders refrain from placing fresh long bets on the metal ahead of the critical US durable goods data. —TLTP


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Blockbuster is understood to be working with restructuring firm KPMG on negotiations with more than 600 landlords as part of cost cutting plans.
The film and DVD rental chain has around 630 shops in the UK – its second-largest market. It has been in talks to reduce store numbers and costs through rent reductions.
The company has come under competition from internet rivals such as Lovefilm.com, leading to questions about whether it needs such a large chain of shops.
The move is being pushed across Blockbuster’s global estate. Last year, Blockbuster said it would close almost 1,000 stores in the US by the end of this year.
In a statement to the Financial Times, Blockbuster confirmed it had been working with KPMG on “lease renegotiation” initiatives such as rent reduction in the UK, but stressed that it was not advising on corporate restructuring.
It said so far it has renegotiated about 1,200 leases across the global operation as part of the “overall expense reduction initiative”.
KPMG is also advising menswear chain Suits You on a company voluntary arrangement.


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Reliance Retail has acquired a majority stake in furniture and decor platform Urban Ladder, making a broader push into e-commerce as the largest retail chain in India gears up to fight Amazon and Flipkart.
In a filing to the local stock exchange, Reliance Retail said it had acquired a 96% stake in Urban Ladder for about $24.43 million. The Indian retail giant, which retains the option to acquire the remainder stake in the seven-and-a-half-years-old startup, said it has proposed to invest up to $10.06 million more in Urban Ladder by December 2023.
Founded in early 2012, Urban Ladder sells home furniture and decor products online. It also operates a chain of physical retail stores in several Indian cities. The deal size suggests that it was a fire sale.
The startup had raised about $115 million from Sequoia Capital, SAIF Partners, Steadview Capital, and MIT and other investors, according


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While it’s common to think that females are the bigger shoppers both online and offline, the recent statistics from OLX Data Hub surprisingly show otherwise. In the research, OLX reveals that more Filipino men prefer to shop online across several categories, including baby stuff and furniture.
OLX Data Hub gathered information from search history and sessions in their platform in 2016 which showed that it’s millennial men who do the most shopping online. Men aged 25 to 34 make up the biggest growth drivers for online shopping across the three highest growth categories in 2016: furniture, sports and health items, and baby-related goods.
For baby-related goods, 55% of shoppers are male, suggesting that more Pinoy men are open to searching for quality items for their little tykes. While it’s likely millennial men are first-time fathers, they’re more aware that not everything needs to be new for their babies since children outgrow a lot of items, fast.
The top five items searched for in each category also give further insight into the life of the Pinoy millennial man. Read on.
Top 5 Searches for Furniture
Top 5 Searches for Sports and Health Items
Top 5 Searches for Baby Stuff
Additional findings based on OLX’s data suggest that Pinoy millennial men are practical shoppers who are looking for the most lucrative deals when it comes to furnishing their homes. Looking at the popularly searched items, pieces like sofas, tables, cabinets, and beds are all essentials when filling up their living space or bachelor pad
Outside the home, millennial men are both adventurous and environment conscious. As the data from OLX hints that their hobbies include motor, mountain, and city biking. This tells us that Pinoy millennial men are trying to find ways to dodge traffic jams and that they’re also concerned about leaving less of a carbon footprint in their quest for an adrenaline rush.
Whether for their hobbies or for their homes, data also suggests that Pinoy millennial men highly do their research online and find communities who can help them stay informed about their chosen interest.
“More than the usual buy and sell transactions on our platform, it has also become an avenue for different communities to share information and foster camaraderie online,” shares Jean Magboo, Marketing Head of OLX.
Magboo adds: “Aside from the exchange of items, tips and recommendations also get shared, too. Meet-ups become more than just a business deal, but an enriching experience—making it a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers.”
The increase in Pinoy millennial men shopping online can also be attributed to communities that are present in platforms like OLX. Millennial women also have communities that continue to grow especially for those into fashion, makeup, and fitness.


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Marketing supplies of e-cigarettes cannot make claims that their product exposes users to fewer toxins or reduces hurt unless the FDA grants an order permitting such claims. In September 2019, the FDA sent JUUL a warning letter cautioning towards unauthorized cessation claims and questioning current marketing practices that appeared to be focused to youth. As of Aug. 28, 2019, 220 localities had prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco merchandise, together with flavored e-cigarettes. These embrace Berkeley, Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco, California; Aspen, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; and Providence, Rhode Island. However, a big majority of the U.S. population — more than ninety% — isn’t lined by such restrictions. However, this request for remark isn’t a assure of company action on this concern and no further rule-making action on flavors has been taken or introduced by the FDA as of this writing. In March 2018, a gaggle of public well being organizations, together with Truth Initiative, sued the FDA for unlawfully delaying the implementation of the deeming rule.
- It requires the purchaser for e-cigarettes to be at podsmall.com least 18 and does not permit buying them for anyone lower than 18 years of age.
- Around half of e-cigarette firm web sites have a minimum age discover that prohibited underage individuals from entering.
- The up to date Tobacco Products Directive has been disputed by tobacco lobbyists whose businesses could be impacted by these revisions.
- The revised EU Tobacco Products Directive got here into effect in May 2016, offering stricter rules for e-cigarettes.
- The ease to get past the age verification system at e-cigarette company websites allows underage people to access and be exposed to marketing.
And though most states prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to folks beneath the age of 18, increasingly more teens are using them. In reality, current surveys2 show dramatic will increase every year within the variety of teens who have tried an e-cigarette of their lifetime, in addition to in the quantity who have used them in the past month. This is at a time when smoking tobacco cigarettes is at an all-time low among middle and highschool students. The FDA is now evaluating hundreds of such purposes to promote e-cigarettes. In these purposes and related ads, the house owners of e-cigarette manufacturers declare that their products help smokers quit and can therefore be considered “appropriate for the protection of public health,” as stipulated by regulation. But a new systematic review by UC San Francisco researchers of the scientific literature on this topic puts these claims to the check. VaporFi is a web-based hub coupled with brick and mortar places serving the ever-growing and passionate vaping community.
Anecdotally, youth are reporting indicators of severe dependence, corresponding to lack of ability to pay attention at school, utilizing an e-cigarette upon waking, and using e-cigarettes at evening after waking with a craving. Some e-cigarette products ship nicotine as effectively as a cigarette. The use of nicotine salts also lowers the pH of e-liquids, which allows greater concentrations of nicotine to be delivered with much less irritation. For instance, the maker of JUUL claims the product has a nicotine content like traditional cigarettes, and that it delivers the nicotine up to 2.7 instances faster than other e-cigarettes. As e-cigarette users ourselves, we’ve perfected the shortcomings that we perceived in other finest e-cig manufacturers.
The FDA appears to have accepted this timetable, although industry teams are nonetheless difficult the federal judge’s choice. However, when the company finalized the deeming regulation, the FDA issued a “compliance coverage” that might give e-cigarette manufacturers extra time to organize these submissions and nonetheless enable the merchandise to be available on the market. In different phrases, every e-cigarette available on the market right now is illegal as a result of it has not gone through an FDA review, and is simply allowed to be bought because the FDA gave them a temporary pass. Among adults who used multiple tobacco product in 2017, the most typical combination was cigarettes and e-cigarettes. In addition to the rate of nicotine supply, the nicotine content material of merchandise like JUUL also raises considerations in regards to the potential for habit. A 2018 Truth Initiative research published in Tobacco Control discovered that amongst present youth and young adult JUUL users, the majority — 63% — did not know that the product always contains nicotine.


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Bonhams oak auction takes place next month, with The Oak Interior sale once again highlighting the enduring appeal of period oak furniture and its timeless character and sense of history.
And while oak furniture may have been in the doldrums in recent years, could now be the time to buy for collectors and those looking for standout pieces that can provide a stunning focal point in modern interiors?
For some industry watchers, Bonhams oak auction will be a barometer for the current market and a chance to see whether demand is returning.
We pick out five key pieces from Bonhams’ sale here, with a more in-depth appraisal of oak’s fortunes by antiques expert John Andrews in the upcoming issue of Antique Collecting magazine – subscribe here.
An unusual mid-17th century joined oak, parquetry and marquetry-inlaid court cupboard, with open base, Yorkshire, c. 1650, estimated at £7,000-£10,000
A pair of Charles II joined oak backstools, Derbyshire/South Yorkshire, c.1675, estimated at £800-£1,200
An interesting Charles II joined oak and elm side table, c.1680, estimated at £4,000-£6,000
An early 18th-century oak tripod table, Welsh Borders, c. 1700-20, estimated at £800-£1,200
A mid-17th century joined oak and marquetry-inlaid panel-back open armchair, Yorkshire, c. 1640-60 and later, estimated at £1,500-£2,000


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Equipment Supply Co. (ESCO) has added the MiniLift series of mobile lifting systems to its product offerings for the tire service and wheel handling market.
Vehicle Service Group (VSG) has introduced a full line of Rotary branded wheel balancers ranging from a value-priced manual model to a 3D electronic wheel balancer with microprocessor.
The owner of the two busiest Midas locations in Canada says offering an extensive tire inventory and more than a dozen tire brands has transformed his business. Consider Jeff Hall’s success a sign of what’s to come at Midas stores across North America.
The more than 2,500 automotive repair and service locations under the Driven Brands Inc. banner are investing in how they capture and manage customer feedback.
Vehicle Service Group (VSG) has introduced a full line of Rotary-branded wheel balancers ranging from a value-priced manual model to a 3D electronic wheel balancer with microprocessor.
The 2018 edition of the Auto Care Association's Digital Auto Care Factbook is now available, along with the Lang Annual 2018.
Hunter Engineering Co. has released a space-saving console designed to run a fully automatic Quick Tread inspection lane.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has vetoed a bill that would prohibit the sale of unsafe used tires. "Texas does not need to impose new criminal penalties on people who put tires on cars.
The 15th China International Tire Expo (CITEXPO) will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center Aug. 21-23, 2017.
The sixth largest independent tire dealership in the U.S. has a new owner. Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm, has purchased Express Oil Change LLC from Carousel Capital.
We hear others speak about the up and coming generation all the time. The millennial generation is most often spoken of in a negative way, mainly because negative press seems to get more attention than positive.
The new ArcticPro ACX1250 air conditioning (A/C) service unit by Mahle Aftermarket Inc.’s Service Solutions division is designed to economically service R1234yf vehicles.
Centric Parts’ 2018 StopTech High Performance Brake Systems Catalog has more than 14,000 new part listings covering over 200 makes and models of vehicles built through 2018.
To help shop owners evaluate their options when buying a lift, Forward Lift is offering two new free resources for matching shop needs with two-post lifts or four-post lifts.
New TireMasterGTX software from ASA Automotive Systems Inc. is point-of-sale and accounting software for mid-sized and enterprise-level retail/wholesale businesses in North America.


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Monday, August 3, 2020
Why Shoprite Is exiting Nigeria
According to a trading statement by Shoprite, it's operations in Nigeria saw a 6.7% decline in sales for the twelve months to June 2020, according to the group's trading statement released today.
STATEMENT FROM SHOPRITE
"Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the Group's operating model in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or a majority stake in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited. As such, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited may be classified as a discontinued operation when Shoprite reports its results for the year."


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Naked Pizza on Nassau Street in Princeton has closed signs in the windows. (Photo/Anna Merriman)
PRINCETON - The whole food pizza chain, Naked Pizza, shuttered the doors of its Princeton shop in November but a month later, both the closed up shop and the national company are coming under fire.
A Princeton University graduate student blames the chain and the Princeton shop in particular, of implementing and encouraging unsafe practices with their drivers that led to her getting hit by a car last spring, according to a lawsuit filed in December.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Mercer County Superior Court on behalf of student Nyssa Emerson, named the national Naked Pizza chain, former Princeton store manager Kathy Vik and driver Stephen Cruz as defendants. The store sat at its Nassau Street location for four years until it closed last month.
The suit references an accident in early April involving Emerson and Cruz, who was delivering pizzas for the Princeton store. Emerson was crossing Washington Road around 9:30 p.m. when Cruz crashed into her with his car, sending her to the hospital with serious injuries, police said at the time.
Emerson's attorney Richard Brockway called her injuries "catastrophic," Tuesday. He said that she had back injuries, including a spinal chord injury and that she had to postpone her studies at Princeton University for a semester.
But Brockway believes the accident wasn't a simple case of a driver's mistake - Cruz was preoccupied with a GPS or another type of device that caused him to hit Emerson, Brockway said.
"Naked Pizza mandated the use of the GPS that distracted the driver," Brockway said, adding that he believes that's not the only unsafe practice the whole food pizza chain encourages.
In the lawsuit, Brockway claimed the company, "created, implemented and enforced tragically unsafe business practices," in order to live up to their promise of delivering pizzas within 25 minutes.
"(Naked Pizza is) constantly competing through speedy delivery," Brockway said.
He outlined the practices in the lawsuit. Brockway claims the practices include enforcing the 25-minute rule; tracking, recording and giving evaluations to drivers based on their delivery time; and providing pay incentives to competing drivers based on their delivery times.
It was during an investigation, Brockway said, that he found a training video which supported his claims.
Vik declined to comment on the lawsuit or the allegations Tuesday and a representative for Naked Pizza could not be reached.
The suit - while a first for Naked Pizza - is not unheard of in the food delivery business.
In a highly publicized case in the late 1980's, a woman was hit by a Domino's Pizza driver, who was rushing to make a 30-minute delivery window. The woman sued and was awarded $78 million from the pizza delivery giant chain. The case led Domino's Pizza to do away with their 30-minute delivery pledge.
But Naked Pizza, less than a decade old, still touts the idea of healthy pizza, quick delivery, the lawsuit said. And even though the Princeton branch has since closed, Brockway thinks it's an idea that should be challenged.
"They sacrifice safety for speed," he said.


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Oman’s low-cost airline SalamAir will launch flights to Kazakhstan for the 2023 summer season, QazMonitor reports.
According to the ministry of industry and infrastructure development, SalamAir will operate direct flights starting from July 1.
"Flights will be performed twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays," the press statement said.
The starting cost of the tickets will be 130 thousand tenge, and the flight time will be 4 hours and 20 minutes.
This will be the first time SalamAir will operate its services in Kazakhstan.
According to Routes, SalamAir CEO Mohamed Ahmed commented: “The city of Almaty has promising passenger travel into Muscat, and we expect to carry both business travelers and holidaymakers between the two important cities.”
“Oman and Kazakhstan recently agreed to have close bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, renewable energy, tourism, and food security too thus this route being mutually beneficial.”


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Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers to Visit Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Representatives of Italian textile machinery manufacturers are planned to visit Iran later this month to explore business opportunities in the country following the removal of anti-Tehran sanctions.
According to a statement released by the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) on Friday, a total of 26 textile machinery manufacturers from the European country will be taking part in a roadshow in Iran to reclaim their position in the country’s market.
Organized by the Italian Trade Agency as well as the country’s Ministry of Economic Development, the event will kick off on May 22 and go on until May 30.
During the roadshow, the Italian businessmen will hold a series of symposia in the cities of Tehran, Yazd, Isfahan, and Mashhad so that Iranian textile manufacturers can measure their knowhow for cooperation.
“In 2004, Iran was ranked among the top ten markets for Italian exports in the sector. After years of complete stagnation, our businesses have begun to do steady business in Iran. I’m confident that this roadshow will contribute to allowing us to recoup lost time,” said President of ACIMIT Raffaella Carabelli.
“We now have the possibility of returning to a market that has a great tradition, with even more success than in the past and with very interesting prospects,” he added.
In 2015, Italian exports to Iran amounted to 8 million euros. Iranian demand is spread out over all types of production, but Italian finishing and spinning machines are the primary exports.
There has been growing enthusiasm for trade ties with Iran after implementation of a final nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany), which took effect on January 16.
The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has terminated all nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, reopened the doors of foreign investment to the country’s market, and prepared the ground for a much-anticipated economic boom.


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BELPRE - An international scam has reached the Mid-Ohio Valley and one area resident has lost hundreds of dollars, an official said.
"An online research company is asking people to do a survey on Western Union at several chain stores and scaming money out of people," said patrolman Mike Stump with the Belpre Police Department.
Stump said a Belpre Township resident filed a report with his office against the company known as NPD Research Inc., but there is little local law enforcement can do.
"While the letter said that it comes from Port Washington, N.Y., but the company is really based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which makes this an international incident," he said. "Also, by cashing the fraudulent check, they are entering into a contractual agreement and anything that happens is their responsibility."
The letter including a check, apparently sent from the marketing research company, directs those selected as a secret or mystery shopper to contact the company via phone to confirm the money was received before depositing the funds in their personal bank account.
The money can be as much as $2,400. Once the money is deposited the person is told he has 48 hours to take out as much as $2,100 of that money to wire via Western Union at stores, including Kmart, Wal-Mart and Best Buy.
Once the money transfers and other relayed assignments are completed, the shopper is told to fax all receipts to a designated number.
"It is only later, after bank accounts are frozen, that people realize the scam," Stump said. "These people are being told they will be able to keep $300 and really they are losing $2,100 because the money order or cashier's check they were sent is fraudulent."
The check sent to the Belpre Township woman came from a bank in Phoenix, Ariz., but it turns out the bank does not have its own money orders or cashier's checks and those sent out are fakes made by NPD Research for the scam, Stump said.
"What happens is these people have cashed fake checks and by doing so they are responsible for the money taken out of their accounts," he said.
If anyone receives correspondence from NPD Research or another company claiming to offer money for little to no work, Stump said to be wary.
"If it sounds too good to be true, it is," he said. "If someone is sending you a check and asking you to send someone you don't know, or even do know, money, it's probably fake."
Stump said that if you are curious about a possible scam and want to make sure the money is real, check the phone number given and use Internet search sites to check the validity.
"(Check) these companies online," he said. "Check Scam Book or even Google if you aren't sure the company is real, but 99 percent of the time, it's fraud."


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The Veganworks Launches in Somerset
A leading Somerset food producer is taking veganism mainstream, with a new range of ingredients for the country’s leading supermarkets. The Flavourworks is launching vegan butters, sauces, gravies and rubs for the UK’s top food manufacturers - which will make feature on the shelves of the big food retailers’ plant based meal ranges.
Initially the lines will be made at the company’s HQ in Wincanton, but already plans are being drawn up for a brand-new production facility that will showcase key green targets such as using ‘vegan powered’ gas from a local biomass plant, rainwater harvesting and being fully carbon neutral.
MD Chris Ormrod said that it was impossible to ignore the continued growth in plant based launches: “Over the last few months we have had increasing numbers of requests from our customers for vegan ingredients and we now think it is the right time to be planning to build The Veganworks to deal with that demand.”
Chris has coined the phrase ‘easy vegan’, which aims to make veganism accessible for all consumers, such as those who want to regularly opt in to the diet for health or ethical reasons or are doing challenges such as Veganuary and don’t want to spend hours boiling chickpeas. He says: “this is also for people who want to dip in and out of vegan products, especially at this time of year.”
He added: “to misquote Victor Hugo - nothing is as powerful as a plant whose time has come!”
The Flavourworks, formerly known as Markus Products, annually supplies 600 new product lines to around 60 food manufacturers. Its ingredients feature in many top end meals to be found on the shelves of M&S, Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Aldi, Lidl and the Co-Op. Its famous sauces also regularly feature in popular Christmas tv adverts.
For media all inquiries please contact Lucy Atherton firstname.lastname@example.org


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The Surface RT has been described as a half tablet, half laptop device, as it boasts the necessary features to tackle two different worlds at the same time.
That’s also the goal of this new official commercial that brings the productivity features of the Surface RT in the spotlight. Microsoft’s first tablet in history can also run the Office productivity suite, including the popular Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote applications.
In addition, Microsoft is selling the device with a free copy of Office 2013, in an attempt not only to emphasize that the Surface RT can be more than a tablet, but also to steal some users from Apple’s portfolio.
Analysts, however, think that Microsoft’s device is off to a very weak start in terms of sales, but the company refuses to comment on these unofficial sales figures for the time being.


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El Salvador — Binance, the global leader in cryptocurrency exchanges, has broken new ground by becoming the first cryptocurrency exchange to be “fully licensed” in El Salvador. The company has received both the Bitcoin Services Provider (BSP) license from the Central Reserve Bank (Banco Central de Reserva) and the non-provisional Digital Assets Services Provider (DASP) license from the National Commission of Digital Assets (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales).
This dual licensing makes El Salvador one of 18 markets where Binance is now officially registered or approved, positioning the exchange ahead of its peers in terms of global regulatory compliance. Other significant markets on this list include France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Dubai.
Min Lin, Binance’s Head of Latin America, shared his enthusiasm for this achievement, saying, “This license reflects our commitment to collaborate with global regulators to foster a standardized crypto ecosystem. Our tireless effort to meet Salvadoran regulatory requirements demonstrates our dedication to our users and the local market.” He went on to express his gratitude towards Salvadoran authorities, praising the nation’s forward-thinking stance on blockchain technology.
El Salvador has firmly established itself as a cryptocurrency pioneer, having been the first nation to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. More recently, it introduced regulations governing the issuance of other digital assets, further reflecting its progressive stance on the digital economy.
Daniel Acosta, the Binance General Manager for Colombia, Central America, and the Caribbean, reiterated the significance of the licenses. “They pave the way for an enhanced suite of products and services tailored to Salvadoran users,” Acosta commented, “It also fosters a deeper collaboration with government entities, promoting cryptocurrency adoption, financial inclusion, innovation, and robust customer protection.”
While Binance faces legal challenges in the United States, its dominant position in the crypto industry remains unthreatened. The company recently celebrated a monumental 150 million user registrations, a testament to its expansive global reach and trusted platform.
This move in El Salvador reinforces Binance’s strategic ambition to work hand in hand with regulators, ensuring it remains a crucial force in the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies.


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Bitcoin and Blockchain may be moving beyond buzzword status
Funding to the sector has gone from almost no investment in 2012 to over $500M in each of the past two years. Corporations and their venture arms, especially those in financial services, have entered the fray in large numbers, looking to blockchain and distributed ledger solutions to address pain points that include data reconciliation, clearance, and settlement, among other issues. Major global banks and financial intermediaries are working closely with blockchain companies using the new technology to revamp legacy systems and infrastructure.
We identified 25 privately held bitcoin and blockchain companies and organized them into 5 categories, based on each company’s primary product, line of business, and/or use case.


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Price Chopper has released a new lot of Dollar Doubler coupons. You can find these coupons in today’s Times Union, or print the three coupons here. With these, you can double any manufacturer coupon up to $1 (rather than to standard policy of doubling up to, and including, $.99).
The bonus doublers are valid from Thursday, May 9 through Sunday, May 12 in the greater Capital Region, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Granville, Cobleskill, Hudson, Chatham, Saugerties, Johnstown, Amsterdam, Palatine Bridge and Gloversville.
If that wasn’t enough, there is also a bonus coupon on 20-packs of Coca Cola product; pay just $5. And you can score a 24-count Wise Variety Pack for $3.99.


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Tomislav Himbele, Head of Marketing for Eastern Europe at HMD Global, did a video interview for a Croatian tech portal Bug.hr. Tomislav is responsible for 33 markets in Eastern Europe and also for Russia and Israel. His office is situated in Zagreb, Croatia where the subregional office for the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Adriatics region countries (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and B&H) is stationed, too.
Some of the interesting information Himbele provided in the interview was a more precise launch period for the new Nokia-branded devices. He said that the devices are going to hit the market in the second half of Q2, meaning from mid-May to early June. Himbele stated, for the Nokia 3310, that it will be available via operators, as well as in retailers, and we believe the same goes for smartphones. For the Croatian market, he said that we can expect a little higher price from the one HMD announced at the MWC2017, because of the higher VAT in Croatia. In contrast, we reported that a store in Germany opened up preorders for the new devices for almost the same price HMD announced, so the price will really depend on the VAT and another retailer provisions. Croatia’s VAT is 25%, while the German is 19%. Hungary has the highest VAT in EU with 27%.
Video in Croatian
The host asked Himbele where does HMD see themselves in the next 3 years, and Himbele answered:”In top 3. Pushing out Apple or Samsung or Huawei… or all 3 of them.” He also decided to give away 3 Nokia 3310 (2017) units, which is in fact the first giveaway for the new devices, but the contest is only open for those who reside in Croatia. Devices would be delivered at the begining of June or when the sale starts.


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On Manhattan’s West Side, a neighborhood rises. Built from the ground up, Hudson Yards is a triumph of culture, commerce and cuisine; a technological marvel that pairs style with sustainability; a convergence of parks and public space.
In this new heart of New York, people come together to work, live and play – to enjoy chef-driven restaurants or shop the world’s iconic brands – where experts and icons collaborate on the defining work of their lives, driving Hudson Yards boldly into the future.
The centerpiece of the Public Square and Gardens, created by Heatherwick Studio, will be a new kind of public landmark.Explore the Vessel
The Latest from Hudson Yards
Want to Buy a Hudson Yards Condo?
Inside the David Rockwell-designed "Experience Center" for Manhattan's newest luxury neighborhood.Read More
The world’s sexiest new development?
It’s the biggest private development America has ever seen: over the next nine years, Hudson Yards will transform 28 acres of Manhattan, with 4,000 flats and prices from $2m.Read More
DNB to Move North America Headquarters to NYC’s Hudson Yards
Norway’s largest lender, DNB ASA, agreed to move its North American headquarters to the skyscraper being built at 30 Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s far west side, leaving the MetLife Building in Midtown.Read More


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Stay on target
Is James Bond going green? Super-agent vehicle maker Aston Martin has confirmed production of its first all-electric model.
A limited run of 155 RapidE cars, unveiled two years ago as a concept, will hit assembly lines in 2019.
“RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it,” company CEO Andy Palmer said in a statement.
In collaboration with Oxfordshire-based Williams Advanced Engineering, Aston Martin will deliver a four-door sports car reminiscent of the Rapide S—but with an all-electric powertrain in place of the typical six-liter V12 engine.
“The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come,” according to Palmer.
“RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire, and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers,” he added.
Partner Williams Advanced Engineering worked on the original RapidE concept, and returns to assist with engineering integration.
“This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and EV experience we have accumulated, and we are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy,” technical director Paul McNamara said.
Further details about the upcoming vehicle will be released “in due course,” the automaker said, promising “a unique driving experience of a kind not experienced before in an Aston Martin.”
The luxury brand is most recognized for its role in the 007 book and film series: The DB5 was seen or featured in seven movies, including Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, and Tomorrow Never Dies.
Daniel Craig’s incumbent Bond, meanwhile, drove a number of models, including the DB5 (Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre), DBS V12 (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace), and DB10 (intended for 009, but stolen by Bond in Spectre).
Let us know what you like about Geek by taking our survey.


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Global creative agency mcgarrybowen is expanding into Hong Kong, a move driven by increased client demand and a growing talent hub in one of Asia’s most prominent markets.
The new office opens this month and will be called mcgarrybowen Hong Kong. It will be headed by two of the region’s most well-known and respected advertising industry executives: mcgarrybowen Greater China CEO Simone Tam and Chief Creative Officer Jeffry Gamble, both of whom held top leadership posts at DDB Group Hong Kong. The two will continue to oversee the agency’s Shanghai office in addition to its growing Greater China operations.
The launch continues the agency’s strategy of growing its international network in line with client needs and in many of the world’s top talent and advertising markets. The APAC region is one of these. Last month, mcgarrybowen, in partnership with parent company Dentsu Aegis Network, acquired SAME SAME but different, a French-based agency with a luxury offering spanning offices in New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. In July, the two entities also welcomed Singapore-based manghamgaxiola, now known as manghamgaxiola mcgarrybowen, into its family.
The new mcgarrybowen Hong Kong office will launch with a roster of top-notch clients in the food and beverage, consumer products, and financial services sectors.
Nick Waters, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network, Asia Pacific, said: “The launch of mcgarrybowen in Hong Kong is the extension of our strategy to develop the agency in Asia with high quality talent and in strategic cities. We aim to build on Simone and Jeffry’s strong knowledge of the Hong Kong market and, adding to the agency’s Shanghai and Singapore operations, seek to create regional opportunities. With high quality leadership in three strategic Asian cities we will also look to develop west to east and east to west opportunities for the growing mcgarrybowen global network.”
Said mcgarrybowen Founder and Global Chairman Gordon Bowen: “Simone and Jeffry have done a terrific job leading and growing mcgarrybowen in China. Since joining, they’ve landed both well-recognized local and global clients, including Intel, Estée Lauder, The Cheesecake Factory, and Kangshifu Juice. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating and cutting-edge cities—and an important talent and business hub for many of the world’s largest companies—and we are thrilled to have them leading our expanding Greater China operations.”
Added mcgarrybowen CEO Simone Tam: “Jeffry and I have strong career and industry roots in Hong Kong, and we look forward to continuing the momentum and expanding mcgarrybowen’s network and client offering in the APAC region.”


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For prevention of weeds (Shen Guli), cut stems of weeds before producing seeds and put salty solution on cut stems. Abdul, Jalalabad, 0700555555
This is what marketing looks like in rural Afghanistan.
It arrives on the mobile phones of farmers, many of whom do not know how to use certain products, arriving not intrusively like spam but as a practical Short Message Service (SMS) tip to help farmers protect their crops, boost productivity, and make more money. The sender, however, is not an extension worker, aid agency, or university partner—it is a businessman in Jalalabad trying to sell farm inputs and supplies while cultivating customer goodwill.
Thousands of Afghan farmers are now getting tips from suppliers via SMS thanks to Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives for the North, East, and West (IDEA-NEW), a U.S. Agency for International Development project implemented by DAI.
The SMS program began with three wholesalers in July 2014 and expanded to six shortly thereafter; by December, they were messaging more than 4,600 farmers and their sales of insecticide, seed, fertilizer, and other inputs had increased by 8 to 15 percent. The wholesalers’ SMS programs were partially funded through cost-share grants managed by IDEA-NEW, but in the future all the suppliers in the program plan to fully fund their SMS marketing as a core business expense.
“The SMS and [demonstration] field days let us advertise our products directly to farmers and help retailers to sell more,” said Aziz Rahman, owner of the Bakhtar Afghan farm supply and equipment store. “Via SMS, farmers can ask technical questions and send complaints to our agriculture expert, and we respond.”
The SMS program marks the latest initiative by IDEA-NEW, which since 2009 has assisted Afghanistan’s agribusiness community. Among IDEA-NEW’s accomplishments: 14,000 additional hectares of licit crops cultivated, half a million farmers trained on improved practices, and 9.4 million livestock under improved care and management, while prioritizing local procurement ($13 million from Afghan vendors), assistance to female-owned businesses (more than 9,800), and job creation. Through 2014, IDEA-NEW has created more than 55,000 full-time equivalent jobs in agriculture, community-constructed infrastructure, and rural business development, and paid more than $7.8 million in wages while facilitating $8.1 million in agricultural exports.
For the SMS marketing program, wholesalers of agricultural products built databases of potential customers’ locations and crops by collecting information at demonstration field days, and from retailers’ and extension agents’ contact lists. Wholesalers’ staff visited communities to identify local issues, such as pest or disease outbreaks, to create tailored messaging. Most messages contain a local phone number farmers can call for more information or to find the local retailer.
According to a recent IDEA-NEW survey, 73 percent of farmers who received the marketing SMS said the messages helped them farm more effectively. Many gave ultimate approval by spreading the SMS information within their social network. Sixty-six percent said they bought inputs as a result of the SMS, with 44 percent of those buyers saying they would not otherwise have bought that product.
“We designed the SMS initiative in part to promote safe use of agro-chemicals and alternatives,” noted IDEA-NEW Chief of Party Robert Jacobi. The team provides Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP) training to wholesalers and retailers, and training to farmers on integrated pest management. IDEA-NEW emphasizes safety guidelines in grant documents and has flagged SMS messages and followed up with grantees to ensure their marketing messages are for approved chemicals.
Disseminating agricultural information via mobile phones is trending in development, but many approaches rely solely on donor funds to send SMS and fail to strengthen local relationships. Requiring the wholesalers to co-pay for their SMS marketing increases their stake in its success and helps ensure funds are invested in wholesalers who are thinking innovatively. When their own money is on the line, they are more committed to learning from the pilot and from training provided by IDEA-NEW, such as on how to write a more effective SMS.
For 2015, DAI is scaling up its SMS marketing pilot, including for use in USAID’s Regional Agricultural Development Program–North project. DAI will also be adapting and testing this market-driven model in additional countries later this year.
While the IDEA-NEW SMS marketing program is in its early stages, evidence indicates that it will continue to help drive agricultural productivity and sales. More importantly, the simplicity of the program’s design suggests that, effectively designed and implemented, it could be replicated in other countries where mobile phones are abundant, bandwidth is minimal, and people’s wellbeing depends on how well they farm.


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Adjix has joined the 301Works.org project which was announced this morning.
301Works is a project which ensures that shortened URLs can live on in case the company providing the link shrinking service goes out of business.
TechCrunch has been covering this topic all week - ever since tr.im announced their plans to turn off their link shrinking service:
Mashable's coverage of this announcement made it to the front page of Digg:
You can find the full press release here:


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Sony has announced the upcoming release of a new Sony Xperia phone, and photographers are buzzing with excitement. Set to be unveiled on May 11th, the new phone could be a game-changer for those who use their mobile devices to capture high-quality photos and videos.
While details about the new phone are scarce, rumours have been circulating that it could replace the popular Xperia Pro-I, released last year. The Xperia Pro-I was specifically designed for photographers and videographers, with features like a 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and ZEISS Tessar T* lens. The phone also boasted eye autofocus for both stills and videos, as well as real-time tracking and object tracking for videos.
So, what can we expect from the new Xperia phone? Sony hasn’t given away too much information, but as soon as they do we’ll keep you updated. Here at Camera Jabber we’re hoping that the new Xperia phone will be designed with creatives in mind potentially including features that will appeal to photographers and videographers.
Of course, the new Sony Xperia phone will likely offer other improvements over the Xperia Pro-I as well. We can expect to see upgraded specs, a faster processor, and improved battery life, among other things. But for photographers and videographers, the most exciting updates will likely be related to the camera.
If the new Xperia phone is indeed designed with photographers and videographers in mind, we could see improvements to the already impressive camera features offered by the Xperia Pro-I. For example, the new phone could include even more advanced autofocus capabilities or offer new ways to shoot in low-light conditions. We could also see improvements to the phone’s video capabilities, such as higher frame rates or improved stabilisation.
One thing we can be sure of is that the new Sony Xperia phone will be packed with features and capabilities that will make it a great choice for anyone looking to capture high-quality photos and videos on their mobile device. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who loves to take pictures, this new phone could be the perfect tool for your creative endeavours.
Sony has not yet released any pricing information or a specific release date for the new Xperia phone. However, we can expect to learn more about the device on May 11th, when Sony will unveil the new phone to the world. In the meantime, photographers and videographers can continue to dream about this new device’s possibilities.
The new Xperia phone has the potential to be a photographer’s dream phone, with advanced camera features and capabilities that will help creatives capture stunning photos and videos on the go. As we wait for the official announcement, the photography community will eagerly anticipate the release of this new device, which could revolutionize mobile photography and videography as we know it.
For more information check out the Sony website


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The Swiss village of Champagne has voted to fight a policy preventing it from labelling the wine it produces with the word "champagne".
Villagers said they would seek to continue using the name, limited under international trade rules for the French region that produces the renowned sparkling wine.
The village was given until 2004 to phase out the name on its wine after the Swiss government agreed in 1999 to give up any claims it had as part of the bilateral accords with the European Union.
"In this village we no longer have the right to use our own name," commented village action committee spokesman Thomas Bindschedler.
He said that wine sales had dropped from 110,000 bottles per year to 32,000 in 2007 after the wine was sold with labels that did not refer to its place of origin.
Villagers say the name of their community dates back to 885 and that the first records of wine being grown in the area date back to 1657.
The issue of protecting place names for wines and other goods is expected to feature prominently at world trade talks in Geneva.
In compliance with the JTI standards


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A Seat dealership in Essex has closed after 27 years with the franchise.
Colchester-based Miller and Middleton, which sells new and used cars, sent a letter to customers telling them of its closure, according to the Maldon Standard.
A spokeswoman for Seat UK told Car Dealer: ‘Miller and Middleton had been a Seat franchise for an outstanding 27 years, but the owner Ian Middleton took the decision to close the business at the end of 2020.’
She added that the franchise ceased trading in April.
The letter says: ‘We wanted to let you know Miller and Middleton Seat Colchester is no longer a Seat approved retailer or Seat authorised repairer.
‘However, we expect to have a replacement retailer for you very soon.’
It adds that anyone wanting to buy a car or who needs work done to their vehicle will have to get in touch with other traders.
The nearest Seat dealerships to Miller and Middleton are understood to be in Braintree and Ipswich.
The letter also says there won’t be any changes to insurance or to finance agreements held by customers, said the Standard.
Previous business names for Miller and Middleton, according to Companies House, were Mothbeck from November 1986 – when the company was incorporated – to September 1987 and Braiswick Service Station from September 1987 to March 1994.
Its latest financial statements – for the year ending April 30, 2020 and made public on December 17, 2020 – show it had net assets of £371,686. As a small company, it doesn’t have to state profit or loss.
In a section for post-balance sheet events, though, directors Glenn Miller and Ian Middleton acknowledge the impact of the pandemic, saying the site was closed, ‘effectively mothballing the business’, following the first lockdown announced on March 23, 2020.
The workforce was furloughed from March 24, 2020 and government grants were obtained, but Miller and Middleton reopened its workshop on May 12, 2020 with a skeleton staff.
Car showrooms in England were then allowed to reopen from June 1, 2020.
The section adds: ‘Despite the Covid-19 threat and the resultant economic turmoil our focus has not changed, and will not change, unless further unforeseen disruption unfolds.’
There was no answer when Car Dealer tried ringing the dealership, its website is down, and its Facebook page has no posts either.
Image: Google Street View


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I’ve mentioned before how 2014 is already shaping up to be the year of long-awaited sequels, from Mega Jump 2 all the way to Jet Car Stunts 2. But I think this next one easily takes the cake for being the most long-awaited: because the original game came out in 1984! That’s right, the iconic arcade game Boulder Dash will be getting a long-awaited 30th Anniversary revamp this year for mobile devices. This also marks the first time that original Boulder Dash creators Chris Gray and Peter Liepa will be working on a project together since the initial debut of the game all those years ago.
Now 30 years is certainly a long time to wait for a sequel, so what new things can we expect to find when Boulder Dash – 30th Anniversary launches in early 2014? Well for one thing, Gray and Liepa have made over 50 levels full of brand-spanking-new worlds, creatures, and gem combos to encounter. Everything is rendered in beautiful 3D graphics and animations thanks to the power of the Unity Engine, and players will even be able to enjoy a cave editor mode and second playable character, Crystal.
Boulder Dash – 30th Anniversary is the first planned project of Gray’s newly formed studio, TapStar Interactive, which already has two other games in the works as well: a word game called Spell Slots and a zombie-themed running game called Run for your Life! But for the time being, it’s all about the boulders. You can expect to see the free-to-play Boulder Dash – 30th Anniversary making its way to iOS and Android early this year, with PC and Mac versions to follow sometime after.


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For the first time in nearly 80 years, Miami's Fine Art Lamps is no longer a family business. But the new owners are related by all but blood.
Long-time executives Rene Quintana and Laura Goldblum — who each have worked at the company for more than 20 years — have purchased the company from retiring chairman Max Blumberg for an undisclosed price. The new owners will continue to make the high-design luxury lamps and its components in Miami, its home since 1976.
Together, Blumberg — whose family founded the firm — and the two executives explored several options. But they concluded, "purchase by private equity would not look the same," said Quintana, co-president and chief operating officer. "We're an American manufacturer. We manufacture here in Miami. More than 160 families in the Hialeah and Miami Lakes area depend on us."
The company currently makes 15,000-20,000 units per year, from chandeliers to wall sconces, and sells them in more than 70 countries around the world through retailers and, in Moscow, in a branded showroom.
Instead, Quintana and Goldblum, co-president and chief financial officer, will consolidate the glass-blowing and manufacturing that now takes place in three facilities in a single location west of Miami Lakes, at Northwest 154th Street, improving communication and increasing efficiency.
They also are increasing collaboration with guest designers and targeting luxury hotels and resorts, restaurants and country clubs — clients that appreciate the company's ability to create custom products.
Among those is the University of Miami Health System's Lennar Center in Coral Gables. The flock of 245 glass ibises "flying" through the building were created by Fine Art Lamps.


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From red wine to hot sauce, this week has a little something for all Baltimore food lovers. Here’s a look at what’s happening on the local restaurant scene:
Openings & announcements
This week brings news of a handful of very welcome reopenings, including Ottobar and the Mt. Washington Tavern.
Unfortunately, this week also has some bad news: Dimitri’s International Grille, a Catonsville staple since the 1960s, is closing its doors.
Local restaurants are staying nimble, adjusting their menus and business approaches to keep up with the constantly evolving landscape.
Now that the one-hour dining restriction has been lifted in the city, Charleston’s tasting menu is back; you can once again linger over Chef Cindy Wolf’s gorgeous food.
Hersh’s has tweaked its menu to offer bigger pies, subs and more carryout-friendly options vs. its normal trattoria menu (which will be back someday).
In Fells Point, Red Star is going full Italian-American, featuring dinner five nights a week (the pastas look incredible) and building out bottle shop.
New culinary school
In March, the Franciscan Center will launch a 12/13-week culinary school program called Digital Plates Culinary Training Academy. Students of the program will primarily be current or former clients of the Franciscan Center, which is a support program for people in economically disadvantaged situations.
Each student will be paired with a social worker for a year; the goal is to help students find jobs and navigate other obstacles potentially getting in the way of their success.
The Academy will be run by Chef Steve Allbright, a Stratford University grad who has worked at numerous spots around town, including The Capital Grille, Iron Rooster and City Seeds.
European “tour” with Le Comptoir du Vin
Le Comptoir du Vin has a new monthly subscription service that sounds fabulous. There are two options – one wine-focused and one that features interesting Euro-inspired pantry items, from cheese to capers.
Black History Month
As Black History Month winds down, Jason Bass – the co-founder of The Night Brunch and Director of Culture and Impact at Hotel Revival – is also wrapping up an Instagram series featuring recipes from Toni-Tipton Martin’s cookbook, Jubilee. The final installment of the series premieres Sunday at 9 a.m.; Bass will prepare Martin’s gingerbread waffles and cream and will talk about the influence and history of Black food in America.
Hot sauce central
It’s a good time to be a local hot sauce fan.
David Thomas, of H3irloom, has developed a pair of small batch hot sauces: a traditional American hot sauce called SWEAT and a West African-inspired pepper sauce called SOSU. Both are currently available to H3irloom Food Group newsletter subscribers.
The crew behind The City That Breeds podcast has also created a website for its wares – including hot sauce and jerky. Checkout Mobtown Meat Snacks for salty, spicy goodness.
Vermouth is hot
Vermouth seems to be one of the next big things in craft spirits – and The Wine Collective is leading the trend here in Baltimore. The Union Collective company has developed its own vermouth, Vermú Rosé, a small batch vermouth made with Maryland grapes.
Vegan Restaurant Week
This is your last opportunity to take advantage of Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week: it ends on Sunday.
This weekend, Woodberry Kitchen will host its last weekend pop-up (for now). The theme? Square pizza. The menu includes antipasto, pizza and chipwhich options, making for a nice round (or square) meal.
Elkridge Furnace Inn events
This weekend is a busy one at Elkridge Furnace Inn, with a couple fun events – something for both day and night.
Midday on Saturday, the Inn hosts a Paris-themed tea, starting at 11 a.m. The bistro-inspired event features a four-course tea service with everything from croissants to quiche.
Saturday evening, the Inn goes red with a Big Reds wine dinner, a five-course meal paired with serious red wines.
Saturday night, the Howard County Library System’s annual fundraiser, Evening in the Stacks, is going virtual, with an online Italian cooking class, an online winemaking tour and truffle hunt, and even a Southern Italy dance party.
Local partners for the event include Tino’s Italian Bistro, Aida Bistro & Wine Bar, La Prima Catering and The Wine Bin.
On Monday, Walker’s Tap & Table will donate 10% of all carryout and dine-in sales to the Howard County Farm Bureau.
Learning about labels
On Wednesday, the crew from Union Craft Brewing will join other regional experts for an online talk on “the art of the beer label.” Join in via Facebook live to learn about how artists create eye-catching beer labels.
Gearing up for St. Pat
Irish Heritage Month starts on Monday and with it comes the start of a celebration of all things green and lucky.
At Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the celebration of St. Patrick will start early and last all month long. Starting Thursday, March 4, the brewery will host 17 Days of St. Patrick’s Day, featuring entertainment, special beers and food pairings every Thursday through Sunday during the month of March. The brewery will, of course, also be open on St. Patrick’s Day proper, Wednesday, March 17.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
March 6: Whiskey, Wine & Fire at Manor Tavern
March 27: Make Your Own Mixers with CaNe Collective at Sagamore Spirit


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In a world where information flows 24/7 — with instant news sharing from the media and consumers alike literally at our fingertips — businesses and their marketing teams are faced with both advantages and disadvantages when handling their reputations in the online arena. What’s more, the online space is a very public arena fraught with emotion, strong opinions and empowered users who are not afraid to flex their muscles.
The Internet has opened up the ease and speed of two-way, open communication, a concept that brands often pride themselves on when they can successfully achieve it. But, keep in mind that only one way in the two-way communication is controlled: the way in which brands communicate to their followers. The alternate way, the public consumer response, can be a mixed bag of uncensored information that can open Pandora’s Box and sometimes even incite a flurry of negative social media attention.
While communicating with consumers online is a definite must, marketers should also be aware of the volatility in the digital world and understand the negative effects it can have on brands, in addition to the positive influence it can have when leveraged and managed correctly.
Cringe Worthy Moments
There are countless, cringe worthy moments in the media of companies who have made online faux pas followed by severe consequences. From an insensitive Tweet leading to job termination to outcries from disgruntled consumers exposing a company’s poor customer service, and everything in between, these blunders are prime examples of why marketers must be properly trained to handle online reputation management.
It may seem melodramatic to think that a reputation can be made or broken with a simple tweet, but it’s not too far from the truth. Do you remember when the topic of domestic violence in the NFL was primetime news? The hashtags #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft were trending on Twitter to encourage an open dialogue about the realities and complexities of domestic violence amid criticism of why a woman would stay in an abusive relationship. DiGiorno Pizza blindly tweeted, “#WhyIStayed You had pizza,” and the Twitterverse reacted… angrily. Within mere minutes, DiGiorno issued a Tweet apologizing and stating that the company was unclear of the hashtag’s significance. But the damage was done and this Twitter misstep now lives on in infamy.
Yet this is a teachable moment. Every brand wants to be a social media superstar, but you have to be smart and also sensitive when appropriate. Take time, even if it’s only a few extra minutes, to evaluate a hashtag or post to ensure its message isn’t insensitive and that it’s in line with your brand voice and image. Being timely and relevant can be a beautiful, creative process —but it can also be a nightmare if you don’t do your due diligence to confirm the content is not offensive before the whole world sees it.
Of course, there are also the times when negative social media attention seems to be completely unprovoked. This can be through an unfair and unexpected negative review online or direct post to your page. In an industry where exceptional customer service is paramount, it would be ideal if every one of your pleased customers would take to social media to sing your praises (and don’t be afraid to ask for those testimonials!). However, more often than not, it’s human nature to use social media to air grievances.
Unappealing reviews or social posts are bound to happen from time to time, but it’s how the company handles the situation that determines how industry peers and consumer followers will perceive the brand. It’s important to show you care and are interested in working to do everything possible to have a positive, meaningful experience with each individual.
Respond publicly in the same forum, and always remain calm, friendly and professional when engaging with a frustrated consumer. Being transparent and sharing solutions that are in the works are all thoughtful ways to address their concerns. Furthermore, if possible, provide a phone number or alternate direct message forum.
In essence, managing an online reputation requires a similar skill set and thought process that any good marketer should already be implementing in their customer service programs. The difference is that it needs to be handled even quicker, yet with the same amount of consideration before acting.
In the same vein that the Internet can quickly create chaos for a business, it can also swiftly yield success. The key is to understand how.
A large part of reputation management is having a healthy general brand awareness. It’s important that people not only perceive your company in a positive light, but also that they are aware of it at all. This is especially important in a service industry such as pest management, where establishing trust and making connections are vital to long-term customer relationships. So get out there and be active!
According to a study from Ipsos, a leading market research firm, 38 percent of people have recommended a brand they “like” or follow on a social network. The same study also found that on average, almost one in four people worldwide, 22%, said they bought a brand because a friend recommended or followed the brand online.
These findings show that marketers should make a conscious effort to highlight what makes their brand so special in the online space.
Take Coca Cola for example, a brand that forged its path to specializing in spreading happiness—who doesn’t love a soda bottle with their own name on it? The company’s “Share A Coke” Facebook app lets people customize their own label, creating a personal experience for each consumer. According to EConsultancy, this led the Coke Facebook site’s traffic to grow by 870 percent, and page ‘likes’ climbed by 39 percent.
Whether it is tweeting, blogging, using an app in a creative way, or posting online videos, marketers can leverage the Internet to their advantage by using it as a platform to share controlled, positive content.
In the pest management industry, these options can vary, including: positive customer testimonials, corporate social responsibility initiatives, a themed video series such as “the day in the life of a pest professional” or “how you can help keep this pest away between our home visits,” fun, custom content and more. Don’t be afraid to infuse your personality in these posts, too.
Approaching consumers online in a proactive, beneficial way will increase brand awareness, and ultimately parlay recognition into loyalty.
Engage, Engage, Engage
In an industry charged with protecting public health, food and property from pests, the stakes can be high if a customer is dissatisfied with a service. And, in the online universe, companies are held to an even greater level of scrutiny. If you turn a blind eye to online reputation management, you are forfeiting the chance to diminish any concerning conversations, not to mention you are running the risk of a negative situation spiraling further out of control.
What’s more, you could also be missing exceptional opportunities to demonstrate your company’s value as a trusted partner helping to protect both health and home. Share what you do, why it’s important, and always take the opportunity to engage with customers, opening up that two-way communication.


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Flirteezy is proud to announce a complete relaunch and new look and feel. After a months-long design, development, and implementing new features, Flirteezy connects thousands of singles worldwide better than ever!
Beside the complete redesign of our web-dating-portal and our websites, we are introducing new native apps for iOS and Android smartphone available in the Google Play Store and Apple AppStore. Furthermore we developed an ultra-fast and convenient mobile version of Flirteezy – easy to use without any mobile device!
The public release is planned for mid-summer 2020. Stay tuned!


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A new report further affirms Metro Vancouver’s luxury housing market’s recent transition into a buyers’ market.
According to Royal LePage, the median price of a luxury house in the region fell by 1.7% year-over-year to $5.752 million over a 12-month period ending on January 31, 2019. The median price of luxury condominiums also dropped by 0.6% to $2.68 million over the same period.
Luxury home prices were steady leading up to September 2018, despite ongoing year-over-year low sales volumes. But beginning in September and into 2019, sellers who were no longer able to wait out the low demand began accepting reduced offers, effectively putting downward pressure on home prices.
“Luxury properties in Greater Vancouver are softening in price, but the lower-end luxury market is faring better than the upper end,” said Brock Smeaton with Royal LePage Sussex. “For buyers considering the city’s most luxurious properties, it is a great time to buy in terms of price and selection.”
Luxury residential property sales in the region declined for the second consecutive year — falling 50.5% for luxury homes and 32.3% for luxury condominiums.
Over the coming 12-month period, the median price of a luxury home and condominium in Metro Vancouver is forecast to see further drops of 7.1% year-over-year to $5.342 million and 3.7% to $2.58 million, respectively.
Sales volumes should see modest increases due to price reductions and an “excellent selection” of inventory.