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Confused? We don’t blame you, but it makes sense if you think about it. Following up on the Q30 we saw at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Infiniti unveiled the QX30 crossover at the L.A. Auto Show in November. Save for the QX30’s taller ride height and additional body cladding, they’re essentially identical models. Plus, subjectively speaking, the Q30 looked a little like a crossover to begin with.
In the U.S. and Canada, the base Q30 will be known as the QX30, while the QX30 as we’ve known it — butched-up styling, all-wheel-drive system and all — will become the QX30 AWD. Last but not least, the sport-oriented Q30S will now be the QX30S. These changes are purely for North America; elsewhere across the globe, the Q30 and QX30 will be separate models.
What doesn’t change about the QX30 in North America are the powertrains — all three models will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for 208 horsepower and hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission option.
Look for the QX30 to hit dealers in mid-2016.


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Jump in operators’ confidence
- From: Mercury
- April 07, 2014
HOPES for the tourism industry are at a record high, with businesses reporting a better than expected summer.
The latest Tasmanian Tourism Industry Business Confidence Index is at 95 points out of a possible 100.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief Luke Martin said it was a massive turnaround, with results in the first survey in 2011 “below zero”.
More than half the operators surveyed reported an increase in business this summer.
About 330 tourism operators took part in the survey.
Mr Martin said the increase in business performance and confidence was proof tourism would be an economic driver for the state.
“The industry has been promised a lot [by the new State Government] and talked about a lot, and it shows that there is truth behind what we say [and] there’s real potential in the sector,” he said.
“It shows it’s a viable industry for people to look at when setting up businesses.”
Rose Flynn and Antony Langdon opened their Battery Point boutique bunkhouse at the weekend, after researching Tasmania’s tourism industry for the past three years.
Montacute targets budget-conscious travellers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort and style, with beds available for as little as $40 a night.
“We are both extremely passionate about where Tasmania’s tourism industry is going,” Ms Flynn said.
The latest confidence index result shows many tourism operators share their optimism .
Mr Martin said he welcomed the shift in confidence, labelling 2011’s negative zero result as embarrassing.
In the latest survey, 62 per cent of tourism businesses in Hobart and southern regions said their business had improved this summer over the previous year.
This included 17 per cent of businesses who were up more than 20 per cent.
About 74 per cent of East Coast operators were up, including 28 per cent who were up more than 20 per cent.
Mr Martin said the result likely pointed to a strong bounce-back after the devastating bushfires last year.
But it wasn’t all positive.
“Figures show that one in five [businesses] are still negative, so we know it’s not across the board glory days for operators,” Mr Martin said.
“But [the survey result] shows we’re on the right track, I think.”

domain: news


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It’s a rare event when the stars align, rarer still when they align to create what may well become a truly iconic chronograph. In fact, the Singer Reimagined Track 1 may already be truly iconic: it certainly has both the pedigree and the style. And more importantly for a horological icon, the Track 1 looks like it’s been around since the 1970s.
There’s a big overlap between the populations of watch and car enthusiasts, so it should come as no surprise that some of GaryG’s watch (and car) buddies leapt at the chance to attend the annual Singer Reimagined Monterey event this year and then took advantage of being in the area to sample other events over the weekend as well.
“Concept car” is one of the most dreaded terms among the car fans, however 70 years after the very first 356 Roadster hit the road on June 8, 1948 Porsche has now launched the new 911 Speedster Concept. Martin Green takes a look to see if there’s anything to get excited about.
Quill & Pad’s editor-in-chief, Elizabeth Doerr, and resident gentleman, Martin Green, spontaneously decided to take a small road trip to test out some watches for a day and do a little sightseeing. They chose Cologne, Germany, and took two automobile-themed watches with them: the Chopard Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition and the Nomos Glashütte Autobahn. Join them for this fun cruise down the highway!
Beauty may well be in the eye of the beholder, but Martin Green thinks that even parked the new BMW 8 Series has a fighting stance. You can see the raw power and immediately know this is not an ordinary BMW.
The Mille Miglia has become part of Chopard’s DNA – to such an extent that the event has not only become one of the nominal pillars of the brand’s collection but an icon in its own right. The Chopard Mille Miglia is one of those chronographs that has obtained a prominent position in its market, with an appeal going far beyond being associated with a high-profile event.
Thanks to a recently implemented product strategy for road cars, McLaren has begun making them much more accessible for normal street driving. And the 570s is one of these: a McLaren for non-professional lovers of great cars. Go on a test drive with Elizabeth right here!
While it’s easy to imagine that the new Cullinan is Rolls-Royce’s very first SUV, the brand was already making stupendously luxurious cars capable of driving through incredibly difficult terrain over a hundred years ago. But the new Cullinan is still something quite special.
While you would be forgiven for not noticing, for the very first time in its longstanding career the Mercedes G-Class has been completely redesigned. Martin Green explains how the “brick” has been improved and why it will still appeal to fans of the traditional vehicle.
Cars and watches, watches and cars: they do seem to go together! Scratch almost any watch lover and you’re going to find a car lover just under the surface. GaryG talks with his pal “Enzo” in this interesting discussion about the similarities and dissimilarities of car and watch collecting.


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It can be difficult to come up with the perfect name for your new business. There are many points you need to consider and getting it wrong could mean your startup never gets off the launch pad. In this post, we’ll look at 8 tips to help you find the ideal name. 1. Use a …
PayPal will establish a cybersecurity center in Israel, and also confirmed on Tuesday that it has acquired Israeli cybersecurity startup CyActive. CyActive technology predicts malware development to provide “future proof” security, the company says.
The post PayPal Acquires Israeli Cybersecurity Startup CyActive appeared first on Web Hosting Talk.
UK managed WordPress hosting startup Pressidium announced on Wednesday that it has launched a premium managed hosting product for WordPress, called Pressidium Pinnacle Platform.
The post UK Startup Pressidium Launches Managed WordPress Platform appeared first on Web Hosting Talk.
There are so many things that relate to a website launching and this has to be perfect, so that there is no mistake seen in order to start with a website of own.
Find Articles, Free Articles Directory | Web Hosting Articles
SocketPlane, a new Software Defined Networking startup, is working on a solution to address the performance, availability and scale requirements of networking in large, container-based cloud deployments.
The post Startup SocketPlane Plans to Bring SDN to Clouds That Use Docker Containers appeared first on Web Hosting Talk.


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IKEA Canada sets growth plan
BURLINGTON, Ontario (11 November 2015) - IKEA Canada, this country's second largest furniture retailer, intends to double both its store count and its sales over the coming decade after recording revenue growth of 10.4% for its 2015 fiscal year, which ended on August 31.
The company, the Canadian arm of the global furniture and furnishings giant headquartered in The Netherlands, also said store traffic for the year was up 4% to 26 million, while digital traffic to its web and digital platforms were up at an even faster pace with 75 million visits. Total sales for the 2015 fiscal year were $1.79 billion.
In this country, only Leon's Furniture has higher annual sales.
"I am inspired by what we have accomplished together thanks to the dedication of our great IKEA co-workers and the loyalty of our customers across the country," IKEA Canada president Stefan Sjöstrand said. "Fiscal 2015 has been a fantastic year for IKEA Canada and our efforts to be a leading choice for the many Canadians."
Sjöstrand made the comments during an address to the Toronto Board of Trade and this marks the first time IKEA Canada has publicly disclosed such business information and is part of the parent company's global efforts to be transparent and accountable to its co-workers and customers.
He also reported a nearly 40% jump in purchases on IKEA's web and mobile platforms. "E-commerce was up significantly and for the first time in IKEA Canada's history exceeded the $100 million mark with total online sales of $103 million," he added.
Earlier this year, Sjöstrand announced the company would open as many as 10 smaller format stores across the country. This pick-up and order points would service consumers who ordered merchandise via the web and will have small product displays. The first two are expected to open in London, Ontario and Quebec City sometime in the next few weeks. Others are now under construction in the Ontario cities of St. Catharines and Whitby.
IKEA operates 12 full-size stores across the country - a number it plans to double before 2025.
A spokesman told Home Goods Online: "IKEA Canada will be expanding coast-to-coast in new and existing cities, with new locations with existing formats and also open some new formats. The 12 additional stores in 10 years does not include the pick- up and order points. We expect to announce more in the New Year, so stay tuned."
IKEA Canada's parent company recently stated it intends to grow world-wide revenues from €31.9 billion in 2015 to €50 billion in 2020. "In co-ordination with our expansion plans, IKEA Canada expects to double its annual sales by 2025," the spokesman for the Canadian operation said.
Sjöstrand told the board of trade IKEA Canada is energy independent, thanks primarily to the wind farm it acquired in Southern Alberta almost two years ago as well as the solar installations on many of its stores. "IKEA Canada now produces roughly three times more energy than is consumed by its operations," he said.
IKEA is also the first major Canadian retailer to sell only energy efficient LED light bulbs and to install free electric vehicle charging stations at all of its stores. In addition, IKEA stores are now diverting 85% of waste from going into landfills thanks to robust recycling programs.
"IKEA's goal is to be both people and planet positive, including helping Canadians live a more sustainable life at home," Sjöstrand continued. "For example, so far this year, IKEA Canada has sold 1.5 million LED bulbs, which means we have helped Canadians save $12 million in energy costs just in this year alone."
Next year will mark IKEA's 40th anniversary in the Canadian market, so they don't see these plans as rapid or aggressive.
"We'd rather take it slowly and understand the market and understand how people live their life at home," the spokesman told HGO. "Other retailers see challenges such as: smaller markets, lack of retail space, high regulatory standards, increasing competition from retailers entering the market. With deep roots in Canada, IKEA successfully navigated those challenges long ago and is now taking a stand to expand the business.
"IKEA Canada has more opportunities than challenges these days and has seen little impact on our business from new competition," she added.
Related Story: IKEA Canada sales up 11.9% in FY2015Related Story: IKEA announces pick-up points for St. Catharines and Whitby


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In March Patently Apple posted a report titled "Google has reportedly acquired Lytro, the leader in Light Field Imaging Technology. Today Google just happened to launch a feature for their Pixel 3 camera that Lytro was famous for. It would definitely be considered a tiny win for the Pixel 3 over the new iPhones.
While Apple was granted a patent for light field camera technology back in June 2017 they've yet to bring it to market. For the iPhone XS camera, Apple enhanced it to include better control over the amount of blur added to the background of a photo. Apple's all-new Depth Control is found when using Apple's "Portrait" mode.
During today's Google Event they matched Apple's slider control for depth yet added a new and powerful feature related to light field technology. You could better see it in our cover image above where the user, after the photo is taken, has the ability to change the focus of the photo from one person to another with just a simple touch on the digital photo.
Lytro used to have a public site allowing visitors to try this feature out on 50 or more large photos and I was mesmerized by the coolness of it. In one photo there was a bird in the forefront of the photo with the Golden Gate bridge blurred in the background. With a single touch on the bridge I was able to change the the focus of the photo with the bird now blurred and the bridge in clear view. The freedom it gives an amateur photographer is great.
Google didn't execute that part of the Pixel 3 camera presentation today very well by skimming over this feature rather quickly. It's an advantage over the iPhone and they should have hammered that point home and failed. Instead they presented us with the example below. Who cares if they refocused the photo from a person to the background trees? The audience missed the brilliance of this feature.
Hopefully Apple will be able to bring this patent-pending feature to their 2019 iPhone camera because, to me at least, it's a killer feature once you've experienced and understand its value.


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A committee of health and dietary experts should be created in New York state to evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of dietary supplements, the state Task Force on Life and Law recommended Thursday.
The task force said while dietary supplements are a billion-dollar industry in the United States, the effects of the substances on the human body are not understood in many cases and only partly understood in others.
If a special committee is formed to look into supplements in New York, the task force said it should consider requiring the application of warning labels on the supplements known to put users at risk of health problems, such as liver damage, the task force recommended.
The task force said the committee on supplements should also consider putting the onus on the supplement industry to report to consumers on the potentially adverse health effects of their products.
The Task Force on Life and Law was formed in 1985 under the auspices of the state Department of Health.
A copy of the dietary supplement report was available at the Department of Health Web site at www.nyhealth.gov/nysdoh/taskfce/index.htm.


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12 record shops from around the world will take part in a two-day, 24-hour streaming event called Move The Record.
As RA writes, the two 12-hour broadcasts will take place on July 3rd and 4th, with DJs like Bradley Zero, Steffi, Prins Thomas and Fred P playing sets. All of the proceeds will be distributed among the participating record shops.
“We all—artists, clubs, labels, distribution, pressing plants—are facing uncertain times as a direct result of the Covid crisis,” said Dana Ruh, who will DJ from Berlin’s KMA60, which she runs with Jamie Fry. “Our industry is all connected, and many people have already lost their jobs. Clubs are closed; performing artists have lost their primary source of income; record stores—our cultural hubs of community and discovery—are struggling to stay afloat. So on July 3rd and 4th, myself and 11 other stores around the world will come together to support one another. It’s all connected. We are all connected.”


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Barcelona, February 12th – A new report commissioned by Red Points ‘Faking it’, the Barcelona-based company offering the leading Brand Intelligence platform for detecting and enforcing online IP infringements, shows that sex toys are popular among consumers’ gift considerations for Valentine’s day. Nearly 2 out of 3 adults surveyed (66% of shoppers) in the U.S said they would consider buying a sex toy online for the occasion.
According to the new study, 79% of respondents said they prefer buying sex toys online, with the majority of respondent (68.4%) selecting Amazon as their preferred marketplace to buy pleasure products online for Valentines’ day. Additionally, when asked if they had ever bought fake sex toys online, 2 out of 10 respondents (19%) said they believed to have done so in the past 12 months. Of those respondents, 33% percent said they were disappointed with the low quality of the fakes.
Sex toys on Valentine’s day:
On average, respondents reported a high interest in buying sex toys on Valentine’s day (66.3%), with the majority of them saying they would prefer to buy them discreetly online (79.6%) vs. in-store (20.3%). Considering the intimate nature of such products, this figure should come as no surprise.
Popular places to buy sex toys online:
According to the survey, the following online platforms were the most popular among shoppers to buy sex toys online: Amazon ranked the highest (68.4%), followed by product-specific websites (37.6%), eBay (16.6%), websites found via Reddit (14.3%) and Wish.com (12.7).
Men vs. women buying fakes sex toys:
Despite a low average of respondents reporting having bought fake sex toys in the past 12 months, males scored higher with nearly a quarter (23%) versus 16% for women.
Likelihood of buying fakes in the future:
Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72.8%) said they would be willing to knowingly buy a fake sex toy online if they were given a discount between 10% and 75%, with 50% being the amount most likely to get people to buy fakes (29.1%).
Shoppers response to fakes:
In response to accidentally buying fakes online, the majority of shoppers would ask for a refund from the seller (53.6%), closely followed by 37.4% who would complain to the brand directly.
Commenting on the survey findings, Red Points’ CEO, Laura Urquizu, said: “It’s loud and clear from our research that the pleasure industry is popular among shoppers, and one that hasn’t been spared from the online counterfeiting crisis. With the majority of people preferring to buy those products online, it’s important that brand owners implement smart solutions to address the issue head-on and get better visibility of their online presence.
“From a health and safety standpoint, fake sex toys also represents a real danger for shoppers who risk putting their health at risk when using substandard goods. So unless shoppers start adopting a cautious approach to online shopping, and brands start proactively monitoring their listings on both ecommerce sites and social media, businesses will continue to lose sales revenue to counterfeit goods.’’
Commenting on the survey findings, Tenga’s Global Marketing Manager Eddie Marklew, one of Red Points’ clients said: “Counterfeits are an unfortunate side-effect of good businesses but it’s important to note just how little customer awareness there is of the harm that could be done with counterfeit items. It’s long been known that there are counterfeits in the field of sex toys, but dishonest counterfeit manufacturers may be using harmful ingredients and materials which pose a health and safety risk to the user. We strongly suggest all consumers are aware of who they’re purchasing from and whether the item they are getting is the authentic product.’’
The Red Points’ Valentine’s day survey was conducted online within the United States by SurveyMonkey on behalf of Red Points from January 23-31, 2018 with 500+ U.S. adults ages 18 and older.
TENGA is a brand of adult novelty products for men, with a focus on non-obscene product design as a tool for safer, better pleasure. Since their release in 2005, TENGA has shipped over 75 million units to over 60 countries worldwide and is highly regarded as one of the leaders in products for male pleasure in both adult and mainstream markets. TENGA is the No. 1 Brand of Male Masturbation products by units sold, selling over triple of their closest competitor.
Further details: www.tenga-global.com
Founded in 1999, SurveyMonkey changed the way people gather feedback by making it easy for anyone to create their own online surveys. Today, SurveyMonkey’s mission is to power curious individuals and organizations to measure, benchmark and act on the opinions that drive success. The company’s People Powered Data platform enables conversations at scale to deliver impactful customer, employee and market insights. SurveyMonkey’s 750+ employees are dedicated to fueling the curiosity of over 16 million active users globally.


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Sugar export subsidy likely at Rs3,500/tonne as pitched by Sharad Pawar1 min read . Updated: 07 Feb 2014, 07:42 PM IST
Food minister K.V. Thomas says the matter will now come before the CCEA soon
New Delhi: The government is all set to announce a subsidy of Rs3,500 per tonne on export of 4 million tonnes of raw sugar costing the exchequer Rs1,400 crore, a move aimed at boosting overseas sale and bailing out the cash-starved industry.
The cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) had twice deferred the decision on fixing the export subsidy this week as agriculture minister Sharad Pawar was in favour of higher subsidy of Rs3,500 per tonne as against Rs2,000 per tonne proposed by the food ministry.
Amid differences among the ministries, Pawar, finance minister P. Chidambaram and food minister K.V. Thomas on Friday met to resolve the issue. They finally agreed to fix subsidy of Rs3,500 per tonne, aggressively pushed by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief.
“In the meeting, it has been decided to provide a subsidy of Rs3,500 per tonne. The matter will now come before the CCEA soon," Thomas told PTI after the meeting.
On a subsidy of Rs3,500 per tonne, Thomas said the burden will increase to Rs1,400 crore for export of 4 million tonnes of raw sugar in two years.
On the earlier proposal of Rs2,000 per tonne the burden would have been Rs800 crore.
Subsidy will be reviewed after export of 2 million tonnes of raw sugar. The subsidy will be borne largely from Sugar Development Fund under the food ministry, he added.
India, the world’s second biggest sugar producer, is sitting on huge opening stock of the sweetener.
Moreover, the output in the current 2013-14 marketing year (October-September) is also expected to be higher at 25 million tonnes, against the demand of 23.5 million tonnes.
The food ministry has proposed a cash incentive to sugar mills for exports of raw sugar as the industry is facing a liquidity crunch with prices of sweetener being lower than the cost of production. Sugarcane price arrears to farmers has reached about Rs10,000 crore from about Rs3,000 crore at the start of the current marketing year in October 2013. In December, the government had approved Rs6,600 crore interest-free loan to the sugar industry for making payment to sugarcane farmers. PTI


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A midwestern liquid alts entrepreneur recently hired an internal sales manager from a Boston-area ETF strategist.
Last month Jonathan Dacanay
joined Excelsior, Minnesota-based LoCorr Funds
] as internal sales manager, team leader, MFWire
has learned. Dacanay most recently served in a similar position at Needham, Massachusetts-based Beaumont Capital Management (BCM
Dacanay did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dave Haviland
, managing partner and PM at BCM, referred inquiries to a spokesman for BCM, who in turn declined to comment, citing BCM company policy.
, CEO of LoCorr and of LoCorr parent Octavus Group
, confirms that Dacanay recently moved to Minnesota to fill the shoes of a LoCorr sales desk manager (one of two) who recently left.
"We hired Jonathan, who's run a couple of sales desks across the country," Kinzie tells MFWire
An alumnus of Bentley University, Dacanay spent more than a year at BCM before joining LoCorr. Prior to BCM he worked at RCS and John Hancock Investments, and First Investors.
Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now


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In a strategic meeting held on the sidelines of the Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum in Istanbul, Egypt’s Trade and Industry Minister, Ahmed Samir, and the African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, Albert Muchanga, converged to discuss collaborative ventures between Egypt and the African Union. Amidst the backdrop of global challenges impacting African economies, the dialogue centered on fortifying their cooperation across various domains.
Fostering intra-African trade for global economic resilience
Samir reiterated Egypt’s unwavering dedication to the advancement of trade and industry across the African continent, especially in the face of global challenges that have been shaping the region’s economic landscape.
Egypt, in partnership with the Commission and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), is gearing up to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in November. Samir underscored the significance of securing robust participation from African companies, organizations, and institutions to make the event a resounding success. IATF stands as a pivotal event, providing a vital platform for boosting intra-African trade and attracting increased global investments to the continent. This becomes especially pertinent in the context of the evolving global landscape, characterized by supply chain disruptions.
Samir highlighted the forthcoming fourth regular session of the Specialized Committee for Trade, Industry, Tourism, and Minerals, scheduled to convene in Congo-Brazzaville at the end of November. Emphasis was placed on the pivotal importance of implementing decisions within the realms of industrial and trade cooperation.
A unified African voice for economic and trade issues
In alignment with the broader objectives, Samir expressed that Egypt, along with other African nations, is resolute in leveraging their membership within the Committee to establish a united, formidable voice on international matters. Particular emphasis was placed on issues pertaining to economics and trade. This would encompass initiatives to reform the international financial system, augment Africa’s share in global trade, entice greater investments, and facilitate technology transfer to the African continent.
Driving integration and prosperity through key projects
Samir concluded by underlining the imperative need for concerted efforts aimed at expediting the implementation of protocols governing AfCFTA. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity to develop essential projects from the African Union’s agenda, including the Union’s basic commodities strategy, green mining strategy project, and e-commerce strategy. These projects are poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering African cooperation and integration, ultimately steering the continent towards enhanced economic prosperity.
For more regional business news, visit our dedicated archives.


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One way to see where apple is headed is to look at apple through the rearview mirror the mac as digital hub era was apple's first genuine. At september 12, iphone x has been unveiled she is marvelous the fastest iphone with a11 bionic,with the great face recognition technology. Apple's 40th birthday comes just as the firm is facing a new market, we are now seeing the start of a shift to the era of the “internet of things.
Apple's updates to safari introduce some important protections you probably didn 't know you needed. Tim cook assumed the top job at apple exactly five years ago these are the products of the post-steve jobs era. As first noted by macrumors, apple has removed both product descriptions and store listings for its iconic ipod nano and ipod shuffle portable. It's also worth noting that apple's product line under tim cook is far more expansive than what we saw during the steve jobs era what's more.
It's the end of an era, as apple have officially discontinued the once very-popular ipod nano and ipod shuffle that means that the only ipod. On the eve of apple's worldwide developers conference, ceo tim cook sat down with mashable for an extensive conversation — not about. Apple's new iphones may dazzle, but don't get wowed by the devices the iphone x-ish designs and apple hardware are really about keeping.
Today's apple tv is its own full-fledged platform while it is more expensive and less popular than other some other media streamers, the apple. Refined designs for the apple global flagship store at federation square have been released today after being formally submitted to the. Apple's vote of confidence from investing icon warren buffett is just one sign that the company has entered a new era, gene munster told.
Em uma entrevista para o the new york times, foi pedido para que thiel negasse ou confirmasse que a era da apple está acabada. J r soc med 2015 aug108(8):294-6 doi: 101177/0141076815600673 apple's researchkit: smart data collection for the smartphone era jardine j(1), fisher. Apple's iphone x may not be selling well, but its services platform has tremendous upside, according to morgan stanley analyst katy l huberty. Contributed by dick jamesback in april the apple watch appeared in our labs, and of course we analyzed it to see its contents that set us.
Find a various - an apple a day (more pop-psych sounds from the apple era 1967-1969) first pressing or reissue complete your various collection. Apple has gone though many changes since the original iphone was announced in early 2007, including the departure, brief return, and then. Steve jobs was a 21-year-old college dropout living with his parents in los altos, calif, where he and two friends, steve wozniak and ronald wayne, would. Apple signalled that the iphone would see its first ever decline in sales in the march quarter, as a slowing smartphone market and wider.


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Sep 3, 2011
We at Time Warp are pleased to announce that we’ll be once again hosting 24 Hour Comic Book Day at our store. The event is set to begin at 10a.m. on Saturday, October 1st and will conclude at 10a.m. on Sunday, October 2nd. For those unfamiliar with 24 Hour Comic Book Day, all you’ll need to know is that it’s a nation-wide event that challenges artists to write, pencil, ink, and create a comic book in 24 hours.
Picking up where we left off last year, we’ll be running a new sale every 2 hours. Last years sales included “60% Off All Back Issues” and “20% Off All Statues”. Rest assured that this year’s sales will be even bigger and better than last year’s! More details will follow.
This year’s participants include:
(Click on the highlighted artists to be linked to their bios.)
More details will be made available as we get closer to the big day. We encourage everyone to attend and to check out the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=243843592322980


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Australia's official government-backed battery recycling scheme B-cycle, is pleased to welcome Coles to the scheme, adding 846 recycling Drop off points across the country. The partnership marks a major moment for the scaling-up of the B-cycle scheme with 5000+ B-cycle drop-off points now available across the country and present in every major supermarket - making safe battery recycling easy and accessible for all Australians.
90% of used batteries currently go to landfill, causing environmental impact and wasting precious resources. While recycling rates are improving across Australia, there is a long way to go. The addition of Coles to the national recycling scheme means more people are now able to bring their used loose handheld batteries to the clearly marked recycling bins located at the front of each store, meaning valuable minerals and materials are not wasted, but used again and again.
Coles General Manager of Sustainability Brooke Donnelly says batteries are one of the fastest growing waste problems in Australia, and this initiative not only helps to address the challenge but also advance our transition to a circular economy.
“It’s estimated that Aussies have more than 150 million loose batteries in their homes but only 12 per cent are currently being recycled. By adding B-cycle battery collection bins out the front of our stores we’re providing a way for our customers to recycle their batteries that is safe and convenient,” said Donnelly.
The concerns of battery waste and safety are large in scale, but with participation from Coles, alongside continued support from participating retailers like Aldi, Bunnings and Woolworths, B-cycle is making headway on the issue of battery recycling. As one of the nation's fastest-growing waste streams, B-cycle has shifted consumer behaviour, seeing an increase in battery recycling among all Australians by over 30 percent.
B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin said the Battery Stewardship Council was thrilled to have Coles on board, emphasising the importance of collective action to address the issue of battery waste. “With Coles now an accredited participant of the B-cycle Scheme, we expect to see a boost in public awareness around battery recycling and improvements to Australia’s capacity to further develop a circular battery supply chain. To effect lasting and sustainable change, we need all parts of the battery retail and manufacturing industries to become B-cycle accredited participants.”
“Research conducted in 2021, before the launch of the B-cycle Scheme, found that 63 percent of Australians said they were incorrectly disposing of their batteries in their general waste and recycling bins. Through the support of leading retailers, importers and manufacturers, the Scheme has been able to rapidly scale, seeing the collection rate nearly doubling from 7% to 12% since the launch in 2022. With the addition of Coles to the Scheme and the 846 new drop-off points across Australia, we urge more people to not bin their batteries, but take them to a drop-off point instead”, Libby said.
Incorrect storage and disposal of used batteries is a fire risk to households and waste providers, as well as potentially dangerous for small children due to ingestion. B-cycle is urging Australians to never put used batteries in household waste and recycling bins, instead, cover the battery terminals (the battery ends) with clear sticky tape and take them to their local B-cycle Drop off point - easily found on the B-cycle website.
Since the launch of B-cycle in 2022, collection of used batteries for recycling has almost doubled, creating positive impacts for people and our planet, as well as helping grow Australia’s onshore recycling industry capability.
For more information on B-cycle or to find your nearest Coles Drop off location, head to bcycle.com.au
B-cycle launched in 2022 by the Battery Stewardship Council (BSC) and is supported by the Commonwealth and all State and Territory Governments and authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It is Australia’s first nationwide, government-backed Battery Stewardship Scheme. A not-for-profit organisation established for the purpose of recycling used batteries, B-cycle is the safe and simple way to help build a world where no battery goes to waste. bcycle.com.au
ABOUT THE BATTERY STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
The Battery Stewardship Council was established in 2018 to bring together players from across the battery supply chain to ensure that a robust and well-designed battery stewardship scheme is established. Our mission is to facilitate accessible battery recycling services for consumers in metropolitan and regional areas of Australia through our industry-led B-cycle battery recycling Scheme.
Coles is one of Australia’s leading retailers, with an extensive footprint of over 1,800 retail outlets nationally. We employ more than 120,000 team members, engage with more than 8,000 suppliers, and we welcome millions of customers through our store network and digital platforms every week. Our vision is to become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value. Our purpose is Helping Australians eat and live better every day.
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
É BSC and B-cycle CEO Libby Chaplin
É On request: Spokesperson from Coles
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Jessica Frankel | firstname.lastname@example.org | 0404 442 120


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Two of the largest telecommunications carriers in the United States are set to debut the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 on the same day.
According to CNet, both Sprint and T-Mobile are going to release their own variants of Samsung’s new tablet today, September 3.
The pricing for the tablet with the two telco carriers don’t bear much of a difference, CNet added, as T-Mobile will be selling the Tab S2 at $650 while Sprint is placing a price tag of $648 to its own version beginning today, Wednesday.
This price tag is for the LTE-capable versions of the Galaxy Tab S2. As reported by Venture Beat, the Wi-Fi only versions carry suggested retail prices of $499.00 for the 9.7-inch version while the 8-inch model will have an MSRP of $399.99.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 is the successor of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S, and is 16% thinner than its predecessor according to Venture Beat.
JK Shin, the head of Samsung’s mobile division, had told the Tech Times that the company considers the Galaxy Tab S2 the slimmest tablet that they have produced to date, which could make it ideal for people looking to be productive while on the road.
As for specifications, both the 9.7-inch and the 8-inch versions are equipped with a Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, the iDigital Times reported.
The screen will also have Adaptive Display technology, which adjusts brightness and contrast according to environmental factors, the article added.
CNet said that the tablet carries an octa-core processor and is supported by 3GB of RAM.
Other features, CNet said, is an 8-megapixel rear camera coupled with a front shooter with 2.1 megapixels. The Tab S2 offers only 32GB of onboard storage, but customers can opt to purchase a separate SD card to expand storage space.
The tablet supports up to 128GB of storage space through micro SD cards, CNet added.


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MINT HILL – Servant’s Heart of Mint Hill is auctioning off a vintage peacock-style fireplace screen made of solid brass.
Bidding began at $80 on Nov. 7 at Servant’s Heart, 9229 Lawyers Road. The auction ends at 5 p.m. Nov. 19.
Future auctions will be announced monthly at www.facebook.com/ServantsHeartofMintHill/.
Email Tracy Doyle at email@example.com for details.


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I Discussed The Qaddafi/Condi Connection on Keith Olbermann's Show
Last night on Current TV's Countdown With Keith Olbermann, Keith and I had a blast dissecting the fact that a photo album of Condoleezza Rice was found in the compound of Muammar Qaddafi as the Libyan leader goes on the lam (or maybe goat?).
I called them the sickest pair since Star Jones and Al Reynolds and determined that Condi actually deserves such a force of evil; they could even change her name to Converted Rice.
Also discussed is Qaddafi's flamboyant fashion sense ("Liberace meets Hitler") and the new Forbes list of powerful women, which has Bachmann ranking way behind a big pop star.
And I'm talking Michele Bachmann.
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The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek is already on sale in Japan, where it’s a 2023 model. Soon, the compact crossover will grace the stage for North America as a 2024 model. Mark February 9 on your calendar, as that’s when the US-spec Crosstrek officially debuts. It will be on display at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.
When the cover lifts, there’s no reason to believe it will be notably different from the version that debuted in Japan last year. Crosstrek owners will easily recognize the new model, especially in profile where styling changes are minimal. Bold wheel arches with thick plastic trim add to the rugged design language Subaru injects into the new Crosstrek. That continues with a complex rear fascia featuring edgy, irregular shapes and more plastic trim. At the front, a considerably larger grille sits above a new fascia with larger driving lamps. Dimensions are virtually identical, with the next-gen model being approximately a half-inch longer.
Gallery: 2023 Subaru Crosstrek (JDM)
Inside, the Crosstrek receives an 11.6-inch center touchscreen. This is considerably larger compared to the outgoing model, and the screen is mounted in a portrait orientation spanning the dash from top to bottom. The digital upgrade doesn’t mean a lack of tactile controls, however. There are still buttons aplenty for controlling the stereo, climate functions, seat positioning, and a large shift stalk holds station in the center console.
While we don’t expect notable differences for the US version, some changes are likely. Among other things, Subaru’s teaser photo for the US Crosstrek (below) shows a sport badge on the door instead of an e-Boxer emblem. Subaru doesn’t currently have a sport trim for the Crosstrek in its home market, and vice-versa, it’s unclear if North America will get the e-Boxer hybrid powertrain. In Japan, this is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine generating 145 horsepower, paired with a small 13-hp electric motor. Front-wheel drive is also available on the Japanese Crosstrek.
A larger engine with standard-issue all-wheel drive could be a better fit for the North American market, but we’ll have to wait until February 9 to know for sure. The 2024 Crosstrek debuts in a livestream event for the Chicago Auto Show, and we will have all the specifics right here at Motor1.com.
Source: Read Full Article


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Genius Brands International (GNUS -3.09%) stock gained 33% in the first six months of the year according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The children's media company had some momentum with its Kartoon streaming channel, announced major deals, and had a solid first quarter, leading to investor confidence. However, Genius brands stock is generally volatile, and it has lost most of those gains. It's now up 14% year to date.
Genius brands produces content for its own channel as well as licensed content for partner channels. Some of its partners are Walt Disney's Marvel studios, Roblox, and the investing world's very own Warren Buffett.
In the first half of 2021, the company posted some major victories, such as the launch of Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarden, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which has received more than 40 million views.
The 2021 first-quarter report, which was released in May, showed a 218% sales increase year over year. Most of that, however, came from the acquisition of ChizComm Beacon Media, which went through in February. TV licensing and royalties, Genius brands' main revenue generator, decreased 19%, but television and home entertainment increased 60% year over year.
The Kartoon channel has been successful, with 157% more viewers than in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 113% more hours watched weekly. Its app has seen even more dramatic success, with a 2,790% increase in unique viewers since its launch in August and a 4.9 rating in the Apple store.
Genius Brands has posted a loss every quarter since it started operations. Its stock has been trading for less than $5 a share, but it has a market capitalization of $472 million and trades hands frequently.
In other words, it's fairly risky.
That doesn't mean there's no merit to the company, and there are deals brewing that might finally make it a stock worth holding. But it's not there yet, and investors may want to look at safer stocks instead.


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Starting June 6th, surface finishing industry professionals will converge on Cleveland’s Huntington Convention Center for several days of networking and business opportunities.
This year’s SUR/FIN convention – an annual event produced by the National Association of Surface Finishing (NASF) – hopes to delve into the most pressing issues and explore the latest cutting-edge technologies.
This year, SUR/FIN will feature a keynote address from Jeff Szotek, a senior technical specialist for the automaker Stellantis. This talk will discuss the development and evolution of nickel chromium electroplating. According to the NASF, Szotek will share personal experiences gained by years spent on both the supplier and OEM side of the industry, adding that this framework “demonstrates the necessary foundation to address the next evolutionary adaptation, reducing hexavalent chromium usage to meet automotive sustainability initiatives.”
The event’s Blum lecturer this year is Tim Hall, research director for Faraday Technology, Inc. Hall’s talk will focus on training the next generation of surface finishers and electroplaters, something NASF says “is a worthy cause for each of us and one that the NASF/AESF has shepherded for years.” Hall will share his experience coming up through the industry, first as a mentee and now as a mentor. Following Hall’s talk, NASF says the Young Professional reception will enable attendees to “find a mentor or become one.”
Outside of these presentations, attendees will have ample opportunity to attend educational sessions covering a wide range of topics – from finishing accreditations and anodizing tips to emerging technology and regulatory updates. Likewise, nearly 200 exhibitors will showcase their latest wares on the trade show floor.
For more information on this year’s SUR/FIN convention, visit https://nasf.org/join/sur-fin-expo-2023/.


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5 WAYS TECHNOLOGY IS HELPING SENIORS STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD
By: Ayla Willow
The process of aging can make people more vulnerable to poor vision, arthritis, slower reflexes, and other conditions that can limit their ability to safely navigate the road. Yet denying people their cars can also have a detrimental effect on their health. The Senior Advisor notes that a 2016 study found that seniors without a means of transportation lose their social engagement. This in turn can lead to various health conditions, as well as a reduced quality of life. The good news is that today’s most creative engineers have stepped in to introduce new safety technologies – specifically aimed at keeping our cars and roads senior-friendly. Here on Mature Drive Tune-Up we have covered some of this tech in the past. Here’s another more updated look at these innovative new features.
Cars already come with mirrors and devices to improve on-the-road vision and navigation. Today, there are many innovations that can help seniors, and those with compromised vision, to be more aware of their surroundings. From simple modifications like the oversized rear view mirror, to more expensive features like the rear night vision camera with dashboard monitor, there’s no shortage of technological help that’s available to the visually impaired senior driver.
Conditions like arthritis or chronic injuries can cause serious pain and discomfort that can also limit a person’s ability to operate vehicles. Motor 1 in their 14 features for senior drivers list, explain how cars now have heated steering wheels to help “those suffering with arthritis pain and stiffness in hands and fingers”. Simple non-tech devices can also make the car more user-friendly to a driver suffering from these symptoms. There’s the key turner, a small piece of plastic that attaches to car keys and widens the grip, providing leverage for arthritic hands that find it hard to turn the keys in the ignition or the door.
IoT-Based Road Safety
The IoT or the Internet of Things is the term for how certain devices are able to operate more efficiently by exchanging and executing data with one another through the Internet. IoT-based road safety technology includes continuously improving self-driving vehicle AI, vibrating wristwatches that can tell seniors when it’s safe to cross the road, and tracking devices designed to monitor driver behavior.
One issue that many senior drivers suffer from, but are likely unaware of it, is driving while fatigued. While it is impossible to accompany a senior on every trip, there are apps like Drivr that allow family members to monitor the journeys of each other. For families who are concerned about a senior member’s driving habits this is a good way to keep a detailed account of their trips. Such is the importance of preventing driving while fatigued, that the government have made this technology mandatory for commercial vehicles. Verizon Connect provides an overview of how the mandatory Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) help truck drivers to be safer on the roads. The ELDs help operators police proper work hours to avoid overdriving, which is the main cause of fatigue. The devices also include driver behavior monitoring technology that help drivers better operate their vehicles. IoT technology is at the forefront of road safety, and aids everyone from seniors to professional drivers.
Digital transport services like Uber already exist for any senior with access to an Internet-enabled smartphone. If a senior’s perception or mobility is too compromised for safe driving, there’s a number of alternative transportation options that can minimize their risk of road-related injury.
Developing the Car Safety Industry
The growing need for senior-friendly road safety features have birthed a burgeoning, new mini-industry in automotive tech. For instance, My Car Does What details how speeding is reduced through providing an alert if you’re going too fast. Other innovations include forward collision prevention, braking and anti-rollover systems, parking and braking assist, and even driver state monitoring. This allows consumers to pick car models based on features that can make the senior member of their household safer and more mobile.
Exclusively written for MatureDriverTuneUp.com


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It’s been a year. We’ve heard that a lot over the last 10 months (and not just because each month felt like it lasted a year). Covid-19 created a devastating ripple effect that impacted us as individuals and an industry. It has upended manufacturing processes, tested supply chains, and presented unparalleled challenges for both suppliers and customers. No nation, no business, no person has escaped disruption from this pandemic.
While we emerge from the rubble of 2020 and look towards a future of new norms, we find that it’s imperative to reflect back on a year that taught us a great deal about flexibility, patience, and recovery. Despite the challenges Covid-19 presented to the sewn products industry, it also revealed how quickly we can adapt amid turbulent weather, and unveiled opportunities for a new future. Here, we look back at some of the trends we’ve covered in Behind the Seams over the past six months on how the industry has changed in 2020 and where it’s headed next.
Pivots in Production
We saw it happen almost instantaneously. Industry leaders, including many SPESA members, quickly pivoted to the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the fight against Covid-19. The commitment to manufacturing PPE hasn’t seemed to slow down in the past couple months, with many companies looking at how sewn products can be used in new and innovative ways. Take for instance Hanesbrands Inc. Last month, we included a story from the Winston-Salem Journal about North Carolina-based Hanesbrands working with the Nonwovens Institute at N.C. State University and University of North Carolina Health infection prevention experts to create a more breathable, single-use surgical mask. In the same month, we also featured a story about how Joel Furey, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Scranton-based Noble Biomaterials, is using silver yarn — which is often touted as a bacteria killer — to make and market antimicrobial face masks, gloves, scarves, hospital scrubs, and hospital linens.
More on how the sewn products industry has responded to Covid-19 with the pivot to PPE production:
The quick pivot to PPE production came with a revived focus on U.S. reshoring. Like with many things, Covid-19 exposed weaknesses across systems, including the U.S.’s overreliance on low-cost offshore manufacturing. This prompted responses from industry leaders and government officials who sought to bring production back stateside. As an example, we posted a press release in July from U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) that urged the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) to prioritize the procurement of American-made PPE. A few weeks later, NCTO released a statement on behalf of a coalition of 21 industry organizations outlining policy principles and objectives needed for reshoring and safeguarding domestic PPE manufacturing. Though ongoing challenges with reshoring existed, stories emerged about companies — like Buckeye MaskCompany and Stitches USA — that established roadmaps to produce high-quality products at low prices that proved the U.S. was capable of competing with overseas manufacturing giants.
More on how Covid-19 prompted a revived focus on domestic manufacturing, urged the U.S. to reassess its workforce needs, and disrupted supply chains around the world.
A Future Focused on Technology
As we’ve spoken with companies that have quickly pivoted production lines to either focus on the manufacturing of PPE or adjust to changing consumer needs during the pandemic, we’ve learned that the most successful ones were those that embraced technology — namely automation and the support of digital supply chain tools. In August, we shared a story from Sourcing Journal about the increasing reliance on digitization within footwear design and production that helps alleviate some of the inefficiencies within the product development process. In September, we featured an article from Advanced Textile Source on how researchers are turning to 3D printing to develop textile structures for PPE. We also explored a few examples of product innovation and wearable tech such as YKK’s new smart zipper.
Beyond innovations in product development, many businesses are also turning to technology to engage audiences in new ways. Back in July, we posted a story by FashionUnited that covered how the fashion industry was turning to digital platforms as a means to showcase new lines and meet with potential customers. Even SPESA, an organization that thrives on networking and in-person gatherings, has turned to virtual education has a means of engagement. And Messe Frankfurt has moved its symposiums for Texprocess Americas and Techtextil North America to an online platform, which will continue through 2021.
More on technology in the industry.
What did we miss?
Even with all of the articles listed here there are a few topics that we felt deserved more attention this year. A key example is the topic of sustainability. We discussed it a few times here and there as it related to the achievements and innovations of SPESA members, like Amann and American & Efird. We also touched briefly on diversity and inclusion in the sewn products industry. But we know there is so much more to explore when it comes to conscious companies and customers. We plan to cover that more in 2021.
As mentioned above, we have spent a lot of time this year discussing domestic production and the prospect of reshoring. This will likely continue for as long as Covid-19 exists, but we will also be sure to include relevant news on trade and regional supply chains, and devote attention to opposing arguments.
And finally, while we dedicated an entire month to workforce development and the sewn products industry, we know there is more to learn. We will continue to explore this topic in 2021.
Where do we go from here?
Many unknowns still exist. But there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Recent news of high-efficacy vaccine options has caught the attention of a world ready to get back on its feet. Industries and businesses — many of which have spent the last several months identifying internal and external vulnerabilities and modifying strategies — are looking ahead to 2021 and beyond. And that’s exactly what we’re doing, too. While the outlook isn’t totally clear, we know there are good things to come.


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Diamond cutter Isaac Wolf outbid three rivals for the 59.6-carat “Pink Star” diamond, offering about $83.2 million, a world record for any gem sold at auction. He renamed it the “Pink Dream.” Unlike many who would make a purchase like this, he revealed his identity and explained why he bought the gem. In fact, he did everything in a proper manner except for one thing: He never paid for it.
Sotheby’s, in its annual report Thursday, said the flawless fancy vivid pink diamond is now part of its inventory valued at approximately $72 million.
According to a report on CNBC, the auction house had to buy back the diamond for $60 million because it had guaranteed that price to the original seller of the diamond.
In a conference call with investors Thursday, Patrick McClymont, Sotheby’s CEO, said the auction house is still talking with Wolf about the future of the diamond.
“We are currently in discussions with the buyer while also considering other alternatives,” he said. “In the meantime, we are comfortable with our valuation and see real value in owning the diamond at this price.”
Wolf in a YouTube video explaining the purchase said he was representing a group of investors and considered the diamond to be worth about $150 million, based on current prices for fancy vivid pink diamonds of similar quality.
“It’s not that I’m buying this with the money that I have in my piggy bank,” Wolf said. “It’s basically a group of investors—financial people—that are backing me on this and they are doing this as an investment, and hopefully to make a big profit.”
The diamond is graded as Type IIa, which is rare for any pink diamond, much less one of this size and color. It is twice the size of any vivid pink diamond ever brought to auction and the largest known diamond rated vivid pink. David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division in Europe and the Middle East and chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland, said the diamond is one of the most important gems he has seen in his 35-year career.
“It is difficult to exaggerate the rarity of vivid pink diamonds weighing only five carats,” he said prior to the auction. “So this 59.60 carat stone is simply off any scale, and passes, I believe, into the ranks of the earth’s greatest natural treasures.”
The oval-cut gem was the highlight of the November auction in Geneva. It was estimated to fetch more than $60 million. The bidding opened at $48 million.
The diamond was originally mined in South Africa in 1999 as a 132.5-carat rough by De Beers. It was cut by the Steinmetz Diamond Company over a two-year period and was formerly known as the "Steinmetz Pink." In 2003, it was shown publicly in Monaco and was displayed at the Smithsonian Institute as part of its “Splendor of Diamonds” exhibit. The Pink Star was sold privately in 2007, according to Wikipedia.
It certainly livened up a routine post-earnings report. As one investor representative said, “Just to get to ask questions about a pink diamond on a conference call is really pretty cool.”


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Understanding the Recent TikTok Tensions
Abby is PMG’s senior managing editor, where she leads the company’s editorial program and manages the PMG Blog and Insights Hub. As a writer, editor, and marketing communications strategist with nearly a decade of experience, Abby's work in showcasing PMG’s unique expertise through POVs, research reports, and thought leadership regularly informs business strategy and media investments for some of the most iconic brands in the world. Named among the AAF Dallas 32 Under 32, her expertise in advertising, media strategy, and consumer trends has been featured in Ad Age, Business Insider, and Digiday.
TikTok is facing renewed scrutiny over its data collection and sharing practices amid the US and Australia reportedly considering a ban on TikTok and other Chinese social apps, which has enlightened a frenzy of commentary and debate on censorship, data privacy, and national security.
Growing anti-Chinese sentiment across industries has positioned China and Chinese-based companies as global adversaries to the safety and wellbeing of Americans.
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) opened a national security investigation into ByteDance’s acquisition of Musical.ly (which eventually rebranded to TikTok) last year. The investigation is still ongoing. The US Army and Transportation Security Administration have banned the app from employee’s phones since the investigation began.
Two recent unrelated global incidents — the recent TikTok ban in India, and the app pulling out of the Hong Kong market as a result of the new national security law — caused a flurry of concern for the safety and security of users’ privacy in America.
So far, any claims concerning the sharing of data with the Chinese government are unsubstantiated. TikTok vehemently denies these allegations, stating that the app has “never shared TikTok user data with the Chinese government, and would not do so if asked.”
The US Administration can, in fact, ban an app from the US via the findings of the CFIUS investigation, though without proof that TikTok has or does share data with the Chinese government, any attempt to do so would face legal opposition and likely be overturned.
Amid all the noise surrounding the alleged national security concerns, there has not been a reported mass exodus from the app. Social conversations around the topic of banning TikTok are growing, up 153% in the last seven days, though support for or against the ban is hard to discern with social listening tools.
TikTok will likely benefit from user growth as a result of the Streisand Effect, at least temporarily, as conversation around attempts to ban or remove the app will draw more people to download the app to see what the fervor is all about.
ByteDance launched Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok in China in September 2016, then TikTok was launched in 2017 for iOS and Android in most markets outside of China. TikTok became available in the US after merging with Musical.ly in August 2018. TikTok is available in over 150 countries, with two billion total downloads, and an estimated 80 million monthly active users in the United States, and is currently the fastest-growing app in America.
TikTok blew up across all audiences amid quarantine and stay-at-home orders across the world. At the end of Q1 2020, TikTok had been downloaded 315 million times, up from its previous best the quarter before. A key differentiator between TikTok and other social media platforms is its low barrier to entry, making it easy for any user to produce high-quality content, grow an audience, and go viral.
TikTok and its Chinese equivalent hit two billion downloads in early 2020, leveling it close to Facebook’s global scale and reach. And it wasn’t just teenagers and young people. Heading into Q3 2020, 25-to-35-year-olds are TikTok’s fastest-growing demographic in the US. Advertisers followed shortly after. The app’s self-serve ad platform only became available in the US last week.
In late June 2020, two things happened on the world stage, leading to the events that have transpired in the States. First, India banned TikTok alongside other Chinese apps in retaliation for a border skirmish with Chinese forces. This was a huge blow to TikTok’s user base, with over 200 million users in India. It was also one of the first times where digital connectivity was used as retaliation for physical violence. Second, China passed a sweeping (though, ambiguous) national security law for Hong Kong, which reduces the city’s autonomy and cracks down on recent protests.
Once the law took effect, TikTok immediately pulled out of the region, and Google, Facebook, and Twitter reportedly paused the “processing of data requests from the Hong Kong government as they reviewed” the law. Notice the difference between the global tech companies’ responses. Western social media apps stopped processing requests but kept other operations humming along, while TikTok stopped operations entirely.
In the US, about three months ago, a Redditor posted that they’d been reverse-engineering TikTok and didn’t like what they saw in terms of data collection and user privacy. With the help of other developers, r/tiktok_reversing was born while other data and cybersecurity experts did their own research. Penetrum, a prominent cybersecurity firm, released its findings, as did Zimperium, a private mobile security company. Most everyone came to the same conclusion: TikTok collects user data that is arguably seen as more invasive than US social media apps. The “arguably” is subjective, and what’s fueling the debate that’s dominating news cycles.
Similar to other social media platforms, TikTok collects a range of information such as your IP address, location data, and device type while storing your browsing and search history and content of messages you exchange on the app. This information is no different than what’s collected by some US tech companies like Facebook or Google. According to TikTok’s website, this data can be shared with Bytedance or other affiliates, likely in the same way Facebook or other apps can share data via API with partners.
TikTok also said its data centers are outside China, and none of its data is subject to Chinese law. In a blog post from April, TikTok said its working to limit the number of employees who have access to user data and the scenarios where data access is enabled.
More than anything, we believe the controversy surrounding TikTok is a byproduct of growing anti-China sentiment and complex foreign affairs and politics interfering with social media and tech’s role in our society.
Yes. The Administration can attempt to ban TikTok though its efforts are unlikely to succeed. According to experts, there are really only two ways President Trump could try to ban TikTok in the US. First, he could sign an executive order to block the app’s US network, which is how India blocked the app from its network. This would order the Commerce Department to list ByteDance on the Entity List, which would then require Apple and Google to remove TikTok from mobile phones.
Both the executive order and the Entity List ban would face legal opposition and would likely be overturned. From Byers Market, “while the White House has banned Huawei and ZTE from doing business in the US, it has no legal justification for taking similar action against ByteDance, since it has yet to prove that the company shares US user data with China.” As mentioned earlier, TikTok denies all data sharing allegations.
The more likely path President Trump can use is to wait for the results of the investigation led by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which will likely attempt to push ByteDance to sell TikTok. If CFIUS proves that TikTok shares data with the Chinese government, it would have more leverage in demanding ByteDance sell Musical.ly, effectively disbanding TikTok’s US business. According to Aneesh Chopra, the US’s first Chief Technology Officer under President Obama, “the CFIUS path is the only one that’s possible.”
For brands revisiting any investments or involvement with TikTok, PMG’s recommendation is to understand the evolving politics and policies shaping public perception and work with your internal teams to ensure that, as with any partner, the app or platform aligns with the values of your brand and audience.
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PMG is working closely with our TikTok partners to understand the extent of any data privacy or security concerns and will be updating clients accordingly if any new information comes to light.
7 MINUTES READ | April 18, 2019


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Archive for "Hollow Knight" Tag
Switch owners around the world have fine taste, then.
Ready to live the bug's life?
Switch owners have fine taste.
"In those earlier games, there’s a sense of the unknown or at least of discovery..."
To mark the release of the newest expansion for the game.
Death's Gambit also confirmed to release for Nintendo Switch and Xbox One in late 2018/early 2019.
This world is full of lies and deceptions.
Whether it's games you've already paid for or F2P titles, there's no shortage of free gaming content out there...
These games are so well balanced that adding a difficulty setting may very well spoil the experience.
The eagerly awaited and final expansion pack brings new bosses and a "whole new mode".
Team Cherry's masterpiece gets even better after a new patch.
Simply put, Hollow Knight is one of the greatest games ever made.
Team Cherry's acclaimed Metroidvania title has sold over 1.25 million copies on all platforms.
The much lauded indie Metroidvania game seems to have done incredibly well on the Switch.
Physical release of the game also discussed.
A brand new boss, various optimizations, Japanese support and more added.
PC owners get a chance to try game balance changes, new features and more.
Though it won't be at the Nindies presentation today, an update is coming soon.
The acclaimed Metroidvania platformer is receiving one more free DLC pack.
Bosses come and go but these bosses overstayed their welcome with their difficulty.


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Dubai, March, 2021
Managing supply chain risk in uncertain times
In the third quarter of 2020, CRIF Gulf (Dun & Bradstreet UAE) gathered client feedback to assess the impact of the pandemic on business and operations. The study noted a high negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on businesses. Many companies witnessed decline in revenues and cash flow as the primary impact of Covid-19. Analysis also showed how businesses experienced delays in customer payments and faced issues in collection of receivables causing liquidity crunch.
“There is a pressing need for businesses to ensure supply security through supply chain decentralization, and increased focus on resilience and digitalization,” says Leroy Pinto, Head of Marketing – CRIF Gulf (Dun & Bradstreet).
“To create a robust supply chain that can withstand future disruptions, transformation strategies need to be deployed including near-shoring, less just-in-time supply chains, and multiple sourcing of raw materials/finished products. Businesses also need to maintain proper visibility and constant vigilance of supply chains.” explains Pinto, adding that reliable data as well as technology will play an important role in supply chain planning and building long-term resilience in distribution channels.
Read the entire article on Gulf News


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ChatGPT continues its march through the technology industry as it reaches a new frontier: smartwatches. Fitness brand Amazfit has revealed that it will add generative AI as a feature on its GTR4 device.
search in He recently posted a demo on LinkedIn (Opens in a new tab), ChatGPT will be listed as ChatGenius in the GTR4 menu, and from there, you can ask it whatever you want. The video shows a person asking how they can improve their running performance. Then in just a few seconds, ChatGenius responds with a multi-paragraph answer that you can read in its entirety by rotating the watch face crown. Tap the screen to clear the previous response and you can ask a new question. You can even ask ChatGenius how your day was and it will tell you how many steps you’ve taken as well as your current heart rate.
Other than the demo, there is very little information on how ChatGPT works on the Amazfit GTR4. Other reports (Opens in a new tab) It claims you can ask general questions like the weather or traffic forecast, just like any other smartwatch. It is also not known which other Amazfit devices will get this feature. The video hints at ChatGPT support depending on the watch model and your location, with the US being the only confirmed region at the time of writing.
We’ve reached out to Amazfit about the availability of ChatGPT support as well as what it can do. Can it, for example, show different types of data or is it limited to just a few things? This story will be updated if we hear back.
First party support
The fact that Amazfit was able to beat the tech giants in adding first-party support for generative AI to a smartwatch is quite an achievement. The closest thing to ChatGPT on something like an Apple Watch is a third-party app called ChatGPT watchGPT for Apple Watch (Opens in a new tab). It works pretty much the same way. You open the app, ask a question, and get an answer in several paragraphs. However, there are some notable differences.
For starters, you have to pay $3.99 to use it while the Amazfit feature is free. But you can “share the result of your interaction” with other people either through text, email or social media messages. It is not known whether or not the GTR4 can do the same at this point. Either way, Amazfit has managed to break boundaries before anyone else. We think it’s only a matter of time before the likes of Apple or Google finally add innovative first-party AI support to their smartwatches. The technology is already in use browsers And search enginesafter all.
Be sure to check out TechRadar’s recently updated list of The best cheap smartwatches of the year If you are in the market for one.
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Despite a tough U.S. auto market, Honda held steady this past year as one of the world’s biggest automakers. In June, the company said that U.S. sales grew nearly 5% in the latest quarter driven partly by trucks and SUV’s like its CR-V model. Additionally, the Japanese auto giant scored a victory this year with its popular Honda Accord winning the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year award. Besides automobiles, the auto giant decided this year to retire its once-pioneering ASIMO-branded humanoid robot that could walk on retail showroom floors, in favor of newer robotic technologies.
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Changes Coming to The Times’s Mobile Portfolio
The Times is carrying out an ambitious plan to transform into a nimble, mobile-focused organization that can respond with greater speed, agility and urgency to the needs of readers who are seeking out Times journalism on smartphones.
To that end, The Times will introduce a number of changes to its mobile product portfolio in the coming weeks, specifically to NYT Now and The New York Times for iPhone.
On May 11, NYT Now will relaunch as a free product with new features that will make it an even better way for a younger, mobile-first audience to get up to speed on the news quickly. Current NYT Now subscribers will be granted access to all New York Times digital content on web and smartphone at the same rate of $8 every four weeks.
Simultaneously, The Times is investing in reinventing its core mobile news experience to be more visual, more serendipitous, and to introduce a new mobile voice. The New York Times for iPhone will soon have a devoted team of editors on three continents working around the clock to select stories specifically for mobile audiences.
Starting April 24, the new New York Times iPhone app will be paired with The Times on Apple Watch, which will provide news at a glance. One-sentence stories will be written specially for Watch users and will be accompanied by photography and short, bulleted summaries.
These changes follow NYT Cooking’s recent expansion to iPhone, which has seen tremendous growth and consumer adoption since it launched as a free product on iPad and on the web in Sept. 2014.
(Media contact: Linda Zebian, @lindazebian)


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Already having surpassed three and a half million members, it was announced today that SCENE, the popular Canadian movie rewards program from Cineplex Entertainment and Scotiabank, is further integrating game dynamics with the launch of the Trivia Stars Facebook game.
In the new Trivia Stars Facebook game, both SCENE members and non-members can put their movie knowledge to the test, answering a series of ten trivia questions across a variety of movie genres. Not only can players win bragging rights amongst friends, SCENE members will have the opportunity to earn additional SCENE points.
“SCENE members love movies and will share their favourite movie experiences with us on our Facebook page,” says Katherine Dimopoulos, SCENE’s Head of Marketing & Brand Experience. “The launch of this fun Facebook game gives movie-goers the chance to interact with other members while testing their movie knowledge and the opportunity to interact with SCENE between visits to the theatre.”
In addition to the new game, SCENE recently refreshed its website (www.scene.ca), using valuable insights obtained from its member base to deliver a more engaging experience. This includes SCENEtourage, a national program which enables groups of 3-10 friends or family members to earn more benefits while going to the movies together. SCENE members are encouraged to create and name their own SCENEtourages online, then compete as a group for badges, status and bonus points against other members.
“Going to movies is a social experience, so we love how SCENEtourage recognizes and rewards a behaviour that is natural to our members in a relevant and fun way, while introducing a few gaming elements to create buzz, enhance engagement and deliver a truly entertaining experience,” says Dimopoulos.
To better engage with Canadians on-the-go, SCENE also recently launched mobile card carrying after a SCENE loyalty survey found that almost one-third of Canadians (28%) want to engage with their loyalty program via their mobile device.
Ensuring that they’ll never forget their card at home again, 300,000 moviegoers have already downloaded the app which allows users to carry their cards on their mobile phones. Using the Cineplex-SCENE mobile app, members can check their points balances, find theatre showtimes, buy Cineplex tickets on-the-go (with no additional service fees), and even join SCENE through the app or the mobile site at m.scene.ca.
SCENE continues to add and expand ways to earn and redeem points for movies, music and dining reward experiences. In the past year alone, SCENE has launched new offerings that allow Canadians to earn points on concession combos at Cineplex theatres and redeem points for Bon Appetit Gift Cards. SCENE has also unveiled the Featured Artist Lounge which gives members an inside look at new musical talent, and opportunities to mingle with bands such as Marianas Trench, Lights and All Star Weekend.


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01 Oct 2013 06:50
WINDHOEK, 01 OCT (NAMPA) - One in every eight people have suffered from chronic hunger, or not getting enough food to lead healthy lives over the past two years (2011 to 2013), the United Nations (UN) food agencies said on Tuesday.
The number is however down from 868 million to 842 million people since 2010, according to the 2013 State of Food Insecurity in the World report published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
The report noted that developing regions as a whole have registered significant progress towards Millennium Development Goal (MDG) One, which deals with eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.
If the average annual decline of the past 21 years continues to (the year) 2015, the prevalence of undernourishment will reach a level close to the target. Meeting it would require considerable and immediate additional efforts, it stressed.
Growth can raise incomes and reduce hunger, but higher economic growth may not reach everyone. It may not lead to more and better jobs for all, unless policies specifically target the poor, especially those in rural areas. In poor countries, hunger and poverty reduction will only be achieved with growth that is not only sustained, but also broadly shared.
Despite overall progress, marked differences across regions persist. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the highest prevalence of undernourishment, with modest progress in recent years. Western Asia shows no progress, while southern Asia and northern Africa show slow progress. Significant reductions in both the number of people who are undernourished and the prevalence of undernourishment have occurred in most countries of eastern and south- eastern Asia, as well as in Latin America.
Price and income swings can significantly affect the poor and hungry, according to the report. However, recent data on global and regional food consumer price indices suggest that price hikes in primary food markets had a limited effect on consumer prices, and that price swings in consumer prices were more muted than those faced by producers.
When prices rise, however, consumers often shift to cheaper, less-nutritious foods, heightening the risks of micronutrient deficiencies and other forms of malnutrition, which can have long-term adverse effects on peoples health, development and productivity, added the report.


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Austerity budget, free trade, crime bill: Conservatives eye sweeping changes with 2012 legislation
5. The Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)
Status: Being negotiated in secret with the European Union. Canada announced recently it has completed nine rounds of negotiations so far – and is set on completing the free trade agreement this year.
“Bilateral economic relations with the EU are very important to Canada, and this economic relationship is a high priority for the Government of Canada,” says the foreign affairs and international trade website. CETA, the government argues, is simply an extension of decades of trans-Atlantic trade.
But, though not widely known, this free trade bill has come under extensive fire – and even more when documents were leaked last week from the secret negotiations suggesting the government might be putting water privatization and other services on the bargaining table.
While technically CETA is not legislation before Parliament, it could have an extraordinary impact on our cities, provinces and country. Critics warn that the free trade deal would allow corporations to sue any level of government – even municipalities – and overturn their decisions if they harm business profits. Such powers would go even further than CETA's forebears, the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
This is not a conspiracy theory. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities and 20 other governments across the country requested (unsuccessfully, so far) to be excluded from the treaty; Toronto city councillors presented a wooden Trojan horse to the city as a warning; Saskatoon city council has been debating opposition to the agreement.
The Council of Canadians – with more than 100,000 members – alleges that the agreement would bar municipalities or provinces from enacting 'buy local' laws, or requirements that companies employ a certain amount of local workers.
“Canadian municipalities are rapidly losing their ability to build local economies and set sustainable policies,” the group said in a statement. “The federal government is pursuing international trade deals that target municipal powers and services, without giving a real say to local governments.”


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Mazda final profit 80% decrease, the financial results for the fiscal year ending in March, due to the impact of the new corona 15:58 on May 14
Mazda's report In the fiscal year ended March 31, the final profit decreased by 80% compared to the previous year due to the decrease in car sales worldwide due to the spread of new coronavirus infection. For the three months from January to March, the final loss was over 20 billion yen.
Mazda announced on March 14 that the sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 were 3.83 trillion yen, 3.8% lower than the previous year, and the final profit was 81.2%, 12.1 billion yen.
For the three months from January to March, the final loss was 20.3 billion yen.
In addition to the yen appreciating more than expected in the foreign exchange market, sales were lower than expected due to the spread of new coronavirus infections.
On the other hand, the business results for the next fiscal year are undecided because it is difficult to predict due to the spread of new coronavirus infection.
Ryo Koga, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Mazda, said in a conference call over the phone, "The future is uncertain due to the new coronavirus, but the core of the activity is to protect the employment and life of employees and business partners. We will continue to make adjustments, but we would like to reduce accumulated inventory and prepare for production and sales so that we do not miss any signs of recovery in demand worldwide. "


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Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) is looking to charge advertisers $2.8 million for packages that include 30-second spots during the Thursday night National Football League games it will stream live to its Prime customers this coming football season, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Amazon is paying $50 million to the NFL to stream this season's 10 Thursday night games, sources told Reuters in April, as the online retailer pushes into live sports. The games will be shown simultaneously on either CBS Corp. (CBS) or Comcast Corp.'s (CMCSA) NBC, which are broadcasting five games each.
The live-streamed games will only be available to subscribers to Amazon's Prime service, which costs $99 a year.
Amazon takes over from Twitter Inc. (TWTR) , which paid $10 million to stream Thursday night games last season.


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Maya Jama has the tightest of grips on the fashion industry, yet now the Love Island presenter has added another string to her bow. The 28-year-old announced her new appointment as an ambassador for Rimmel London, marking her entrance into the beauty sphere in style.
During a photo shoot with the prestigious makeup brand, Maya wowed in a rust-coloured halterneck top featuring a ribbed design, a feminine high neckline and a silhouette-enhancing fit. The seventies-inspired look, styled by Tess Herbert, was paired with some high-waisted white trousers for maximum retro magic.
The star debuted a new hairstyle courtesy of Patrick Wilson that consisted of a fine braid that twirled down her front. She showcased an old Hollywood beauty look crafted by Letitia Sophia, comprised of a flawless complexion and a bold red lip to complement her off-duty attire.
Rimmel shared the candid shot of the star via social media, captioning the image: "#Throwback to our shoot with OUR NEW GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR Maya Jama living the London look." The photo depicted the raven-haired host posing in front of Tower Bridge in London.
Fans celebrated Maya's appointment, with many flocking to Instagram to express their adoration for the star and her style. "Gorgeous," one wrote, as another added a string of fire symbols. A third noted: " YES," and a fourth commented: "She's so beautiful."
Speaking of her new role, Maya previously said: "SCREAMING! So excited to announce that I am the new global brand ambassador for @rimmellondonuki I grew up with this brand and have dreamed about saying the iconic 'London look' line on TV one day and now it's happening."
She continued: "I don't even have the words, following in the footsteps of Kate Moss, Adwoa and more doesn't even make sense in my mind but I am honoured. 16-year-old me who moved to London from Bristol with a bag of dreams would not have believed you if you said 12 years later I would be a part of such a legendary London staple, London is my homeee and now you can catch me living the London Look #RimmelLondon #LivetheLondonLook #ad."
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text: PICKERINGTON, Ohio, Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Shareholders of R.G. Barry Corporation (Nasdaq: DFZ), meeting Thursday at the Company's suburban Columbus headquarters, received a glimpse of the accessory footwear maker's long-term vision for its business and authorized changes that will allow the Company to eliminate one seat from its Board of Directors. "Fiscal 2010 was a great year for our Company and capped off the most profitable five-year period in our 63-year history," R.G. Barry Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Tunney told those attending the Company's annual meeting of shareholders or listening via webcast. "In fiscal 2010, we continued a pattern of consistent year-over-year revenue growth and top-quartile performance. Since 2006, we have outpaced the annual goals set for nearly every measure of performance, productivity and profitability in our business despite some of the most difficult retail environments since the Great Depression." Mr. Tunney told the gathering that the company's growth strategy will continue to focus on development of its existing accessory footwear business in the U.S. and expanding that business abroad; elimination of under-performing licenses and private brands; and on business extensions and acquisitions that will diversify the company's footprint within the accessory category. "We envision a much broader R.G. Barry in terms of products, seasonality and customer/consumer demographics," he said. "We think we can achieve our goals by tightly focusing on growing successful elements of our current business, adding appropriate extensions and acquisitions, expanding internationally with our retailing partners and by adding additional efficiency to our expense structure." Shareholders Authorize Change and Elect Two Directors Changes to the Company's articles of incorporation approved by shareholders Thursday allowed the Company to reduce the size of its Board to eight members. The reduction in Board size is a continuation of a multi-year expense reduction effort begun in fiscal 2009. In conjunction with the changes, shareholders re-elected Director David Nichols to a one-year term and Director Nicholas DiPaolo to a two-year term. The Board is now aligned in two classes of four directors each. Mr. Nichols, a director since 2005, is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of the Macy's South Division of Federated Department Stores and the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile Stores Company, Inc. Mr. DiPaolo, also a director since 2005, is the former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Bernard Chaus Inc., a women's apparel marketer, and the former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Salant Corp., a diversified apparel company.


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There’s been a storm of Borderlands 2 related news this past 24 hours. Firstly, those that have been playing recently (and for those who aren’t, what are you doing? Check out the Geek Pride review and buy it now!), may be aware that the first piece of DLC since the game’s release last month went live yesterday, a whole week early, priced at £7.99 on Xbox Live and PSN.
Gaige, the game’s fifth playable character, was released yesterday here in Europe as part of the “Premiere Club”. Also included is a selection of Gearbox Golden Guns, A Vault Hunter’s Relic that increases chances of finding rare loot, and arguably most importantly for my fellow Vault Hunters, a Golden Key for the Golden Chest in Sanctuary. Gaige herself is a Mechromancer, who has the ability to summon D374-TP, otherwise known as Deathtrap, a combat mech she can control and buff up. A glance at her skill tree shows she seems to be fairly versatile compared with the other characters, with abilities such as ricocheting bullets, and causing an electrical explosion every time she reloads. She also looks to be more advanced to use, depending on the skills chosen. Particularly, Anarchy or Discord look to be useful, yet difficult to master.
The release has not been smooth, however. There have been reports springing up on the Gearbox Forums of players losing their Badass Rank, characters, and in some cases even entire saves. Additionally, it appears Gearbox have accidentally leaked information about the next planned DLC. After a software patch on the PS3, 3 mysterious trophies have appeared, relating to some future DLC, entitled Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty (oh, grow up). PC Players have since dug around in the game files and come up with some interesting information regarding the DLC;
[quote]”Legends speak of Captain Blade’s Lost Treasure of the Sands. Of a prize so great, that men would turn the sands red in pursuit of it. Of a pirate queen, courageous and deadly, who would stop at nothing to find it. Of a monstrous Leviathan. Of the Vault Hunters who journeyed to the desert town of Oasis, not knowing the horrors that would befall them.”[/quote]
So, it’s been a busy day for Vault Hunters! I’d love to hear your opinions on thes updates. Any of you played as Gaige, yet? What are your opinions so far? Did anyone get anything special in the Golden Chest? And what are your opinions on Scarlett’s Booty?
UPDATE; Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty has now been confirmed by Gearbox, who have now slated the DLC to be released October the 16th worldwide- There will be a whole new 7-zone area, a pirate themed desert, with a town called Oasis being the main landmark, ruled by the one-eyed Pirate Queen Captain Scarlett. In an interview with Associated Press, Gearbox President Randy Pitchford said;
You can sense the pirate theme across the landscape, even though there’s no water. It’s all dried up. It feels more like Tatooine than an ocean. These bandits have really embraced the pirate lifestyle, and there’s the legend of a treasure. That kicks off this whole adventure that the players can go on.”
Aside from the new area, players will receive a new head for each character, as well as a new vehicle, the Sand Skiff. There will also be a new class of weapons, the Seraph Class, where players will collect crystals and trade them in, similar to Eridium collecting at the moment. This DLC is the first of four that Gearbox has planned; they will be priced at “$9.99 each”, or players can buy a “season pass” for all four, priced at $29.99.


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Spotify, one of the largest music streaming service currently available has geared up to push an update to its iOS app in the coming days (this week) to offer free internet radio for the non-premium users across the US.
Spotify is a Swedish music streaming service that provides extraordinary high-quality music streaming with a monthly or yearly premium for the users via the Web, Desktop or mobile applications. The app is currently available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. And this app will now be updated with the ability to stream free internet radio to the users across the US. The Radio service was initially available only for the desktop version of the service, but now, this is expanding to the mobile devices as well.
Users will be able to create unlimited number of playlists, and create a list of their own favorite radio stations online with this app, and they can also be categorized based on the artists, songs, albums and genres. Moreover, you can also sync your radio stations. Like if you are listening to a radio station on your iPad, you can always pick it up on your iPhone when you start moving around, which is really cool.
Ask them about the Android update for this free service, they say that it is coming soon, and also think Android is very important for their market. The new update for iOS will be available in a couple of days, and you can get the update from the App Store here.
Spotify Launches Free Mobile Radio in the US
Starting today, Spotify users in the US can play for free on iPhone and iPad. The latest update to Spotify’s iOS app includes the new radio feature, giving free users in the US access to an unlimited amount of music on the move. The update is now available for download in the App Store.
The new radio feature for iOS is seamlessly integrated into the Spotify service, creating an unmatched user experience of listening, discovering, saving and sharing music, from a catalog of more than 16 million songs.
Spotify users on iPhone and iPad can now:
Create limitless streaming radio stations from single songs, playlists, albums or artists
Create an unlimited number of stations and listen as long as they like
Save tracks to Spotify playlists – any song that users “like” will be saved, so they can find the songs later
Personalize stations in real time by “liking” tracks to hear similar music
Browse friends’ playlists and create radio stations based on their tastes
Hear great new songs from Spotify’s state-of-the-art recommendation engine, based on what millions of real people are listening to
Access a catalog of over 16 million tracks
“Our focus has always been on creating an amazing user experience,” said Charlie Hellman, VP, Product at Spotify. “The radio feature we’ve added to our iPhone and iPad apps gives users the ability to discover, listen and save what they like on the go – all within one app – for free.”
Premium users of the Spotify iOS app will continue to have an ad-free experience. Free users in the US will hear advertisements from the following launch partners: Chevrolet, Durex, Heineken, Jim Beam, Lipton Iced Tea, Macy’s, McDonalds, Progressive, Red Bull, Taco Bell, Verizon Wireless, and Warner Bros – all of which are current Spotify advertisers.
The new Spotify radio feature will also be available to Premium users outside of the United States.