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India scraps 500 and 1,000-rupee notes; digital wallets to gain
The Government of India has declared that the five hundred and one thousand rupee notes are no longer legal tender, with effect from midnight on 8 November 2016. This is a historic move that will add record strength in the fight against corruption, black money, money laundering, terrorism and financing of terrorists as well as counterfeit notes.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, made the announcement during a televised address to the nation on 8 November, giving just hours’ notice of the change. While this is a move towards fighting corruption, the PM has also announced that the common man holding old notes of five hundred or one thousand rupees (£6 and £12) can deposit them in banks or post offices from 10 November till 30 December 2016.
This announcement has raised quite a storm across verticals. While some sectors like real estate and the unorganised trade are expected to see a slump, it’s a thumbs-up for sectors like fintech start-ups.
CRISIL, India's leading ratings agency, forecasts significant structural benefits over the long term, saying the move could change the face of the Indian economy, improve the government’s fiscal position and tax compliance. The size of the cash economy will shrink. According to CRISIL, the movement towards a cashless economy would be positive for organised retailers (both bricks-and-mortar and e-tailers) in the longer term, as demand would gravitate towards them. Most small retailers do not currently have the infrastructure to deal with non-cash payments.
On its part, India’s IT business association NASSCOM welcomed the announcement. NASSCOM believes this move will also accelerate the push towards electronic payment, which currently has relatively little penetration in India, where cash accounts for 78 per cent of all transactions by value according to the Reserve Bank of India.
This complements the other moves towards digital payments, including the foundation being created by the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana under which 254.5 million bank accounts had been opened as of 2 November 2016.
“If most of the black money is brought into bank accounts or into the tax net, there will be far less reason to deal only in cash, and far more reasons to transact through electronic payments,” said NASSCOM president R Chandrashekhar, who is a member of the Ministry of Finance Committee on Digital Payments, chaired by Shri Ratan P Watal of NITI Aayog.
The government’s announcement works well with digital wallets, being welcomed by the online marketplace. “This will enable India to move faster towards digital payments and will be a game-changer for Flipkart and for the e-commerce industry. A Flipkart spokesperson said, “We are no longer accepting Cash-on-Delivery (CoD) payments in Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes. In order to enable customers to conserve smaller denomination notes for daily essential use, we are restricting CoD on orders below Rs1000. Meanwhile, we urge our customers to opt for alternative payment modes such as card on delivery, internet banking, credit and debit cards, gift cards, and our easy and convenient PhonePe wallet. We are also working on a slew of measures to help customers to make easy transition from cash to digital payments.” Flipkart is an e-commerce marketplace unicorn company.
The announcement is expected to trigger a forthcoming spurt in the digital wallet space. However e-commerce logistics such as courier services are likely to be impacted negatively as courier companies customarily accept cash on delivery, and usually such payments are made with high-denomination notes.
Meanwhile Twitter and WhatsApp have been flooded with messages to capture the mood. The Ola cab service: reacted: #DoNoteWorry about Rs. 500 or Rs. 1000 notes. Ride with Ola Money.
MobiKwik, a mobile wallet and online payment system, tweeted, #DontPanicATMobiKwik No need to rush to ATMs. From tomorrow, use MobiKwik to pay wherever you are! #ATMobiKwik #BlackMoney #Cashless.
Let’s hope the government’s action leads to a cashless economy.


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Repeat after us: It’s OK to put down your phone. We know, it’s hard, but here’s yet another study coming out saying using your smartphone may have unintended consequences.
The report in the journal PLoS ONE found that among its pool of 600-plus participants, sleep time and sleep quality decreased as screen time increased. This comes on the heels of other research that says the light emitted by screens may suppress the production of sleep-encouraging chemical melatonin.
For more info on how smartphone use can hurt sleep, read this in-depth piece from The Atlantic. Just maybe not on your phone.
Read Feel Good monthly in the magazine and Tuesdays and Thursdays online.

domain: news


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French cosmetics giant Sephora has announced that its first Queensland store will open next month.
The store will open at the Gold Coast’s Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach this July.
There are more than 2,500 Sephora stores worldwide, but this will be just the fourth to open in Australia, joining stores in Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall and Macquarie Centre, as well as Melbourne Central.
Libby Amelia, country manager of Sephora Australia, says the company is keen to offer Queensland beauty enthusiasts access to the world of Sephora.
“It is a very exciting time for Sephora Australia with the announcement of our new store at Pacific Fair,” she says.
“After such great success with our first three stores, there has been much anticipation and demand for Sephora from beauty lovers across the nation.”
Pacific Fair is currently undergoing a $670 million redevelopment that began in January 2014.
“With the redevelopment of Pacific Fair, the Gold Coast was the perfect fit for Sephora’s next store location,” Ms Amelia says.
“There has been high demand by Gold Coast consumers for some time and we are so excited to finally share this journey with them as the global beauty authority.
“The store experience at Sephora is unrivalled. We operate a self-service model, where the customer is encouraged to play, try and explore on their own! Alternatively, beauty advisers are always available for customers seeking information, service and expertise.”
To mark the occasion, Sephora will be adding two exclusive brands — Oaui, by celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkins, and perfume brand Commodity Goods — to their range.
Sephora already stocks more than 30 exclusive beauty brands, including Marc Jacobs Beauty, Tarte, Kat Von D, Cover FX, Nudestix, Beauty Blender, Ole Henriksen, Formula X, and its own private label, Sephora Collection.
Pacific Fair general manager Brett Clarke says the beauty brand will be a popular addition to the centre.
“We know that the introduction of a global beauty megabrand such as Sephora will generate much excitement amongst our shoppers, and we are thrilled they have chosen Pacific Fair as the location for their first store in Queensland,” he says.”
Will you make the trek to Pacific Fair when Sephora opens in July, or will you hold out for a Brisbane store? Have your say in the comments below!


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PUTRAJAYA: Local retail outlets can have their premises inspected and accredited with “excellent service and courtesy standards” under an inaugural programme.
Malaysian Retailers Association (MRA) president Ramli Idris said the programme was to highlight the importance of maintaining courtesy, hygiene, shopping ambience and access to customer feedback.
“Under this programme, which is being organised for the first time by MRA together with the National Productivity Centre, participating outlets will be judged by our panel.
“The results of the first round of judging should be completed by the end of this month and we hope to announce these in our annual dinner in October.
“We hope that by conducting such a programme, we will be able to increase customer satisfaction when they shop in our members’ outlets,” he said in an interview here yesterday.
Ramli said the programme would focus on the issue of hygiene and cleanliness, particularly those in the backrooms.
“Usually, the front and display rooms aver very clean. But we want them to know that the backrooms are as important, and that goods have to be stacked nicely, and that one should never mix foodstuff with other items,” he said.
Ramli said outlets which secured such accreditation certificates would have to continue maintaining the standards as there would be periodic checks by the MRA on the premises.
“It is like the ISO 9000 standard. The certificate’s validity will expire in a year, after which, they will participate all over again in the programme should they like to keep the accreditation,” he said.
The programme is targeted at six different retail outlets: supermarkets, hypermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores and cooperatives.
Ramli said the services in many of the retail outlets in the country were still lagging behind those in countries such as Japan, Korea or even Thailand, where the staff were friendlier and their premises cleaner.
He said the MRA hoped to launch a rewards scheme for participating retail outlets adjudged as Best Supermarket or Best Department Store.
The MRA currently has 100 members with over 2,000 outlets.
Did you find this article insightful?


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Despite the fact that most of the eyes continue to focus on its next console, Sony has had some bad luck with another of its next major releases, the Sony WH-1000X M4, which already accumulate a series of quite substantial leaks. Although without a doubt the last leak of Sparrow News, with advance publication of the first promotional video of the headphones, in which of course, we can see some of the details and main functions of the same, which seem to confirm the specifications already leaked over the past few days.
As the name implies, they are the successors to the current WH-1000XM3, one of the favorite wireless headphones among users, thanks to their tremendous sound quality, ergonomics, and easy portability and storage. So, the WH-1000X M4 is expected to present some 40mm HD hybrid drivers with a frequency response of up to 40 kHz, as well as real-time audio enhancement thanks to the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE).
Also, the Sony WH-1000X M4 will support Sony’s patented LDAC Bluetooth codec, will support 990 kbps bit rate data transmission.
We meet again with the presence of noise sensor technology, this time enhanced with a dual system, which will help to block more unwanted environmental noise without affecting the experience of the headphones themselves, and thanks to the processor of HD QN1 noise cancellation, already present in several of its current models.
In addition, the Sony WH-1000X M4 will feature adaptive sound control, which will automatically adjust the ambient sounds according to the activity. For example, the headphones will allow for some ambient noise while walking (which is necessary for safety), while when sitting on a bus or train, the headphones will offer a higher lockout by removing all ambient noise for a clearer experience. and calm.
Although just as surprising will be the new automated feature “Talk to chat”, which will allow the headphones to pause the audio from the microphone only when it detects that the user is speaking, thus preventing ambient noise from leaking into calls.
However, we will continue to have touch controls located on the sides of the headphones, in addition to active control and various smart functions that extend beyond the integration of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
What does surprise us is that the Sony WH-1000X M4 will maintain the same autonomy of up to 30 hours of play of its predecessor, adding the only improvement of the support of fast charge, allowing the headphones to add five hours of audio playback with just 10 minutes in the charger.
Availability and price
Sony is expected to officially release the WH-1000M X4 noise-canceling headphones next Thursday August 6, although no details on its starting price have been released at the moment. Additionally, it should be noted that on that same date Sony already has its PS5 State of Play event scheduled, so there is still the possibility that these headphones will be presented along with some new compatibility function with its new console.


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Business management platform MYOB, along with Smiling Mind, creator of Australia’s number one mindfulness app, have added four new mindfulness modules to the free Smiling Mind Small Business Program. The additions are specifically designed to bolster the mental health of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), helping business owners manage stress and build resilience, as well as providing balance in their work life.
A recent MYOB survey of 257 small business owners and operators found that 61% agree that running a business has had a direct impact on feelings of anxiety or depression. In the last 12 months, 56% of survey respondents report running their businesses has caused them stress, 50% have faced anxiety, and 25% have experienced depression.
The key business-related cause of mental health challenges for respondents was COVID-19 and its wider economic impact (25%), followed by financial concerns or cashflow (20%).
With mental health an ongoing concern for small business owners, MYOB’s Chief Employee Experience Officer Helen Lea says it’s more important than ever for SMEs to have free access to preventative tools.
“Running a small business is incredibly rewarding, and the sector provides a valuable contribution to the country and our economy, however it’s no surprise that mental health remains one of the top pressures facing small business owners,” Ms Lea said.
“Since our partnership with Smiling Mind began in 2019, we’ve seen SMEs encounter significant challenges. On top of COVID-19, businesses are now working through supply chain issues, cost of living increases, and staff shortages and absences.
“These all highlight the need to arm business owners with free resources that can help build their mental health resilience.”
Dr Addie Wootten, CEO of Smiling Mind, said: “This research highlights the impact running a business can have on SME owners and operators. Preventative action, and free resources like the Small Business Program, can help the country’s 2.4 million small business owners. The latest modules have been specifically tailored around common pain points to strengthen the mental health of this significant group of Australians.”
The new modules now added to the Small Business Program include:
Rhythmic breathing to target stress management
Mindful reminders to help users build resilience
Nourishing and draining activities to support stress management
Identify your values to strengthen relationships and assist with work life balance
The free Smiling Mind Small Business Program is available now. For more information visit smilingmind.com.au/small-business.
MYOB is a leading business platform with a core purpose of helping more businesses in Australia and New Zealand start, survive and succeed. MYOB delivers end-to-end business, financial and accounting solutions direct to businesses employing between 0 and 1000 employees, alongside a network of accountants, bookkeepers and consultants. For more information visit myob.com or follow MYOB on LinkedIn.
About Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit with a vision to help every mind thrive. Our goal is to create generational change in the mental health of Australians. Our mission is to provide life-long, evidence-based tools and the essential mental fitness skills needed to underpin good mental health and resilience from an early age.
About the research
Consumer and small business survey comprising a national sample of 847 consumers and 257 business owners was conducted from October 1st 2022 to October 10th 2022. All data has been weighted by gender, location, industry and number of employees, which are in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS - Counts of Australian businesses, including entries & exits - 8165.0).


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While Amazon may have started as a domestic operation, 45% of the company's sales now occur abroad in nine countries like China, Germany and Japan. Piacentini is responsible for all international retail operations, a segment that raked in $4.9 billion in revenues last quarter.
What he's discovered during nearly 11 years with the company is that these cultures share more similarities than differences -- at least when it comes to retail. "It turns out that all customers around the world, be they Chinese or African or European, they like low prices," he said during a Stanford University lecture.
Customers also particularly like getting cash back. Piancentini recalled an instance in 2005, when he insisted the company refund 5 RMB -- the equivalent of less than $1 U.S. dollar at the time -- to 5,000 Chinese customers who bought a Harry Potter book from Amazon before a price drop. "This is something that probably no retailer had ever done in China before," he said. "But as a global company with the same principle of customer obsession, it turned out not only [to be] a good thing for the customer, it was also the best marketing activity we did that year."
|I have a fiancé, a girlfriend and two boyfriends|
|Are smart drugs driving Silicon Valley?|
|Inside a high-tech San Francisco swinger's party|
|Microsoft sales soar for all its non-Windows products|
|S&P cuts Russia's credit rating to junk|


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down to see full list; previous
month's (December 2017) Viewpoint
down for: A Home and Small Business
Viewpoint by Len Tondel, from 1st January 2018
way of explanation. The
term 'home business' consists of two words.
'Business' is the second one; it's there to
qualify and support the word 'home' and all
that goes with it - and not vice versa. Consequently,
we also list below, items which are of interest
and value to the home. Whether in its context
as an office or as a part of your family and
lifestyle but always
directed at the improved prospects and enjoyment
that running a business from home, in its entirety,
For a current, multi-part
starting and running a
business from home,
go here: http://www.homebusiness.org.uk/features.htm
Britain will secure a bespoke trade deal after
Brexit, French President Emmanuel Macron suggests.
Reading between the lines, that's very neighbourly
of Mr Macron! He's obviously seen little Ingerlandt
struggling with its absence of leadership, integrity
and common sense and is offering to help sort
matters out. Good man. He's even offering to
lend us a French national work of art, the Bayeaux
Tapestry. Perhaps we could reciprocate by giving
him one of our (fake) national treasures in
return? Like Nigel Farage.
an EU ban on credit card charges could make
your holiday more expensive. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/credit-card-charges-illegal-hike-holiday-prices/
How's that go, then? Pisshead British tourist
loses credit card which then gets picked up
by a passing crook?
newsfeed changes: Mark Zuckerberg announces
site will ask users to rank trust in media using
Given the average moronic Facebook user,
it would be much quicker and much more reliable
to go to one of those rare American sources
which offer accurate and truthful 'news' already,
such as Counterpunch. https://www.counterpunch.org/
joins crackdown on hate speech. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/01/19/instagram-joins-crackdown-hate-speech/
(Except hate speech aimed at Muslims, Syrians,
Iraqis, Libyans, Palestinians, North Koreans,
the Russians, the Poles, Asians, blacks and
so on and so on . . .)
hotel bans all social media influencers.
Good for them! Not that there is such a thing
as a 'social media influencer' anyway. Just
one waster appealing to other dumb wasters.
(Like mainstream, fake news shitewriters.)
Yes, we love ready meals but Britain
is still a foodie nation. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/20/britain-foodie-nation-angela-hartnett-european-cuisine
Ony according to the media - which is better
known for its fake news, propaganda, lies and
lack of taste than as a public barometer.
Ways to Cut Costs in Your Home Business.
Junk Drawer Items to Sell on eBay. https://www.thebalance.com/10-junk-drawer-items-to-sell-on-ebay-4078798?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11891316&utm_term=
to Sell Used Books for the Most Cash. https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-sell-used-books-for-the-most-cash-1388970?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11891316&utm_term=
allows diners to buy food and furnishings.
mannequin adapts to different body shapes.
UK retail sales fall in December. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42744499
Despite state propaganda (fake news) trying
to talk up Little Ingerlandt's economic situation.
plan dubbed 'sticking plaster'. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42745119
'Sticking plaster' is pretty good going for
the present regime of Tory Fags for Shiteland
America. Normally, nothing happens until they
receive instructions via Twatter from the Pentagon.
shake-up could leave many without cash, consumer
group warns. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42741465
Mind you, there's a lot of people who ain't
got no cash these days, anyway. Still. It's
precisely what the banks want.
boss named in RBS scandal. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42739680
of UK home movers at 10-year high. http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/uk-homemovers-movoing-house-housing-market-property-a8166426.html
leasehold rip-off: how firms charge hundreds
of pounds for sales packs. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/new-leasehold-rip-off-firms-charge-hundreds-pounds-sales-packs/
meters: can energy suppliers (or hackers) turn
off my supply remotely? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/ask-a-money-expert/smart-meters-can-energy-suppliers-hackers-turn-supply-remotely/
receives record number of foreign tourists thanks
to weak pound and 'Outlander effect'. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/scotland-receives-record-number-of-annual-visitors/
Plus the Scots aren't seen as Shiteland of
America colonials. Unlike their neighbours south
of Hadrian's Wall.
owner hits out at YouTube vloggers who flooded
his business with bad reviews after he refused
to grant free stays. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/19/hotel-owner-hits-youtube-vloggers-flooded-business-bad-reviews/
It's long been common knowledge that cowardly,
illiterate, social media shite have been trying
to manipulate small businesses with their reviews
and the upshot is that any establishment which
has received a lot of social media praise probably
isn't worth considering. And vice versa.
call centre closure sees TalkTalk top broadband
complaints league. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/01/19/indian-call-centre-scam-sees-talktalk-top-broadband-complaints/
I thought it was that silly, prancing American
shithead in the adverts who was prompting all
Tower fire: Kensington council being humiliated
at public meetings, says committee chair.
There's a very quick fix for that. It's called
assessment: a step-by-step guide to completing
your tax return. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tax/return/self-assessment-step-by-step-guide-completing-tax-return/
Households' spending returns to pre-economic
downturn levels. https://www.aol.co.uk/money/2018/01/18/households-spending-returns-to-pre-economic-downturn-levels/
Spending money they haven't got, though.
force to support Carillion-hit firms.
creates fund for Carillion's small business
Plus a bit to keep bent politicians happy.
deals 'costing taxpayers billions'. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42724939
Another Tory scam for fleecing the taxpayer,
taking government debt off the books and assuring
bent politicians a steady stream of bungs.
bomb' is latest Apple bug. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-42728336
Today's latest on Made In Shiteland of America.
plan back-firing, say councils. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42724940
It was just a publicity gimmick for the state's
fake news propaganda, doncha know.
Sisters chicken supplier 'sent MPs Christmas
And what else did our MPs 'get for Christmas'?
takes her cat to the vet - then finds it selling
on Facebook marketplace for £50. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/17/woman-takes-cat-vet-finds-selling-facebook-marketplace-50/
to Make More Money in Business. https://www.thebalance.com/business-money-makers-2948297?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11891257&utm_term=
Plans Made Simple. https://www.thebalance.com/business-plans-made-simple-1794150?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11891257&utm_term=
on Creating and Growing Your Personal Brand.
street lamp powered by dog poo. https://www.springwise.com/new-street-lamp-powered-dog-poo/?utm_campaign=1046042_Springwise%20Daily%20-%202018-01-15&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&dm_i=3GJ2,MF4Q,2V1FMX,2C1AL,1
from cars used as ink on public health billboard.
Work paused on Carillion construction sites.
Not that much work ever took place on Carillion
sites . . .
latest: Pension trade body warns of scammers
taking advantage in aftermath of collapse.
Dog eat dog, eh?
boss to appear in front of MPs after staff told
to let small business clients hang themselves.
Yet when numerous sources started suggesting
that criminal bankers should swing, the offshore,
fake news, state media howled them down. Perhaps
they were worried about their own necks as well?
criticises short-term policies to improve skills
toughens advert payment rules. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-42716393
accused of 'helping criminals' by selling old
items of uniform on eBay. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/17/police-accused-helping-criminals-selling-old-items-uniform-ebay/
Is this going to be a new reality tv series?
court ruling could decriminalise street prostitution
in UK. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prostitutes-sex-workers-criminalise-trafficking-victims-divisional-court-ruling-prostitution-a8163466.html
Westminster's political whores looking for
a fresh avenue, perhaps?
plastic-free stores showing the big brands how
to do it. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/17/the-plastic-free-stores-showing-the-big-brands-how-to-do-it
Community: what anti-virus do you trust and
store in Singapore sells only Kickstarter-funded
printing from algae bioplastic eliminates waste.
exhibition aims to engage wider audience.
smartphone designed for very young children.
ebike design reduces risk of accidents.
grocery store brings food at consumers
Carillion directors to be investigated.
And not incompetent, corrupt ministers?
to help smaller firms supply Government.
The Crown Commercial Service and the Government
Legal Department have launched a new public
sector contract, which has been simplified and
streamlined in order to help smaller firms become
Government suppliers. The new contract is written
in plain English and is also more user-friendly
so smaller firms can understand and use the
contract without the need for legal advice.
The new contract will be first used for facilities
management contracts before being rolled out
across central government. 'Support' in the
language of the Tories means anything but actual
help. Companies like Carillion which are the
source of endless, lucrative bungs, remain the
fears for poorer households. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42691657
There are no 'fears' as far as the criminal
banks, shite American payday loan companies
and credit card lenders are concerned.
market 'remains buoyant' despite interest rate
Media under fire for £240 bills to end
contracts in areas where company can't provide
businesses brace for credit and debit card fee
ban coming into effect this weekend. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/credit-card-fee-ban-uk-business-plan-weekend-deadline-banking-regulation-a8153801.html
with banned additive among risks of US-UK trade
This article looks at 10 items of shite which
we could be forced to import from the U Shiteland
of America under a trade 'deal'. (As advocated
by Tory Fags for America and Little Ingerlandt's
fake news media.)
in Netherlands take fight for their EU rights
to Dutch court. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/16/britons-in-netherlands-take-fight-for-their-eu-rights-to-dutch-court
app helps children through learning and play.
spider silk makes its way into fashion.
launches fully organic underground farm in Paris.
3D printing technique uses genetically programmed
living cells. https://www.springwise.com/new-3d-printing-technique-uses-genetically-programmed-living-cells/?utm_campaign=1044029_Springwise%20Daily%20-%202018-01-12&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&dm_i=3GJ2,MDKT,2V1FMX,2BWRU,1
ad doubles as a pregnancy test. https://www.springwise.com/new-ad-doubles-pregnancy-test/?utm_campaign=1044029_Springwise%20Daily%20-%202018-01-12&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&dm_i=3GJ2,MDKT,2V1FMX,2BWRU,1
Carillion collapse: Government contractor enters
compulsory liquidation 'with immediate effect'.
All that damage and no 'terrorists' in sight.
Apart from the Tories themselves.
Tory Housing Secretary Was Director Of His Brothers
£11m Buy-To-Let Property Firm.
UK house prices up £2,000 in January,
but buyers remain 'choosy'. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/uk/average-uk-house-prices-2000-january-buyers-remain-choosy/
Q&A: will we lose our home if we can't afford
to keep up our monthly mortgage payments?
banking: The money revolution nobody knows about.
That's the whole idea.
Of People Are Drinking Alcohol To Deal With
Day-To-Day Pressures. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/people-drink-alcohol-consumption-deal-daily-life_uk_5a58e68ae4b04f3c55a22b36
UK has been labelled as dangerous for tourists
as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and
Algeria in a new travel advisory ranking system
from the US State Department. http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/us-travel-advisory-ranking-uk-dangerous-congo-terrorism-threat-american-tourists-warning-trump-a8159556.html
Still nothing like as dangerous as the Terrorist
Shithole of America where statistically, you
stand more chance of being murdered by a policeman
than from all the attacks in Europe put together.
to replace US as second most popular tourism
Discerning tourists are finally making their
mark: who wants to visit a terrorist shithole
and France may drift apart after Brexit, warns
former ambassador. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/15/uk-and-france-may-drift-apart-after-brexit-warns-former-ambassador
Does that mean we might start finding some
British produce in the shops?
school scam warning as Charity Commission says
parents are being targeted by email fraudsters.
supermarket chickens show record levels of antibiotic-resistant
new rules of dining out: resist table-hogging,
tip in cash, don't moan about cakeage. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jan/15/the-new-rules-of-dining-out-resist-table-hogging-tip-in-cash-dont-moan-about-cakeage
Obviously written for social media riff-raff
because there's nothing 'new' about these rules
modern engineer building classic bicycle frames
in pictures. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2018/jan/15/modern-engineer-building-classic-bicycle-frames-in-pictures
fishing on the river Lune - in pictures.
modern-day silversmith in pictures.
of the little mesters: a Sheffield pocket knife
maker in pictures. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/nov/02/revival-of-the-little-mesters-a-sheffield-pocket-knife-maker-in-pictures
HMRC debts causing more businesses to fail,
figures show. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/14/hmrc-debts-causing-more-businesses-to-fail-figures-show/
Unless they're Big Corp, of course. Especially
Shithole American Big Corp.
row could kill off swift post-Brexit trade deal,
says former UK envoy. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/13/trump-tension-risk-quick-us-uk-trade-deal
We live in hope.
Advert Banned For Implying Indoor Air Pollution
Is More Harmful Than Outdoor Air Pollution.
Oh, look. More fake Brit, Dyson advertising
road to food sovereignty. https://newint.org/blog/2017/12/14/peasants-feed-world
Makes a refreshing change from the rubbish
one usually reads in the fake news, mainstream
'the envy of the world, says Emmanuel
Macron as he backs calls for bread to get UNESCO
I prefer some fresh, Irish soda bread, myself.
The trouble with baguettes is that their quality
is extremely variable, even in France; and it's
not proper 'man's food', either. All crust and
air holes and what little crumb there is goes
dry within a couple of hours, which doesn't
exactly enhance your Marmite and strawberry
bespoke: the rise of affordable tailoring.
There are still plenty of places around the
world where you can buy a couple of affordable,
bespoke suits. Which haven't been bombed by
American terrorist shit, that is.
pop-up bar set to open in London. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/lego-pop-up-bar-london-spring-a8158336.html
And here, the Tory regime will be unveiling
its new Housing Policy.
roaster Union aiming to double revenues as British
coffee culture booms. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/14/ethical-roaster-union-aiming-to-double-revenues-as-british-coffe/
'streamed down children's faces' as terrified
crowds sought shelter from ballistic missile
that never was. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hawaii-ballistic-missile-alert-reaction-children-cry-mother-panic-shelter-latest-updates-false-alarm-a8158116.html
And where were the reports of 'tears
streaming down childrens' faces' in the west's
cowardly, hate-preaching, fake news terrorist
propaganda when American-led shit launched millions
of real missiles, bombs, shells and bullets
against Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya,
Syria, the Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria and a couple
of dozen other countries?
Must-Have Desk Accessories for Your Home Office.
Things You Can Make and Sell for Extra Cash.
You Can Start With $10K or Less. https://www.thebalance.com/businesses-you-can-start-with-usd10k-or-less-4156832?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11804246&utm_term=
seaweed straws can be eaten after use. https://www.springwise.com/compostable-seaweed-straws-can-eaten-use/?utm_campaign=1041956_Custom%3ASpringwise%20Daily%20-%202018-01-10&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&dm_i=3GJ2,MBZ8,2V1FMX,2BRWI,1
Open Banking 'revolution' to challenge banks'
Another dollop of fake news bullshit.
homeowners received millions in public money
under Government scheme to help first-time buyers.
Or 'Bungs For Votes' as the regime's scheme
this the end of Britain's buy-to-let love affair?
ill 'exploited' by unaccredited online counselling.
Which is precisely what was going on in the
run-up to the Brexit referendum, of course.
And still is.
cost of travelling uninsured: £40,000
for dengue fever or £760,000 for a stroke.
welfare groups call for higher standards for
farmed chickens. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/13/animal-welfare-groups-call-for-higher-standards-for-farmed-chickens
This is very old news. Unfortunately, those
calls aren't going to get any further as long
as Brexit Knobhead types keep buying American
chicken fast-food shite. On
the other hand, there are plenty of people who
produce high-quality birds, just as my family
did when I was a lad. And customers were a great
deal more knowledgeable, discerning and loyal.
French baguettes should be Unesco-listed treasures.
You've got to hand it to the French - they
know how to blow their own trumpet and wave
their own flag! And rightly so, even if the
baguette and other French traditions are most
at threat from their own politicians. Unlike
Brexit Knobheads and We-Love-To-Trump goons
who prefer to wave American (and Israeli) flags
branded 'riff-raff' by Middlesboro restaurant
after complaining about meal. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/couple-riff-raff-middlesborough-restaurant-the-oven-meal-refund-complains-rubbery-prawns-a8155431.html
As they posted their criticism of the restaurant
on Facebook then it's true - they are common
delivery: Ex-pat flying favourite curry to southern
There are some very good, authentic curry
houses in France already plus plenty of ex-pats
offering all kinds of international cuisine
and not just curries. However, the south of
France isn't noted for the intelligence of its
residents, whatever their nationality.
Pound hits highest level since Brexit vote.
That's against the bog-roll $ from the U
Shitland of America. Against the euro and most
other currencies, of course, it's 'highest level'
is much more forgettable.
things we've learnt from British shoppers.
'hit by Brexit and Paradise Papers'. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42656739
HMRC got 'hit' the moment self-assessment
was introduced, followed by a rolling programme
of digital dickheadisation.
surcharges ban - what does it mean for consumers?
Not a lot.
on 'rip-off' card surcharges to take effect.
revolution 'will help guide people to better
Does that mean they are finally going to
start hanging criminal bankers?
retiring in 2018 'have highest income expectations
in at least a decade'. https://www.aol.co.uk/money/2018/01/10/people-retiring-in-2018-have-highest-income-expectations-in-at/
Apart from the vast majority of retiring
self-employed, of course. If there is such a
thing as a self-employed person who retires.
And who can have all the 'expectations' they
overhauls News Feed to promote 'more meaningful'
posts from family and friends - raising questions
for businesses. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/01/12/facebook-overhauls-news-feed-promote-meaningful-posts/
Well - the obvious solution is to ban Facebook
altogether, as we keep saying. Then there wouldn't
be any issues for businesses whatsoever. Paedos,
terrorists, politicians, crooks and saddos,
perhaps. But businesses should get by OK.
to review £11bn UK roll-out of smart meters.
Or, turn a blind eye, as they say.
down as prices and profits soar. Corporate Britain
has is it far too easy. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/wages-down-as-prices-and-profits-soar-corporate-britain-has-is-it-far-too-easy-a8155271.html
And much of that is off the back of the Tory
regime's millions of (fake) self-employed 'entrepreneurs.
accused of 'backroom deals' with Russia over
doping scandal. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jan/12/ioc-accused-of-backroom-deals-with-russia-over-doping-scandal
Errr. The IOC has had 'backroom deals' with
all major competing nations since doping took
the form of eating raw sheeps' testicles. It's
just that the 'cheating', fake news media chooses
to focus on an erring handful just to keep the
rest of the stinking can of worms out of sight.
As weell as the six-figure salaries of 'cheating'
sports hacks getting doped up at the local watering
hole every day.
connection to an Israeli business goes without
scrutiny imagine how different it would
be if that business was Palestinian. http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/jared-kushner-israel-business-connections-no-scrutiny-palestine-difference-us-relations-donald-trump-a8153411.html
How about the connections between British
('fake' Brit) politicians/the country's ('fake
news' propaganda) media and Israeli businesses
going without scrutiny?
Trump cancels February visit to UK. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42657954
Oh, dear. Proper Brits will be gutted. Although
that's one terrorist less to worry about.
Brexit campaigners take hamper of British foods
to Brussels - made by firms worried by EU withdrawal.
Which just about sums up the Fake Brit morons
(politicians) this country has to put up with.
shopping: the winners and losers. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42603005
businesses brace for credit and debit card fee
ban coming into effect this weekend. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/credit-card-fee-ban-uk-business-plan-weekend-deadline-banking-regulation-a8153801.html
planning to sell property hits 10-year high
because of tax changes, research finds.
gap leaves Britons vulnerable to money laundering
'Knowledge gap'? That's a polite way of saying
'thick as two short planks'! Which is precisely
what Big Corp marketing and the fake news media
want them to be.
set out for 'dramatic increase' in annual number
of new homes built. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/11/ambition-set-out-for-dramatic-increase-in-annual-number-of-new/
'Ambition', eh? So it's not 'promises'
or 'planning' any more? The endless
lies having got too tedious even for the regime's
official, fake news media.
fined £600,000 over nuisance marketing.
Which means Google is going to get fined
pays extra £136m in tax after HMRC investigation.
of Britons applying for French citizenship rises
tenfold in three years. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/11/number-of-britons-applying-for-french-citizenship-rises-tenfold-in-three-years
UK manufacturing output at its highest for 10
Ah, yes. Luxury boats, drones and bombs.
Well done, the UK 'manufacturing' industry.
boating industry buoyed by weak pound. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42623082
bag charge: 5p levy could be extended in England.
It's not just the use of plastic bags which
has caused the problem but the increasing use
of nuclear grade wrapping which needs a miner's
bar and a machette just to get at the contents.
Obviously, just another corporate trend overlooked
for many years by the fake news media, more
accustomed to lying, hate-preaching, social
media, football and anti-semitism issues. While
dumb consumers pay more for the packaging and
its marketing than its contents.
betting shares fall after FCA warns consumers
'may be at serious risk of harm'. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/01/10/spread-betting-firms-accused-ignoring-rules-putting-consumers/
hotspots revealed: Check your area. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42566393
Not so much 'hotspots' but areas which are
even more polluted than the rest of the country.
Including above all, the interior of most peoples'
cars on a school run.
cuts speed limit on roads after alarming rise
in deaths. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/france-cuts-speed-limit-rise-deaths
French statistics are notoriously rigged,
especially driving casualty statistics, because
the French, fatally, all think they are good
drivers. Especially driving while talking endless
shite into a piece of plastic. Textin'. Reading
texts. Looking at themselves in the mirror.
Looking at the satnav. Looking at other drivers
talking into a piece of plastic shite. Overtaking
other drivers looking at their satnavs and talking
into a piece of plastic. Trying to work out
their road signs while driving at 140kph. (If
they haven't got updated satnavs.) And so it
town's decision to ban pork-free school meals
branded 'anti-Muslim'. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pork-free-school-meals-ban-substitute-france-town-anti-muslim-islamophobic-halal-beaucaire-a8149976.html
Much more to the point is the EU-wide - but
particularly the French - historical ban on
all things British. However, as this is not
editorial flavour-of-the-century such as inciting
hatred against Muslims, immigrants and the East
Europeans while supporting western and Israeli
terrorism instead, then of course, local, patriotic
and democratic issues don't get a mention in
the country's fake news media.
street vendor wants to give back Michelin star.
That will certainly do his business a lot
of good. The man's got 'class'.
Bailiffs unleashed on nearly 41,000 firms failing
to pay rising business rates. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/08/bailiffs-unleashed-on-nearly-41-000-firms-failing-to-pay-rising/
promises fix for chip flaw that left billions
of devices vulnerable to hackers 'within a week'.
food spending up by £1bn on 2016.
food costs leave little room for festive splurge.
government urged to stop cost of VAT rule change
hitting UK firms. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/09/brexit-government-urged-to-stop-cost-of-vat-rule-change-hitting-uk-firms
'retentions' to help building firms hit top
gear ahead of Brexit, MP says. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/09/reform-retentions-to-help-building-firms-hit-top-gear-ahead-of/
urged to prepare for online VAT reporting.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is urging
farmers to prepare for the introduction of Making
Tax Digital for VAT, which will require all
farm businesses operating above the VAT threshold
to keep digital records for VAT purposes from
April 2019. The NFU has warned that moving to
a digital VAT system will be a challenge for
farmers and is calling on the Government to
delay its implementation. In particular, the
NFU has warned that many farmers will struggle
to submit online reports due to poor rural broadband
speeds, while the complex nature of farm accounting
means it will be difficult to develop appropriate
software before April 2019. (EnterpriseQuest)
Warning as research shows 19% approached
about making holiday sickness claim. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/09/warning-as-research-shows-19-approached-about-making-holiday-si/
UK's most popular dating sites: what they cost
and what they claim. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/uks-popular-dating-sites-cost-claim/
1.2pc savings account for those who 'actively
avoid the internet'. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/personal-banking/savings/new-12pc-savings-account-actively-avoid-internet/
bug let advertisers find users' phone numbers.
investigated by France for 'planned obsolescence'.
That's rich, coming from the country of 'Merde
Trains Will No Longer Stock Daily Mail On West
Coast Route. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/virgin-trains-daily-mail_uk_5a54ab99e4b003133ecc183b
Good to see the momentum against Little Ingerlandt's
hate-preaching, fake news, state propaganda
2017 'weakest year for consumer spending since
slowdown in house price growth in 2017, Halifax
launches free mobile app for taxpayers.
HMRC has launched a free mobile app that allows
taxpayers to view their tax code, see an estimate
of tax to be paid, check their National Insurance
number and view their tax credits payments schedule
and apply for renewals. Information for self-assessment
taxpayers is not currently available and HMRC
is not planning to launch an app for Making
Tax Digital. Using the app requires a Government
Gateway ID. The app can be downloaded from Apples
App Store and Google Play. (EnterpriseQuest)
more about the app at:
in line for compensation if mis-sold an ex-rental.
How about compensation for consumers mis-sold
American plastic shite referred to as 'smartphones'?
investors urge action on 'smartphone addiction'.
Day' as money worries drive couples apart.
Staff Tried To Access Porn '24,000 Times Since
The General Election'. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/parliament-staff-porn_uk_5a531cb3e4b01e1a4b16d6a3?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Cdl-headline%26pLid%3D866746241_uk
This is very old 'news' and there have already
been a number of similar reports. It's why urban
slang for Westminster, the seat of British politics
and all its hangers-on, is 'Wankminster'.
Post-Brexit trade deal at risk if Donald Trump
is not invited to Royal wedding, says Fire and
Fury author. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/07/post-brexit-trade-deal-risk-donald-trump-not-invited-royal-wedding/
And there are media columnists who ask what
happened to the British Empire.
to claim to be voice of 17.4m Brexit voters
when meeting Barnier. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/07/nigel-farage-to-claim-to-be-voice-of-174m-brexit-voters-when-meeting-barnier
And not the stooge for a handful of American
Macron hopes China visit will boost Beijing's
ties with EU. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/emmanuel-macron-china-visit-beijing-ties-eu-xi-brexit
More bad news for Little Ingerlandt's Brexiteers,
Fags for America and Friends of Israel.
may face upfront VAT after Brexit.
Countries have fought civil wars over issues
like these. It's time Brexit Knobheads were
required to have a big 'W' tattooed across their
than 25% of UK households don't know what energy
tariff they have. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/uk-households-energy-standard-variable-tariff-svts-know-gas-electricity-bills-cost-a8139916.html
businesses making a living from God's work (despite
falling attendances). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/01/06/businesses-making-living-gods-work/
On the other hand, my local church congregation
has grown in size dramatically in recent years.
Very good for a bit of networking, is going
to church. And keeping in touch with 'Him' taking
The Do-It-Yourself Generation. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jamal-edwards-were-the-do-it-yourself-generation_uk_5a301eb0e4b046175433f480?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Crelated_lnk2%26pLid%3D848988939_uk
Which generation would this be, then?
Top 10: Rock Stars Who Became Top Professionals
in Unrelated Fields. http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/top-10-rock-stars-who-became-top-professionals-in-unrelated-fields-a8143831.html
Soft Skills You Need to Freelance From Home.
device makes 3D printing as easy as waving a
heritage train operates on energy from the sun.
microchip mimics human brain. https://www.springwise.com/new-microchip-mimics-human-brain/?utm_campaign=1035204_Springwise%20Daily%20-%202018-01-04&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Newsletter&dm_i=3GJ2,M6RO,2V1FMX,2BANL,1
Or, a soggy chip if it's an American or a
Brexit Knobhead, errr, 'brain'.
Trump did not know what Brexit was two weeks
before EU referendum, author of explosive book
Nor did millions of Brits!
locks down Bitcoin payment cards in crackdown
on card issuer. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/01/05/visa-locks-bitcoin-payment-cards-crackdown-card-issuer/
Tory and Ukip MP handed six-months suspended
jail sentence for tricking elderly people.
The man obviously had the makings of a future
Tory Party Chairman or Prime Minister. Where
he went wrong was by not tricking millions.
and mountain biking are in, spas and sauvignon
are out... the New Girls' Weekend. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/climbing-mountain-biking-spas-sauvignon-new-girls-weekend/
we have a handshake, but its no secret,
insist Freemasons. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/05/yes-have-handshake-no-secret-insist-freemasons/
this the most eccentric town in Britain?
force guilty of misdirection by claiming satnavs
must be in bottom right corner of a windscreen.
smart speakers stole the show from smartphones.
Fall in consumer confidence puts brake on new
car sales. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/05/fall-in-consumer-confidence-puts-brake-on-new-car-sales/
'Consumer confidence'? Or 'ain't got no shekels'?
refuses to rule out post-Brexit customs union
with EU. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/05/chancellor-refuses-to-rule-out-post-brexit-customs-union-with-eu/
Any union or fiscal harmonisation designed
to fleece the hard-working public was never
going to be threatened. It's what Big Corp lobbying
is about - and the EU is riddled with as many
corrupt aparatchiks as Wankminster is with fagging
and Spectre: All Macs, iPhones and iPads affected.
Never, in the history of mankind, has so
much daily shite come out of just one arsehole
- the USA. And there are dumb sheeple out there
who are actually loving it.
farming group: Brexit is chance to protect nature
and tackle climate change. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/05/new-farming-group-brexit-is-chance-to-protect-nature-and-tackle/
Sure. So the NFU has lived up to it's name
then? No Fuckin' Use.
propose 25p 'latte levy' on disposable coffee
How can you possibly drink a decent coffee
out of a plastic or polystyrene cup? (Unless
you are an American trailer trash clone or a
Brexit Knobhead.) They should make it a £2.50
levy for crimes against good taste and the planet.
And anyone buying from coffeehouse chains should
be legally obliged to pay another £2.50
per cup for discriminating against Italian family
cafes which not only sell proper coffee but
proper ice cream, cakes and food, too.
Zuckerberg vows to 'fix' Facebook. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42569105
That's taken a while. And the Pentagon have
agreed, have they? Or is it just another pack
of American lies?
Premier League ticket prices, urges Man City
Football has to keep prices high or there
wouldn't be enough cash going around to keep
this epicentre of systematic official cheating,
corruption, athletic mediocrity and inequality
afloat. And 25% of the criminal, fake news media,
Ecommerce Tools to Take Your Retail Business
to Do Instagram Ads. https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-do-instagram-ads-4156723?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11742792&utm_term=
fishing nets recycled into games and sports
souvenirs and riddles gamify sightseeing.
wheel integrates gesture controls for automated
Brexit vote 'fuelled by immigration and economic
decline in local areas'. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/04/brexit-vote-fuelled-by-immigration-and-economic-decline-in-loca/
Or, you could take the more reliable view
that Brexit was fuelled by a lying, criminal,
foreign-owned, offshore, tax-dodging, hate-preaching,
fake news media which had so successfully dumbed
down the public in recent years that a significant
number of those who voted actually believed
what they had read and heard.
to fix 'serious' computer chip flaws. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-42561169
microchip flaw much worse than feared and could
affect billions of devices including phones.
Would that necessarily be a bad thing? At
the very least it would impair an increasingly
dumb public from buying more American crap in
of smartphone apps are monitoring their users.
'Smart' phones - for dumb users.
price growth slowed in 2017, says Nationwide.
approvals reached nine-year high in November.
a home: How long does it take to save a deposit?
How long does it take a Millennial to get
out of bed, find a job and keep it?
farming funding set out by Michael Gove.
Or, the 'kiss of death' if Gormless Gove
is behind it.
data of a billion Indians sold online for £6,
report claims. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/india-national-id-database-data-leak-bought-online-aadhaar
Wow. That's almost as much as the Tory regime's
'billion' self-employed entrepreneurs database
proposes anti-fake news election law. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/macron-fake-news-law-elections-facebook-social-media-a8140721.html
Official French 'news' is nothing but a propaganda
machine, so blatant and infantile that even
Stalin wouldn't have used it. To suggest enforcing
official 'fake news' during election times shows
just how widespread public cynicism has become
although there is no threat to press freedom,
implied or otherwise. Real journalists haven't
worked for the country's mainstream media for
many, many years anyway. (Just like the British
and the American press, in other words.)
protests: US accused of 'grotesque' interference.
American terrorists were clearly feeling
confident at their success with the Arab Spring,
the Orange Revolution and the Brexit referendum.
Major flaw in millions of Intel chips revealed.
Could UK really join Pacific trade group?
Makes more sense than joining a US/Guatemalan/Israeli
Terrorist (UGIT) trade group.
benefit from stamp duty cut, says Theresa May.
pension pot needed 'to maintain current lifestyle
in retirement'. https://www.aol.co.uk/money/2018/01/03/a-300-000-pension-pot-needed-to-maintain-current-lifestyle-in-r/
on approach to consumer rights post-Brexit.
House of Lords EU Justice Sub-Committee has
published a new report setting out a number
of concerns about the Government's current approach
to protecting and enforcing citizens' consumer
rights after the UK leaves the EU. In particular,
the sub-committee claims that the Government
has provided no information about how the UK
will continue to participate in the cross-border
networks that currently protect consumer rights
across the EU. The report also provides a warning
that simply transferring consumer rights into
UK law will be insufficient. (EnterpriseQuest)
than 11,000 homes empty for longer than a decade.
plans to limit back-billing of smaller firms.
The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed
Ofgem proposals to limit back-billing of gas
and electricity for smaller firms. A back-bill
is sent by energy suppliers to customers who
have been undercharged for their gas and electricity.
Under Ofgem plans, energy suppliers would only
be able to back-bill small and micro business
customers for a maximum of 12 months. Currently,
non-domestic customers can be back-billed for
up to five years depending on the supplier.
of us streamed 1,036 songs last year (and most
of them were by Ed Sheeran). http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42541440
new rules threaten the survival of traditional
website eHarmony's 'scientific' match ad banned.
New Year's Resolutions That Will Change Your
Small Business in 2018. https://www.thebalance.com/small-business-new-year-resolutions-2951843?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11742743&utm_term=
Micro-Marketing Can Get Big Results for Your
Side Jobs to Make Some Extra Money. https://www.thebalance.com/15-side-jobs-to-make-some-extra-money-4074574?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11649598&utm_term=
Junk Drawer Items to Sell on eBay. https://www.thebalance.com/10-junk-drawer-items-to-sell-on-ebay-4078798?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11649598&utm_term=
project provides the homeless with a digital
Ministers Cannot Name A Single Country That
Asked UK For A Post-Brexit Trade Deal. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/fox-nodeal-ministers_uk_5a3bc79ae4b06d1621b2589c?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Cdl-headline%26pLid%3D834338687_uk
As we have been saying for years . . . who
wants to do business with a bunch of lying,
thieving, murdering illegal immigrants, terrorists
and war criminals? (And that's just the Tories.)
Fox calls for end to 'obsessive' criticism of
It's not Brexit which is provoking 'obsessive'
criticism - but the clowns, morons and dummies
fronting the operation. Like Sliam Fox - above.
And their lying, treacherous supporters and
backers like the criminal, fake news media.
Davis warns EU cannot 'cherry pick' terms of
free trade deal. https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/01/02/david-davis-warns-eu-cannot-cherry-pick-terms-of-free-trade-de/
Which is the same thing Britain is being
accused of by the EU. Well. 'Cherry picking'
British clowns, morons and dummies like David
million people estimated to be suffering from
Christmas spending hangover. https://www.aol.co.uk/money/2017/12/31/eight-million-people-estimated-to-be-suffering-from-christmas-sp/
urged to start saving now for next Christmas.
Yes - but that means millions of British
pissheads won't be able to spend their money
on their weekly 'hangovers' though.
returns set to soar on 'Takeback Tuesday'.
fare rises: Commuters 'priced off' UK trains,
protestors say. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42536159
The Tories doing what the Tories do best.
Screwing the public.
house price rises for 2017 revealed. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42539137
industry delivers 'solid' growth in December.
for self-employed claiming Universal Credit.
Low-earning self-employed claimants of Universal
Credit will be able to access a free business
mentoring service, the Department for Work and
Pensions has announced. Self-employed claimants
who earn less than the 'minimum income floor'
will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of mentoring
support. Mentoring will cover a range of topics
such as financial planning and marketing, as
well as provide claimants with help to prepare
a business development and growth plan. Claimants
with a viable business growth plan will be eligible
for a further 12 months of business support.
reforms blocked by Freemasons, former chair
of the Police Federation says. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-reforms-block-freemasons-steve-white-a8137206.html
It's a shame that the Freemasons didn't block
the police wasting their time on TV - rather
than doing a bit of 'policing' instead.
bots that bulk buy tickets banned in the UK.
House rejects 50 potentially offensive names.
Korea offers to hold talks with North after
Olympics olive branch. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/02/south-korea-offers-talks-with-pyongyang-kim-jong-un-winter-olympics
Shucks. That's going to seriously piss off
shit-stirring American terrorists and their
murder industry. And what will their little
Ingerlandt fag, Boris 'The Buffoon' Johnson,
have to say about it all? After the Pentagon
kicks his cage again.
Christmas hangover for the high street with
£2.5bn in unwanted presents to be returned.
With children having an attention span of
just a few seconds these days and most toys
made of shite 'n plastic and not worth keeping
anyway, it looks as if the public might have
wised up on how to have a much cheaper Christmas.
From council tax to buy-to-let rules: how
to combat 2018's wealth attacks. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/council-tax-buy-to-let-rules-combat-2018s-wealth-attacks/
'faces build-up of plastic waste'. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42455378
Perhaps the UK could divert its military
resources into building rockets, bombs, missiles,
drones and other bit's 'n bobs of mass destruction
from paper and plastic in future? There certainly
doesn't seem to be a shortage of clients in
this sector. Or victims.
midnight bid to disrupt £2bn EU fine revealed.
There's always Yahoo. Much more consistent
majority of public backs ban on ivory sales.
That won't get them anywhere, then. How about
using this ban to get rid of millions of tons
of UK plastic shite posing as ivory?
new year's speech: 'France can't succeed without
a strong Europe'. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/31/macrons-new-years-speech-france-cant-succeed-without-a-strong-europe
Indeed not. With the French economy built
on 'subventions' from the EU taxpayer, it is
essential that the rest of Europe performs as
well as possible to be able to afford their
#1 economic lepers and its 5-million-strong,
black market of idle, leeching 'fonctionnaires'
and trade unionists.
Startup Mistakes to Avoid When Launching a New
to Make Money With an Online Business. https://www.thebalance.com/online-business-4073987?utm_campaign=smbinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=11649247&utm_term=
kiosks help shoppers pick up orders at their
UK business group tells Theresa May the patience
of British companies is 'wearing thin' over
many businesses will despair at the thought
of going through yet another vote. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/brexit-second-referendum-business-uk-eu-withdrawal-talks-government-economy-trade-a8108296.html
aid to be shifted to support UK policy, Johnson
The latest news release from the Pentagon
for their Little Ingerlandt-based stooge which
translates as more shekels in diplomatic bags
destined for Israeli terrorists, carried by
Tory war criminals pretending to be on holiday.
In the meantime, the bombing of dozens of countries
which could potentially become future overseas
export partners for 2 million small UK businesses,
could guard some UK borders, Home Office says.
Like 'amateurs' in other words. Who have
already been drawing salaries in a pretence
at looking after the UK's borders for the past
for tech giants to face taxes over extremist
We presume this will include taxes on the
UK's official 'extremist content' in hate-preaching
fake news such as The Scum, The Daily Wail,
The Terrorgraph, The Daily Sexpress and even
children's magazine withdrawn after claiming
Israel not 'real country'. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-childrens-magazine-youpi-bayard-withdrawn-israel-not-real-country-north-korea-a8131491.html
Now there's a moot point. On the other hand,
the reference to North Korea in the same sentence
really was asinine. However, because there are
no North Koreans in French politics nor its
media to orchestrate their 'outrage', this is
a good, current example of official, hate-inciting,
fake news propaganda. Which will not be taxed,
our usual gratitude and thanks to BAD News and


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Earlier reports claimed that Nintendo plans to release the console in the second half of 2024. Another leaker has shared information about the release window, claiming that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be out by September 2024.
Why it matters: The Nintendo Switch is on its way out after a highly successful run in the gaming industry, leading to excitement for the upcoming console release.
As shared by members of Resetera, an insider from Discord has shared new information about the Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the insider leaked screenshots of Team Ninja’s next game, Rise of the Ronin, and pointed to a DLC for God of War Ragnarok.
The leaker’s latest scoop points to two different models for the Nintendo Switch 2. It appears Nintendo will be following Microsoft and Sony, launching a digital-only console for a lower price.
According to the source, the Nintendo Switch 2 Digital will be priced at $400, while the physical model will cost $450. Though this is a much smaller price difference than the PlayStation or Xbox models, the Nintendo Switch is unlikely to use discs.
Therefore, the physical model will not be as expensive for Nintendo. The leaker also mentioned a September release window for the console, so Nintendo fans can expect to learn more in the coming months.
The $400 price point, while not too high, would put the Nintendo Switch 2 in direct competition with the PS5. We think this may be a bit more expensive than the ideal price, but Nintendo’s legacy IPs will provide a compelling reason to buy the console.
Like the last generation, Nintendo could lower prices through a portably-only or ‘Lite’ model, but this remains to be seen.
As Nintendo enthusiasts anticipate the gaming giant’s next console, the company’s President recently confirmed prolonged support for the current console. The Nintendo Switch will receive software and games till March 2025, highlighting that it still has a lot of life left.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than three years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.


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Kevin Ferguson here. Hope it's alright if we talk national issues for a minute. You know about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), right? Don't like it too much? Me neither. Yesterday, the LA Times talked about a new semantics debate:
"Much in the same way that troubled companies change names to improve their reputations, the Corn Refiners Assn. is trying to do away with high-fructose corn syrup ...The trade group said that it was petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to replace the phrase 'high-fructose corn syrup' with 'corn sugar.'"
Part of the reasoning behind it is sales. Nobody likes HFCS now and they want to stop their product from becoming the new trans-fat. And with products like Sara Lee bread and Capri Sun already dropping HFCS from their ingredients list, they'll need to change hearts and minds real quick.
And the reaction has been mixed: the New York Times came out in favor of it in an editorial yesteray. But the reliably snarky and sketpical Consumerist was, well, snarky and skeptical about the Corn Refiners' campaign, calling it "propaganda."
I think this is a silly debate. If opponents of "corn sugar" win, HFCS will keep it's taboo name, more companies will follow Capri Sun's lead and replace HFCS with cane or beet sugar. If they lose, it'll stay and be called "corn sugar." Regardless, it's still a sweetener, still not great for you. It's a lose-lose situation all around. Wouldn't it be better if kids stopped drinking sugary liquids altogether?
What do you think?
Is this sounding familiar? Here's Off-Ramp contributor Christopher Murray as agribusiness tycoon Nick Newport on an episode of Parks and Rec.


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Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to spend time with that special someone. But what if that someone broke your heart and you now have to spend the day alone?
If you want to be the bigger person and still give them a gift, maybe name a cockroach after them.
The Chronicle compiled a list of the pettiest gifts for your ex this Valentine’s Day:
Shitexpress, a website that delivers animal poop to the door of your choosing, was created as a marketing experiment in 2014 to see if people were bored enough to buy boxes of animal feces, said Peter Crapper, CEO of Shitexpress.
“There was a person who ordered at least 80 packages to be delivered to various persons who bullied them in the past,” Crapper said in a Thursday, Feb. 4 email to the Chronicle. “It was quite sad to find out that the sender actually became deaf because of what the bullies did.”
On Shitexpress, you have the option of horse poop or elephant poop. After choosing, you enter in the desired address, pick a sticker and pay using either Bitcoin for total anonymity or with a credit card—either way your identity will not be revealed.
“A piece of s— with an original personal note is the best gift your ex deserves,” Crapper said.
Shitexpress boxes are $16.95 each and delivery is free worldwide.
Cry Me A Cockroach:
If feces in a box is too direct, there are more passive-aggressive options.
The San Antonio Zoo is hosting its second annual event for Valentine’s Day called “Cry Me A Cockroach.”
For this event, you can name a cockroach or a rat after your ex and watch it be eaten by resident animals, like snakes, live on the zoo’s social media. If you are vegan—or if watching animals eat other living creatures makes you a little queasy—there is an option to name a head of lettuce and watch it be eaten instead.
Hope Roth, vice president of marketing at the San Antonio Zoo, said the zoo has already received requests from all over the world.
“We have people from Hong Kong, Scotland and 18 different countries that have sent in their first name request, and it’s not always an ex,” Roth said. “We’ve had landlords, we’ve had bosses, we’ve got neighbors, just somebody that you would really like to see be eaten by one of our animals.”
Last year the zoo raised $45,000, and Ross said they hope to raise even more this year. The money will be used toward building a jaguar skywalk for the zoo, which will allow guests to see jaguars walk right above them.
“This is something our animals would already be doing—the snakes would already eat a rat,” Roth said. “We just are having fun with it and making it an opportunity for folks to support the zoo and get a little laugh on Valentine’s Day.”
People can name a cockroach—using only the person’s first name—for $5, a rat for $25 and lettuce for $5 on the San Antonio Zoo website.
Every great gift comes with a card, and this year’s Valentine’s Day gift should not be any different.
To top off your Shitexpress box or cockroach named Brad, add a glitter bomb card that blows up in the recipient’s face along with a box of penis-shaped candy.
Ruin Days, a prank website that delivers mean gifts, will “package the most annoying things possible to receive through mail and ship them to your worst enemies in an effort to ruin their day,” according to its website.
The website also grants 100% anonymity and free two-day shipping.
It offers gems like the “Butthurt Care Package,” which comes with a box of tissues for tears, Butthurt cream, tampons and “Box of Annoying Sand,” which is literally a box of sand with a trapdoor to ruin someone’s carpet.
Now that your ex received their perfect gift, you can call it a successful Valentine’s Day knowing their apartment smells like caca with glitter on top.


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January marks the first time Wikipedia has made the top ten list of most popular Web sites in the U.S.
In a report from comScore Networks, the online encyclopedia officially came in ninth with 42.9 million unique visitors last month, just behind Ask Network with 49 million and ahead of The New York Times (#10). This is a significant improvement over last January where it languished in 33rd place with 18.3 million unique visitors.
Much of Wikipedia’s recent U.S. success may be attributed to some generosity from Google. A report from Hitwise indicates that Google traffic to Wikipedia is up 166% Year over Year. The analysis showed that for the week ending Feb 10, 2007, 70% of Wikipedia’s upstream visits came from search engines – 50% from Google alone.
The percentage of Google’s downstream traffic going to Wikipedia increased by 166% year over year (week ending 2/10/07 vs. week ending 2/11/06). Hitwise also mentioned that Wikipedia was the #3 website in Google’s downstream last week, just behind Google Image Search and MySpace.
Wikipedia is already an international favorite, regularly enjoying a position in the top 10 list of most popular Web sites. Globally. Wikipedia sites ranked sixth in December with almost 165 million unique visitors, according to comScore.


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Try Microsoft Edge, a fast and secure browser that's designed for Windows 10
December 11, 2013
Consumers and retailers show excitement for Kinect for Xbox 360.
Year-over-year growth jumps as Xbox 360 console sales hit 30 million globally and Xbox LIVE community reaches 20 million users.
Xbox LIVE tops 12 million members globally as Xbox 360 console sales hit more than 19 million worldwide.
Xbox 360 console sales more than doubled; nearly 3 million gamers play online via Xbox LIVE.
Preliminary Reports Show Xbox Has Taken Europe by Storm
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Registrations for the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames in Wellington are going extremely well and running is one of the top sports that people are participating in. If you haven’t registered, it is important to do so before February 7 because a late registration fee kicks in. Registrations will close on February 26.
Also, the organisers have announced that earlybird discount tickets for the Closing Night Party (March 19) and the Men’s Party (March 18) are now available to registered participants through the online registration system. Earlybird tickets for the Women’s Party (March 18) will be available soon. Tickets for all parties will go on general sale in a few weeks’ time.
Visit the Wellington Outgames website to find out more, by clicking here


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MALAYSIANS produce 18,000 tonnes of solid waste each day and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is putting in the effort to reduce the amount of non-biodegradable waste going into the landfills.
In conjunction with MPSJ’s 15th anniversary, council president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi recently launched a campaign to encourage the use of biodegradable plastic in wet markets, night markets and hypermarkets.
“The usage of plastic bags and containers causes a big problem because they take a long time to break down. When the Kelana Jaya landfill was dug up, a lot of plastic material was still found at the site. That is why we should move towards using biodegradable plastic,” said Asmawi during the official launch at Sunway Pyramid.
Pretty in petals: Dressed in cute nature-themed costumes, children from the Kompleks 3C, Subang Jaya, performing a dance at the launch.
Selangor executive councillor Teresa Kok officiated at the event and also present was Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh.
While the council has yet to make it a requirement for traders to use biodegradable plastic bags and containers, Asmawi said they would start efforts to raise awareness about the alternative material.
“Biodegradable products cost about 30% more than regular plastic ones so we will also be in talks with suppliers to see if they can provide a better price to traders. Currently, there are only two manufacturers in the area,” he said.
Together now: Asmawi (third from left) and Kok (fourth from left) officially launch the council’s Biodegradable Plastic campaign.
Currently, the MPSJ spends RM70mill on waste collection and cleaning service and Asmawi said that all parties have to work together in the attempt to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the garbage bins.
The council is leading by example and the MPSJ has started using biodegradable plastic bags for all waste disposal in the council offices.
“We would also promote the use of other alternative products like paper bags and reusable bags,” he said.
During the event, plastic bag samples were given to ten traders and several representatives from shopping complexes from within MPSJ’s jurisdiction.


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2009 Toyota Yaris 5-door S
Toyota is recalling 1,584,000 more cars in the U.S. as part of the expanded Takata airbag recall, the company said Monday.
The new total increases the affected Toyota, Scion, and Lexus models from 3,113,000 to 4,697,000. Several new models that were not previously recalled are now included, all for the passenger-side front airbag: The 2006â2011 Yaris and Lexus IS; 2007â2011 Lexus ES; 2008â2011 Scion xB; 2009â2011 Corolla and Matrix; 2010â2011 4Runner and Lexus GX; and the 2011 Sienna. (The complete updated list of Toyota models can be found here.)
Dealers will replace the airbag inflator at a later dateâpossibly not for many more monthsâdepending on the state in which the car resides and parts availability. So far, Mercedes-Benz is the only other automaker to specify models in the recall expansion. By our count, 26.4 million cars from 25 brands have been recalled for potentially defective Takata airbags.


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A popular shop owner has kept his licence despite reports of alcohol being sold to children.
Basharit Khan, who owns Hangingwater Stores in Hangingwater Road, Sheffield, has operated the shop for more than 30 years with his family.
The Sheffield Children’s Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) called for a review of his licence following concerning reports including a case where a 14 year-old girl was hospitalised after drinking Malibu and vodka she said she bought in the store.
Sheffield Council’s licensing sub committee decided this week to keep Mr Khan’s premises licence in place with additional conditions, the details of which are still being confirmed.
In the meeting, Julie Hague, of the SCSP, said concerns were first raised in 2018 when police received reports of alcohol being sold to children in school uniform.
The council’s trading standards then visited later that year with a ‘mystery shopper’ and said staff failed to check identification despite the shopper looking younger than 18.
As a result, the service referred management to SCSP for further free training but no one attended.
Then between February and June this year SCSP received more reports of underage sales ‘routinely’ taking place at the shop – including cases of children getting drunk off the shop’s booze.
When police asked to see CCTV footage to investigate the incidents they were told it was locked in the cellar and the key was unavailable as Mr Khan was out of the country for a funeral.
Christopher Grunert, representing Mr Khan, said there had been no trouble raised with the shop for the decades leading up to the reports which should have ‘significant weight’ and said no child was knowingly sold alcohol on the premises.
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He added it was ‘shocking’ a small number of people suggested the shop had a reputation for underage sales.
Fourteen members of the local community also wrote to the council with representations supporting Mr Khan, saying they never witnessed sales of alcohol to children and it would be a big loss to the community if he were to lose his licence.
The full webcast of the meeting and accompanying reports can be found here.


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On 31 August 2016, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed an information under Section 26(2) filed against M/s ANI Technologies Private Limited (Ola Cabs) in the case of Mr. Vilakshan Kr. Yadav and Ors v. M/s ANI Technologies Private Limited alleging abuse of dominance, in contravention of Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002 (Competition Act).
The information was filed with the CCI by a group of auto rickshaw and taxi drivers plying their trade in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The informants argued that the relevant product market should be defined as “paratransit services” comprising auto rickshaws, black-yellow taxis and city taxis given that all of these are used for point-to-point travel by passengers and, thus, compete within the same space. Further, according to the informants, the drivers for all these modes of transportation are drawn from the same pool. The informants asserted the relevant geographical market to be the NCR comprising Delhi and certain districts of three states namely, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. This was based on an agreement that was signed by the respective governments of these four states to issue permits for auto rickshaws and taxis providing unrestricted movement within the NCR.
Continue Reading “Smooth” Driving For Ola – CCI Closes Investigation Under 26(2)


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Oil prices fell this morning, losing around two per cent of their value and dipping below the $70 per barrel line as worries over the US-China trade war spooked investors.
International standard Brent Crude dropped around two per cent to $68.74 at just before midday after reaching day-lows of $68.47 per cent earlier.
Read more: Oil prices plummet nearly five per cent
Meanwhile, US benchmark WTI fell nearly 2.2 per cent to $57.86.
Investors have been worried over the future of relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Overnight Chinese telecoms giant Huawei said it was filing a motion in a US court to overturn a ban on the US government buying its products. It argues the rule, signed by President Donald Trump in August, is unconstitutional.
It is the latest development in an increasing trade spat between the two countries which have slapped tariffs on billions of dollars of goods.
The news has weighed on oil prices, despite restricted supply from Middle Eastern producers.
“Oil bears are digging their heels in on concerns that the trade war could trigger an economic downturn, hitting future demand,” said Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group.
“The only reason that oil hasn’t fallen further is that supply remains relatively tight with ongoing Opec supply cuts, tensions in the middle east and Venezuela’s on-going political struggles.”
Analysts worry that a slow economy could tighten credit and further push down commodities.
“We remain cautious regarding the short-term macroeconomic environment,” said commodity brokerage Marex Spectron.
“Credit availability on the physical commodity markets is of particular concern.”


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Jessops is set to relaunch in an online-only capacity, a statement on the retailer’s website has revealed.
The company’s website has been updated with a new holding page, which informs users that "the new Jessops website will be launching soon," and encourages consumers to sign-up for updates.
Falling into administration earlier this year, Jessops was quickly forced to close down all 187 of its UK stores, but was ultimately saved from extinction by Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Peter Jones.
Jones has emphasised his desire to relaunch the 78-year-old brand as an online-only retailer, after buying out the firm’s naming rights on January 31st.
As the brand prepares to relaunch online, there has yet to be any word on the reopening of High Street stores, and if it could happen down the line.
The possibility remains as Jessops’ existing customer base is set to be transferred to Jones’ new company, Jessops Data Limited, next month, whilst a link on the brand’s updated website directs to the newly launched Jessops Photo Printing business.


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Samsung makes phones, tablets, and televisions that can run apps. Now the company is also offering a set-top-box, called the HomeSync that can bring Android apps to your TV, let you stream content from your mobile device to a TV, or keep your data synchronized between devices.
This device runs a dual-core 1.7GHz SoC, has 1GB of RAM, 8GB of flash, and for all that media, a 1TB hard drive. It hooks up to your TV over HDMI and can connect to your local network over Gigabit Ethernet or WiFi. It will stream content right from your Galaxy phone, or can play back locally stored files. For connection to your home theater [...]
Samsung seems to be on a roll with their flagship Galaxy devices. Earlier today they announced that the Note II passed over the 3 million in sales. Now, according to a post on Facebook, plus a picture of proof, the Samsung Galaxy S III has surpassed 30 million in sales.
“We have already sold 30 000 000 Samsung Galaxy S III in the world! You already had a chance to test its features?”
At last count, less than two months ago, the 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD device had racked up 20 million sales around the world.
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Samsung Champ Neo in India targeting the youth population with the cost effective phone model. The touch phone with Dual SIM is priced at Rs 3,670.
The smartphone major has launched the touch phone in line with its vision to address diverse needs of consumers in the Indian mobile market.
The dual-SIM feature phone comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA TFT touch display with Samsung’s TouchWiz-Lite UI atop. The Champ Neo packs in a 1000mAh battery claiming up to 14 hours of talk time. There’s also a 3.5mm [...]
We’ve had plenty of Samsung Galaxy Note 2 rumours of late, with the latest whisperings come from Seoul Newspaper, and mostly reiterate what we’ve been hearing for the past few months.
The newspaper claims that the new Note 2 will have a slightly bigger 5.5-inch Super AMOLED screen. As well as being 16:9, the display will boast a 1,280×720 resolution, perfect for treating your eyeballs to high-definition movies while on the go.
Underneath that slab of a screen the Note 2 is set to be powered by a [...]
Korean-mobile maker Samsung has sold ten million handsets of its latest smartphone Galaxy S3 in less than two months, according to a report.
Galaxy SIII broke the 10 million barrier in less than half the time it took its predecessor, the Galaxy SII, which is the bestselling Android handset so far.
The mega smartphone sports an impressive range of top-spec features, including a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD screen, 8-Megapixel camera, and a quad-core processor.
Last month Samsung had predicted that its heroic handset [...]
Electronics major Samsung India today said it is eyeing 60% market share in the smart television space in the country this year and a sales turnover of Rs 225 crore from Kerala during ‘Onam’ festival next month.
[quote]”Samsung aims to garner 35% market share in flat panel television in India against the current market share of 30% and 60% market share in smart televisions,” Samsung India Vice-President (AV Business) Raj Kumar Rishi said.[/quote]
To attract consumers in the state during the festive season, the company launched a smart TV that enables consumers use voice, gesture control and face recognition through ‘Smart [...]


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Apple CEO Tim Cook and other company executives had plenty of details for developers when they previewed the coming operating system updates for iPhones, Macs and other devices at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) earlier this month. But what will the fall arrival of iOS 10 and macOS Sierra mean for Apple users?
One coming iOS 10 feature that generated quite a bit of attention -- not all of it positive -- immediately after the WWDC keynote was its support for a variety of new special effects for texting. For example, Jonathan Zdziarski, an iOS forensics security expert, tweeted afterward: "I wish Apple had taken more time to demo emoji and stickers on the keynote -- No one ever."
Another question that came up frequently after the iOS 10 and macOS Sierra previews concerned Apple's personal digital assistant, Siri. While Siri appears to be set for a significant upgrade, and will be available for the first time on macOS as well as on iOS devices, it remains to be seen how well Apple's AI (artificial intelligence) competes with Microsoft's Cortana or Google Now.
Siri: Smarter, More Voice-Friendly
In a Siri-Cortana head-to-head comparison yesterday, Mashable pronounced a draw between the two. While Siri for macOS is proving faster in response to voice commands, Cortana wins overwhelmingly when answering typed questions and requests, Mashable noted, adding that Microsoft's AI will also be due for an update this summer.
According to Ars Technica's review of Siri, the AI's arrival on macOS "feels a little tacked-on, despite answering many queries just as it does in iOS." For macOS users accustomed to handling queries through Apple's Spotlight instead, Siri's arrival on the desktop will probably take some time to get used to, Ars Technica added.
Over time, iPhone and iPad users can also expect to see a slew of new apps that incorporate Siri, as Apple will open up the assistant to developers when the new operating sysems are released this fall. SiriKit, however, will be available only for iOS and not for macOS Sierra.
Digging deeper into the changes coming with iOS 10 can also provide some hints about what to expect from the much-anticipated release of the iPhone 7. For instance, an analysis in Macworld today said the new features arriving with Apple's next mobile operating system update could bring a big revamp to the iPhone's emphasis on the home button, among other things.
Security and Privacy Questions
In light of Apple's contentious legal battle with the U.S. Justice Department earlier this year -- in which the Federal Bureau of Investigation attempted to force the company to write new code so it could bypass the security protections on an iPhone connected to a December terror attack in San Bernardino, Calif. -- it should also come as little surprise that the company's new OS updates will aim to strengthen device privacy and security.
The WWDC keynote, for instance, introduced the arrival of something Apple is calling "differential privacy." The company isn't yet offering many details on what that means for customers, but early assessments by technology experts offer mixed reviews so far.
"[I]t seems to be an anonymization technique designed to collect user data without revealing personal information," IT security expert Bruce Schneier wrote last week on his blog. "What we know about anonymization is that it's much harder than people think, and it's likely that this technique will be full of privacy vulnerabilities."
Differential privacy appears to involve Apple collecting "a lot more data from your phone" to improve its services, but doing so in a way that ensures that data is aggregated so no one individual's habits are tracked, cryptographer and Johns Hopkins University professor Matthew Green said on his blog last week.
"If Apple is going to collect significant amounts of new data from the devices that we depend on so much, we should really make sure they're doing it right -- rather than cheering them for using such cool ideas," Green said. "At the end of the day, it sure looks like Apple is honestly trying to do something to improve user privacy, and given the alternatives, maybe that's more important than anything else."
Read more on: Apple
, iOS 10
, macOS Sierra
, Artificial Intelligence
, Digital Assistant
, Mobile App
, Tim Cook
, Technology News
Posted: 2016-12-23 @ 2:55pm PT
Will Sierra be compatible with analog monitors?


text: by Martin Crutsinger, The Associated Press Posted May 2, 2013 8:36 am MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email US trade deficit drops to $38.8 billion in March as flow of crude oil falls to 17-year low WASHINGTON – The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in March for a second month as the daily flow of imported crude oil dropped to the lowest level in 17 years. The deficit with China hit a three-year low.The overall trade deficit decreased to $38.8 billion, an 11 per cent drop from February’s $43.6 billion, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.Exports fell 0.9 per cent to $184.3 billion as sales of machinery, autos and farm products all declined. Imports fell 2.8 per cent to $223.1 billion, led by a 4.4 per cent drop in foreign petroleum. Crude oil imports averaged just 7 million barrels per day, the lowest since March 1996.A smaller trade gap can boost overall economic growth as American companies earn more from overseas sales while U.S. consumers and businesses spend less on foreign products.For the first three months of this year, the trade deficit is running at an annual rate of $507.7 billion, 5.9 per cent below last year’s deficit of $539.5 billion. Economists are looking for the deficit to narrow slightly this year, in part because they expect continued gains in U.S. exports.Analysts said the lower-than-expected deficit in March will likely give a slight boost to overall economic growth for the January-March quarter. The government’s first estimate put economic growth at 2.5 per cent in the first quarter but some analysts said that could be revised up to perhaps 2.7 per cent because of the lower trade deficit in March.The politically sensitive deficit with China shrank 23.6 per cent in March to $17.9 billion, still far above the imbalance with any other country.Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist at Capital Economics, said there was a good chance the big drop in the deficit with China would be reversed in April because much of the improvement reflected the disruption of shipments of Chinese goods to the United States over the Lunar New Year holiday in China.The deficit with the European Union grew 13 per cent in March to $9.9 billion even though U.S. exports to the region rose 14.4 per cent. But for the year, U.S. exports to Europe are down 8 per cent compared to the same period in 2012, reflecting the impact of a recession in the 17 European Union countries that use the euro.The European Central Bank announced Thursday that it was cutting its benchmark interest rate to a new record low in an effort to stimulate growth in the 17 European countries that use the euro currency.The Institute for Supply Management reported Wednesday that its index of U.S. manufacturing activity expanded at a slower pace in April, held back by weaker hiring and less company stockpiling. That raised worries that overall economic growth may slow this spring.The manufacturing index slipped to 50.7 in April. That’s down from 51.3 in March and the slowest pace this year. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. A measure of export orders in the ISM survey grew at a slower pace in April.Exports of industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, computers, autos and farm products such as soybeans were all down in March although sales of civilian aircraft were up.Imports of foreign-made autos dropped by $771 million in March and imports of toys and games were down $1 billion.The U.S. economy is being hurt this year by tax hikes and spending reductions designed to curb huge federal budget deficits.The Federal Reserve at its meeting Wednesday stood by its aggressive efforts to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment and held out the possibility that it is prepared to do more if growth doesn’t rebound from the current soft patch which the central bank blamed in part on the government’s tax increases and spending cuts to curb the deficit.Many economists believe if the government’s across the board spending cuts, known as a sequester, are not lifted, growth in the current April-June quarter and the rest of this year will come at a lacklustre 2 per cent or less.