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Amazon is the biggest player in the Indian smart speaker market with a market share of 80% by value in 2020. Among the alternatives to Amazon, Xiaomi appears to be catching up fast. The company launched its first smart speaker in 2020 and emerged as the second biggest player with a market share of 10%. Google and Apple are big players with market share of 7% and 3%, respectively.
February 21, 2021 at 09:23AM from Gadgets News – Latest Technology News, Mobile News & Updates https://ift.tt/3aFVlPa


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Malaysia said it has decided not to ban hot dogs in the country or revoke the halal certifications of outlets which are selling food items with the word "dog" in it.
Jamil Khir Baharom, who oversees the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), said authorities in the Muslim-majority nation can be tolerant.
"There has never been an issue about revoking any halal certificates and we have no plans of detaining or making haram those who use the name 'hot dog'," Baharom told Channel NewsAsia.
"What is important is the content of the food," added Jamil, who is also a minister in the prime minister's office.
Sirajuddin Suhaimee, director of the halal division from the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), a powerful government agency, said on Tuesday that food outlets must rename hot dogs or it might get into the risk of being refused a halal certification.
"Any (halal) products that make consumers confused, we have to change," he told The Straits Times.
"In Islam, dogs are considered unclean and the name cannot be related to halal certification," he added.
JAKIM also said it would take the initiative of addressing the use of "dog" in food items in other restaurants in stages.
The issue came out in the open when US pretzel chain Auntie Anne's was asked to rename its products called "pretzel dogs" to "pretzel sausages" following JAKIM guidelines for halal certification. The JAKIM guidelines say "that products should not use names or names synonymous with non-halal products or use confusing terms such as ham, bacon, beer, hotdog and the like".
In response to this advice, Auntie Anne's Malaysia executive Farhatul Kamilah Mohamed Sazali said: "It's a minor issue. We are fine with changing the name and are still working on it."
The ruling including other food items whose name includes the word "dog", has been ridiculed on social media and many have criticized it.
The Straits Times reported that one Facebook user remarked: "Please stick to religion... don't be an English language adviser." While another person posted: "Pet shops, please rename your dogs as sau- sages."
However, the agency dismissed all those online criticism and referred to them as a "normal reaction".
"We are doing our job, by the law," he said.

domain: news


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New wine laws to promote upstate producers
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration is continuing its program for promoting upstate produce with new legislation that aims to support the marketing of New York wines. The new laws permit wine to be sold at roadside farm stands and expand wine trail designations along state roadways.
People can already buy New York wines at farmers markets, but the new laws mean you’ll be able to find them at roadside stands too. That is, as long as the wines being sold are produced within 20 miles of the stand.
Brad Rickard, an expert in horticulture economics at Cornell University, says the overall economic impact of the new legislation is likely to be minor. But he says it could still be good news for small-scale producers.
“It’s not going to lead to a 50 percent increase in sales, but it may be important, it might be very important for some of the small wineries that happen to be located within 20 miles of a very popular farm stand," Rickard said. "It would give them an opportunity to bring their wines in front of more people.”
Rickard says the sale of wine at roadside stands might generate concerns about drunk driving, but the new legislation prohibits tastings at these stalls.
And, he says producers along wine trails are traditionally very conscious of ensuring visitors have a designated driver.
Additionally, Rickard says wine isn’t often linked with incidents of DWI.
“There’s research out there that shows that wine really isn’t the alcoholic beverage that is linked to drinking and driving," Rickard said. "A lot of the drunk driving incidents are related to the consumption of beer and spirits.”
Rickard says the expansion of wine trail designations is likely to help boost tourism in the upstate wine region by linking local wineries together and helping to increase their exposure.
"Ideally you want to try to attract new consumers, you want to have new people exposed to New York wines," Rickard said. "And I think this legislation has the capacity to do that. But it certainly will also bring in people who are already familiar with New York state wines.”


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The curse of the former Blue Rox Grill restaurant site is about to be broken, restaurateur Shane Purcel believes. In June, he will open the Mellow Mushroom in the same space that's so far housed four failed restaurants.
“We plan on totally redoing the building, and having a big patio with glass garage doors we'll be able to use year-round,” Purcel said. “Tens of thousands of cars drive by there every day. It's up on top of a hill. It's got grew views of the mountains. There is no reason for a resultant to fail there.”
The building, which opened in 1999 in the city's Entertainment District, has housed Hops, Kassai, Grazio and the Blue Rox restaurants, all of them short-lived. It's been shuttered since 2010, with inquiries from Fascinations, Hooters and others.
The Mellow Mushroom, with pizza-tossing cooks and colorful decor, seems a good fit for the family-friendly shopping center, city leaders believe. The 120-site franchise already has earned a reputation in the metro area with its Streets at Southglenn and downtown Denver locations.
“There are pizza restaurants everywhere,” Purcel said. “But a good pizza restaurant is hard to find. Ours is different than anything else you've had.”
The decor will be different, too. Purcel plans to gut the Park Meadows Drive building, add a patio and splash the interior with color.
“In Centennial, we've got this psychedelic tavern look,” Purcel said. “In Lone Tree, we're doing to do this retro '70s look. A lot of the colors, shapes and materials will remind you of things you thought probably never would come back into style — and probably never will — but it will be cool in the restaurant.”
Exterior colors that include shades of orange and blue nearly proved the restaurant's undoing, earning it split votes from both the planning commission and city council. But one planning commissioner, who described the current building as bland and uninviting, thinks the colors may be keys to the Mellow Mushroom's success and a draw for the Entertainment Center.
City Councilmember Harold Anderson, who voted against the proposal, said the exterior colors were his only concern.
“To me, colors like that get your attention, but I'm not sure if it brings people there to shop,” he said. “But I can understand why they did it.”
Longtime resident Anderson said the gaudy appearance of some buildings and a desire to limit such designs played a major role in the decision to incorporate Lone Tree in 1995. That history was on his mind when he cast his “no” vote.
Purcel muted the orange and blue to appease city officials, but wouldn't let it go entirely.
“If you look around the Entertainment District, they have some kind of crazy colors going on there already,” he said. “We have no interest in making a tacky building. It's going to look good.”
Community development director Steve Hebert is optimistic the whimsical exterior that is part of Mellow Mushroom's marketing scheme will have a broader impact.
“Maybe the Entertainment District is an appropriate place for that,” he said. “Hopefully, it creates a synergy with the movie theater.”


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Sidama Industrial Park Development Corporation stated that two avocado factories in Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park have secured US$2.4 million from exporting avocado over the last ten months of the current Ethiopian fiscal year.
Corporation Business and Development Corporate Communication Director Petros Markos has stated that 22 investors have agreed to work in cooperation with the state and started production. The two avocado factories have created market linkages for 88,000 farmers organized in 22 basic cooperatives.
When the two avocado factories get enough products, they will produce at full capacity. The corporation has now created job opportunities for 250,000 citizens. However, some drawbacks like shortages of raw material and limitation of service provided by the government are a factor Markos stated. Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park is selected as a pilot among four industrial parks in the nation.


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The charge for handling a 40-foot export container at Mombasa port rose from $56 in 2014 to $80 in 2015 and fell from $90 to $20 at Dar es Salaam port, figures released by the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa show.
By Turloch Mooney, Senior Editor, Global Ports.
The charge for handling a 40-foot import container at the port of Mombasa, Kenya rose from $105 in 2014 to $160 last year and from $90 to $135 at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The charge for handling a 40-foot export container at Mombasa rose from $56 in 2014 to $80 in 2015 and fell from $90 to $20 at Dar es Salaam, figures released by the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa show.
Charges for handling transit containers rose from $85 to $125 (import) and from $40 to $125 (export) at Mombasa, and from $80 to $95 (import) and from $80 to $210 (export) at Dar es Salaam.
“Dar es Salaam has higher shore handling charges than Mombasa for transit exports of TEUs (20-foot-equivalent units). However, Mombasa has higher rates for transit imports. Overall, there has been an increase in port charges between 2014 and 2015,” SCEA said in its annual Logistics Performance Survey.
While charges increased, port dwell times remained poor and indicate a multitude of inefficiencies at both ports. For the purpose of the survey, port dwell time is defined as the time elapsed from when the cargo enters the port to when it leaves the port after all permits are obtained and all fees are paid.
The survey said there was a 36.25 percent increase in port dwell time at Mombasa in the one year period from mid-2014 to mid-2015. During that period, the average amount of time spent by shipments in port increased from three to five days while dwell times at Dar es Salaam averaged nine days.
SCEA represents shippers doing business in East Africa and advocates for improved policies and a better trade environment. Membership includes many large foreign beneficial cargo owners and freight forwarders such as Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Heineken, Unilever, DHL Global Forwarding and Schenker.
A third of respondents to the survey said onerous government procedures were the main reason behind the lengthy delays in releasing cargo from ports. A quarter of respondents said network and information communication technology issues were the main problem, while 13 percent blamed poor physical infrastructure and a further 13 percent said it was because there were too many different agencies to deal with. Rent-seeking behavior was identified by 6 percent of respondents as the primary cause of delays in releasing cargo from the ports.
Shippers themselves were also partly to blame, the report said.
“Compliance levels by shippers and transporters have not shown great improvement, thereby inviting thorough and stringent checks at weighbridges and police check-points. Lengthy delays are experienced and significant amounts of money are wasted as a result.”
Some 54 percent of respondents identified improving truck clearance processes and procedures and improving physical infrastructure as the areas that would have the greatest impact in speeding up truck turnaround times at the ports.
The annual SCEA survey scores five East African countries – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda – across 11 logistics performance categories including Efficiency of Goods Clearance, Quality of Transport and ICT Infrastructure and Fairness and Transparency in Customs Valuations.
The survey said incidences of corruption are “still rampant” in East Africa supply chains. Of the five countries examined in the survey, Kenya and Uganda both showed deterioration in the category of ‘Incidences of Corruption and Rent-Seeking Activities’ over the past year. Source: Port News


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Many of you already have your holiday shopping already wrapped up, what with all the Black Friday specials that have made the rounds. But one thing that might have been tough to come by is Nintendo hardware, particularly the Nintendo Switch and the SNES Classic Edition, both of which are only available in limited quantities.
There's good news, though – you'll soon get another chance to pick both of them up to make someone's Christmas special.
Toys 'R Us has noted that it will receive extra SNES Classic Edition systems in its stores starting on November 27th. The company has already stated that the systems will be available on a first come, first serve basis, and will be in very limited quantities. So, like with previous retailers getting the system in, you'll want to act fast.
For those preferring something new, like the Nintendo Switch, there's more good news as well. The company has also noted that it will receive more of Nintendo's latest hardware in its stores on November 29th. It did note that it expects stock to be limited on that system as well, at least through the end of the year, so it'll be available on a first come, first serve basis as well – and it'll go fast.
As noted in a blog post, the company has stated that the systems will be available alongside other high-in-demand toys for the holiday season, including Fingerlings and Luvabella, so parents may want to act fast if they want to make their kids' holidays even brighter.
For those that don't feel like dealing with the hustle and bustle of going to a store, Toys 'R Us has also made note of a cyber special it'll be offering tomorrow. Users will be able to get 15 percent off their entire purchase over at the Toys 'R Us website, including clearance and sale items. NOTE: the Nintendo Switch and SNES Classic Edition are not expected to be available online, so don't get your hopes up.
So if it's good deals you're after, or just Nintendo gaming hardware in general, you might want to make a stop.


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Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) used campaign funds last year to pay nearly $3,000 for goods and services at a Salt Lake City Apple store, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) records.
Earlier this week, the Utah congressman had suggested that Americans choose between buying an iPhone or paying for health care. When CNN host Alisyn Camerota pointed out that access to health care for low-income Americans was not the same as providing coverage, Chaffetz responded: "Americans have choices, and they've got to make a choice. So rather than getting that new iPhone that they just love and want to go spend hundreds of dollars on that, maybe they should invest in their own health care. They've got to make those decisions themselves."
From the expenses submitted to the FEC by "Friends of Jason Chaffetz," the lawmaker's campaign committee, Chaffetz did not have to make that choice.
In five instances last year, Chaffetz, or one of his staff, used funds from the committee to pay for purchases at the Apple store in Salt Lake's City Creek Center. The amounts ranged from $32.01 to $1,550.08 -- totaling $2,866.81 -- with the purchases made between March 25 and Oct. 2.
Chaffetz's use of campaign funds to shop at the Apple store was not illegal or against House rules. Mobile phones, in fact, are specifically called out as allowable in guidelines published by the House Committee on Ethics. "It is permissible for a Member to acquire a 'handheld communications device' (e.g., a cell phone, a BlackBerry, or a combination cell phone/BlackBerry device, and associated communications services) with campaign funds, and to use the device on an unlimited basis on both campaign matters and official House matters," the guidelines state.
Caveats, not surprisingly, abound. Such devices may not be used to solicit campaign contributions while the user is in the Capitol, a House office building, or a district office. Nor may they be used for personal calls. And campaign funds may only be used to buy what the guidelines term "handheld communication devices."
The latter would seem to preclude Chaffetz -- and colleagues in the House and Senate -- from using campaign funds to purchase, say, a MacBook Pro at that Apple store. (Even so, a September 2015 transaction at the same Apple store, for $998.28, was tagged as "COMPUTER" in the FEC filing.)
The $738.08 purchase made in mid-July may have been an iPhone 6S, although the $649 price of that device, even with Utah and Salt Lake City's sales tax, could not account for the full amount. Or it may have been a $599 9.7-in. iPad Pro tablet with an additional $99 for an AppleCare plan. Yet the tablet purchase, with tax, would have exceeded the $738 by several dollars.
Later Tuesday, Chaffetz acknowledged that "maybe I didn't say it as smoothly as I possibly could," but stood by his comment that people face a choice.


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Blockchain peněženka bitcoin sv
Feb 23, 2021 · Bitcoin Association, the Switzerland-based global industry organisation that works to advance business with the Bitcoin SV blockchain, announces the official launch of the worlds first Bitcoin SV
Financial transactions are the most obvious application, but there are other opportunities as well. In this second article of our blockchain The blockchain is becoming one of the buzziest of buzzwords. Here are the essentials you should know. The blockchain is becoming one of the buzziest of buzzwords. Here are the essentials you should know. Severe weather and emergency policy The much-hyped distributed ledger technology (DLT) has the potential to eliminate huge amounts of record-keeping, save money, streamline supply chains and disrupt IT in ways not seen since the internet arrived. By Lucas Mearian Senior Repor Bitcoin Cash split into two blockchain again, but one of the new chains has received no hashpower so far.
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Its previous record was ~6,500 tps in December 2019. Despite being a testing network, the STN shares most of its technical capabilities with the BSV mainnet—once again disproving the notion […] 1 day ago · Bitcoin SV 24h $ 185.50-4.30%. Bitcoin SV 24h $ 185.50-8.33-4.30%. Tron 24h $ 0.046485-3.88%.
BSV Price Chart as of February 14, 2021. This is an update to the article Bitcoin SV (BSV) Price Trend Analysis written on December 18, 2020.. Since then, the original analysis has held up well For those who want to brave it, it is a matter of 1. downloading the ABC and BSV wallets, waiting for the blockchain to load, and then importing your existing Bitcoin Cash private keys (this is the same general solution for every fork), and 2.
The most popular and trusted block explorer and crypto transaction search engine.
About Bitcoin SV. The live Bitcoin SV price today is . $191.52 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $1,370,123,078 USD.. Bitcoin SV is up 5.43% in the last 24 hours. The current CoinMarketCap ranking is #24, with a live market cap of $3,573,924,424 USD. It has a circulating supply of 18,661,277 BSV coins and a max. supply of 21,000,000 BSV coins.The top exchanges for trading in Bitcoin SV … 04/02/2020 13/02/2021 The most popular and trusted block explorer and crypto transaction search engine.
Jun 15, 2020 · Bitcoin SV’s vision of the four pillars help address some of the pressing issues facing cryptocurrencies today. First, by focusing on stability, Bitcoin SV aims to restore the original Satoshi protocol and keep it stable, so that enterprises have a steady blockchain platform upon which to build their applications. Discover our features. Great tools to work with crypto data: request Blockchair API to get blockchain data, explore trends and correlations looking at Charts, analyze market trends with Markets & Portfolio, broadcast transactions, download dumps with historical data and so much more. Bitcoin SV is revving up for potentially unlimited scale, with the latest release of its software. Switzerland-based industry organization the Bitcoin Association has announced the release of the Feb 19, 2021 · Bitcoin SV 24h $ 179.87-11.24%. Bitcoin SV 24h $ 179.87-22.81-11.24%.
Bitcoin SV is in a downward move but it is rising to retest the $180 high. The downtrend will resume if it faces rejection at $180. Otherwise, the coin will resume an upward move. The Fibonacci tool has indicated a further downward movement of the coin. On January 11 downtrend; a retraced candle body tested the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. Below are the instructions on how to claim Bitcoin SV (BSV) if you had Bitcoin Cash (BCH) in a wallet other than Exodus on November 15, 2018, using your desktop Exodus wallet now. 1 The first thing you will need is to open your Bitcoin Cash from the wallet that is currently holding it.
Bitcoin Following the contentious hardfork that led to the creation of two versions of the controversial bitcoin cash (BCH), Blockchain.com (formerly Blockchain.info), the makers of one of the most trusted bitcoin wallets has announced partial support for BSV, after closing monitoring the network since November 15, 2018, when the fork took place, according to a blog […] Bitcoin Association, which works to advance business with the Bitcoin SV blockchain, Named three finalists in its Bitcoin SV Hackathon to compete for a share of a USD $100,000 prize pool paid in BSV.. Finalist 🏆Kyrt 🏆RepZip 🏆STOTASK This edition of the Bitcoin SV Hackathon was the most competitive to date, and included people from 75 countries, 418 people in total, with 42 … 20/06/2020 14/07/2020 07/08/2019 19/02/2021 Lance Morginn, CEO of Blockchain Intelligence Group discusses Blockchain Intelligence: Analytics, Forensics & Compliance Tools for Bitcoin SV. Here is his pr All around the world, the utility of the Bitcoin SV blockchain is driving rapid uptake of BSV, with a fast-growing ecosystem of applications and services complementing its ability to function as a On February 4, Bitcoin SV had its hard fork code-named Genesis. More of a protocol “restoration” than an upgrade, the idea is to increase its on-chain scaling power and technical capabilities so that data, transactions, and digital activity of all types can be “on-chain” on a single public blockchain. A hard fork of Bitcoin Cash […] LONDRES, 5 de dezembro de 2018 /PRNewswire/ — nChain, a líder mundial em pesquisa e desenvolvimento de blockchain, revelou seu pioneiro projeto “Metanet” para impulsionar e integrar a internet por meio de blockchain para Bitcoin. Usando a propriedade intelectual que criou, a nChain vai desenvolver o Metanet exclusivamente na Bitcoin SV (BSV), que reflete o … REGISTRACE: https://blockchain.info/JAK VYDĚLAT PENÍZE NA INTERNETU: https://www.pracujemedoma.com/ 16/11/2018 26/01/2021 Blockchain is the technology that underpins the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, but Bitcoin is not the only version of a blockchain distributed ledger system in the market.
Bitcoin’s originator, Satoshi Nakomoto is credited with the creation of Bitcoin, the oldest and largest cryptocurrency. The Bitcoin SV blockchain is intended to scale and the Node implementation has been heavily optimized to enhance scalability. A critical strategy has been to parallelize its functions, so that the processing load is evenly spread across processors. Figure 9 CPU usage per core Figure 9 shows the processor usage for each processor. Bitcoin SV (SV stands for Satoshi’s Vision) is a fork of Bitcoin Cash. It came to be after the Bitcoin Cash Hash War, which started on November 15, 2018. On November 26, CoinGeek founder Calvin Ayre announced the “hash war” is over, and Bitcoin SV splits from the Bitcoin Cash blockchain.
23/09/2020 Peněženka Blockchain nepodporuje jiné měny než Bitcoin, ale na běžné fungování a placení v této měně je více že dostačující.výmenný kurz spojených arabských emirátov kúpiť predať
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Below are the instructions on how to claim Bitcoin SV (BSV) if you had Bitcoin Cash (BCH) in a wallet other than Exodus on November 15, 2018, using your desktop Exodus wallet now. 1 The first thing you will need is to open your Bitcoin Cash from the wallet that is currently holding it.
Um ano depois, em 2018, Bitcoin Cash passou também por um hard fork, e nasceu o Bitcoin SV. Bitcoin SV is one of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization and fork of a fork of the Bitcoin blockchain, which was launched in 2009.


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In this week’s CoinGeek Conversations, Bitstocks founder and CEO Michael Hudson talks about Gravity, which is restarting its service under the name of Gravity Money.
Binance’s operations continue to contract as regulators across the globe tighten oversight of the beleaguered cryptocurrency exchange.
Noting that the transaction took around a day to complete, the State Tax Inspectorate said that it would now be easier in future to exchange cryptocurrency seizures for fiat currency.
Lithuania has revealed it will launch its CBDC in the coming week. However, the digital currency is a bit different and will not target retail payments.
The central bank is also looking at how firms in the energy, transport and healthcare sectors could be set to benefit from blockchain.
New regulations coming to Lithuania will make it harder for criminals to continue trading in cryptocurrencies.
The Central Bank of Lithuania recently announced its updated position on digital assets and initial coin offerings, with the aim of leveling the playing field.


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With the help of a machine learning technology platform from Mercatus, Toronto, Brookshire Grocery Co. and Weis Markets are putting their data to work by creating personalized, online shopping experiences that could benefit private brands as they become more loyal to shoppers.
The regional grocers are using a personalization intelligence engine called Mercatus AisleOne that analyzes shopper data touch points across the path to purchase.
“A year ago, we launched online ordering with curbside pickup service to 100 stores across Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods and FRESH by Brookshire’s banners,” said John D’Anna, chief strategy officer, Brookshire Grocery Co. , Tyler, Texas. “Now, we are excited to expand our partnership with Mercatus by adding AisleOne personalization to our online shopping capabilities and creating a more personalized, convenient and enjoyable customer experience.”
AisleOne, which launched last September, is available as a standalone solution or an enhancement to the Mercatus Integrated Commerce Platform. With AisleOne, Brookshire’s and Weis Markets have the ability to tap into shopper data and behavior, using machine learning algorithms informed by deep grocery expertise, to serve relevant product content to customers at every point of the shopper journey.
This means shoppers frequently buying the Weis Signature and Weis Organics brands will be regularly promoted those items as they’re most relevant to them. The private brands will stay front and center of that shopper’s online habits.
AisleOne further enables Brookshire’s and Weis Markets to:
Generate automatic personalized catalogs and search results tailored to each individual shopper;
Utilize a deep well of shopper data from online and in-store inputs;
Serve personalized product suggestions based on shoppers’ basket, past purchase and adjacent profile data;
Enhance the overall shopping experience for a faster, more enjoyable checkout process;
Gain full transparency into and control over their customers’ data and product recommendations.
“At Weis Markets, we are always striving to better understand both online and offline shopping behavior to create engaging experiences for our customers,” said Ron Bonacci, vice president of marketing and advertising, Weis Markets, Sunbury, Pa. “We’ve already made significant progress with our company’s digital grocery shopping program since partnering with Mercatus and look to do even more in 2020. AisleOne represents the next phase of our program. It will help us deepen our relationships with customers and personalize values and incentives.”
Using AisleOne, Brookshire’s and Weis Markets now have a scalable, AI-powered solution that can automate the analysis of transactional inputs necessary to create a truly personalized experience tailored to the individual shopper across desktop and mobile channels.
“We’re excited that Brookshire’s and Weis Markets are adding AisleOne to their digital commerce experiences,” said Sylvain Perrier, president and CEO, Mercatus. “Shoppers have come to expect a personalized shopping experience, and these two grocers know they need to deliver on that while continuing to own the shopper relationship. Our AisleOne solution will help both grocers fulfill these promises by delivering hyper-relevant experiences to their shoppers, boosting retention rates and building lasting loyalty.”
Gina Acosta writes for sister publication Progressive Grocer.


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Fonterra is selling its Australian ice cream business to Nestle Australia and Bulla Dairy Foods.
The company says Nestle will buy the Peters brand in Western Australia and the Connoisseur ice cream brand, while Bulla will buy the license to make and market Cadbury ice cream in Australia.
Both agreements are conditional upon regulatory approval.
As a result of the sale of its Australian ice cream brands, up to 140 people will be made redundant at Fonterra's Balcatta site in Western Australia.
Separately, Fonterra says it will review its non-core regional liquid milk businesses in Australia, as its primary focus is in cheese, spreads, yoghurts and dairy desserts.
Exit from joint venture in india
Earlier this week, Fonterra said it's exiting an investment in India, saying it no longer fitted the company's strategic priorities.
The company invested $US19.8 million in a joint venture in 2001, and had since written the value down to a nominal amount.
it will pass its stake to Britannia New Zealand Foods.
Fonterra says domestic milk supply in India is fragmented and developing an efficient milk supply chain there would require significant development and investment.


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Social Media giant Facebook Inc said it would start allowing users to set up physical security keys as a way to verify their identity before logging into the social network’s mobile app, beginning next year, on Tuesday, Mint reported.
The current security plan includes an option to require a hardware security key to connect to a desktop computer before each log-in.
Confirming an earlier report by news website Axios, the company said, “Users could purchase a hardware key from retailers, and register it with Facebook.”
The social network also said it has plans to expand Facebook Protect -its security program for high-profile accounts including election candidates – to more types of accounts globally next year.
Facebook Protect offers a way for politicians, government agencies and election staff to set up additional security provisions such as two-factor authentication and real-time monitoring for potential hacking threats.
It will now be available to users like journalists and human rights activists who are at a higher risk of being targeted by sophisticated hackers, Facebook added.
The rollout of new security services are in play as a similar social networking site, Twitter Inc was hack compromising various celebrity accounts, including those of President-elect Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.


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Beginning in hardware, it was known for getting things that customers asked it to get — be it luxury bedding or plumbing supplies.
“You could buy a lightbulb for $1.99 or a chandelier for $10,000,” said company CEO Rob Morrison. “It was an only-in-New York store and for the first 47 years, it did just fine.”
What happened after that is why Morrison has been brought on board. After filing for bankruptcy in 2010 and again in 2016, the iconic business is turning to the Greenwich businessman to bring them into their next half-century.
The last few years have meant big changes for Gracious Home. The business, which had multiple stores on the East and West Side as well as website sales, has closed four of its five locations, shrinking from 55,000 square feet to about 5,000, Morrison said.
Staffing has been reduced from about 220 employees to just 20, he said.
Moving forward, Morrison said, the company needs to be mindful of New York City rents and keeping an eye on savvy business decisions that make sense for its brand.
With his background at Lumber Liqiudators, Lord & Taylor and Nieman Marcus, Morrison has the retail expertise to refocus the company.
“We’re going to focus on the business that made us well known in the city and on the web,” he said. “We have to play in a place where we compete well. It doesn’t do us any good to carry toasters.”
The firm will focus on bedding, bath, lighting, table linens and more for an increasingly national audience. About 75 percent of the business is done outside of New York City, Morrison said.
To that end, Gracious Home is refreshing its website, which is scheduled to launch any day now at www.gracioushome.com. In mid-March, it announced the reopening of its flagship location at 1210 Third Ave. at 70th Street.
In the end, it’s all about providing what the customer wants, said Morrison.
“Our customers trust us to offer high quality and unprecedented merchandise,” he said. “Gracious Home has spent an enormous amount of time reevaluating what our customers need and want. We pride ourselves on constantly evolving to meet these needs and offer the selection and quality our customers have come to expect from GH.”
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Vodafone has announced two new integrated plans named Vodafone SuperDay and Vodafone SuperWeek with the aim to boost 4G penetration. The plans consist of voice coupled with data. The main purpose of the plan is to provide unlimited local and STD calling with bundled free data package.
The Vodafone SuperDay package provides unlimited local and STD calls on the Vodafone network. Moreover, you will get 100MB data on 4G-enabled smartphones at Rs. 19 per day. However, the plans are valid for only one day.
When it comes to Vodafone SuperWeek, you will get unlimited local and STD calls on Vodafone network with 250MB data on 4G-enabled phones. You have to pay Rs. 49 per week. Hence, the plan will be valid for 7 days or until the 250MB data exhausts.
If you avail Vodafone SuperWeek at Rs. 89, you will be able to avail 250MB data on 4G smartphones. Furthermore, the plan offers talk-time benefits of 100 minutes to other networks. This includes local and STD calls. The highlight of the plan is that you can perform unlimited repeat purchase of the packs.
Commenting on the introduction of new packages, Sandeep Kataria, Commercial Director, Vodafone India disclosed that the company is working hard to provide the best network, value and service experience. They are delighted to launch SuperDay and SuperWeek plans with the sole aim to provide pocket-friendly and affordable integrated plans to improve the experience of prepaid customers.
Kataria added that the newly launched plans will enable customers to keep connected with each other. Moreover, they can enjoy uninterrupted Vodafone SuperNet 4G experience.
Vodafone SuperDay and SuperWeek packages are available for purchase across all major retail outlets, official website and the MyVodafone app.
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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on Friday late evening informed the stock exchanges the sale of its atta and salt business under the brands ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Captain Cook.’
The brands are being sold at ₹60.4 crore to Uma Global Foods Pte Ltd., and Uma Consumer Products Private Ltd. which are subsidiaries of Reactivate Brands International, a Singapore-headquartered company and an affiliate of CSAW Aqbator Pte Ltd. (Singapore). The transaction is expected to occur within a period of 90 days.
HUL had a turnover of ₹127 crore from the brands in FY22, which was less than 1 per cent of the company’s turnover.
The company stated that the decision to divest is in line with the stated intent of exiting non-core categories while continuing to drive its growth agenda in the packaged foods business of dressings, scratch cooking and soups. The deal envisages the transfer of trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual properties associated with India and several other geographies.
“Launched more than two decades ago, Annapurna and Captain Cook enjoy strong equity. Given our strategic priorities and portfolio choices, we believe it is in the business’ best interest to sell these brands to Reactivate Brands International, which is well-positioned to unlock their full potential,” said Sanjiv Mehta, CEO & Managing Director of HUL.
“We are delighted to bring Annapurna and Captain Cook into our portfolio. Both these brands have a long history of providing high quality food products to Indian consumers. We are confident of scaling them up and expanding globally, leveraging founders’ experience. These brands fit well with our mission to promote affordable wellness,” said Ashok Vasudevan, Co-Founder of Uma Global Foods.


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The release of a new payment machine for parking garages is just around the corner. This revolutionary new machine will make the process of paying for parking simpler, more efficient, and more secure than ever before. For years, parking garages have been using outdated and unreliable payment machines, usually cash-only, that make it difficult and time-consuming to pay for a parking ticket. But with the release of the new payment machine, those days are over. The new machine can be used to quickly and easily pay for parking with a credit or debit card. It also doubles as a PIN pad, so customers can securely enter their PIN numbers and have their accounts verified in a matter of seconds. The new payment machine also offers enhanced security features. It is equipped with an advanced encryption system, making it extremely difficult for hackers to breach the machine’s security defences. Additionally, it has an anti-skimming feature which prevents criminals from stealing customer information by scanning their cards. Moreover, the machine can be monitored remotely by garage managers, who can ensure that the machine is working properly and detecting any suspicious activity. The installation of the new payment machine is not only beneficial for business owners but also for customers. With the introduction of the new machine, the payment process becomes much faster and more secure for customers. Customers no longer have to worry about any possible fraud or theft associated with their payments. Furthermore, customers benefit from the convenience of being able to simply swipe their cards and pay for their parking privately and securely. Overall, the new payment machine is a huge step forward in the world of parking garage payment systems. With its revolutionary features, improved security and convenience, it is sure to revolutionize the way people pay for parking. The release date of the new machine is quickly approaching, and when it arrives, it will bring with it a whole new era of efficient, convenient and secure parking solutions.
Shenzhen TigerWong Technology Co.,Ltd
Tel: +86 13717037584
Add: Room 601-605, Building 6, 1980 Science and Technology Industrial Park, Longhua Street, Longhua District, Shenzhen


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Tesla CEO Elon Musk has discussed the company’s ambitions to build a self-driving car on more than one occasion, and now he’s revealed a bit more about its plans.
After reports today about a job listing for an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Controls Engineer, he spoke to the Financial Times and confirmed the company is working on a form of autopilot in-house.
Expressing his opinion that fully autonomous cars may be a bit too difficult to achieve right now, he said Tesla “should be able to do 90 per cent of miles driven within three years.” Other major car companies — Mercedes, GM, Volvo and Continental, just to name a few — have projects for either full or partial car self-control, but they’re still under development for reasons both technical and legal.
Also hanging in the balance is Google’s autonomous car project, although from Musk’s statements it appears Tesla has decided to go its own way on the technology. The three year target is an ambitious one, but we’ll put this one somewhere between Iron Man and Hyperloop on the Musk scale.
Filed under: Transportation
Edit: Video: Tesla considers cars with ‘autopilot’.
Elon Musk: “I like the word autopilot more than I like the word self-driving,” Musk said in an interview. “Self-driving sounds like it’s going to do something you don’t want it to do. Autopilot is a good thing to have in planes, and we should have it in cars.”


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The “intrusive” smart meter: be careful not to add insult to injury
There are growing concerns over the smart meter rollout in the UK. With mixed messages and false advertising consumers are finding the process painful and intrusive. Consumers have been wrongly informed over the cost of the devices and suppliers have been forceful in the approach to installation. Consumers are crying out for change.
Good intentions but the current reality
The government began its campaign back in 2008 and has intended to equip 30 million homes in the UK with a smart meter by 2020. The introduction of smart meters intended to provide a better customer experience, giving consumers control over their water, gas and electricity bills with accurate readings in real-time. Although not compulsory, energy suppliers have to offer them to consumers and businesses by 2020. However, this isn’t what has been advertised or communicated to many consumers according to a recent Guardian Forum.
“The increase in compulsory use of water meters in some areas of the UK feels like a sanction from on high where 9 times out of 10 only the suppliers will benefit”. Another consumer on the same forum reported: “They keep sending people round to install one and I keep sending them away. Some of the contractors become quite unpleasant when asked to leave.”
This is hugely concerning. We know from our own research that 71% of consumers experience physical and emotional disturbance around service appointments. Emma Kenny, TV psychologist highlights, “people are looking for collaborative experiences with providers they can trust, providers that work with them to ensure as little disruption to their already time starved lives.” For these initiatives to work suppliers need to be doing their best to get consumers on board and then to deliver a positive experience. Otherwise the roll out won’t be a success.
Avoiding the water works
New government talks around compulsory water meters for all UK households are taking place. The promise of reducing water wastage and giving more accurate readings to consumers is positive. However, overshadowed by the bad reputation of smart meter installations a new approach is needed to get consumers onboard.
Rachel Fletcher, Chief Executive at Ofwat shares her views on the approach: “the truth is, you are only ever going to get so far with the regulator pushing water companies from behind. I would prefer instead to see a new internal dynamic within each water company, with the interests of the customer hardwired into everything that they do. Companies shouldn’t need to rely on Ofwat to tell them what good looks like; this should come instinctively from a deep understanding of the customers and communities they serve. This, I believe, would be the best possible outcome for customers.”
Communicating to avoid conflict
With the right communication strategy in place a lot of consumer concerns and conflicts with smart meters can be prevented. We know from our research that when customers are kept up to date in the last mile of their service, frustration and anxiety is alleviated. Emma Lampert, Customer Experience Manager at Localz explains how Localz helps Field Services provide better communication and customer experiences.
Improving operational efficiency - We remove the need for technicians and service engineers to call ahead with in-app communication. Messages are sent to the customer reminding them of their appointment time and what they can expect. Several touch points with the consumer keep them feeling updated and in the know.
Technician Engagement - We all expect to be empowered by technology, have everything available at a the swipe of a thumb, increase efficiency. Ease of use for technicians and saving them time is a key part of the Localz solution. Technicians can communicate directly with the customer and colleagues to get the job done as efficiently as possible. They can contact the next customer if they are running late, avoiding being greeted with an angry face when they get to the door.
Managing moving stock - One of the main frustrations for technicians and consumers alike is when the right tools and parts aren’t available at the appointment. Localz can help track moving stock in real-time to source the right tools and parts in order to complete the job in one visit.
You can find out further information about how Localz can help improve your last mile customer experience in this this short video.
How British Gas increased their first time access rate with Localz
British Gas and Localz has been working together to improve its last mile customer experience, bring transparency to the day of service appointment, increase engineer engagement and first time access. Using Localz "On my way" messaging has radically improved first time access rates for British Gas. This is showcased in their current television advert where Wilbur receives a notification for his boiler service.
Localz hosted a live webinar which took a close look at how British Gas is digitising to connect engineers in real-time with customers. The webinar featured Mike Burns, Technology Innovation Manager at British, in conversation with Localz Customer Success Manager, Emma Lampert. You can find the recording of the webinar here. In this recording you hear first-hand the ROI from the roll out of Localz “On My Way” Solution and the live Q&A session.


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In order to anticipate the Industrial Era 4.0, Electrical Engineering UPH participates in it with opening new courses that are relevant in this era. One of the new courses is Drone Technology, where the students will study the theory, design, and the practice of making drone since the beginning until it flies with stability. Dr. – Eng. Endrowednes Kuantama, S.T., M.Eng. as the lecturer, guides 15 students of Electrical Engineering from cohort 2015 and 2016 in making two units of drone. This program aimed Electrical Engineering UPH students will not only understand the theoretical knowledge but also the application.
In the newest course in this semester (August-December 2018), the students were taught the knowledge and the process of making drone in detail. This course aimed the students’ understanding and ability to design their own drone with a low budget, but high quality. The quality here means that the drone will be able to fly with stability.
Endro explained that in this first experiment, the rafting is focused on the drone function to fly with high stability. Also, the drone made by the students has some differences with the common drone.
“The drone made by the students is cheaper than the common drone, but with the same quality or even better than the common drone. We can add some electronic component into it, so it can be applied to the various system. Conversely, the common drone just focuses on photography or cinematography. We can say that our students’ drone has a lot of advantages, like it can be designed as the application we want, has good stability, speed, and a longer time to fly. Our drone can be operated manually, semi-automatically, and also automatically. Moreover, the camera with VR drone can be added as an optional function to control the drone easier.” said Endro.
Not only learn from making and rafting process, but Dr. Endro also ensured the students were able to control the drone well, started by controlling the drone virtually before it’s tested directly.
Related to drone rafting, Endro explained that there are some concentration courses in Electrical Engineering in charge, like control system, robotic, and microcontroller. Endro hopes that the drone can be applied into many functions for next time, like the agricultural drone, mapping drone, measuring the air quality, and the wider drone function. According to him, the development or the application of drone can be done by the students by taking the drone topic as their final research.


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Concerns over implementation of national cyber security standard
Cyber security experts have expressed concerns over delays in the implementation of national cyber security standard already adopted by the country, Nigeria Communications Week has learnt.
This is coming as the date for the implementations European Union Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is few weeks away.
It would be recalled that National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the regulator in this sphere has adopted COBiT 5 as the country’s cyber security standard and has gone further to inaugurate the implementation committee, which is yet to commence work on the process of implementation by both private and public organisations.
Ahmed Adesanya, IT Security and Connectivity consultant, expressed concerns over the continued delay in implementation of the adopted framework even as EU’s GDPR is expected to take effect from May 25 this year.
According to him, “if we don’t implement our adopted cyber security framework before May 25, organisations in the country will face a huge penalty in the way of fine.
Because, all organizations make payments to individuals and corporates based in Europe as such are required to meet up with EU’s GDPR.”
He however, urged NITDA to expedite action in implementation of COBiT 5 national cyber security standard.
Adesanya added that implementation the standard will assist to secure the country against impending cyber- attacks such as Distributed denial-of-service (DDOS).
More so, Microsoft has advised businesses in Nigeria to pay attention to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Mr John Edokpolor, Lead Commercial Attorney, Microsoft MEA Emerging Markets, said that May 25 would be the deadline for compliance with the regulation.
According to Edokpolor, failure to adhere to GDPR requirements can prevent trade and other dealings with EU businesses after the deadline.
“The new legislation is a milestone on a journey into a new era, where data is the fuel powering companies of all shapes and sizes, from all sectors.
” GDPR is a new European law designed to protect the privacy of citizens by setting new standards in terms of how personal data is handled.“
” As the law affects any organisation with ties to Europe, it is relevant to businesses around the world,” he said.
Edokpolor said that as companies increasingly embraced the cloud, they had an unprecedented ability to capture and store massive amounts of data.
He said that advancement in business intelligence technology had given organizations the ability to pull insights from data predictive in nature.
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Dentists are cringing as Halloween rolls around once again. As is customary, children around the globe will go door-to-door and accumulate pounds upon pounds of
treats pure sugar, which most kids will attempt to consume in one mere sitting.
Of course, parents should try to limit candy consumption for not only their sanity's sake, but for their dentist's sake as well. Letting children indulge is part of the fun, but parents should remind their kids to brush and floss, especially after the holiday.
"It's important to let your hair down and let kids be kids," said Dr. Ramin Tabib to AOL Lifestyle. "We [need to] make sure that they brush their teeth for a longer period than normal to remove any remaining sticky candies left behind."
Here's what made Dr. Tabib's list of the worst candies:
And while the doctor behind NYC Smile Design understands that kids should be kids, he also knows that not all candies are created equal. "The worst candies are the ones that linger around," he explained, "or the ones that are in contact with teeth for a long time and constantly bathe the teeth with sugar and feed the cavity causing bacteria."
Instead, parents should keep an eye out for candies made with dark chocolate and Stevia. "Dark chocolate contains naturally occurring polyphenols... that limit the bad effects of sugar," he said. Parents should also look out for "candies that are sweetened with Stevia that are naturally occurring and won’t promote cavities," the dentist concluded.
Shop Dr. Tabib's favorite candies below:


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It’s the holiday miracle that the entire CBD industry has been waiting for: On Monday, Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill after months of back-and-forth, and on Thursday, President Trump signed the 807-page document into law. And, as predicted in Well+Good’s 2019 Wellness Trends, this potentially could affect everything from your morning coffee to your skin care regimen—because this bill sets the stage for CBD to go big-time, with a huge wave of new products.
Every five-ish years, this massive piece of legislation gets an update, essentially setting the tone for agricultural policy in the half-decade that follows. This year, in between details about farmer’s market funding and food stamps, there are also some major new mandates around hemp cultivation.
This new legislation paves the way for the wellness-world star ingredient (which is said to have major anti-inflammatory powers) to break through to the mainstream.
This new legislation paves the way for the wellness-world star ingredient (which is said to have major anti-inflammatory powers) to break through to the mainstream, but there are still some nuances to understand. Will hemp—and hemp-derived CBD oils, tinctures, cookies, serums, and so on—suddenly become legal in all 50 states once Trump signs the bill? That’s not exactly the case.
Here, we break down what the 2018 Farm Bill means for the CBD industry, and why it may still be some time before you’re able to score a CBD seltzer as easily as you can a Coke.
What does the 2018 Farm Bill say about hemp, exactly?
First off, it’s important to distinguish industrial hemp—the plant that’s addressed in the Farm Bill—from the one we usually refer to as marijuana. Although both are varieties of the cannabis sativa plant, industrial hemp is classified by law as containing less than 0.3 percent of the psychoactive compound THC. (Translation: It won’t make you high.) Marijuana, on the other hand, is cannabis with 0.3 percent THC or more.
Since the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, certain farmers were allowed to cultivate industrial hemp as part of a pilot program—one with a lot of rules and restrictions on how much hemp could be cultivated and why. That’s part of the reason we’ve started to see so many CBD products enter the market over the past couple of years.
If you’ve been eyeing brands in California and Colorado for years, your FOMO could come to an end soon.
This year’s Farm Bill, however, brings that pilot phase to an end, allowing licensed farmers nationwide to grow industrial hemp more freely. Oh, and this is key: It removes industrial hemp from the illegal Schedule 1 drugs list, giving it the same classification as any other commercial crop (AKA an “agricultural commodity”). Plus, there are no restrictions around selling, possessing, or transporting industrial hemp across state lines (or any products made from it) as long as it’s cultivated in line with the law.
So you’re saying all CBD products are legal now?
Well, no. Remember the distinction between industrial hemp and marijuana? While CBD products produced from industrial hemp are no longer considered Schedule I substances, CBD products that come from marijuana plants with more than .03 percent THC are still federally illegal. (Even if the finished product itself has less than 0.3 percent THC.) Sure, most of the super-commercial CBD products we’re seeing today fall into the first category. But still, it’s a myth that anything with “CBD” on the label is going to be free and clear in 2019.
CBD products produced from industrial hemp are no longer considered Schedule I substances, CBD products that come from marijuana plants with more than .03 percent THC are still federally illegal.
What’s more, the FDA still has the final say when it comes to using CBD in food, cosmetics, and supplements. (So, basically, everything.) Its current position is that CBD isn’t permitted in any of those categories. That said, the agency isn’t actively going after CBD brands right now unless they’re making misleading health claims, which is part of the reason why we see so many brands making CBD products anyway.
At this point, it’s unclear how the FDA will respond to the Farm Bill. While CBD insiders hope that its position will eventually come in line with that of the USDA—because what’s the point of making industrial hemp legal if it’s not allowed in the majority of consumer products?—the FDA may need some time and further research to solidify its stance. So watch this space.
Will I definitely be able to buy CBD products in my state?
Not necessarily. The Farm Bill says that although these federal guidelines now exist, each state is still free to create its own regulatory framework around industrial hemp.
Right now, every state has its own views on hemp, and that’s not likely to end just because of the Farm Bill. For example, while hemp CBD is A-OK in all forms under Illinois and Montana state law, it’s not allowed in food or supplements in California—and it’s illegal in Idaho if there’s any THC in the product at all (even less than the .03 percent that’s allowed nationally).
The USDA will need to sign off on each state’s regulatory proposal, but it’s unclear exactly how heavy-handed the agency will be in terms of bringing the strictest regulations in line with what’s federally allowable. So it’s likely that we’ll continue to see variations in what’s legal between states for the time being.
What does this all mean for the future of CBD?
Clearly, there are still a lot of uncertainties swirling around the CBD landscape. But, overall, experts are hopeful that the Farm Bill will help take CBD to the next level of legitimacy. “There’s still a lot of confusion around CBD, and [the Farm Bill] adds an extra layer of clarification,” says Cannabis Feminist Jessica Assaf, cofounder of forthcoming hemp CBD brand and education platform Prima. “Spelling it out will be really helpful in making adjacent industries, like manufacturers and retailers, more comfortable and excited [about CBD].”
“There’s still a lot of confusion around CBD, and [the Farm Bill] adds an extra layer of clarification.” —Jessica Assaf, Cannabis Feminist founder and Prima cofounder
That said, Prima COO Laurel Myers warns that we should be prepared for change to be slow. “[The Farm Bill] is a big and important step, but there’s certainly a long road ahead to having really meaningful regulation in this industry,” she says. Myers points out that there’s also a major need for regulation around safety, quality, and consistency in CBD products—things that the Farm Bill doesn’t directly address. (Looking at you, FDA!)
Cannabis industry attorney Daniel Shortt agreed with this sentiment when I interviewed him earlier this year. “It’s important to know what ingredients are in [your CBD] and what extraction method is being used,” he says. “Companies out there are trying to be transparent, and consumers can steer the market with their pocketbooks until we have more regulations.”
Bottom line: The CBD market may soon be getting a little more crowded, thanks to the Farm Bill, but that means it’s more important than ever to do your hemp homework.
This piece was originally published on December 15, 2018. It was updated on December 21, 2018.


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Heavily discounted for a limited time
Red Dead Online is now available to purchase separately for a heavily discounted price, without the need to buy Red Dead Redemption 2. Major Nelson is here to remind us all that the previously announced version has been released this w
The game is going standalone next week
Rockstar Games has announced that it's making the Red Dead Online portion of Red Dead Redemption 2 entirely standalone beginning this December 1st, and it will initially be available for just $4.99. This offer will last on the Microsoft Store until February 15, 2021, after which it will revert to $19.99 - so...
It was branded unplayable by some fans
Rockstar Games has today rolled back its latest update to Red Dead Online, which had previously caused all sorts of trouble for the game, introducing a number of glitches and issues. In a statement, Rockstar revealed that it will continue eliminating any remaining issues in the future, but for now has simply...


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BEIJING -- Formal free trade talks between Canada and China have yet to proceed because of snags over labour, the environment and concerns linked to Chinese state-owned enterprises, says Ottawa's envoy to Beijing.
The Canadian economy turned in its weakest quarter since the Great Recession during the second quarter, as Alberta's wildfires and slumping exports took a big bite out of the country's economic output.
Brent Lewin/BloombergLoans to energy companies account for about two per cent of total loans of Bay Street banks, with Bank of Nova Scotia and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce the most exposed to the sector.
Whether they sell baby clothes or medical marijuana, some businesses are looking at delivery alternatives after prolonged and uncertain negotiations despite a tentative agreement announced last night between Canada Post and the union.
TORONTO - Canada's five biggest banks raked in a combined $9.89 billion in profits during the third quarter, as analysts shifted their focus from sour oilpatch loans to a possible housing downturn.


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SSEK Indonesian Legal Consultants has advised WeWork, a US multinational that provides shared workspaces and services for entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, small businesses and large enterprises, on the opening of its first two locations in Jakarta, part of WeWork’s expansion into Southeast Asia.
Indonesia’s construction and projects market is growing and is predicted to continue to strengthen. Infrastructure development has been one of the main focuses of the current administration of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
A franchise, under Indonesian regulations, is defined as a special right owned by an individual or a legal entity to a unique business system that has proven successful in selling goods and/or services, and can be used by another party based on a Franchise Agreement.
The Indonesian government has introduced a new tariff regime for renewable energies. The new regime gives the Indonesian state power company, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (“PLN“), greater control over tariffs in the sector through business-to-business negotiations and benchmarking against the applicable Electricity Generation Basic Cost (Biaya Pokok Penyediaan Pembangkitan or “BPP“).
Bank Indonesia (“BI“) has issued a long-anticipated regulation on e-money that stipulates a number of requirements and prohibitions that were previously unregulated. The new regulation, BI Regulation No. 20/6/PBI/2018 regarding Electronic Money (“BI Reg 20“), revokes all existing BI e-money regulations.


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As all eyes turn to San Francisco this week for the kinda-annual ritual unveiling of the next iPhone, mobile marketers may well be asking, how does this really matter to me? Other than simply driving ever skyward the sexiness of mobile and deepening the love affair we already have with devices, there are some tangible effects of an iPhone release that impact developers and marketers. The App Store goes bonkers.
According to app marketing firm Fiksu, the effects of a new iPhone release on the traffic, download volume and attendant marketing costs around app distribution are substantial and long-lasting. The company reiterated some of its learning from the iPhone 4S release in 2011 and now expects a similar effect. While the iPhone 5 will be introduced tomorrow, rumors anticipate a street date of late next week.
One of the things that marketers should expect is the effect of pent-up demand on the app ecosystem. Between September and October last year as the iPhone 4S appeared, Fiksu recorded an increased app download volume of a whopping 29%. This increase in volume of people in the system also helped deflate the average cost of attaining a “loyal” app use, or one who reopens an app more than a couple of times. The dip in acquisition costs actually dropped last year from $1.64 in September to $1.47 in October. But the lower costs extended into November right before the holiday scurry to attain new app customers.
Obviously Fiksu has a vested interest in promoting app marketing. But the company quotes industry sources who are saying that more than 20 million iPhone 5 units could flow into the system in coming months, with perhaps 8 to 10 million of them in just the last weeks of this month. Many of the iPhone 4 owners who did not go for the “S” last year will be looking to upgrade. Fiksu recommends, of course, that marketers make the most of the opportunity and market to the new app users early and before they get expensive.
Well, okay -- maybe.
What is also true about a new handset with new visual qualities like a longer screen is that users also revisit old apps. I expect many informational apps will simple add more data in the newfound space. But some apps with challenging interfaces and microscopic detail (yeah, I am talking to you, Final Fantasy Tactics and Bastion), may get a refresh of interest.
Anyone recall the days when we used to upgrade graphics cards with faster 3D rendering speeds and higher resolutions? The first thing we did was reload or reinstall old favorites to see how they felt now. Something like that, I think, happens when you expand a smartphone screen.
In other words, one of the marketing opps for app developers of all kinds is to leverage the new screen real estate in novel ways and promote the refresh. Incremental as the screen increase likely will be on the iPhone 5, a new toy is, after all, a new toy.


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Far-UVC lamps operating at around a wavelength of 222nm are already deployed for disinfection but are bulky, fragile and costly. NS Nanotech's solid-state emissive LED is described as being a "nitride semiconductor" that can be lower cost.
According to studies conducted at Columbia University and Kobe University far-UVC photons at wavelength of 222nm or less can deactivate coronavirus without penetrating or damaging live human cells, making far-UVC sanitizing light safer for humans with the potential for use in a wide range of products, including personal consumer devices.
Initial chip samples will be available to OEM partners before the end of the year, NS Nanotech said The company also plans to offer an electrically operated air purifier the size of a coffee cup that can neutralize the coronavirus and other airborne pathogens.
Artist's impression of air purifier and Covid neutralizer.
The unit will be available in 2021 and is intended for personal and business use in the home in the office, in schools and on transportation systems.
The technology is based on work originally performed at the University of Michigan and McGill University. NS Nanotech claims its nitride semiconductor chips are the first solid-state devices to emit far-UVC light at wavelengths ranging from 200 to 222nm. These wavelengths are reported to be 99.9 percent effective at neutralizing airborne coronaviruses in their path.
Read the original article on eeNews Analog.


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Visiting A Fighting Game Arcade With Street Fighter 6 Developers
In this exclusive interview from our recent trip to Japan, Game Informer and Street Fighter 6 developers Takayuki Nakayama and Shuhei Matsumoto visit Taito Station Nippombashi, a multi-level arcade in a bustling Osaka shopping district. The arcade holds significance for Nakayama, with ties to his early years on Capcom's fighting team.
If you enjoyed this video, watch our interview with Nakayma-san and Matsumoto-san from Summer Game Fest earlier to hear how the Street Fighter 6 team learned from the series' past. For more exclusive info on Street Fighter 6, visit our cover story hub.


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A federal grand jury last week indicted a Mansfield, TX man for submitting false inspection reports in exchange for bribe payments, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Timothy Peppel, 68 years old, was a federal produce inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Peppel was responsible for conducting produce inspections and providing inspection reports to companies buying and selling produce.
According to prosecutors, a wholesale produce company, American Fresh Produce (AFP), began requesting produce inspections from USDA AMS in 2014 in order to rate their produce. AFP used the inspection reports to negotiate a price for the produce they purchased from produce brokers. Peppel was one of the inspectors who inspected and graded AFP’s produce and created inspection reports.
Shortly after Peppel started performing inspections of AFP produce, Peppel solicited and received weekly bribery payments of $1,000 to $1,500 from the owner of AFP. In exchange for the bribery payments, Peppel agreed to create produce inspection reports that falsely downgraded AFP’s produce, which AFP was able to use to negotiate lower prices for the produce they had purchased.
Peppel has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and receiving bribe by a public officer; five counts of honest services wire fraud; and one count of receiving bribe by a public official. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on the count of conspiracy; 20 years in prison on each count of honest services wire fraud; and 15 years in prison on the count of receiving bribe by a public; official plus restitution.
The FBI Dallas Office and U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marty Basu and Joshua Detzky are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Busch assisted in the investigation of the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Public Affairs Officer


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ALINSO GROUP is celebrating two years of successful business in Romania since the opening of Ploiesti West Park, the largest business park in South Eastern Europe, with a surface area of 250 ha. On this occasion, Alinso Group also marks the inauguration of a new milestone in the development of Ploiesti West Park: the first building dedicated to small and medium-sized companies.
"We are proud to celebrate the two-year anniversary of our presence in Romania, with so many clients who have already joined us. Also, we are happy to inaugurate an innovative project: the first industrial building in Romania to be BREEAM certified.
"This certification is helping us to achieve the best development that blends energy-related imperatives with economic requirements and convenience. We believe that the influence of increasing energy prices and the increased concern for the environment will lead end-users to seek buildings with certifications such as BREEAM because they see them as a good way of generating long-term savings.
"We are confident in our partners in Romania and believe that our no nonsense approach, with a focus on customer intimacy and smart engineering will allow us to further grow in this promising and lovely country, Romania," stated Ivan Lokere, CEO of Alinso Group.
In these two years, Ploiesti West Park has proven fast execution capabilities and has attracted important companies such as Unilever, Lufkin Industries Inc, The Toro Company, OTZ Logistics and British American Tobacco. Alinso has delivered in terms of warehouse space 30,000 m² to Unilever, 12,000 m² to OTZ Logistics and 8,300 m² to British American Tobacco. For Toro Company, Alinso is building a production warehouse of 13,000 m² on 3.4 ha of land sold to this company.
With 50,000 m² of logistics warehouse already built, Ploiesti West Park is ready to deliver, by the end of 2011, an additional 20,000-m² class-A logistics warehouse, a 17,800-m² BREEAM compliant SME building (dedicated to small & medium enterprises), a 9,000-m² Small Enterprises building (dedicated to small companies) and several other specialized buildings and facilities such as cold storage warehouses. By the end of 2011, far over 100,000 m² of buildings will have been constructed on the park.
Source: BDR Associates


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Kim Kardashian is to release her new video game 'Kim Kardashian: Hollywood' next week on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Kim Kardashian is to release a video game next week.
The 33-year-old reality TV star took to her Instagram account tonight (18.06.14) to announce that her new mobile app 'Kim Kardashian: Hollywood' will be available to purchase in a few days time.
The brunette beauty posted a trailer of the new game on the social networking site, which she accompanied with the caption: ''Excited to announce the new #KimKardashianGame launches next week on the App Store and Google Play! Check out the trailer... (sic).''
The game allows the player to choose a celebrity character and navigate them around Hollywood as they attempt to gain fame, attend glamorous events, join in photo shoots and fall in love.
However, along the way, your character meets animated Kim as she assists you on shopping trips, nights out and styles you for shoots.
Kim, who has 12-month-old daughter North with her husband Kanye West, hinted that she had a new game in the pipeline yesterday (17.06.14) after she posted a picture of her in the recording studio.
She wrote alongside the snap: ''Excited about this new project #ComingSoon #KimKardashianGame (sic).''
She later added another picture of her as an avatar on a red carpet, which she accompanied with the caption: ''Sneak peek from my upcoming project! Super excited about this! #KimKardashianGame (sic).''
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Those waiting for the supply chain to balance out may be waiting a few more years. More than half of supply chain executives don’t expect a return to a more normal supply chain until the first half of 2024 or beyond, according to a new survey from Carl Marks Advisors and SupplyChainBrain.
Twenty-two percent of respondents said they expect disruption to continue through the second half of 2023 as threats such as the war in Ukraine and labor shortages continue to cloud the picture. “This research underscores just how profoundly the pandemic impacted corporate supply chains, but also how economic conditions, rising inflation and global tensions are preventing a return to normal,” said Peter Keogh, managing director for Carl Marks Advisors. “In this environment, organizations will need to continue to be nimble, and be especially attentive to inventory levels. In the retail sector, for example, many companies overcompensated for supply chain disruptions by aggressively stocking products and are now facing an inventory glut. We expect to see other industries struggle to recalibrate over the next year or two.”
The economic impact of the ongoing supply chain disruptions cannot be understated. The survey found that supply chain issues negatively impacted revenues at 75 percent of responding companies over the past year. Companies have taken a variety of steps to address the disruption, with most (53.3 percent) diversifying suppliers and a majority (50.1 percent) maintaining more inventory.
When it came to what supply chain executives wish they could do to get supply chain costs under control in 2022, the largest group (31.78 percent) said they would end the war in Ukraine, followed by lower fuel costs by 20 percent (30.84 percent of respondents).


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London, January 9, 2018 – TapSafe™, a new warranty app and platform launched today by AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., a multinational property and casualty insurer, at the CES show in Las Vegas, will enable consumers to automatically find, identify and protect all of their connected devices including phones, tablets, smart home hubs, wearables and more. The app is powered by Fing’s connected device discovery technology.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of US households have over $2,500 in connected devices and 50% have had a device damaged or malfunction in the past year according to the AmTrust Connected Households 2018 survey. (1) The majority of survey respondents anticipated buying at least 2 additional connected devices for friends, family or themselves this holiday season. (2)
The new product, developed by AmTrust Innovation, the products and services innovation arm of AmTrust Financial, allows users to buy warranty protection and technical support for any connected devices. TapSafe’s automatic connected device discovery technology is supported by AmTrust’s partnership with Fing, a provider of network security and troubleshooting solutions that have over 25 million downloads. Fing technology has been used for the discovery of over 15 billion connected devices. Warranties on devices detected by the TapSafe app are backed by AmTrust, a Fortune 500 company and a leading warranty insurer covering over $1 billion in warranty insurance premiums annually. “TapSafe provides consumers the easy and accessible coverage options they need for the growing number of connected devices in each home,” said Paul Leahy, President of AmTrust Innovation Labs. “We believe that with this kind of technology and a partner like Fing, AmTrust will be an industry leader in providing customer focused-solutions to traditional insurance and service contract businesses.” TapSafe protects connected devices including smart TVs, connected thermostats, smart speakers, hubs and network routers against power surge, mechanical breakdown and accidental damage. Customers have access to live on-demand technical support and in-person installation services from a nationwide installation network. Domenico Crapanzano, CEO of Fing says “Fing’s focus on providing IoT device recognition software will mean the end customer can identify devices in real time and customize the protection level they desire through the TapSafe app. We anticipate this partnership will really be a win for the customer by bringing together cutting edge technology and innovative protection solutions all in an easy to use online experience.” “The proliferation of connected devices brings a new level of complexity and risk for consumers,” observes Brad Russell, Research Director for Connected Home at Parks Associates. “While manufacturers’ warranties provide a minimum level of protection, AmTrust’s new TapSafe platform will help consumers manage protection and support for all of their devices in one convenient app. On average, 34% of smart home device owners reported problems with a device in 2017 compared with 28% in 2016.”
Learn more To learn more about TapSafe or AmTrust, please go to www.tapsafe.com or www.amtrustfinancial.com. To learn more about Fing and it’s innovative connected device identification technologies visit www.fing.com.
About Fing Founded in 2009, Fing develops network scanning, network security and Wi-Fi troubleshooting apps and devices built for the Internet of Things. The free Fing network scanning app for iOS and Android has more than 30 million downloads. Fingbox, the evolution of the free Fing app, brings homes simple network security and troubleshooting features at an affordable price point. It raised over $1.7 million USD on Indiegogo. Fingboxes have since shipped to all backers and 30,000 homes have now purchased a Fingbox to secure their home and family online. Fing has offices in San Francisco, London, and Rome.
About AmTrust Innovation AmTrust Innovation, the products and services innovation arm of AmTrust Financial, is responsible for developing new product strategy across multiple facets of AmTrust’s international business as part of the organization’s ongoing digital transformation endeavors. Building on the ethos of providing ‘protection as a service’ the group has developed the TapSafe™ platform, which will evolve to deliver compelling and innovative product offerings to AmTrust’s enterprise clients and their customers.
About AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., a multinational insurance holding company headquartered in New York, offers specialty property and casualty insurance products, including workers' compensation, commercial automobile, general liability and extended service and warranty coverage through its primary insurance subsidiaries rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best. AmTrust is included in the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information about AmTrust visit www.amtrustfinancial.com. (1) AmTrust Connected Households 2018 survey was conducted by ORC International In December 2017 and included responses from 1,021 individuals across the United States. (2) Ibid.


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Facebook has finalized plans to bring its Community Boost digital training program to Baltimore this month.
The three-day program aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and job seekers will take place Nov. 12 through Nov. 14 at The Lord Baltimore Hotel downtown. The social media giant announced in June that it had selected Baltimore as one of the program’s host cities.
Community Boost will visit 50 cities this year.
The Baltimore session will include a series of free seminars and workshops designed to help businesses develop digital skills and use Facebook more effectively as a marketing tool to “better compete in the new economy.”
A kick-off event will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Nov. 12 with comments from Facebook leaders and a panel of local small business owners. Registration is free.
In another initiative to help spread digital skills, Facebook had announced in August it will work with the National Urban League to offer training in social media strategy and digital marketing in Baltimore and a dozen other cities. Training for that initiative will start next year.


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Jamie xx Announces Australian Solo Shows
Tickets go on sale tomorrow!
Following on from the announcement of their new album Coexist, tickets to The xx's Australian shows sold out in mere minutes. Now band member Jamie xx has announced solo dates for Melbourne and Sydney. He'll play at New Guernica in Melbourne on Tuesday July 17, and at Goodgod Small Club in Sydney on Thursday July 19. Make sure you're on the internet at 9am tomorrow when the tickets go on sale via Moshtix.


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Hey, Bella Vista and Queen Village! We’re doubling down on your neighborhood and increasing coverage, so if you see something going on in your neck of the woods, let us know at email@example.com.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a chain that Texas transplants here talk about in the same way former Philadelphians do about cheesesteaks, has opened an outpost at 650 South St.
The chain took over the spot Steve’s Steaks left vacant last year. One former Dallas resident told us it was just as good as at home.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Eat in or order online on the website for your ribs, brisket, ham, pork, sausages, chicken and turkey.
Has anyone been? What did you think?


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Campbell Soup to sell some European brands to CVC for $541 million
(Reuters) - Campbell Soup Co (CPB.N) said it would sell some of its European canned soups and meals brands to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for 400 million euros ($541 million).
Campbell said in August that it was in talks to sell some brands to CVC Capital as it focuses on its core North American soup and meal business and high growth areas.
CVC Capital will buy brands including Liebig and Royco in France, Erasco in Germany, Bla Band in Sweden and Devos Lemmens and Royco in Belgium.
The deal does not include the Kelsen Group in Denmark, which Campbell acquired in June to boost its international presence.
Campbell said it intends to use the proceeds to pay down debt and for other general corporate purposes.
The company is being advised by Allen & Overy LLP. CVC Capital is being advised by Leopold Capital Partners, Barclays, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Ernst & Young.
($1 = 0.74 euros)
(Reporting by Aditi Shrivastava in Bangalore; Editing by Kirti Pandey)
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Nelson Mandela: 1918 - 2013
Reuters looks at the life and times of Nelson Mandela, an icon of peace and reconciliation who came to embody the struggle for justice around the world. Video


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2020 Lincoln Navigator de-blings, adds Phone As Key tech
Oodles more tech and safety gear comes standard, and there's a less-showy new visuals package, too.
Chris PaukertFormer executive editor / Cars
Following stints in TV news production and as a record company publicist, Chris spent most of his career in automotive publishing. Mentored by Automobile Magazine founder David E. Davis Jr., Paukert succeeded Davis as editor-in-chief of Winding Road, a pioneering e-mag, before serving as Autoblog's executive editor from 2008 to 2015.
Chris is a Webby and Telly award-winning video producer and has served on the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. He joined the CNET team in 2015, bringing a small cache of odd, underappreciated cars with him.
The Lincoln Navigator is already one of our favorite full-size luxury SUVs, and for the 2020 model year, it's getting more technology and some new looks, too.
Chiefly, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator is picking up new standard Phone As Key functionality. Part of the Lincoln Way mobile app, Phone As Key works just how it sounds -- it allows for your mobile device to take the place of a traditional key fob. With the app, you can do everything from lock and unlock the vehicle to start and drive it, too. At least in terms of functionality, this tech sounds similar to what Volvo and Tesla have already introduced. Phone As Key will initially appear on the forthcoming midsize 2020 Lincoln Aviator, upscale cousin to the new 2020 Ford Explorer.
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator is gaining a whole host of other additional standard features that were previously optional or available on premium trims. New base equipment includes Ford's CoPilot360 bundle of advanced driver-assist systems. The suite of safety features includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pre-collision assist; lane-keep assist; blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage; rearview camera, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Additional new base equipment includes power side running boards (previously standard on Select trim and higher models), as well as a wireless charging pad and heated and cooled front seats.
2020 Lincoln Navigator gets smoother Monochromatic themes
If you're a fan of the Navigator but find the standard model's liberal lashings of chrome to be a bit, too... Nineties Bling, well, help is on the way. The Blue Oval's upscale brand has also announced that the 2020 Lincoln Navigator will be available with a new Monochromatic Package on Reserve models.
Available in Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl and Infinite Black, the package dials back the shiny stuff in favor of a more restrained aesthetic. According to the automaker's official statement, the new looks "... reflect the minimalistic color trend popular in fashion and home decor, where variations of a single hue result in a smooth yet vibrant color scheme that's easy on the eyes." Uh huh. In any case, the Monochromatic Package doesn't do away with all the Navi's chrome -- there's still more of the stuff than on most any other vehicle you'll find -- but the new option represents a serious reduction all the same.
So far, the automaker isn't announcing any changes to the Navigator's running gear, and indeed, it's expected that the big brute will continue to be powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic and either rear- or all-wheel drive.
Lincoln has not yet revealed pricing for the 2020 Navigator, which goes on sale in November. Given all the additional equipment, it's probably fair to assume that pricing will rise by a decent amount compared to the $73,205 base price (plus $1,295 delivery fee) of today's 2019 model.


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03 Sep ASEAN Business Forum: Navigating ASEAN Beyond COVID-19
As talk of vaccines becomes more commonplace, world leaders are already looking towards the future and emerging from the pandemic stronger than before. ASEAN countries are no different – as infection numbers begin to fall, economic recovery is on everyone’s mind. Yet, challenges remain. The trend of ‘de-globalisation’ and geopolitical tensions between the US and China could potentially roadblock a timely recovery.
On 25 August 2020, Standard Chartered Bank and Reuters Plus kicked-start the ASEAN Business Forum with their first webinar titled, “Navigating ASEAN Beyond COVID-19”. Comprising Mr. Jon Lambe, UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Mr. Tan Chin Hwee, the Asia-Pacific CEO of Trafigura and Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, the panellists discussed whether ASEAN could pull itself out of the economic downturn and successfully navigate itself towards a post-COVID world.
The Key to Economic Recovery
Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, opened the forum by highlighting three themes: unity, solidarity, and centrality. Indeed, this set the tone for the rest of the forum as the panellists, which included Associate Professor Simon Tay, Chairman of the SIIA, highlighted the importance of integration amidst growing trade protectionism.
Regional agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, play a critical role in mustering the political will for economic integration. Despite some protectionist tendencies exhibited by governments around the world, the overall trend remains fixed on globalisation.
When asked about RCEP in particular, the panellists remained optimistic about its prospects. Even with India’s withdrawal, RCEP still covers almost one-third of the world’s GDP and includes some of the fastest-growing regions. Besides, it is likely that RCEP signatories will opt to leave the door open for India’s re-entry and the inclusion of other nations. Although the full text of the agreement has not been made public yet, the panellists warned that RCEP should address key issues comprehensively; namely support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and clearly defined rules-of-origin.
Growing Tensions and Maintaining Solidarity
One key issue the panellists touched upon was the growing US-China divide. Even with a change in administration after the US elections in November 2020, it is unlikely that tensions will dissipate anytime soon, indicating that this trend may continue for quite a while. The panellists agreed that ASEAN should take up the mantle as the foremost regional organisation and promote regionalism to ensure that small and middle powers are not pulled into bipartisanship.
Despite the threat of a fractured region, there are opportunities for ASEAN in the midst of this rivalry. Labour costs and regulatory barriers have been on the rise in China for some time, and the rising tensions have dealt a strong blow to an already uncertain business environment. With approximately a third of companies looking to shift at least some production outside of China, ASEAN is the perfect destination for relocation. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have already been able to capture some of this outflow.
However, the panellists agreed that economic prosperity is not a zero-sum game between the ASEAN and China – in fact, it brings the two regions closer together. Most companies are only looking to shift out some production, which means that it remains vital for ASEAN to maintain good connectivity with China to keep supply chains open. At the same time, many countries in the region rely on economic and military support from the US. While the two seem diametrically opposed, the panellists were confident that it is possible to maintain cordial relations with both powers and ASEAN states must play a delicate balancing act.
When the virus first emerged, most nations were caught off-guard. Now, governments are more resilient and better prepared to keep supply chains open in the event of another crisis. It is therefore vital to continue reinforcing systems and processes to prevent another economic crash.
On the topic of growth, the panellists encouraged governments to remain committed to free trade and multilateral agreements. Economic integration is necessary, both as a means of promoting trade and increasing cooperation with its external partners. ASEAN countries should work to push for RCEP and other multilateral agreements and ensure that these are inclusive. In particular, digitalisation remains elusive for many MSMEs, and these businesses should be supported in order to plug them into global supply chains and markets.
Diplomatically, the panellists urged ASEAN to maintain its solidarity and advance a rules-based multilateral order in order to balance relations between the two powers. The key here is banding together as small and middle powers to prevent taking sides. Ultimately, this will be the key to optimising the benefits of both and remaining united as a region.


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Since1910 features world’s most expensive cupcake to celebrate 100-year anniversary
The last we heard of the world’s most expensive cupcake was by Mervis Diamond Importers, who claimed to be the first to create a diamond cupcake festooned with eight ideal cut round brilliant diamonds around its circumference and a 2-carat Asscher cut diamond in the center. However, this sweet scoop of goodness for a whopping $106,794 has come in honor of Since1910’s 100-year anniversary. Founded on January 1st, 1910, the fifth generation family owned jewelry store has featured the diamond cupcake in vanilla or chocolate with a 5.48 ct round diamond on top to make the success special. The diamond advertised is a GIA-certified 5.48 ct round diamond – F color – Si2 clarity – good cut.
Via: PR Web


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Patricia Sukijthamapan, owner of Smile Thai Cafe, said she will seek approval at a hearing with the Cambridge License Committee (CLC) on Nov. 14. “Every single night, a customer asks for beer and wine,” Sukijthamapan said. She added that because Tanjore, located on the first floor of the 16-18 Eliot St. building, is licensed to sell alcohol, she loses customers to the Indian restaurant.
“Some people dress nice, wear suits, and get so disappointed that we don’t have [a] license,” said Sukijthamapan of the difficulty her restaurant faces without the license. “We [are] below the other two Thai restaurants,” she added, referring to the business her restaurant received in comparison to 9 Tastes and Spice.
While the CLC does not require the petition, Sukijthamapan said that she is asking customers to sign it in a show support, at her lawyer’s recommendation. Many of those customers agreed that the laws preventing Harvard Square businesses from selling beer, wine, or liquor are impractical.
“It’s silly,” said Christopher N. Sutton, a student at the Kennedy School of Government who signed the petition. “It sort of reflects the wider Mass. law,”
But in 1986, the CLC passed a policy on the sale of alcoholic beverages, capping the number of locations in the Square that could receive licensing.
Smile Thai Cafe is one of 90 restaurants in Harvard Square and one of the 70 members of Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA).
Denise Jillson, the executive director of the HSBA, said that the organization would “support anyone of our restaurants that choose to apply for license.”
“The whole idea to have a restaurant is really about accommodating people the way they wish to be accommodated,” Jillson said. “They just want to have a nice meal and a glass of wine or a pizza and a cold beer.”
In April of this year, Jillson sent a letter to CLC Executive Officer Elizabeth Lint, asking for a review of the 20-year-old policy.
Lint could not be reached for comment yesterday.