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Security researchers have discovered a fake Telegram application on the Google Play Store that claims to be a new, updated version of the popular encrypted messenger app. According to Symantec researchers, the phony app goes by the name "Teligram [NEW VERSION UPDATED]" and is designed to look exactly like the real and legitimate Telegram app.
"The only differences, at least at first glance, are the (mis)spelling of Telegram, with an 'I' replacing the second 'e', the bracketed addendum, and a slightly different app icon," These differences are an attempt to trick users into thinking the app is the latest updated version of the legitimate Telegram app.
Teligram features similar screen style and an identical app description to the original app. Although it actually functions as an instant messaging app, it also runs malware in the background and displays advertisements throughout the app.
"Once installed, it becomes more difficult to tell the difference," Symantec said in a blog post published on Wednesday (10 January). "Comparing the apps' manifests reveals that Teligram has added advertising libraries in order to create revenue for the fraudsters behind the deceptive app.
"Teligram displays advertisements in two different ways, within the chat list and by showing intermittent full screen advertisements."
Researchers said the malware that Teligram installs on an infected device as Trojan.Gen.2, which was built using the open source Telegram code that is distributed on third-party app stores.
"While open source projects can be of huge benefit to developers and consumers, they can also be used by criminals to create convincing imitations of trusted apps," John Hou of Symantec's Security Technology and Response (STAR) team wrote.
Once the dodgy app is installed and run on the device, the malware can be leveraged by hackers to install a backdoor, ad clicker or carry out other nefarious activities.
"Compared to this malware, Teligram users are lucky as advertising revenue appears to be the main motive behind the app," Hou wrote. "Although no malicious behavior has been added to Teligram, its developers could potentially add any behavior they wish."
Google has since removed the malicious Teligram app from its Play Store.


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Apple Goes on Cloud Computing Hiring Spree
Apple has hired multiple well-known software engineers with cloud computing expertise in recent months, according to a report from tech site Protocol.
The range of employees Apple has hired has created "a stir" in the "tight-knit cloud community," and is a sign that Apple is perhaps planning to build serious cloud infrastructure to compete with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Employees have expertise in containers and Kubernetes. Michael Crosby, for example, known as one of the engineers of containers as they exist today, joined Apple in 2020. Arun Gupta, who worked at Amazon Web Services, joined Apple in February and is leading Apple's open source efforts. Another former AWS employee who worked on managed container services, Maksym Pavlenko, has also transitioned to Apple. Francesc Campoy, an ex-Google employee, is now at Apple working on Kubernetes, an open source container orchestration platform that allows for managing containerized applications across hosts.
Apple has also listed multiple job postings that suggest it is working on new tools for its internal software development teams.
Apple already has a huge cloud-based platform that encompasses iCloud, the App Store, Apple TV+, Apple Music, and more, but it is not up to par with the cloud technology used by companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Netflix.
Apple in 2018 announced plans to invest $10 billion in data center construction, and in 2019, joined the Cloud Native Computing Foundation that hosts Kubernetes and containers.

domain: news


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Comcel Launch ROK-Powered 3G Mobile TV Service in ColombiaFriday, August 27th, 2010
‘Ideas Web TV’ will offer live and on-demand Mobile TV channels streamed over 3G
LONDON, England and BOGOTA, Colombia — Comunicacion Celular S.A. (Comcel), the largest Mobile Operator in Colombia, and ROK Entertainment Group, the mobile technology, applications and services company, have today announced the launch of Ideas Web TV, a streamed, on-demand mobile TV subscription service.
Powered by ROK’s award-winning ‘ROK TV’ video-streaming technology, Ideas Web TV will offer an initial package of Mobile TV channels to include Discovery Movil, Discovery Kids, Nickelodeon, Playboy Lifestyle, ESPN, ESPN-X, Wappo TV, Disney Channel and National Geographic.
The deployment of Ideas Web TV in Colombia follows the successful launch of ROK-powered Ideas TV with Comcel’s parent group América Móvil (Mexico:AMXL) and its operator Telcel, in Mexico in September 2008.
Comcel has stated its delight in joining Telcel in being able to offer its customers the highest quality streamed mobile TV service available which it will promote as a monthly subscription service priced at $15,000 COP per month (approximately USD $8.25 per month).
Commenting on the deployment of Ideas Web TV in Colombia, Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman and CEO of ROK said “We are delighted to be working with Comcel in Colombia as this represents another major milestone in our global roll-out of our revenue-generating mobile entertainment services”.


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Klout To Be Acquired By Social Management Software Company Lithium Technologies
Lithium Technologies, a social customer experience management software company, released a statement today announcing it has acquired Klout.
According to the announcement, the acquisition creates, “One of the biggest data footprints of consumer attitudes, preferences, and activities on digital channels.”
Lithium claimed the combined companies will have access to 500 million consumers across 10,000 specific interest areas and more than 300 branded communities. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“With Klout, Lithium fully delivers on its vision of building a trusted online connection between consumers and the brands they care about,” said Lithium CEO Rob Tarkoff. Brands like AT&T, Best Buy and Skype use Lithium’s technology to manage their social networks.
Lithium said Klout CEO Joe Fernandez will be part of its executive team, serving as a general manager and SVP, managing Klout operations. A post by Fernandez on the Klout company blog claimed Klout users will still be able to get insight on their social media activity, find content, and earn Klout Perks on the site and mobile app.
Lithium Technologies posted the follow video in conjunction with the statement announcing the acquisition:


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Orange broadens its horizons
France Telecom eyes growth in countries where it lacks a physical presence
French telecom group, Orange, has launched a new subsidiary called Orange Horizons, to develop business opportunities beyond its operator footprint.
These projects, which will leverage the global reputation of the Orange brand and existing group assets, aim to provide a new source of revenue for the operator without the need for significant investment.
The initiative will include projects such as the launch of online stores selling telecoms-related equipment or airtime; the introduction of flexible travel solutions; or the launch of MVNOs.
The first of these projects has already been launched in South Africa, where Orange has launched two websites: an e-commerce website that sells telecoms-related devices and accessories, and a country-wide website, www.orange.com/za, which provides online content specifically tailored for a South African audience.
The launch of these services coincides with the start of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 pan-African football tournament.
A similar e-commerce initiative has also been opened in Italy. These two existing online stores already offer telecoms and electronic equipment, and will soon also offer telecoms services including airtime for Orange customers visiting from other countries.
The Group plans to launch business ventures in several other countries in 2013 in Europe and Africa, and will also look at opportunities in South America in order to leverage existing content-related assets such as starMedia, a South American internet portal.
A wide-range of business projects will be investigated depending on the specific potential within each country. These include: e-commerce sites, and potentially even physical stores, selling handsets, accessories and electronic equipment. This could be extended to assistance corners for Orange customers visiting from abroad.
The operator will also consider the launch of over-the-top country websites that aim to leverage existing assets such as the group's two pan-continental web-portals StarAfrica in Africa and starMedia in South America, or content-providers such as Deezer and DailyMotion.
Orange will also consider the introduction of multi-country travel solutions such as data offers using WiFi or VoIP, aimed in particular at professionals or tourists coming from countries in which Orange is already present. The launch of an MVNO is also a possibility in certain countries.
During an interview on the launch of Orange Horizons, Elie Girard, senior executive vice president of strategy and international development, said: "Orange Horizons is a very exciting project that fits perfectly in the group's overall Conquests 2015 strategy. Due to traditional migratory flows or cultural and professional ties, there are many countries where Orange is already very well-known despite not having an operational presence. We think there is strong potential to create a new source of revenues in these countries by leveraging awareness of the brand to propose very simple mass-market offers."


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Christopher Raeburn names Rapha's Graeme Raeburn performance director
Christopher Raeburn has named his brother Graeme as performance director at his brand, which may not sound like earth-shattering news, but certainly is given the changes happening at the label and Graeme R’s own impressive background.
Christopher Raeburn’s label is getting close to its 10th anniversary and as he was recently named global creative director of Timberland, the designer clearly feels the need for a dynamic and trustworthy leadership boost at his company.
Graeme Raeburn seems to fit that bill and has his own impressive track record. He’s been at fast-expanding cycling influencer brand Rapha for the last decade and was the senior designer there across men’s, women’s and accessories so he has plenty of experience of a label in a major growth phase.
He said of his latest move: “Christopher Raeburn is a tremendously exciting and dynamic brand. What my brother, Christopher, and his team have achieved in 10 years is nothing short of incredible. I’m excited to combine expertise in materials, products, and fabrication with sustainable and responsible design practices.”
His arrival comes, as mentioned, at a time when his brother will be increasingly dividing his time between his own brand and his work at Timberland.
And Christopher Raeburn himself seemed to suggest that his appointment wasn’t a forgone conclusion, despite the family connection. “It’s a real coup for us to bring someone of Graeme’s calibre into our business, and we are excited to bring our collective design approaches and truly fuse fashion and function as we enter the next chapter of the business,” he said.
Copyright © 2023 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.


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Bayswater Mazda, owned by Singapore-based Eurokars Group, has given the go-ahead for Parkd to design and build a $2 million three-level car park and two-level showroom.
Design has started on the project, and construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of next year.
Parkd managing director Peter McUtchen said the contract follows the completion of a two-level car park for City Subaru, also in Perth, and has led to “significant levels of inquiry from the automotive retail sector”.
“Eurokars has a clear vision of the unique opportunities the Parkd system can offer their dealership,” he said.
“This project also presents further opportunity for Parkd to broaden its relationships with Eurokars in the South East Asia region.”
Owned by executive chairman Karsono Kwee, Eurokars has Porsche, Roll-Royce, Maserati, Mini, BMW, McLaren and Mazda dealerships across Singapore, China, Indonesia and Australia. It also has the distribution rights for 3M in Indonesia.
Bayswater Mazda dealer principal Peter Merks said: “The innovation and expertise behind Parkd is a true demonstration of the future of smart building and we are delighted to be part of a revolutionary project.”
The new contract represents a significant milestone for Parkd after completing its founding project for Perth City Subaru, a two-level car park with 49 bays.
City Subaru dealer principal John Nossiter said the logistical challenges of running a dealership and managing space were significant.
“We looked at every option, including the purchase of additional land, but it simply wasn’t cost effective,” he said.
“Conventional construction would have meant closing down our entire business or relocating while the build took place.” Mr McUtchen said he had been encouraged with the increasing level of enquiry for the installation of car- park systems, with potential clients now able to visit the completed Subaru site.
The Parkd system uses prefabricated, lightweight concrete components that are transported to the site and bolted together.
The process removes the need for intensive site activities and material use, which make the build cheaper and quicker than conventional construction methods.
The car parks can also be deconstructed, relocated and reused in a new location. Levels can also be added or removed in response to parking demand.
By Neil Dowling


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Meituan, a Chinese life services and food delivery platform, is testing a social feature for food-ordering users, Chinese media Tech Planet reported (in Chinese) Thursday.
Why it matters: The social feature is part of Meituan’s effort to find new growth areas. The move comes as the food delivery sector becomes more crowded—social media giant ByteDance has been reportedly testing a food delivery feature through its short-video app Douyin since last month.
Details: Named “Fanxiaoquan,” the new feature allows users to share orders with their contacts on the Meituan app, in a format that is similar to WeChat’s Moments or Facebook’s News Feed.
- Users can comment and like posts, access merchants’ shops through posts, and place similar orders.
- Users can add friends either through WeChat contacts or phone contacts. The platform also recommends new contacts based on users’ past behavior on the Meituan app, such as the mobile games they have played.
Context: After years of fast growth, China’s food delivery industry is now growing at a slower pace. The market expanded 15% yearly in 2020, the slowest growth in the past decade, according to market consultancy Zhiyan (in Chinese).
- Meituan hit a record in the number of transacting users and active merchants using its flagship app in the first quarter of the year, 569.3 million and 7.1 million, respectively, according to its financial statement. The growth is partly driven by the company’s popularity in lower-tier Chinese cities.
- Meituan is seeking new growth areas in recent months by introducing social and content features, including a Pinduoduo-like group buying feature in its Meituan-Dianping unit and a short video feature in its flagship app.
Zhanhang Ye is a Shanghai-based reporting intern for Technode, covering the content and entertainment industry. Reach out to him at email@example.com.
More by Zhanhang Ye


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Seven Scottish computer games developers are to benefit from grants of up to £25,000 awarded through the Prototype Fund.
These latest Prototype Fund grants, a UK-wide scheme supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the Scottish Government and Abertay University, will take the total number of Scottish-based developers benefiting from the scheme to 20 - representing 43 per cent of all the companies supported across the UK.
The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, announced the funding package, worth up to £175,000 in total, on the first day of the Digital Spark Conference, which is being hosted by the University of Abertay this week.
Now in its third year, the Digital Spark Conference brings together a range of expertise relevant to the area of intellectual property from academics, legal experts, business leaders, students and entrepreneurs.
Hyslop said: “I am delighted to announce that a further seven Scottish companies are being offered up to £175,000 support from the Prototype Fund to develop their ideas into commercially viable products.
“This scheme aims to foster economic growth, create jobs, and improve skills in a sector which is a priority for the Scottish Government.
“Scotland is known the world over as a creative and innovative nation, with our computer games industry undoubtedly one of our global success stories. Indeed, software and electronic publishing was worth almost £1 billion to the Scottish economy in 2010 – a third of the value of our creative industries.
“That is why the Scottish Government is working with a range of partners to ensure appropriate support is in place for our creative industries, to make the most of the talent, infrastructure and cutting-edge skills that Scotland, and Dundee in particular, has to offer in this fast-growing and competitive market.”
No further details on the seven Scottish companies – five based in Dundee, one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow – have been released “due to commercial confidentiality”.
Professor Nigel Seaton, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, said: “We are grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for launching Digital Spark 2012 by announcing the latest grants from our very successful Prototype Fund.
“The fund is designed specifically to fill a gap in the market by unlocking trapped value so as to stimulate economic growth and the creation of new jobs, and Digital Spark complements this by facilitating knowledge transfer of issues and strategies to optimise the exploitation of creativity and intellectual property on which the digital industries – especially the vibrant sectors in Dundee and across Scotland – depend for success.
“I am sure that the discussions we will be having at Digital Spark today and tomorrow will make a solid contribution to the growth of the digital entertainment industry throughout Scotland and beyond.”


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Hive Connected Home: New Smart Thermostat
UK-based technology company Hive – an innovation brand of energy company British Gas – has launched a second iteration of its Active Heating smart thermostat, alongside a Hive app and family of complementary connected home products.
Designed by California-based entrepreneur Yves Behar, the new thermostat has an intuitive LED display unit that is simple enough for anyone to use, regardless of how tech-savvy they are, in keeping with his human-first approach to design. An on-screen guide enables easy programming by asking straightforward questions, such as: "What is more important to you? Energy efficiency or comfort?"
The thermostat gives the consumer greater control over their heating, enabling them to save energy and money. Alongside improving the flexibility of the scheduling, the new model also offers a holiday mode for when the user is away from home; a heating boost option for instant warmth; and a multi-zone function for homes with areas that are plumbed separately.
The device is controlled through a dial that allows tactile feedback and three buttons, creating an instantly understandable interface. "The dial is iconic, something people are familiar with," Behar said. A mirrored-finish front reflects its surroundings, while the interchangeable coloured frames can either complement or contrast against the interior. The company worked with paint brand Dulux to create the palette, choosing the most popular hues from its range. For more on the appeal of adaptable designs, see the Spring/Summer 2016 Design Direction Extend.
Hive will add to the product family later this year with a smart plug, motion sensors, and lights, along with the Honeycomb app that will unite all devices in one place. The system will enable full automation, or prompt actions by users dependent on circumstances, such as when they leave a certain radius of their home.
As seen at International CES earlier this year, simple and intuitive systems are key to widening the reach of connected home products outside of the early-adopting tech enthusiasts. For more on how brands are looking to engage consumers with the Internet of Things, see our recent blog post on Sears and Target's in-store connected home concepts.


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The National Association of Chain Stores commented this week on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ proposed regulations guiding the use of managed care in Medicaid and in the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Voters from all political parties support sunshine legislation that would make promote transparency in generic prescription drug payments by pharmacy benefit manager corporations, according to a national survey from the National Community Pharmacists Association released Tuesday.
Sandoz on Tuesday announced the launch of a generic version of AstraZeneca’s Pulmicort Respules (budesonide inhalation suspension) in 1-mg strength. Sandoz expects to have 180-day generic drug marketing exclusivity for the 1-mg strength.
The Israeli Health Ministry approved on Monday a decision to allow patients licensed to receive medical marijuana from a pharmacy with authorization from a medical expert, according to theJerusalem Post.
A survey of more than 60,000 e-commerce shoppers found that retailers can reduce abandonment by targeting customers who visited with the intent to buy, but didn’t complete a purchase (“true abandoners”).
With plenty of last year's supplies stowed in the closet and the option to restock at-will, back-to-school shoppers may be in no hurry to fill their shopping baskets by August, according to a Deloitte survey.
On Friday, Stichting Preferred Shares Mylan, an independent foundation established in the Netherlands, announced that it would exercise its full call option to purchase 488,388,431 preferred shares in Mylan.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it approved Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir) for use in combination with ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 infections in patients without scarring and cirrhosis.


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There is an ongoing legal issue between Qualcomm and Apple over patent infringement. The issue is so serious that Qualcomm wants to prevent the sales of the iPhones in the U.S. This is because the U.S. based chip maker is claiming that Apple is illegally using its patents on the iPhones. The Snapdragon 845 mobile chipset is said to be the next SoC that will be powering the 2018 flagships. The evidence of the chipset has appeared on a document that has been filed by International Trade Commission (ITC) by Qualcomm for its complaint against the Cupertino company.
Shown above is a snapshot of one of the documents that Qualcomm has submitted with ITC. As it can be seen, it contains several references of SD 845. Rumors have it that the Snapdragon 845 would be a 7mm chipset but there are some reports that it would be a 10nm chipset like the Snapdragon 835 but well come with plenty of improvements.
This year the LG G6 was launched with Snapdragon 821 chipset as Samsung managed to get the initial stocks of Snapdragon 835 flagship chipsets for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones. However, in the coming year, it could be a different scenario next year as the LG G7 is expected to be the first smartphone in 2018 to come powered with Snapdragon 845 chipset. Speculations have it that the LG G7 may launch as early as January this year.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are also heavily pegged to feature the upcoming Snapdragon 845 chipset. Recently, an alleged Galaxy S9 had appeared on Geekbench benchmarking platform with the same chipset. The Snapdragon 845 chipset is rumored to deliver 25 percent to 35 percent better performance than the Snapdragon 835. The Snapdragon 846 chipset is speculated to debut in the last quarter of this year or early in next year.
Other rumors hint that we could see an improved version of Snapdragon 835. This could be the Snapdragon 836 that is speculated to power the upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 flagship phones.


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Falcom had announced last year that they will be coming out with a new game as a celebration of the 35 years of the release of the game Ys. Ys is a series of action role-playing games that has sold over 4.8 million copies worldwide as of 2017.
There were many annoucements from Falcom during the 35-year anniversary of Ys of a new game being made for the celebration. It was then mentioned that the new game will be out in 2022.
During an interview, Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo spoke about the future of the Ys series. A Twitter user by the name @Hansuke21, translated the words of Kondo in the interview. The translations stated that there the aforementioned Ys sequel will take more time to be made.
“Are there any plans for the 35th anniversary of the Ys series and what is the current status of its development of new work?” was the question that was asked to Kondo during the interview. “We can say that we are already working on a new Ys game, but no way that it can be released in 2022. There will be new ideas in the new ‘Ys’. In fact, from Ys 7 to Ys 9, these titles have maintained a similar system, but the new work will be completely different” Kondo answered.
Kondo’s plans for celebrating the anniversary should include new merchandise, the new game, and more from Falcom to celebrate the occasion.


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Ultron Foundation and Devla kicking off with the best football Metaverse
Ultron Foundation has kicked off the development of its Football Metaverse project with Devla to introduce a superior gaming experience to the community. It will utilize the company’s rich crypto ecosystem and innovative income solutions to create a platform where players will have opportunities to earn and enjoy at the same time. This metaverse project is just one of the many metaverse developments expected in the coming years.
Ultron Foundation Football Metaverse: Layer 1 GameFi Revolution
Ultron Foundation is a Layer 1 blockchain that made headlines a couple of months ago when they introduced the first-ever native Layer 1 coin. Entering the metaverse space is further expanding Ultron’s vision to enable anyone, no matter their economic background or technological understanding, to participate in the future of digital assets.
Their announced partnership with Devla, one of the biggest metaverse development companies in the world and the only known metaverse development company that offers extensive metaverse training for their developers, striving to become the leading metaverse development company in the world. For those knowledgeable of the GameFi, you may recognize the team as the leading developers of the pax.world, winner of the “Metaverse of the year” award by AIBC.
Ultron Foundation Football Metaverse is set to be a digital world that will present its users with a way to enjoy themselves, while providing them with real opportunities to make money. In the words of Lennard Arand, the CEO of Devla GmbH:
“Ultron Football Metaverse will be a digital world where users will be able to buy and develop land, but with a strong focus on football. What I mean by that is that there will be stadiums, leagues, hundreds of football teams and so much more. Users will be able to mint their own football team NFTs, enabling them to play the actual games, compete in the leagues, buy, sell and develop players… and ultimately sell them on the secondary NFT markets, creating huge earning opportunities”.
Ultron’s CTO Alex Topal, furthermore explained that Ultron Foundation’s underlying principle is to build for utility and that utility has to be wide-reaching. By starting off their metaverse expansion with GameFi, they hope to attract younger generations, which will be able to find their place in Ultron’s ecosystem, and also broaden crypto space.
Well-known games like FIFA and FIFA Manager are attracting millions of players worldwide, but have not managed to bring the game to the next level, not utilizing the technology at hand. Combining their passion for sports with crypto technologies, Ultron and Devla teams are intending on bringing about a revolution to before mentioned gaming experience.
If it was rather difficult for people ten years ago to imagine that being a gamer could be considered a job, nowadays this is a distinct reality, as high-level players are earning north of $10 million per year. Knowing that, teams fully understand why incorporating earning potential in the gaming environment is of utmost importance.
Users will be able to buy, sell and trade football players as in the real world, and make money while at it. That will be done without much effort because every metaverse player will exist as its own NFT that could easily be traded in the metaverse or on the secondary market. Furthermore, users will make money by winning tournaments, ranking high in leagues and participating in specific events.
On the other hand, the metaverse will offer more established ways of making money, such as owning and renting out a stadium, purchasing and reselling the metaverse land, developing utility-based infrastructure on that premises and more.
GameFi is a system where gamers and creators can accrue value in cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) for themselves through gameplay. All payments and transactions will be done with Ultron’s native Layer 1 coin (ULX), which will allow metaverse users to earn even more in Ultron’s vast blockchain ecosystem of dApps, such as lending or staking of ULX coin.
The pre-sale of the metaverse land (50% of the total) is available only to those investing in Ultron’s innovative Staking Hub NFT and will end mid-October 2022. Purchase of the Staking Hub NFT can be done on their official website. Ultron’s Football Metaverse is expected to launch by the end of the year, the time when anyone will be able to participate in the land purchases and in the actual usage of the metaverse.
About Ultron Foundation
Ultron Foundation is an emerging blockchain project that aims to offer scalability, security, and faster transaction throughputs, without compromising one for another. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and developing its native token, ULX, the team is on the fast track to becoming one of the new leaders in crypto space.
Ultron Foundation is building a wholesome ecosystem that will roll out new dApps rapidly, the first of them being released in the next two weeks, and even more to come at the end of the month.
Name: Ultron Foundation
Email: Send Email
Organization: Ultron Foundation
Blockchain explorer: http://ulxscan.com
Disclaimer: This is a paid post and should not be treated as news/advice.


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Royal Caribbean has returned its Oasis of the Seas cruise ship to Miami following a massive $165 million transformation project.
The 63-day upgrade project added new features including the cruise line’s first-ever barbecue joint, Portside BBQ, along with a new live music venue called Music Hall and a new pool deck, among other changes.
Oasis of the Seas is currently sailing seven-night cruises to both Western and Eastern Caribbean destinations.
It will homeport in Miami until May of next year, when the ship will be sailing out of New York City.
“To see a 63-day, $165 million effort come to life on a ship as iconic as Oasis of the Seas is remarkable,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Our guests–new and fans alike–are in for an Oasis that takes family vacations to the next level. With exciting, new adventures and signature experiences, this ship is every bit as original as the day she debuted 10 years ago, almost to the day.”
Other additions range rom the Ultimate Abyss, billed as the tallest slide at sea, to the Perfect Storm, a multi-story waterslide concept to an “escape room” attraction called Apollo 18.


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Below are interesting statistics on social media usage. Feel free to share your favorite social media statistics in the comments section.
- 178,000,000 million US Internet users watched online video content in June for an average of 16.8 hours per viewer (Source: comScore)
- 58% of Twitter users who have tweeted about a bad experience have never received a response from the offending company (Source: Useful Social Media)
- 46% of corporate communicators say they use Radian6 as their primary social media listening tool (Source: Access)
- 50,000,000 websites are powered by WordPress (Source: WordPress)
- 10,000,000 users for fledgling social network Google+ (Source: Google)
- 1,000,000 registered Twitter apps, up from 150,000 last year (Source: Twitter)
- 36,000 businesses have signed up to use Google+ in just two weeks (Source: The Next Web)
- 550,000 Android devices are activated per day (Source: Google)
Use Google Analytics? The Social Media Examiner outlines how to track Tweets, Facebook Likes and more.


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It was an evening of innovation and glamour for students in San Joaquin Delta College's fashion program when they showcased their designs in a runway show on May 10 at Atherton Auditorium for an audience of more than 700.
Program director Leslie Asfour says "A Story of Fashion" gave students a chance to create and construct original designs and also plan and produce an entire fashion show.
"The 10 student designers brought their best skills, and the models were impeccable," Asfour said. "The show featured 10 complete collections of six to 12 looks modeled by volunteer models who were professionally styled by local stylists. Inspirations for the collections ranged from a trail of stars in the night sky for designer Kathy Vang to city sophisticate for designer Tien Nguyen."
The experience provided students in the collection design class and the fashion event production class with a real working world experience.
"The theater was staged with a 30-foot runway jetting into the audience, built over the red-velvet-upholstered chairs," Asfour said. "A 40-foot screen was the backdrop for the parade of over 90 models that walked the catwalk."


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Is Bitcoin News Trader the Ultimate Tool for Cryptocurrency Trading? Find Out Now!1. Juli 2023
Bitcoin News Trader Review – Is it Scam? – Trade cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have gained significant popularity in recent years, with Bitcoin being the most well-known and widely used. Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, operate on a decentralized network called blockchain, which allows for secure and transparent transactions.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow, more and more individuals are looking to trade and invest in these digital assets. However, navigating the volatile and complex world of cryptocurrency trading can be challenging for beginners and even experienced traders.
This is where Bitcoin News Trader comes in. Bitcoin News Trader is an automated trading platform that claims to use advanced algorithms and trading strategies to generate profitable trades in the cryptocurrency market. In this review, we will take a closer look at Bitcoin News Trader to determine if it is a legitimate platform or a scam.
What is Bitcoin News Trader?
Bitcoin News Trader is a web-based platform that provides users with the ability to trade cryptocurrencies automatically. The platform claims to use cutting-edge technology and algorithms to analyze market data and make informed trading decisions.
How it works
Bitcoin News Trader works by scanning the cryptocurrency market for news and trends that can potentially impact the price of various cryptocurrencies. The platform then uses this information to execute trades on behalf of the user.
Users can set their trading preferences, such as the amount to invest per trade, the stop-loss and take-profit levels, and the desired trading pairs. Once these preferences are set, Bitcoin News Trader will automatically execute trades based on the user's parameters.
Features and benefits of using Bitcoin News Trader
- Automation: Bitcoin News Trader automates the trading process, allowing users to potentially profit from the cryptocurrency market without the need for manual trading.
- Advanced algorithms: The platform claims to use sophisticated algorithms to analyze market data and make informed trading decisions.
- News scanning: Bitcoin News Trader scans the cryptocurrency market for news and trends that can impact the price of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to capitalize on potential market movements.
- User-friendly interface: The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced traders.
Is Bitcoin News Trader Legitimate or a Scam?
With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies, the market has also seen an increase in scams and fraudulent platforms. It is important to exercise caution and thoroughly research any trading platform before investing your money.
Overview of scams in the cryptocurrency market
There have been numerous scams in the cryptocurrency market, ranging from Ponzi schemes to fraudulent trading platforms. Some common red flags to watch out for include:
- Promises of guaranteed profits: No legitimate trading platform can guarantee profits. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and can be unpredictable.
- Lack of transparency: Scam platforms often lack transparency, making it difficult to verify their claims or track their operations.
- Pressure tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to convince individuals to invest quickly, without giving them sufficient time to research or think about their decision.
- Unregulated platforms: Legitimate trading platforms are often regulated by financial authorities. Scam platforms may operate without proper regulation or oversight.
Analysis of Bitcoin News Trader's legitimacy
While we cannot provide a definitive answer on whether Bitcoin News Trader is legitimate or a scam, there are several factors to consider. The platform claims to use advanced algorithms and trading strategies, which, in theory, could generate profitable trades. However, it is important to approach these claims with caution and conduct thorough research before using the platform.
User reviews and testimonials
One way to gauge the legitimacy of a trading platform is by looking at user reviews and testimonials. However, it is important to approach these reviews with skepticism, as they can be manipulated or misleading. It is advisable to look for reviews from reputable sources or consult with experienced traders before making a decision.
How to Sign Up for Bitcoin News Trader
Signing up for Bitcoin News Trader is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating an account:
- Visit the Bitcoin News Trader website and click on the "Sign Up" button.
- Fill out the registration form with your personal information, including your name, email address, and phone number.
- Create a secure password for your account.
- Agree to the terms and conditions of the platform.
- Click on the "Submit" button to complete the registration process.
Account verification process
After completing the registration process, you may be required to verify your account. This typically involves providing additional documentation, such as a government-issued ID or proof of address. The verification process may take some time, so it is important to be patient.
Funding your account
Once your account is verified, you can fund your Bitcoin News Trader account. The platform accepts various payment methods, such as credit/debit cards or bank transfers. It is important to note that there may be fees associated with depositing funds into your account.
Using Bitcoin News Trader
Once your account is funded and ready to go, you can start using Bitcoin News Trader to trade cryptocurrencies. Here are some key points to keep in mind when using the platform:
Navigating the platform
Bitcoin News Trader features a user-friendly interface that is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The platform provides access to various features, such as account settings, trading history, and market analysis tools.
Setting up trading preferences
Before you start trading, it is important to set up your trading preferences. This includes specifying the amount you want to invest per trade, your desired stop-loss and take-profit levels, and the trading pairs you want to focus on. These preferences can be adjusted at any time to suit your trading strategy.
Once your trading preferences are set, Bitcoin News Trader will automatically execute trades on your behalf based on the signals generated by the platform. It is important to monitor your trades and adjust your preferences if necessary to optimize your trading results.
Monitoring and managing your trades
Bitcoin News Trader provides real-time updates on your trades, allowing you to monitor their progress. You can also access your trading history to review past trades and analyze your performance. It is important to actively manage your trades and make adjustments as needed to maximize your profitability.
Pros and Cons of Bitcoin News Trader
Like any trading platform, Bitcoin News Trader has its advantages and potential drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Advantages of using Bitcoin News Trader
- Automation: Bitcoin News Trader automates the trading process, saving time and effort for users.
- Advanced algorithms: The platform claims to use advanced algorithms to analyze market data and make informed trading decisions.
- News scanning: Bitcoin News Trader scans the cryptocurrency market for news and trends that can impact the price of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to potentially profit from market movements.
- User-friendly interface: Bitcoin News Trader features a user-friendly interface that is designed to be accessible to both beginners and experienced traders.
Potential drawbacks or limitations
- Lack of transparency: The platform's operations and trading strategies may not be fully transparent, making it difficult to verify the legitimacy of its claims.
- Market volatility: The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and can be unpredictable. It is important to approach trading with caution and be prepared for potential losses.
- Risk of scams: The cryptocurrency market has seen an increase in scams and fraudulent platforms. It is important to thoroughly research any trading platform before investing your money.
Bitcoin News Trader's Trading Strategies
Bitcoin News Trader claims to use various trading strategies to generate profitable trades. While the specific details of these strategies are not disclosed, the platform is said to employ technical analysis and market indicators to identify potential trading opportunities.
Technical analysis and market indicators used
Technical analysis involves analyzing historical price data and market trends to predict future price movements. Bitcoin News Trader may use various technical indicators, such as moving averages, support and resistance levels, and chart patterns, to identify potential trading opportunities.
Algorithmic trading and automation
Bitcoin News Trader's trading strategies are executed automatically using algorithms. This allows for fast and efficient execution of trades based on predefined parameters. Algorithmic trading can help eliminate human emotions and biases from the trading process, potentially improving trading results.
Bitcoin News Trader's Success Rate
Bitcoin News Trader claims to have a high success rate in generating profitable trades. However, it is important to approach these claims with skepticism and consider various factors that can influence the success rate.
Discussion on the reported success rate of Bitcoin News Trader
The reported success rate of Bitcoin News Trader can vary depending on market conditions, user preferences, and other factors. While the platform claims to have a high success rate, it is important to approach these claims with caution and conduct thorough research before using the platform.
Factors influencing success rate
Several factors can influence the success rate of Bitcoin News Trader, including market volatility, trading preferences, and risk management strategies. It is important for users to have realistic expectations and be prepared for potential losses.
Realistic expectations for users
While Bitcoin News Trader claims to generate profitable trades, it is important for users to have realistic expectations. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and can be unpredictable, and there is always a risk of losing money. It is advisable to start with a small investment and gradually increase your trading activity as you gain experience and confidence.
Bitcoin News Trader vs. Other Trading Platforms
Bitcoin News Trader is just one of many cryptocurrency trading platforms available in the market. Here is a comparison of Bitcoin News Trader with other popular cryptocurrency trading platforms:
- Bitcoin News Trader vs. Binance: Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, offering a wide range of trading pairs and advanced trading features. While Bitcoin News Trader focuses on automated trading, Binance provides a more comprehensive trading experience.
- Bitcoin News Trader vs. Coinbase: Coinbase is a popular cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoin News Trader focuses on automated trading, Coinbase provides a user-friendly platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies directly


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Finastra, the global fintech company, has launched a cloud-based platform that will allow financial firms to develop apps with minimum coding and offer a marketplace for them to collaborate with banks.
Called FusionFabric.cloud, it is a Platform as a Service (PaaS), an open innovative platform that will change the way banks develop and deploy software, said Natalie Gammon, chief cloud officer at Finastra.
“One big challenge banks face is to remain competitive and relevant,” she said. “They are under pressure to reduce costs, manage risk, boost revenues and meet customer expectations.”
Ninety percent of bank innovations come from outside the organization, she added, and they face competition for customer loyalty from companies like Mint and Monzo which aggregate financial information and offer it to customers in one place.
The risk for banks is that their customers will establish their primary financial relationship with the aggregators rather than with brick and mortar banks.
“On the other side we deal with a lot of fintechs which have the innovation, but similar problems — they are struggling to find a way to connect with financial institutions. Some are startups and don’t have the capital or sales presence required to deal globally, or even to get through the long arduous procurement process needed for a large bank.”
Banks and consultancies have launched incubators and partnership programs to bring together technology firms and banks, helping tech firms meet the appropriate decision makers while learning what banks need in terms of financial stability and security from suppliers. Accenture, which is a partner with Finastra in the open banking platform, has sponsored fintech innovation labs in New York, London and Hong Kong.
For a fintech firm, just finding the right person to talk to in a money center bank can take 12 to 18 months; the innovation labs and bank incubators seek to match technologists with the right department in a bank to reduce the lag time.
Gammon said that on the bank side, it can take 10 months to two years to bring an innovation to market.
To speed development, Finastra also provides FusionCreator, a low-code environment where 60 early adopters were able to create innovative apps in just a few days, a 10x improvement over traditional development, Gammon said.
Although Finastra offers its software for installation on-premise, it is increasingly using the Microsoft Azure cloud for its software and for its open banking program, including FusionOperate and FusionStore, an online marketplace where banks can search for apps and fintechs can market their software.
Other banking technology firms have developed similar programs. Temenos, for example, has its app MarketPlace which “provides Temenos customers with access to Temenos certified business apps that are fully integrated with the latest release of the Temenos platform,” according to its web site.
The Temenos MarketPlace includes products for security, anti-fraud, user experience and analytics.
Finastra’s marketplace is much broader than what other tech vendors offer, Gammon said.
“What’s different about our offering is that while competitors have talked about APIs, they have opened very narrow APIs for specific business lines. What we are doing is opening up our entire core architecture on the platform across our entire product suite, and we will release APIs across all our portfolio. We focus on retail and corporate banking where the demand comes from.”
Finastra’s initial API focus is on payments and retail banking to serve the immediate demand of PSD2 and open banking coming into force. Other APIs will be added in due course to cover the whole Finastra line of products and solutions.
“They have dozens of pre-built conversation flows to check balances and to make transfers and authorize payments.”
The advantage for banks is that it allows them to accelerate their innovation cycle and optimize costs while improving customer experience.
On both the banking and technology sides of the market, Finastra's platform helps small and mid-size firms compete with the giants. The open banking platform helps smaller banks and credit unions to be unlock innovation cost-effectively while also helping smaller startups that don’t have have the capital to compete with big technology players.
“We’ve seen a lot of excitement in the fintech space,” Gammon added. “Smaller startups that don’t have the capital to compete can develop much more quickly at much lower expense and have greater sales reach. People have talked about platformification but no one has really owned the standard before. We want to be the number one provider of a platform for open innovation.”
Finastra is riding currents of changed thinking about cloud computing within financial services.
Gammon said financial firms have had a wake-up call over costs and time to deploy.
“A few years ago were having very different chats. People were afraid of cloud, they thought they could do it on their own, they saw no need to collaborate. They had big buy or build budgets, and they could justify multi-year multi-million projects. Now they are under so much pressure —to retain those end customer relationships.”
She still has conversations over issues of cloud, especially compliance and security, she said.
“One reason we have partnered so strongly with Microsoft is because they have the strongest compliance in the industry., and Microsoft understands the importance of security.” Already Finastra has 4,000 customers on Azure, she said, and "the majority of our go-forward platforms are on Azure.
“We chose to partner with Microsoft because of their global footprint, and they truly understood financial services and they have global reach,” she said. “I don’t think anyone is not having conversations about cloud, although they may be having conversations saying they are not quite ready.”
Banks in the U.S. as well are starting to understand if they are not innovative and can’t compete they are going to lose out.
Beyond FIs and fintechs, Finastra has been getting interest from a third group — academics who want to teach their students the development skills to to build apps for the financial industry. They see that partnering with Finastra will be good for their curriculum.
“University College London has students building out apps for pricing and capital markets,” she said.
Finastra was formed by Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm, through the merger of Misys and D+H. Both of them had in turn had acquired several other fintech companies over the years, including Opics, Loan-IQ and Sophis on the Misys side and Harland Financial Solutions and Fundtech at D+H.


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Student-Run Clothing Brand JERPA Jeans Ready For Its Close-Up
With the weather slowly getting colder, despite the frequent 60-degree, sunshine-filled days, it’s time to start bundling up. And while big tailgates and daylongs are advised against in our current pandemic-stricken world, it’s important to stay warm for those socially distanced small gatherings with the people who make your stressful college days bearable. Staying toasty and comfy for your classes isn’t a bad thing either, whether in person or in bed on Zoom.
Founder Austin Thomas has always had an inkling for entrepreneurship. But when he first stepped foot on Penn State’s campus as a freshman in Smeal College of Business, he didn’t quite know where to direct his ambition.
“I knew I wanted to do business, but not what I wanted to do within business. But I always had that sort of business-savvy side of me,” said Thomas.
It came down to supply chain management or finance. After taking the preliminary course for finance, Thomas decided against the field after seeing where the top of that industry is, high powered Wall Street speculators and stockbrokers. He found that world didn’t appeal to him. Supply chain it was.
An acceptance to Schreyer Honors College came next, soon followed by a successful walk-on to the Penn State men’s basketball team as a practice player. Having played on his high school team back in Bucks County, Thomas was one of two students from that stretch of tryouts to be offered a spot. Still only a freshman, Thomas had already taken a lot on his shoulders.
He spent two years on the team before leaving to focus on his growing list of responsibilities. While Thomas never secured a permanent spot on the roster, the lessons he learned over that period proved invaluable to his future endeavors.
“It really taught me time management and the work ethic it takes to be a Division I athlete and to just be successful,” said Thomas. “You kind of apply that work ethic that you learn from your family, your life, and Penn State basketball into running a business. I like to call it brick by brick. They’re all different bricks that help lay the foundation.”
When Thomas left the basketball team the summer after his sophomore year, JERPA was still a few months away from being born. But the inspiration had been bubbling inside his brain for a while now, and it all started on the tailgating fields outside of Beaver Stadium his freshman year.
“I would notice that some of my friends would wear thermals under their jeans, trying to layer two separate pieces just to stay warm. What I wanted to do was create a two-in-one product and provide that sense of warmth and comfortability,” Thomas said.
Thomas also pointed to the rising popularity of Sherpa lined jean jackets around that time. With a well-received product like that on the market, he soon noticed that there wasn’t an equivalent of that fad for pants. There were plenty of pants lined with materials like wool and flannel, but never any that utilized that consumer-preferred Sherpa fabric.
Style was also a concern, as many of those pants that had already been made didn’t fit the fashion sense of the college audience Thomas wanted to market to. He also wanted to find a happy medium between how warm the pants would be, cozy enough for a chilly day outside, but not hot enough to get your legs drenched in sweat while sitting inside. After going through supplier after supplier, Thomas finally found the perfect one that could make exactly what he wanted.
Next came the big question that any fledgling start-up has to answer: capital. With just the money he had saved up from a prior internship at Campbell’s, Thomas knew he wouldn’t be able to afford a costly social media campaign. Instead, he went for an ambassador program.
Different from your traditional influencer model where companies simply pay popular social media accounts to advertise their products, ambassadors are passionate about the brand and community the company creates. They’re not one-time advertisers, though. They’re consistent posters who make JERPA a part of their social media lives. The growth of this program has made Thomas’ confidence in JERPA and the people involved in it that much stronger.
“I think it was about me believing in the product and me believing in myself, and then getting a true belief in our group and nothing that we’re seeing success-wise would be possible without our ambassadors,” said Thomas.
Already at over 20 colleges and 70-plus ambassadors, the growth of this program has helped JERPA’s brand swell. But managing such a massive online campaign along with getting the business to work behind the scenes is tough for just one person, no matter how driven.
That’s where a fellow student and current head of marketing Bradley Kraut comes in.
Kraut and Thomas’ relationship began years before starting a clothing business was in their minds. Both went to the same high school and played on the basketball team there, with Thomas playing the role of the varsity star and Kraut as the freshman trying to find his way. Thomas respected Kraut’s hardworking, “pit-bull” style of play, but the two were just teammates at that point. Flash forward a few years and Kraut arrived at Penn State once again as the freshman and Thomas as the experienced upperclassman.
Kraut saw Thomas’ very first Instagram post announcing JERPA’S launch and his need for brand ambassadors. He felt compelled to get involved in whatever way he could as soon as he saw it.
“I’m always just about helping other kids grow their brand. I don’t really give a shit about what I post on my social media, so if I’m passionate about something people will know,” said Kraut.
He originally reached out about becoming an ambassador himself, soon becoming part of that very first cohort. Despite being exactly at first, Kraut admitted having second thoughts on the way to Thomas’ apartment off campus to pick up the jeans, one of his first-ever ventures into downtown State College.
“Going downtown, I was kind of skeptical about these jeans,” Kraut said. “I was like, ‘They’re going to be too stiff, they’re just jeans with fur in them? How are they going to be comfortable? I’m not going to be able to move in them.”
But as soon as he put that first pair on, it was love at first wear.
“I go there, get my jeans, pop a squat in them, and immediately go ‘Austin. These have serious fucking potential. These can blow up,” said Kraut. “[From the start,] I truly believed in this product.”
Kraut’s inner salesman erupted. He started selling jeans immediately, dishing them out to people from his dorm floor and later all over campus. He was moving continuously from Thomas’ apartment back to East Halls with stacks of fresh jeans packed into duffel bags He even started taking hype videos whenever new packages of clothes would arrive, posting them all over social media. At his peak, Kraut sold 38 pairs of jeans in 48 hours.
Kraut started telling Thomas about photographers he knew who would do free work for exposure and opened up his vast array of connections from the years Kraut spent at sleep-away camps as a kid. These fellow campers were located all over the country at big universities, especially at fellow Big Ten schools like Ohio State.
With ambassadors coming in fast, even extending to Penn State football players like Will Levis and Jordan Stout, Kraut made his mark on the company right away. The duo of Thomas and Austin soon became key to the company’s success.
“Austin does the back-end stuff, he’s the supply chain major, 3.9 GPA, and I was the marketer. The combination of us is lethal,” said Kraut.
Kraut became the face of the company on social media soon, with the more reserved Thomas taking a back seat. In recent months, that’s begun to change as Thomas has taken a more active role in social media presentation and outreach.
“During quarantine, we had some serious talks. We needed to start documenting, showing people behind the scenes, putting out appreciation stories to people who are purchasing. [Thomas has] opened up to that and he’s on the camera now on Instagram having fun with it,” said Kraut.
The passion for JERPA has found its way into everyone involved, from the brand ambassadors to Kraut and Thomas at the top. That sense of simply having fun, the strong inner drive and desire, is something Thomas has clung to.
“Whether I’m packaging products, shipping products, whenever I’m doing JERPA, it’s just my passion,” said Thomas. “It’s what’s fun for me.”
While it provided the company opportunities for growth, the onset of Covid-19 affected JERPA’S plans immensely. The company was in the process of selling its new joggers with a plan to focus on a huge campaign for them in the spring of 2020. The pandemic put to stop to that, and a low amount of sales put a strain on Thomas and Kraut’s timeframe.
However, they kept the energy going as much as they could. They kept sending out clothes to influencers and their ambassadors, and the exposure was seeing green. A small t-shirt campaign of 75 shirts sold out in an hour, meaning that JERPA was able to keep their brand going strong as the new semester came around.
JERPA’S new mask initiative has also provided a new avenue of exposure. Every hoodie and pair of jeans they sell comes with a free, JERPA-printed mask. Not only does this promote safety among their customers, but having their company plastered over masks that people will wear around is free marketing. Any masks that are purchased by themselves have all their profits go directly to a Covid response fund run by Penn State students.
There’s plenty of things JERPA is working towards. Their peak season of Black Friday to Christmas is coming up, a year after they exploded onto the scene around that same timeframe. With plans to get a massive amount of orders, they’ve made it a big short term goal to fully stock up on and improve products, especially their flagship Sherpa lined jeans.
The company is also hoping to acquire an official warehouse to store their products in. Currently, its warehouse is Thomas’ apartment, but a large, official storage space is near the top of JERPA’s short-term goals.
Both Thomas and Kraut both have their own dreams for the future, past this upcoming holiday season. Thomas is open to risks and failure, experimenting with different products and marketing methods in order to learn as much as he can.
“We’re so early on that nothing we do can be wrong. Even if we make a mistake, we can learn from it and move on,” Thomas said.
Kraut also has his own vision for JERPA. In his dreams, he envisions a JERPA outlet store alongside major brands like Ralph Lauren and Vineyard Vines with a greater emphasis on expansion and customer engagement.
“Obviously you have to start in retail stores, like a Neiman Marcus or a Bloomingdale’s,” Kraut said. “But having our own outlet, our own warehouse, having fun, and taking awesome videos — I can just totally envision that.”
The duo has also brought on a handful of underclassmen to keep the growth going. Along with that and the massive attention JERPA has been receiving from social media interactions and the media, Kraut sees a strong future for the company.
“I just don’t see it going away, these products are in demand,” Kraut said. “Things are just falling into place and we need to just keep running with it.”
With all the help that’s come his way, at the end of the day it’s still Thomas’ company. And with graduation creeping closer every day and plenty of job offers coming in, it’s been tough to figure out a concrete future for himself. But no matter where he ends up, there’s one thing Thomas knows he isn’t giving up.
“I’m continuing JERPA no matter what, it’s just a matter of going full time with it or double full-time with another job,” said Thomas. “The bad we know, it’s that I fail. But the good nobody knows in terms of the potential this has.”
Thomas and Kraut can’t say exactly what the future holds; no one has a crystal ball. But whatever happens, there will always been that soft, warm, cushion of Sherpa to lay down on.
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How do Nittany Lions stack up in the Olympics against international competition in one of the most high-profile events in sports?


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The reality is that Venezuela is poor now but Bitcoin sold at a premium price in Venezuela. WHY?
The prices for cryptocurrencies vary for different nations. The ‘advertised’ price is often an average of all the prices available on exchanges. At the moment, the demand for Bitcoin in Venezuela seems to be increasing significantly, and this can push the price of one BTC into a five-digit number.
At the moment, most people from all over the world know that the financial situation in Venezuela isn’t at its best. Hyperinflation has plagued the nation for years, and things continue to get even worse. There’s little to nothing the authorities and central bank can do in order to block the fiscal onslaught.
What are the main issues in Venezuela?
Firstly, president Maduro introduced a nationwide cryptocurrency some time ago. Since day one, there were lots of uncomfortable questions concerning this specific venture. Because Venezuela doesn’t have any more oil reserves to back up the Petro, there isn’t any actual use or need for this federal cryptocurrency.
Prices for services and products are still skyrocketing virtually daily while the national fiat currency devalues even farther. For all, the only solution would be to attempt to enhance their financial resources. Bitcoin is now of fantastic interest in the nation, and that trend isn’t slowing down.
In a state where digital and physical money is losing worth frequently, the requirement for other assets will become more evident. Venezuela is good example in this situation and Bitcoin is one such asset. The nation has witnessed a lot of spikes of BTC trading volume via peer-reviewed platforms like LocalBitcoins.
What’s even more notable is that the price people are prepared to pay for 1 Bitcoin.
Given the current international price of $7,560, an individual from Venezuela would be expected to pay a premium price in Venezuela. This isn’t something most are willing to believe, but when it comes to Venezuela, the difference between this international price and the one available locally can be steep.
To understand the difference, consider the price of 1 BTC in Venezuela, which is currently near $9,500. That’s around a $2,000 extra fee to just escape the Venezuelan bolivar. It is not the first time that prices in Venezuela spike, as Venezuela has consistently had greater prices for BTC.
Why is Bitcoin sold at a premium price in Venezuela?
At the current rate of inflation that Venezuela is suffering from, this digital currency can’t be bought via a bank account, or card, because of the financial situation. The desire to escape inflation and buy something which resided outside of this system builds up the demand for Bitcoin. And when the acquisition is impeded by the very system, then is when the scarcity appears.
Venezuela is facing hard times, and its people are willing to put their last money of anything else than the Venezuelan pesos. Foreign fiat currencies such as the US dollar is in the same situation as Bitcoin: Hard to get and sold at a premium price.
For the rest of the world, these prices don’t apply, and we will have to wait for a bigger demand from all over the world the get that price up again.


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By Phumudzo Mamphiswana
Image: EE Publishers
The University of Limpopo’s Head of Economics Department Professor Thobekile Ncyamwa is warning the South African government to watch out for conditions and future benefits when signing economic cooperation agreements with China.
This after the minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel said the signing of 93 economic and trade cooperation agreements worth R27 billion between South Africa and Chinese entrepreneurs signifies the deepening of the economic relationship between the respective countries.
Ncyamwa says South Africa should look at how the agreement will bring in sustainable long-term benefits and not only look at the immediate benefits.
She says in the process of signing these economic agreements, South Africa’s economic interests should be protected so that the country is not captured by China.


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New Zealand-grown beef with a net carbon zero footprint has hit the supermarket shelves in the United States and Ben Ensor’s Angus beef is part of the programme.
The launch last month of the Silver Fern Farms (SFF) USDA-approved Net Carbon Zero by Nature marks the culmination of a two-year pilot to prove contributing farms sequester more carbon than they emit.
The partnership is seen as a key part of future-proofing nature-positive food production.
Ensor, who runs a sheep and beef farming operation at Cheviot in North Canterbury, says aligning partnerships between consumers and farmers through products like Net Carbon Zero beef are important in addressing collective climate and environmental challenges.
Ensor and his wife Jane have been farming the family farm since 2008.
The hill country breeding operation, Jedburgh, takes in 1300 hectares of mainly hill country complemented by Willow Grove, a 120ha flat irrigated property on the south bank of the Waiau River.
The Ensors run 300 Angus cows plus replacement heifers alongside a 4500-breeding ewe flock.
Calves are normally weaned to the finishing block in February with the yearling cattle wintered on fodder beet, finished and off the property by the following February.
In recent years Ensor has transitioned the sheep flock from 50-50 Romney and half-bred to the quarter-bred to capture the better returns in the fine-wool market.
“The biggest challenge is the weather but that’s what I really enjoy – making a system that’s adaptable enough to cope both climatically and economically with ever-changing challenges.
The Ensors invested in irrigation on their 120ha finishing block.
“That’s been a big investment but a good investment.
“It’s given us certainty in our planning and guarantee of what we can do and what we can produce and with that we have been able to build relationships with meat companies and contract supply.”
With a lot of good heavy soil and a number of spring-fed creeks, Ensor is acutely mindful of the farm’s environmental impact.
“We have actually got a very light environmental footprint and water quality coming out of here is very, very good.
He has been instrumental in leading the way to achieve practical and sensible environmental planning regimes.
“The environment is always a big part of what we do on farm but the wider, environmental aspect with new regulations has been a big part of what I have been doing off-farm too.
In 2016 he led the establishment of the Hurunui District Landcare Group HDLG), a collective of 300 farmers established to demonstrate and promote good farming practice.
“The HDLG employs three full time catchment farm advisers that work alongside our members to assist them with their environmental management, as well as helping them to deal with the tsunami of new regulation coming their way.”
Ensor was well aware his hill country property had significant areas of indigenous vegetation, which he knew sequestered carbon, but it was not being recognised.
He was also aware that more and more consumers are demanding assurances that environmental and social concerns, such as the biodiversity linked to Net Carbon Zero project, are addressed.
As a sheep and beef farmer with areas of indigenous vegetation sequestering carbon Ensor realised the opportunity to respond to consumer demand for carbon neutral food.
“This carbon zero scheme gives recognition in the native regeneration we have that is hard to get recognition for or a return from.
“In our higher hill country we have got quite a bit of regeneration fenced off so it is nice to get both recognition and a return for the action we are taking.
“Returns for us is being able to sell carbon credits from regeneration into the scheme rather than the premium on the beef itself, that is where the value is in it for farmers.
“SFF have processes in place to measure vegetation through remote sensing so for us it’s continuing management practices we already have in place.
“It has allowed us to be recognised for a class of vegetation that didn’t previously have a value,” Ensor said.
While he supplies up to 200 prime Angus beef animals to SFF each year it is not clear on just how much of that is in the Net Carbon Zero programme.
“However, it is really positive for the future to have a programme like this that is creating value at the consumer end.
“It gives a lot of confidence in the industry when we can turn around and show a product is positive and we can put programmes like this in place.
“It’s a good news story for all sheep and beef farmers,” Ensor said.
SFF chief executive Simon Limmer says the transition to a low carbon economy is an important opportunity to create new forms of value for NZ and position farmers as climate innovators.
“We have worked alongside a group of farmer suppliers from across the country to better understand their own carbon footprint and opportunities to optimise carbon stored on their farms.”
The Net Carbon Zero beef programme incentivises farmers to invest in and maintain on-farm carbon sequestration including native and riparian planting.
The product is fully certified and has USDA approval.
“What is unique about the Net Carbon Zero beef is that the certification is achieved by what our farmers do on their own farms to balance out emissions rather than by simply purchasing carbon offsets as is the case for many other carbon zero products.”
While the size of the premium payment is still to be calculated, it will be “meaningful,” Limmer said.
SFF intends adding zero carbon lamb and venison later in the year.


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Last week it was reported that Tesla was reevaluating their sales strategy in China. The report from Reuters, citing anonymous sources, said the automaker was considering closing some of their stores in malls and shopping centers due to high rents and decreased foot traffic.
Instead Tesla was reportedly opting to focus on locations that offered more space and that could also service vehicles.
As Tesla China has been known to do in the past, they have denied the report to local media.
The company clarified to Yicai that its sales channels in China are expanding at a normal rate, adding that they have no idea where the information came from.
This clarification is evidenced by the fact Tesla has opened new retail locations in malls in Shanghai, Xi’an, and others since September, according to Yicai. This brings the total number of stores in Shanghai alone to 26.
Tesla China did not comment on the other part of the Reuters report which stated the company was ramping its service offerings in the country. As of last week more than 300 job postings were published on the Careers website under the Service category.
No change to their sales strategy in China should come as no surprise considering its has paid off in spades so far. The company achieved near-record sales in August, and Giga Shanghai now has the capacity to produce over 1 million vehicles per year, making it Tesla’s most productive factory in the world.
Many of those newly built cars will also be shipped off to other countries as Giga Shanghai is also Tesla’s primary vehicle export hub. Last month the company exported a record 42,463 vehicles.


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On December 16th, Nike was scheduled to release a new color way of Air Max 1’s, designed by rapper Travis Scott. Since the unfortunate events that took place at Astroworld Fest, Nike has decided to postpone the release of the show. Nike released a statement saying, “Out of respect for everyone impacted by the tragic […]
Frida Kahlo’s “Diego Y Yo” has sold for a record-breaking $34.9 Million The sale at the Sotheby’s marked a benchmark for Kahlo, stamping “Diego Y Yo” as the most valuable work of Latin American art ever sold at auction. “Diego Y Yo” is one of Kahlo’s last self-portraits before her death in 1954. The painting […]
Adele had released her fourth studio album “30”. This is the first project that the English singer has released since her 2015 album “25”. “30” is Adele’s most personal and vulnerable album yet. She uses the album to discuss some tough subjects, like explaining her recent divorce to her young child. She also talks about […]
Kaytranada has released a new EP, “Intimidated” The groovy three-song EP enlists H.E.R, Thundercat, and Mach-Hommy. Kaytranada took to Twitter to express his appreciation “Really blessed to work w/ amazing vocalists. Most of my beats can’t simply be instrumentals so to be where I am now, would’ve been nothing without them or maybe different,” Listen […]
Norfolk’s own Kelvin and Keyshawn Davis have signed promotional deals with Top Rank. Keyshawn, the younger of the two brothers is 3-0 in his professional career, and won Silver in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kelvin Davis is 2-0 in the Junior Welterweight class, with a KO under his belt. Keyshawn and Kelvin Davis will now […]
Tidal has updated its subscription options, now introducing a free streaming plan, lossless and high-resolution audio, and HiFi The free plan, which launched today exclusive to the United States features access to their entire music catalog and playlists, with the occasional ad interruption. Tidal HiFi enlists improved music quality as well as offline capabilities, Tidal […]
Today’s society is burdensome, particularly on a person’s mental health. We live under expectations and societal norms that burden our mental and emotional well being. In fact, society today hardly acknowledges the psychological component of human beings at all. Men today are especially disarmed emotionally. This month is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and we […]
This week’s Performance of the Week goes to Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes threw for 406 yards and five passing touchdowns in a Sunday Primetime game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes’ performance led then Chiefs to a 41-14 victory, making it their third win in a row.
The highly anticipated official trailer to “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has released. In this trailer, we see more interactions between Doctor Strange and Peter, as they try to solve the issue of Peter Parker having his identity exposed. Strange attempted to put a spell on the world to wipe the memories of everyone knowing Peter’s […]
Supreme and Italian fashion house, Missoni have teamed up on a fall 21’ collection. The collection is based around knitwear, pulling on Missoni’s mastery, featuring an array of items including sweatshirts, half-zip polos, beanies, reversible jackets, and lightweight knitwear. The collection is expected to release on the Supreme website on November 18.


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- Red Havas, the 230-person PR arm of the ad holding company Havas Group, was forced to shift gears when the pandemic hit.
- It's reduced its practices to focus on the areas where clients are still spending in the downturn as they try to boost online sales and communicate with employees in lockdown.
- These shifts have helped Red Havas make up losses in seasonal campaigns and events, its CEO said.
- But the outlook is uncertain as coronavirus cases rise, shrinking the job market and people's disposable income.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Red Havas, a PR arm of the ad holding company Havas Group, used to have nine practice areas ranging from consumer PR to travel and tourism.
But with clients slashing spending in the pandemic, 230-person Red Havas reduced its those practice areas to four to focus on growth areas — health and wellness; business-to-business and person-to-person; purpose, cause, and change; and consumer and lifestyle — and eliminated standalone practices for areas like food and beverage and travel and tourism.
The agency also rolled out corporate communications and related services to meet demand by clients for help telling shareholders and employees how they're responding to the pandemic.
These four practices and specialty offerings have helped Red Havas make up much of its losses in seasonal campaigns and events, CEO James Wright said, adding that no layoffs happened as a result of the reorg. For example, the health and wellness business is up 30-40% in some regions since the start of the pandemic, Wright said.
Red Havas is also doubling down on areas outside traditional PR, like e-commerce, content production, social media strategy, and social media ad buying.
"This isn't about losing clients, but clients reducing revenue spend, so we have to be ready to move," Wright said. "Where we have had traditional PR revenue dip, we have made it back in social, content and data services."
Havas Group's entire global PR business reported $225 million in revenue, according to ProvokeMedia.
Red Havas' revenue is down for the full year, but the firm kept profits strong by cutting costs like marketing and travel. It's also been helped by new business from clients like Helen of Troy and Jaguar in Europe this year and a recent uptick in business as clients try to boost their fourth-quarter sales.
But the outlook remains uncertain as coronavirus cases rise, shrinking the job market and people's disposable income, Wright said.
"I'm very confident, but we need to be wary," Wright said. "Anyone with experience running an agency knows you're three to four phone calls from disaster. Those calls might come closer together than previous times because we're in different times."


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Gali Russell with HyperChange recently tested Tesla’s FSD Beta version 9 under Seattle’s monorail columns during rush hour. Julian @JFilche was along for the ride. Gali noted that previously, Tesla’s FSD Beta struggled with the monorails. Let’s see how it does after the update.
“I’m not even sure how a human should navigate through that route, so props to the Tesla. Overall, this ride was my best on V9 so far, and confirmed that there has been material progress since V8.2, despite the switch to ‘pure vision’ or Tesla Vision (aka only cameras),” he wrote in the video’s description There are two main timestamps in the video: “Seattle Rush Hour Traffic” and “Monorail Test.”
Seattle Rush Hour Traffic
The vehicle quickly impressed the duo with its smooth moves, and as it approached a double black diamond turn, Gali explained that this was already a pretty hard turn. “It’s hard to see from the left, and then you have to go pretty fast and it’s like a tight turn.”
This wound up being their first disengagement and Gali took over, successfully and safely completing the turn. The duo continued their drive and then it was time for the monorail testing.
The Great FSD Monorail Test
“This is it, the great FSD monorail test,” Gali said as the car took a right turn and started driving in the lane alongside the monorail. Gali quickly disengaged and took over and wondered if he shouldn’t have as the vehicle navigated and stopped for a pedestrian. Part of the challenge of this test are the pillars that hold up the monorail, and the duo chatted, wondering if the car actually saw the pillar.
“Maybe it just thinks it’s a line without the pillar,” Julian said, and added that the car should have taken a left. As they continued on, Gali had to disengage and take over again. “It’s clear that this is a good edge case, so I mean look at this car, this car ahead of us,” Julian said while motioning toward a car that swooped in ahead of them. The actions of that other car might not have even been legal.
“If it’s making that move, for us to trust it, it needs to slow down and be more angular with the turn,” Julian added.
For a moment, the car seemed to have given up — seemingly seeing something. Then it started to take turns in the wrong way. Whether this was a one-way street or just going off course, I am not certain — it wasn’t specified — but Gali quickly took over.
The Importance of Safety
Tesla has come pretty far with its FSD, and beta testers such as Gali are helping Tesla fine-tune this software. This is why it’s so important to be attentive behind the wheel at all times. Someday, Teslas will be fully autonomous. I am confident of that, as are many others, including Elon Musk. In the meantime, stay vigilant.
Seeing the car stop for pedestrians multiple times is mind blowing. If only all cars could do this. Someday, they will.


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For 2012 the games developers need to announce some more potential hits. The publishers may have some secrets to be revealed at E3. Assassin's Creed 3, Super Mario Wii U, God of War 4 and other games are VGZ's favorites to be revealed 2012.
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


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Nip this menace
by Bisma Nazir
A good 15,000 metric ton of spurious and substandard insecticides and pesticides have been sealed in Kashmir division only in the last two years from authorised and unauthorised dealers and distributors. Agriculture Director Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhary talks about the menace and how the government is trying to control it.
THE Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir has been under fire recently for deliberately and intentionally letting the market be flooded by substandard pesticides and fertilisers. Serious allegations of compromising with quality are being levelled against SKUAST(K) which is the recommendatory body for use of pesticides and fertilisers.
Farmers and fruit growers have raised a voice against SKUAST (K) for not being specific about the use of pesticides and insecticides. It is widely alleged that instead of recommending the ingredients in a particular pesticide or insecticide, SKUAST(K) has been intentionally recommending the title of the product that is commonly used by the drug producing companies. Farmers allege that there is a nexus at work and the SKUAST (K) is
allowing that nexus to flourish at the cost of farmers and fruit growers and their produce.
The Kashmir market is flooded with all kinds of brands in pesticides and fertilizers, making it difficult for the farmers and fruit growers to choose quality products. We at Kashmir Central tried to reach the officials concerned at SKUAST but no one was available at
the time to comment on the issue.
Eventually we got talking to Director, Department of Agriculture, Kashmir, Mohammad Iqbal
Chowdhary. Chowdhary goes on to refute the allegations that there are spurious pesticides and fertilisers readily available in the market. Talking to Kashmir Central, he says his department has, to a large extent, been able to control the menace of spurious pesticides
and fertilisers. He adds that efforts are being made to ensure that only quality products are available to the farming community in the market. “The situation has changed phenomenally over the last two years. There is zero tolerance at our end when it comes to such spurious drugs. In the last two years, we have sealed 15,000 metric tons of substandard pesticides and fertilisers. The dealers who have indulged in sale and procurement of spurious drugs, have been booked under relevant sections of the law,” he informs. He further adds that his department busted a racket involved in supplying subsidised urea fertiliser to industrialists for manufacture of plywood. He talks about
personally taking cudgels against such powerful gangs and exposing them without fear or favour. When asked about the shortage of urea in the market, Iqbal says that hundreds of fertilisers have been recently stranded near Udhampur and he has taken up the issue with Inspector General of Police (Traffic) for the hassle-free movement of trucks carrying fertilisers. He says that because of the ongoing construction work on NH-44, the traffic
regulating authorities are allowing the heavy traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on alternate days. As per Chowdhary, the enforcement wing of the department is very active in seizing substandard pesticides and fertilisers and the department does
not receive too many complaints now about the influx of the same. Further into the conversation, Chowdhary however adds that it is possible that the mafia may be getting spurious drugs from black markets in Punjab, Haryana and New Delhi and transporting them in small consignments in their vehicles. He admits: “We received a couple of complaints from the apple town of Sopore regarding such trafficking. We appeal to the general public to immediately inform the department as and when they come to know of such incidents”. Chowdhary further adds that as controller of pesticides and fertilizers, he, on many occasions, has taken up the issue with SKUAST (K) asking them to be clear and specific on the recommendations about the use of the same. “Yes I agree that SKUAST should not recommend the product titles and they should elaborate on the ingredients so that there is no room for use of spurious drugs,” he adds.


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French fashion house Hermès has just released a 57,000 Singaporean dollars ($41,000) leather mahjong set for Chinese aunties who like to play in style.
Called Helios, the mahjong set’s tiles are made of palissander wood and printed on Sift calfskin, according to Mashable. It comes in deep, dark brown with a white undertone color called ébène, much different than the traditional white and green color.
Unlike the familiar loud sound of the traditional majhong tiles, Hermès’ Helios set will emit a delicate sound when shuffled, unlike the name of the game, which means “squabbling sparrow,” indicative of all the tiles crashing together.
Those who purchase this luxurious majhong set can expect the item to be delivered in an orange box tied with a Bolduc ribbon, AsiaOne reported.
The three to four person game has been played in China since before mid-1800s and was brought over to the U.S. in the 1920s, with Abercrombie & Fitch being the first company to commercially sell the game. A study found that playing the game may reduce depression, especially in older adults.


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A popular garden centre has applied for planning permission to extend its car parking provision. Plantiecrub, in Tingwall, plans to change the use of part…READ FULL STORY
Stories tagged with Tag: Plantiecrub Garden Shop
The Plantiecrub Garden Shop in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre has closed with Scoop Wholefoods taking over the premises.READ FULL STORY
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OAKLAND, CALIF. — Functional soda brand Olipop raised $30 million in a Series B funding round at a $200 million valuation.
Launched in 2018 by beverage entrepreneurs Ben Goodwin and David Lester, Olipop is on a mission to innovate the soda industry with a formulation that is gut-friendly and tastes nostalgic. Each can of Olipop contains 45 or fewer calories, no more than 5 grams of natural sugars and 9 grams of prebiotic plant fiber, which is one third of the recommended amount per day. Sodas include vintage cola, strawberry vanilla, classic carrot beer, cherry vanilla, ginger lemon and orange juice.
“Americans have enjoyed soda for over 125 years,” Mr. Goodwin said. “It has deep emotional and cultural resonance for consumers, and the category has become intertwined with our daily lives. Our goal has always been to offer a product that can truly occupy the space traditional soda has filled while also contributing to consumers’ well-being.”
Olipop is using the Series B funding to develop new products, grow its current team, explore new marketing channels, and expand its e-commerce and wholesale channels. The round was led by Monogram Capital Partners, which led the company’s $10 million Series A fundraise in 2020. There was added participation from celebrity investors Camila Cabello, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paul Klein, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Mindy Kaling, Logic and Gwyneth Paltrow. Mr. Goodwin says, “These celebrities and talent will help us reframe consumer perception of soda within American culture…”.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, also contributed to the round; Jay Livingston, Chief Marketing Officer, Shake Shack; Anjula Acharia, founder of A-Series Management & Investments; Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass; and Moj Mahdra, co-founder of Beautycon; and back early investor Rocana Venture Partners. Almost a dozen other business and entertainment professionals also took part in the round, including leaders from TikTok, Snapchat, Equinox, Summer Fridays and others.
Jared Stein, a colleague from Monogram, joined the Olipop board as part of a $30 million round and explained, “Today’s consumers are increasingly focused on lower-sugar alternatives that don’t sacrifice taste and include functional benefits such as enhanced gut and immune health…We believe strongly in this mission and are excited to amplify our partnership to bring much-needed innovation and functional health benefits to a traditional soda offering that is so ripe in its need for better-for-you alternatives.”
Olipop is one of seven emerging brands in the newly created Alliance to Control Excessive Sugar.


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Capitalizing on a recent trend among auto manufacturers, Toyota on Wednesday announced that its 2006 Scion tC sports coupe, which starts arriving at dealerships next week, will offer an optional iPod-controlled Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo. The upgrade, which Toyota will include for US$260 more, enables iPod owners to plug their MP3 players directly into the stereo. The iPod controls the stereo, which displays track, artist and album information on its one-line display. and receives constant power from it.
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How Restaurants Can Optimize Curbside & Drive-Thru
As restaurants face the realities of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re increasingly leaning in to off-prem, including drive-thru, curbside and to-go operations.
With dining rooms closed (or closing again), drive-thrus have dominated off-prem, according to Service Management Group’s (SMG) June study of 8,500 consumers. More than 75% of consumers surveyed have used a drive-thru in recent weeks, and more than half of respondents have used carryout [55%] and curbside pick-up [51%].
Delivery continues to grow, however, the majority of consumers prefer to pick up off-premise orders, whether it’s due to health and safety or financial concerns, according to SMG’s third annual study. This is not only good news for QSRs that were built with drive-thrus, but also for sit-down restaurants and fast casual formats that have added curbside and in some cases added pop-up drive-thrus in recent months.


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ARANUI Cruises will start delivering freight on its Austral Islands voyages in 2025.
In the 2025 program, 125-metre mixed freight and passenger vessel Aranui 5 will offer 22 voyages, all carrying cargo to either the northern Marquesas Islands or southern Austral archipelago.
Aranui’s 2025 schedule includes three 13-day Australs voyages. The company said these cruises are the only way to see all five inhabited islands in French Polynesia’s southernmost archipelago – Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae, known as the Bora Bora of the south, and Rapa Iti, which is only accessible by sea and Aranui 5 is currently the only local cruise ship permitted to visit.
In 2025, Aranui 5 will deliver cargo to the remote Austral Islands for the first time, while also collecting goods to deliver to Raiatea, Bora Bora and Papeete on the return leg, such as coffee, which grows well in the cooler southern climate.
Aranui Cruises regional representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said the company offers one of the few remaining cargo cruise experiences in the world.
“When we first started offering cargo cruising to the Marquesas 40 years ago, hardly anyone had heard of French Polynesia’s northern archipelago but we have watched on proudly as Aranui became an integral part of the island communities and helped create a sustainable flow of tourism in an isolated part of the world,” Mr Wong said.
“We hope to put the Australs on the map in a similar fashion, working with the remote southern communities to develop their economy and tourism in a slow, sustainable way while also opening up their beautiful islands for a privileged few to see.”
In addition to its expanded Australs program in 2025, Aranui 5 will continue to offer its traditional cargo cruise itinerary to French Polynesia’s remote Marquesas Islands with 19 12-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete delivering freight to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands – Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva – plus picturesque pitstops at Tuamotu atolls Fakarava, Rangiroa and Makatea, as well as Bora Bora.


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Disney Creates Direct-To-Consumer Unit
Walt Disney Co announced a reorganization on Wednesday that will create a new direct-to-consumer and international unit to reflect the company’s priorities as it adapts to a rapid shift toward online and mobile viewing.
Kevin Mayer, the company’s chief strategy officer, was named chairman of the new division, which will oversee the launch of a family-oriented streaming service in late 2019, Disney said in a statement..
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