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Ekta Kapoor, 44
Joint managing director, Balaji Telefilms
Previous Rank : 29
Until just two years ago, Kapoor’s name was synonymous with sitcoms on Indian television channels. But, slowly and steadily, she is making her presence felt on India’s formidable video-streaming or over-the-top (OTT) platform. Last year, her OTT platform ALTBalaji garnered close to 20 million paid subscribers, a big jump over the previous year. It drew subscriptions by building a loyal customer base by keeping prices low and courting viewers outside the big cities. Launched in 2017, ALTBalaji has consistently managed to stay in the top percentile in a crowded market with more than 30 OTT players including Disney’s Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Eros Now, ZEE5, Viacom 18’s Voot, Sony’s Liv, and the Times group’s MX Player. ALTBalaji aimed to break even within 36-48 months of launch, which according to the company is on track. And it is set to turn profitable soon, thanks to a collaboration it announced recently with ZEE5 to co-create original content that would be available on both platforms.


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from the business-is-war dept.
wellington map writes "Nuance Communications, a Menlo Park maker of speech-recognition software, has sued Yahoo for unfair competition and theft of trade secrets, accusing the Internet giant of raiding all but one of Nuance's research and development engineers. Nuance said 13 engineers from its Menlo Park and Montreal offices were 75 percent finished with a project that would allow people to search the Internet by speaking their queries into a telephone, rather than typing them on a computer keyboard. Nuance planned to sell the technology to companies like Yahoo."
"In the face of entropy and nothingness, you kind of have to pretend it's not
there if you want to keep writing good code." -- Karl Lehenbauer

domain: news


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Many recent published research papers into the use of mCommerce have highlighted the forecasted increase in usage over the next three years, and supermarket chain Asda are bucking this trend by aiming to double grocery sales sales made via mobile devices in the next six months.
The company is planning to introduce a number of new strategies in order to achieve this huge growth, including the introduction of a revamped digital platform. Currently around 6% of the supermarket chain’s grocery orders are placed via mobile devices and it expects this to reach 12% by the end of 2012.
The retailer is planning to launch an iPad app in the next 12 months, following the launch of its iPhone and Android apps in 2012. Asda’s iPhone app has been downloaded by over 500,000 customers in the past six months and its new Android app has attracted 75,000 downloads in just one month.
Judith McKenna, Asda’s chief operating officer, says: “Gone are the days when we could label a customer as either a traditional or a dotcom shopper. Customers don’t think in terms of channels or devices, they want to shop with ease, compare prices at the touch of a button, and pick up a product or have it delivered with the minimum of fuss. As a result, the world of retailing is being transformed at a remarkable rate and opening up exciting opportunities for retailers like ourselves.
“In addition social media is changing the way that we interact with our customers. Our Facebook fans are the most engaged in retail globally, which means the conversations we are having are equivalent to word of mouth wildfire. This is beginning to make a real difference to our business, in terms of what we sell and how we sell it.”
mCommerce is becoming increasingly popular due to the innovative smartphone technology coupled with the launch of tablet computers such as the iPad. Here at Visualsoft we offer a range of mCommerce solutions suitable for all business types and sizes, giving you complete freedom to choose the right platform for you and your business.
For more info contact one of the team today here, via our website.


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One of the biggest recurring themes at this year’s DattoCon event was ransomware, the insidious malware that encrypts your customers’ files and asks them to pay hefty fees – to cybercriminals – to get their data back! George Anderson, product marketing director at Webroot shared some sobering stats and insights on the negative impacts of ransomware.
Total Merchant Services is a credit card merchant account acquirer that provides solutions to merchants and sales partners while focusing on technology-driven products designed to help small businesses prosper and grow. Scott Blum is VP of Marketing, Business Development and Software Partners for Total Merchant, which was named the 2012 ISO of the Year by the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) for providing payment industry sales professionals with outstanding product and service innovation.
It’s no secret businesses need to defend against ransomware attacks, but according to Carbonite Chief Evangelist Norman Guadagno, they need to be able to respond effectively and efficiently to them as well. For the unfamiliar, ransomware is a type of malware that infects a computer, restricting access of the infected system in some way. The actor(s) who infect the system hold it hostage in exchange for payment, presenting a particularly severe problem for businesses.
The “Mobility Metamorphosis” breakout session May 18 at the Retail IT VAR Of The Future Conference in Chicago featured insights from two veteranl channel executives: Luis Artiz, Group Product Manager, Epson America Inc. and Jason R. Firment, Director of POS and VARCOM, BlueStar.
The migration to EMV chip technology in the U.S. is changing the payments landscape. As consumer’s experience and adapt to the new process, businesses are evolving to make the payment itself as easy as possible. With the competitive nature of the ever-present online store, the last things a merchant wants in are an added barrier, frustration, or detraction point. The demand for a smooth flow is pushing developments in mobile payments merchants are eager to adopt.
Genetec recently began shipping the new version of its turnkey network security appliance, the SV-32 v2. With built-in analog encoder cards, the SV-32 v2 offers a cost-effective solution to integrate legacy analog cameras as part of an IP transition plan. Pre-installed with the Genetec Security Center platform, the appliance allows for the consolidation of multiple remote sites within a single security environment, while supporting a wide range of future-proof IP cameras and door controllers to suit various deployments needs.
Creditcall and Miura Systems recently announced that retail developers, ISVs, and VARs can now integrate the Miura M007 mPOS PINpad into Windows- and Linux-based retail POS infrastructure, in addition to iOS- and Android-based mPOS solutions, by using Creditcall ChipDNA SDKs.
The Point Of Sale Pacesetter Awards, a joint effort of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) and Business Solutions Magazine (BSM), were officially announced today and will recognize the most innovative VARs and ISVs who serve the retail, hospitality, and grocery verticals. Awards will be presented in seven categories at RetailNOW 2016, the RSPA’s annual trade show.
Today’s merchants are a bit more astute than previous generations. They better know what they want, when they want it, and it better work as advertised. In this exclusive interview, Patrick Ward, VP of Channel Sales at NAB Velocity, explains what it is merchants are really looking for, as well as how to deliver.
EMV has been in place for nearly six months, but ISVs can’t afford to rest. There are new payment security issues to be concerned with, but which ones needs immediate attention? In this exclusive interview, Bill Lodes, SVP of business development & strategy at First American Payment Systems, explains what’s on the horizon for ISVs, what needs to be done to properly address payments security, and where time will best be spent the rest of the year.


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For the past couple of years, many people particularly in India, have embraced cashless transaction for paying services such as food, petrol and sundries using Unified Payment Interface (UPI)-based mobile apps. But, there is also a rise in cases of citizens losing money through phishing technique and malware in apps. In the latest development, the country's finance regulatory body Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned users to refrain from installing a cross-platform 'AnyDesk' app, as it is a serious flaw that leaves bank account empty before customers could realise what just happened to them
For those unaware, AnyDesk app allows users to access remote desktop screen on their mobile phones. It is available in iOS, Android and even web app versions for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac PCs. But, it has come to the notice of RBI that cybercriminals are using the AnyDesk app to syphon-off consumer's money in the bank.
"An app code (nine-digit number) would be generated and once the fraudster inserts this code, he would ask the victim to grant permission. Post this, the fraudster will get full access to the victim's device," RBI's Cybersecurity & IT Examination cell said in the press note.
Apparently, hackers upload a remote execution code to the victim's PC and mobiles and later it asks the consumer to grant certain permissions to access SMS, call log and other sensitive folders of the phone. For many, this is a normal procedure, as many apps do ask similar permissions, but this app is very dangerous. Once they gain access, they go on to steal all financial related details on e-commerce or UPI apps in the mobile.
With recovered data, hackers will carry out transactions through mobile banking app or payment-related apps, including UPI or wallets. Since they can view the OTP (One Time Password), they can carry out multiple transactions and leave you penniless in quick time. Already several people have unknowingly granted them access and lost their savings.
Considering the severity of the issue, RBI has already warned banks to convey messages to their respective customers and uninstall the 'AnyDesk' app.
Here's how to protect your smartphones from malware and adware:
- Always keep your smartphone updated to the latest firmware. Most companies in collaboration with Google send software updates — especially security patches on a priority basis and always make sure to update them immediately
- Make sure to use premium Antivirus software, which also provides malware protection and internet security
- Always switch on Google Play Protect on your Android phone. Go to Google Play >> Select Play Protect >> enable both – option 1: Scan device for security threat and option 2: Improve harmful app detection
- Never open emails sent from unknown senders
- Never install apps from unknown websites
- Never install apps from unfamiliar publishers even on Google Play store
- Never ever side-load apps from websites other than Google Play store on an Android phone.
- Always read user reviews before installing the apps from the Google Play store


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Consider last week's Tales of Hearts R localization rumor official after a leaked video announcement from Hideo Babe, Tales series Producer, has found its way online. In the video Hideo comments how in 2013 he attended many fan events across the world and heard how excited everyone was for a Tales of Hearts localization. With the release of Tales of Hearts R on the Vita in October 2013, a western localization was now a viable option.
The rumors started last week when GameStop put up a retail listing for Tales of Hearts on the PS Vita. Costing $39.99, the listing was in line with what we'd expect if Tales of Hearts R was brought overseas. Of course, the listing quickly disappeared and no official word was heard from Namco Bandai. Technically official word from Namco Bandai is still unheard, but it's hard to discount the announcement directly from the game's Producer in what's clearly a video meant for marketing.
Tales of Hearts R, when compared to the original Tales of Hearts on the DS, is a radically different experience. Visuals have been updated from 2D to 3D, all characters are now fully voiced, there are two additional characters that can join the party, and even the main storyline was extended. Basically, it's everything a Tales fan could want from the experience. Now all we need is a special edition PS Vita package to go along with the game's release.
Expect Tales of Hearts R to be released on the PS Vita this winter. While that's a year since the PS Vita update's release in Japan, and over six years away from the original launch on Nintendo DS, at least it's being localized at all. Please Namco Bandai, could you prioritize your RPG localizations a little more? We promise to be supportive! I swear! We'll start with Zestiria!
Thanks for the tip, Fauve!


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Free Shipping Day extends online holiday buying season
Free shipping has become such a draw for online shoppers that, since 2007, an entire day has been devoted to it. This year 2,000 retailers are offering free deliveries guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas via Free Shipping Day. Meanwhile new comScore data shows free shipping to be one of the most important incentives an online retailer can offer.
According to comScore last year's Free Shipping Day was the third heaviest online spending day of the year at $942 million, a 61% increase from 2009.
It's little wonder, then, that this year's Free Shipping Day, being held on December 16, boasts over 2,000 retailers offering free delivery - 250 more than last year. Sears, Radio Shack, Aeropostale, Puma, Vans and Barnes and Noble along with many well-known brands are all onboard to try to extend the online shopping season.
According to the Free Shipping Day website, "In 2010, Free Shipping Day blew past its 35-year-old sibling by nearly $300 million in online sales. Not only did it shake up the holiday monarchy - it earned a place in the record books while doing so."
Figures released yesterday (4 Dec) by comScore show that consumers have come to expect free shipping during holiday promotion periods and that it is one of the most important incentives an online merchant can offer.
'"More than three-quarters of consumers say that free shipping is important to them when making an online purchase," said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni, "and nearly half say they will abandon their shopping cart at checkout if they find free shipping is not being offered."
- Top retailers failing to meet consumer expectations of personalized comms
- Android ad blocking browser released by Adblock Plus
- How triggered emails can reduce shopping cart abandons
- How to better protect consumers' mobile privacy
- Expert: What Google buy buttons could mean for ecommerce
- Report highlights the 'mobile moments' of commuters
- Consumers keen to use new payment technology but businesses slow to adopt
- Ad Roundup: Integrations and new releases to offer more insights
Featured White Papers
- Learn how to fill your funnel with high-quality leads
In this comprehensive, 160 page guide, we cover topics ranging from content marketing and website SEO to telesales and content...


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The Faculty of Art and Design of Ho Technical University (HTU) has held its 5th Arts and Design Exhibition.
The two-day event was under the theme: Retrofusion
As part of the celebration, a seminar was also held for the staff on: Package creation works for promotion
The Dean of Faculty, Dr Richard Gbadegbe said the idea was to bring the past to the present, combine designs and styles of the 1980s and 1990s with the contemporary fashion trends and artistic expressions to produce innovative garments and artefacts.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga who graced the opening ceremony, said the programme was appropriate and relevant in its timing, taking a cue from the past to develop the present and produce garments to stand the test of time.


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If you want to build a company’s reputation, it has to start at the top. Recent research from PR firm Weber Shandwick shows that CEO engagement and visibility is vital for a company‘s profile, according to over 80 per cent of senior executives worldwide.
Leslie Gaines-Ross, chief reputation strategist at Weber Shandwick discusses the findings: “Our research has shown that CEO engagement and visibility plays a fundamental role in the reputation of companies. Indeed, some 81 per cent of our respondents cited that external CEO engagement is now a mandate for building company reputation. In the past, CEOs and those around them confused CEO visibility with CEO celebrity. Over the years, this has shifted and today it is CEO credibility which, when built through multiple channels of communication, can add value both inside and outside the business.”
However, although CEOs must be visible, this does not mean they need to act like film stars says Gaines-Ross: “CEO visibility means having a greater presence with greater purpose and in more ways than one, and it is important for leaders to leverage the full range of communication channels around them to convey their messages. It’s not about enhancing egos or playing up to a celebrity status – humility is most championed, with executives with highly regarded CEOs six times as likely as those with less highly-regarded CEOs to say that their CEO is humble.”
Looking at exactly how much a CEO’s reputation adds to a company’s profile, respondents attribute nearly half (45 per cent) of their company’s reputation to the reputation of their CEO, and they expect that CEO reputation will matter even more in the next few years.
In terms of how much a CEO’s reputation matters to profitability, respondents estimate that 44 per cent of their company’s market value is attributable to the reputation of their CEO. Another plus of having a good leader is that a strong CEO reputation attracts and retains employees (claim 77 per cent and 70 per cent of respondents respectively).
There are differences in how leaders are perceived around the world. The research shows that compared to European, Asia Pacific and Latin American executives, North American executives perceive their leaders to be better communicators. US executives are significantly more likely than those in other regions to say that their CEOs are comfortable talking to the news media. However, other parts of the world are likely to catch up: Four out of ten European executives and approximately half of Asia Pacific executives and Latin American executives report that their CEOs are more willing to talk with the news media today than they were several years ago.
Conducted by Weber Shandwick with KRC Research, The CEO Reputation Premium: Gaining Advantage in the Engagement Era, is based on an online survey of more than 1,700 senior executives across 19 countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.
Respondents worked in companies with revenues of $500 million or more (or regional equivalents) and represented 19 countries across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The margin of error for the full global sample is ±2 percentage points with 90 per cent confidence.


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According to research from IndustryArc, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market will grow year on year for the foreseeable future.
The IIoT refers to any process in which connected devices and Internet of Things technologies are combined to improve processes in industrial sectors from manufacturing to energy, transport, and distribution. Typically IIoT applications will involve the use of big data analytics and machine learning, using connected devices to capture and share information. This sector also includes automation technologies, which can revolutionise processes in manufacturing plants.
The huge quantities of data gathered can help companies identify and rectify issues that lead to inefficiencies, saving time and increasing productivity in the long run.
According to a recent study by IndustryARC, the manufacturing industry will be the highest revenue generating segment for IIoT market in the forecast period. However, the healthcare and medical devices segment will have the highest growth rate through 2016 to 2021, estimated to grow at approximately 60% year on year.
IIoT-enabled devices include a range of electronic components, from transmitters to sensors, data storage, processors, RFID and more. All, when used effectively in conjunction, have vast potential for quality control and improved supply chain efficiency.
The Industrial Internet of Things is seen by many as a new phase of global industrial transformation. IIoT technology is expected to generate economic opportunities and reshape industries, as well as transform companies and countries with an era of renewed economic growth and competitiveness.
IIoT is the intersection of people, data, and intelligent machines
IIoT works at the intersection of people, data and intelligent machines. According to a report from Accenture, “executives across the industrial and healthcare sectors see the enormous opportunities of the Industrial Internet and in many cases are deploying the first generation of solutions.”
“The vast majority believe that Big Data analytics has the power to dramatically alter the competitive landscape of industries within just the next year and are investing accordingly. Yet challenges around security, data silos and systems integration issues between organisations threaten to delay Industrial Internet solutions that could offer distinctive operational, strategic and competitive advantages. Spurred on by board level direction, surveyed executives feel a sense of urgency in moving more briskly toward the Industrial Internet future.”
Major companies already implementing IIoT include Intel Corporation, ARM Holding Plc, Atmel Corporation, Synopsys Inc and Siemens.


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A Japanese manufacturer has agreed to form a strategic partnership with an Indian firm to jointly explore business opportunities in the LED lighting sector.
Sujana Energy, based in Hyderabad, will link up with Nichia Corporation, to collaborate on trying to bring competitive products to what may become a burgeoning industry in years to come, as global households consider diode-based technology for energy-efficiency.
Y S Chowdary, chairman of Sujana Group - the parent company of the Indian manufacturer - believes renewables are the focus area for its business and suggested that the partnership signified a commitment to making technology affordable to its customers.
Nichia is currently the largest supplier of white LEDs in the world and while it offers many products and innovations that could be adapted to the market in the planet's second most populous country, Sujana research and development may prove advantageous in trying to gain success.
Beyond production of diode-based innovations, Sujana also has interests in steel manufacturing, construction, energy generation and the telecoms industry.


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A lawyer for Chrysler dealers facing closure as part of the automaker's bankruptcy reorganization said on Tuesday he believes Chrysler executives do not support a plan to eliminate a quarter of its retail outlets.THE PRESIDENT'S TASK FORCE LED BY POLITICAL APPOINTEE AND MONEYBAGS RATNER.
Lawyer Leonard Bellavia, of Bellavia Gentile & Associates, who represents some of the terminated dealers, said he deposed Chrysler President Jim Press on Tuesday and came away with the impression that Press did not support the plan.
"It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom of terminating 25 percent of its dealers," Bellavia said. "It really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous pressure from the President's automotive task force."
IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN IT MEANS THAT CLOSING THESE DEALERSHIPS WAS A POLITICAL DECISION, NOT A COMMERICAL ONE.
OF SO, THEN IT'S OUTRAGEOUS - AND EVERY BIT AS BAD AS MUGABE SEIZING FARMS IN ZIMBABWE OR CASTRO SEIZING BUSNESSES IN CUBA.
OR STALIN. OR KRISTALLNACHT.


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GoMetro, a South African logistics startup has secured a ZAR16.3 million (US$1 million) seed extension round to accelerate its growth, bolster its commercial team and rapidly expand into the South African, UK and American markets.
The mobility management platform enables public transport and logistics operators to boost operational efficiency, futureproof their services, and tighten their competitiveness. The solution improves the operations of hundreds of fleets around the world by providing the building blocks for the rapid development of mobility applications.
The seed extension round came from Kalon Venture Partners, Hlayisani Capital, Tritech Global, 4Decades Capital, and E Squared Investments, which will be used for key hires and to continue to invest in its innovative tech platform, product engineering and development.
“By using our mobility management platform and digitising their entire fleet, operators can save up to 30 per cent in operating costs by increasing overall vehicle utilisation, controlling excess mileage and managing back-office costs. We have also seen our customers increase the certainty and accuracy of their delivery windows by 50 per cent,” said the CEO of GoMetro, Justin Coetzee.
Kalon Venture Partners CEO, Clive Butkow, said he was excited to be an investor in a business that continued to scale locally and globally.
“Kalon’s investment was motivated by the exceptional GoMetro team, as well as the innovative digitization of transport operations to better manage mobility. The GoMetro fleet works with logistics providers’ existing investment in telematics, provides accurate route planning and on-time alerts, and saves them money in back-office costs and contract performance,” he said.


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Sofia Vergara to host “Style Icon Superbowl Weekend”
by Daniel Haim
Style Icon, LLC announces today the Style Icon Super Bowl Weekend, hosted by SAG and Golden Globe nominee Sofia Vergara at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, TX. The weekend will include a two-day celebrity luxury lounge and a Super Bowl Kick Off Party hosted by Vergara at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel on the evening of Saturday, February 5, 2011.
“We are thrilled to have Sofia Vergara as our host for this exciting weekend,” said Style Icon founder and CEO Andre Wilson. “Style Icon events bring together the very best of celebrities, athletes and tastemakers in one room. We wanted to create a premiere experience around the most anticipated event of the year.”
Style Icon will kick off its Super Bowl weekend events with an exclusive daytime celebrity lounge on Saturday at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel that continues Sunday morning. This unique experience blends the very best in fashion, style and luxury gifting at an invite-only lounge for celebrity and VIP guests.
As part of Style Icon’s continued effort to highlight worthy causes, the weekend will raise awareness for its non-profit partner, Cure Duchenne.
Style Icon is a 369 West production. This is the second Style Icon event in what will be an ongoing franchise of unique lifestyle lounges at major sporting and entertainment events throughout the year.


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For mechanical parts processing and the labor-intensive industry, the recruitment difficult problem is not a day two days, but the disease under, let this question is more special.
A lot of ningbo precision machinery parts
processing manufacturer are beginning to realize the seriousness of the problem, CNC parts processing production line, even after the return to work and production, but a lot of jobs are lack of manpower.
Will be saved a backlog of some years ago after the order, after the rework should get the cargo for them, but the cause of the outbreak, a batch of face mask machine, medical equipment, precision parts
processing orders in new orders for lack of people to do, the old order and put it there, many employees have no return in time, now hiring workers also difficult.
Our workers did not return, but also for outbreak control the flow of people, now no workers employment post machinery parts processing, is also because the outbreak of the choice of letting a person is very cautious.
If the outbreak after lifting, this problem is not so serious, labor market recovered, ningbo precision machinery processing enterprises recruitment difficult can be alleviated.
Now precision parts processing enterprises is through the online recruitment platform information, guangdong development bank, in general, but few out job, workers for ningbo machining factory to choose better.
Proficiency in labor-intensive industries is exquisite, technology is not good for factory workers is not good to use, to make the product quality is bad, but the wreck our credibility.
NINGBO HENRY PARTS INC. has built its reputation on a commitment to providing quality products and services while rapidly responding to international needs for innovative products.
All of the experts NINGBO HENRY PARTS INC. consulted stressed that the best recovery plans are the ones made before you need them, not afterward.
Oftentimes for NINGBO HENRY PARTS INC. , this means look for the impact. Giving people something to believe in, that emotional connection, that's what SERVICE.
SERVICE, is an alternative product for mechanical parts manufacturer to investors and consumers who are passionate about our products or services.
NINGBO HENRY PARTS INC. provides the ideal conditions for business creation – access to cash, human capital and affordable office space, for instance – can help new ventures not only take off but also thrive.


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The recent OnePlus Nord saw the company re-enter the mid-range arena after a few years absent, to pretty positive reviews. Availability was limited to India and Europe, but reports suggest OnePlus might launch a OnePlus Nord Lite or similar in the US later this year, and we may have received a key piece of information about it.
This comes from MySmartPrice (opens in new tab), which spotted certification on the TUV Rheinland website (a company that manages tech standards) for a new 18W fast charger from OnePlus.
- OnePlus Nord review
- The Google Pixel 5 is coming soon
- These are the best OnePlus phones
This 18W speed is pretty standard for most mid-range and even budget phones these days. However, it's quite odd to see OnePlus going back to this charging speed considering the company has had at least 20W charging on its phones for the last few years, and even the Nord comes with 30W charging.
OnePlus is also expected to come out with a 65W fast charge starting with the OnePlus 8T, so a slower speed would certainly be a downgrade.
If the company really is working on an 18W charger then we'd expect it's for a new affordable phone, as they tend to have slower powering, so it's likely this is for the rumored OnePlus Nord Lite.
What we know so far
There's not much information about this rumored OnePlus device at the moment. However, from previous leaked renders we know quite a bit about what the mid-ranger could look like, with the design unsurprisingly looking similar to the standard Nord and a cost coming in at even less than OnePlus Nord deals.
The OnePlus Nord Lite - or whatever it ends up being called - is said to come with a triple rear camera setup and a single selfie camera. And, according to previous leaks, the upcoming phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 690, which is a 5G-capable chipset that sits just below the Snapdragon 765G found in the Nord. So all round it sounds like a slightly lesser phone.
We don't know when this new OnePlus phone is set to launch, but when it does we'll bring you everything you need to know.


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Third-generation Pokemon are set to make a Halloween debut in Pokemon Go after a leaked image of the loading screen revealed the likes of Dusclops and Sableye.
Pokemon Go developer Niantic had previously revealed that it would be having a special Halloween event for its augmented reality mobile game, but it was rather cagey on the details as to what that event would entail.
Last year, the Halloween event saw ‘spooky’ Pokemon like Zubat, Gastly, Haunter and Gengar pop up more regularly as Pokemon Go players made went on their hunts for the digital creatures.
But in the 0.79.2 update for the game, fan community The Silph Road, dug deep into the code behind the update and discovered a loading screen that features third-generation Pokemon that fit the creepy theme of Halloween. Other hints, such as sound files and badges referencing the third-gen Pokemon have also been found.
However, Niantic has kept tight-lipped on any plans to bring new Pokemon to Pokemon Go, and simply hinted that the Halloween event will allow for players to “catch new Pokemon to fill out our Pokedex”.
While some rumours need to be taken with a pinch of salt, Niantic hasn’t come out to pour water over the expectation for third-gen Pokemon. And when snippets of code show the existence of new features, they are often fairly concrete evidence of what is coming next in a game or product.
As such, we’d be pretty surprised if no third-generation Pokemon rear their creepy heads come Halloween.
What Pokemon do you want to see in Pokemon Go? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.


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Online gambling and online games of chance have been banned in Tamil Nadu. At the same time, the other online games will be regulated.
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- Types of online gaming available in India:
- The requirement for a central law:
- How big is the online gaming market in India?
- Why are States resorting to banning online gaming?
Types of online gaming available in India:
- e-Sports: These are video games that, in the 1990s, were played privately or on consoles in video game stores, but are now played online in a structured manner between professional players, either individually or in teams.
- Fantasy sports: These are games in which the player chooses a team of real-life sports players from a variety of teams and earns points based on how well the players perform in real-life. As an example,
- Casual online games:
- These could be skill-based, with the outcome heavily influenced by mental or physical ability, or chance-based, with the outcome heavily influenced by some randomised activity, such as rolling a die.
- Gambling is defined as a game of chance in which players bet money or anything of monetary value.
The requirement for a central law:
Online gaming so far has been a state subject:
- State governments have said they find it extremely difficult to enforce certain rules like geo-blocking certain apps or websites within the territory of their state.
- Also, there is a concern that rules passed in one state are not applicable in another, which has caused inconsistency in how the online gaming industry is regulated in the country.
- State governments also do not have enough blocking powers like the Centre to issue blocking orders for offshore betting sites.
- Stakeholders have highlighted a number of societal concerns that can arise from the proliferation of online games in the country.
- There have been a number of reported incidents of people losing large sums of money on online games, leading to suicides in various parts of the country.
No regulatory framework
- There is currently no regulatory framework to govern various aspects of online gaming companies such as having a grievance redressal mechanism, implementing player protection measures, protection of data and intellectual property rights, and prohibiting misleading advertisements.
- For online gaming businesses, the inconsistency has led to uncertainty.
- The thinking within the government is to have a nodal agency that will address all issues related to online gaming, including introducing a uniform law to determine what forms of online gaming are legally allowed.
How big is the online gaming market in India?
- The revenue of the Indian mobile gaming industry is expected to exceed $1.5 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $5 billion in 2025.
- The industry in the country grew at a CAGR of 38% between 2017-2020, as opposed to 8% in China and 10% in the US.
- It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% to reach Rs 153 billion in revenue by 2024.
- India’s percentage of new paying users (NPUs) in gaming has been the fastest growing in the world for two consecutive years, at 40% in 2020 and reaching 50% in 2021.
Why are States resorting to banning online gaming?
- Online games like rummy and poker are addictive in nature;
- When played with monetary stakes leads to depression, mounting debts and suicides.
- Reportedly, there have been a few instances where youngsters, faced with mounting debts due to losses in online games have committed other crimes like theft and murder.
- Some experts also believe that online games are susceptible to manipulation by the websites operating such games and that there is a possibility that users are not playing such games against other players, but against automatic machines or ‘bots’, wherein there is no fair opportunity for an ordinary user to win the game.
-Source: The Hindu


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Cambodia Calls for More Cooperation between ASEAN and U.S.
AKP Phnom Penh, November 16, 2018 --
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen called for more cooperation between ASEAN and the U.S., at the 6th ASEAN-U.S. Summit held in Singapore on Thursday.
Both sides still have more potential areas to cooperate such as innovation, digital economy, trade, tourism and IT, pointed out Samdech Techo Hun Sen in his speech on the occasion.
The Cambodian Premier also expressed his support to his Lao counterpart who in an ASEAN joint communiqué encouraged the U.S to continue its support to the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and Initiative for ASEAN Integration.
Cambodia strongly expects that the U.S. will pay high attention to increasing the trade volume between both sides, and welcomes the elaboration of the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiatives Work Plan, he added.
Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed for the U.S.’ continued support to human resource building by providing more scholarships to ASEAN youths, particularly those from Cambodia to pursue their higher education.
By Khan Sophirom


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New Delhi: After a year-long tussle between the civil aviation and environment ministries, the Navi Mumbai airport finally got the green signal today but with riders about resettlement of displaced people and development of mangroves around the site, reports PTI.
"Today, formally the environmental clearance has been given to the Navi Mumbai project. The provisions of building the airport will start from today," environment minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters here.
The announcement was made at a joint press meet with Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan as also civil aviation minister Praful Patel with whom Mr Ramesh had differences over the Rs8,722 crore project.
The clearance was given on the conditions that 678 hectares of mangroves will be developed in and around the project site, river Gadhi will not be diverted besides 30 other riders which have to be implemented to minimise environmental impacts.
However, a 90-meter high hillock will have to be removed to smoothen the approach to runway and the "tidally influenced waterbody: Ulwe will be recoursed. "A number of safeguards will have to be implemented to ensure that the environmental impact is kept to the minimum," Mr Ramesh said.
With the environment clearance in place, both Mr Chavan and Mr Patel said that bidding process for the development of the airport will be completed and contracts will be awarded within 8-12 months.
The chief minister said that 3,000 families will have to be relocated and expeditious steps were being taken to rehabilitate them.
The prime minister's office has been closely monitoring the progress in building the second airport as the existing Mumbai airport, where additional flights are now being restricted due to saturation, is likely to exhaust its capacity of handling 40 million passengers a year by 2013.
The Navi Mumbai international project will be developed through public-private-participation mode in which the private party will hold 74%, and state-owned City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) will have 13% stake each.
Terming the green clearance as an "extremely significant" step for Mumbai as well as the national economy Patel said, "We have been very concerned at the lack of capacity of the (existing) Mumbai airport and difficulties in expanding it."
While the chief minister said the Navi Mumbai airport project would be developed in four phases, the civil aviation minister urged him to consider developing it in two phases due to the urgency in creating new aviation infrastructure in the face of rapidly growing air traffic.
"I think phases I and II will have to be taken up together due to the capacity crunch at the Mumbai airport. The first phase should be completed by 2014-15 at the most...
One runway at the existing airport will be under daily repair from next year," Mr Patel said.
The proposed airport will have two parallel runways1.55 km apart, even though it was initially suggested that their separation length will be 1.8km. "There is no compromise on technical parameters. The runway separation is as per international requirements for safe and simultaneous operations", Mr Patel said.
The Maharashtra government will soon approach the environment ministry for forest clearance, with MR Ramesh saying it would be granted soon. The state will also move the Mumbai High Court on the issue of cutting mangroves.
Mr Chavan said the site was selected as the most suitable after studying 17 locations.
He said 436 hectares out of 1,160 hectares of land was to be acquired. The CIDCO was already in possession of 66% of the land needed for the airport project, while 12% more was in the possession of the state government.
Regarding the blasting of the hillock to clear up the approach glide-path of aircraft, Mr Ramesh said environmental clearance had already been given for quarrying activities which were on in full-swing.
"I have also asked the state government to set up a high-level advisory and monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the environmental conditionalities at various stages," the environment minister said.
Non-essential facilities, like hotels and shopping malls, will be located in such areas to ensure development of a mangrove park in the vicinity of the airport.
The project, which had got Union Cabinet approval in 2007, saw the light of the day after hectic negotiations between the environment and civil aviation ministries after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over the delay in the grant of green clearance.
The proposed site in Navi Mumbai is 20km from the main city and 35km from the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.
It is expected to handle 10 million passengers in its first operational year, doubling it to 20 million in eight years. The aim is that the airport would have a handling capacity of 40 million passengers by 2030.
New Delhi: The Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles today said it expects electric two-wheeler market to witness 100% growth following a Rs95-crore incentive package for the remaining part of the 11th Plan, reports PTI.
As per a scheme approved by the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), the government will provide financial incentive for each electric vehicle sold in India during the remaining part of the 11th Plan-2010-11 and 2011-12.
The scheme, effective from 11th November, envisages incentives of up to 20% on ex-factory prices of the vehicles, subject to a maximum limit.
The cap on the incentive will be Rs4,000 for low speed electric two-wheelers, Rs5,000 for high speed electric two-wheelers, Rs60,000 for seven-seater three-wheeler and Rs1 lakh for an electric car.
"This could have an immediate impact on sales of electric two-wheelers. In terms of monthly sales, we expect an immediate doubling of sales," Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles director Sohinder Gill told PTI.
Moreover, those electric vehicle makers who were getting frustrated, will now feel encouraged to grow the market further, he added.
"We have convened a meeting of our members in this week to see how quickly we can pass on the benefits to consumers.
Although these incentives are for the manufacturers to carry out R&D activities and to increase capacities, we will surely pass on partial benefits to the buyers," Gill said.
On an average, electric two-wheelers are priced between Rs25,000 and Rs40,000 depending on the speed range.
As per the notification by the MNRE, the government will take up "dissemination of two wheelers, three wheelers and four wheelers Battery Operates Vehicles (BOV) and R&D and technology demonstration and other activities in the area of Alternative Fuels for Surface Transportation at a total cost of Rs95 crore during the remaining period of the 11th Plan".
For this fiscal, the government will support 20,000 units and 10,000 units of low and high speed two-wheelers respectively, while it will be 80,000 units and 20,000 units in 2011-12.
The government has also decided to incentivise 100 units of three-wheelers and 140 units of passenger cars in the rest of this fiscal, while it will be 166 units and 700 units in the next financial year.
At present, the Indian electric two-wheeler market stands at about 85,000 units annually. Some of the leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers include Hero Electric, Avon Cycles, BSA Motors and Lohia Auto.
In the three-wheeler space, Lohia Auto and Mahindra & Mahindra are present. The four-wheeler market is minuscule with only one player-Mahindra Reva.
MNRE said the manufacturers will have to give at least one year comprehensive warranty, including for batteries, and minimum 30% of the components will have to be indigenous to avail the benefits.
Besides, the companies will have to set up at least 15 service centres across the country to ensure quality and services of the products.
The government will also take up "R&D and technology demonstration projects for various components including battery for 'hybrid electric vehicles', 'plug hybrid electric vehicles', battery operated vehicles and electric/exercise-bike-generator inverter and other such vehicles and their components and activities in this area".
Seeing the potential, some auto majors such as Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and General Motors are working on to introduce the electric vehicle technology in their existing models across different categories.
New Delhi: The steep hike in onion export prices has failed to improve the domestic market scenario as the vegetable continues to be expensive at a retail price of Rs35 a kg in Delhi, reports PTI.
Besides, onion continues to be expensive in the wholesale market, even after the agri-cooperative and onion export regulator NAFED hiked the commodity export price last week to $150 a tonne.
NAFED's decision to increase the minimum export price (MEP) from $375 a tonne to $525 a tonne for this month was necessitated by sharp increase in retail price of the vegetable at Rs40 a kg over a fortnight period.
The measure, the cooperative had hoped, would help bring down the onion price below Rs30 per kg.
However, trade sources inform that onion is being sold between Rs25-Rs30 a kg in wholesale market in Azadpur, which is Asia's biggest fruit and vegetables market. They add this has been the prevalent rate for the last 4-5 days.
Good quality onion at retail outlets in Delhi is available at Rs35 a kg while poor quality wet onions are being sold at Rs30 a kg.
The country has shipped 10.10 lakh tonnes of onion so far this fiscal, against 12.99 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period, the official data showed. India exports onions to Bangladesh, the West Asia, Singapore and Malaysia.
Prices of onion have risen because of supply crunch due to rain, triggered by cyclones in the South and heavy downpours in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Onion Merchants Association Azadpur market president Rajendra Sharma told PTI.
Maharashtra ranks first in onion production with a share of 18%.
There is a shortfall in supply of 35%-40% at Azadpur market in Delhi, which has lifted the price, said Metharam Kriplani, president of Chamber of Azadpur Fruit and Vegetables.
"Export rush of onion for handsome profit has telling affect on its prices in domestic market," Mr Kriplani said.
But, the situation is showing some improvement with arrival of crop from Rajasthan, Mr Sharma said. Over 275 tempos of onion (each carrying about 8 tonne) arrived at Azadpur market today from Rajasthan to boost the supply, he added.
Meanwhile, NAFED has said it will be reviewing the export prices by month-end.


text: The shocks that rippled across India in 2019 were not only from the economic and political spectrum. July saw the Indian commercial world shaken by the suicide of VG Siddhartha, the man who made coffee shops a mainstay of the Indian psyche when he introduced the Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) chain.CNBC-TV18 recalls the events that led up to the tragedy that left India Inc rattled, and his empire floundering.The usually languid Netravati River near Mangalore became the hub of action on the evening of July 29. At around 6:30 pm, Siddhartha, the founder of the popular coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day, stepped out of his car and disappeared.A frantic search and rescue operation was launched and on July 31, his body was recovered from the river. Police suspected suicide and these suspicions were strengthened by the emergence of what appeared to be a suicide note.The note was in the form of a letter to the board of directors of Coffee Day Enterprises and the Coffee Day family."I have failed to create the right profitable business model despite my best efforts. I fought for a long time but today I gave up as I could not take any more pressure from one of the private equity partners forcing me to buy back shares, a transaction I had partially completed six months ago by borrowing a large sum of money from a friend.”Financial woesThe letter brought Siddhartha's troubles into sharper focus. It was already clear at the start of the year that the Coffee Day Group was in poor shape. Siddhartha had reportedly been holding frenzied discussions with multiple players to liquidate various investments, starting with his stake in Mindtree. His decision to offload the 20.4 percent stake he and the CCD group held in Mindtree to Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for Rs 3,200 crore culminated in the first hostile takeover of an IT company in India, but was by no means smooth. He had to grapple with an IT order attaching a portion of the shares over a potential tax demand.Siddhartha mentioned this episode in his letter, saying this harassment "was very unfair and has led to a serious liquidity crunch."This led the IT department to question the authenticity of this letter and deny any such harassment.But in March, the Coffee Day group had to ask the IT department to attach shares of Coffee Day and release the Mindtree shares and the sale went through. But the Rs 3,200 crore Siddhartha raised from L&T was not enough. He moved on to active discussions to sell part of the coffee business and a 100-acre tech park in Bengaluru owned by Coffee Day Group's subsidiary Tanglin.But by then, as Siddhartha wrote in his purported letter to the board, he felt he had "failed as an entrepreneur."Siddhartha's death sparked an outpouring of shock from industry and a heated debate in political circles.The shock of Siddhartha's death was intensified when it came to light that his purported letter to the board also included a detailed list of assets that valued all of Coffee Day group's businesses at close to Rs 17,000 crore - more than the group's debt burden, which was later pegged at Rs 4,970 crore.This list included Tanglin's properties worth Rs 4,000 crore, Rs 1,000 crore worth of stake in Sical, 12,000 acres of coffee plantations worth over Rs 2,000 crore carrying timber worth an additional Rs 1,000-1,300 crore.Crucial board decisionsIn the aftermath of Siddhartha's death, Coffee Day Enterprises had to take some crucial decisions. The board started by appointing SV Ranganath as interim chairman and said it would investigate the contents of the purported suicide letter.Apart from quantifying total debt obligations, the board moved quickly to finalise the sale of the 100-acre Global Village Tech Park to Blackstone for Rs 2,700 crore. This deal, however, is waiting for approval from the group's lenders.It has also signed close to 30 NDAs with parties interested in buying its coffee business. This includes names like OYO, TPG, Bain and KKR.Meanwhile, the group has shut down CCD outlets across the country. Close to 500 CCD outlets have been shut since April this year to cut costs and today, only around 1,200 -1300 outlets are operational.Business-wise, Coffee Day Enterprises was already struggling. Revenues from its coffee retail business were down one percent in the first quarter. Its earnings were down 10 percent and it posted a loss of Rs 61 crore.The Coffee Day Group has had to delay the release of its second-quarter numbers due to investigations into the accounts of the company and its subsidiaries.


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The Office of the United States Trade Representative has published in the Federal Register notice of the proposed increase of Duty from 10% to 25% effective tomorrow, May 10, 2019.
As a reminder, the list of goods affected was originally scheduled to increase to 25% in September 2018 before being implemented at a reduced 10%, with a subsequent increase to 25% planned to go into effect on January 1st. This January increase was delayed to March 1st, and" Then again postponed without a specific implementation date set until President Trump’s recent comments informing that the increase would go into effect tomorrow Friday, May 10th.
Notably, there is specific language in the Federal Register Notice excluding shipments from the increase that have been exported May 9, 2019 or earlier.
Effective with respect to goods (i) entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 10, 2019 and before June 1, 2019, and (ii) exported to the United States on or after May 10, 2019.”
For the complete announcement, please visit the website below.
As always, OTS will provide further updates to this ongoing matter as the situation changes. Please contact your account representative for additional information.


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New Delhi, Jan 27 (PTI) Amid weak global cues and muted domestic demand, lead prices were lower by 2.37 per cent to Rs 158.90 per kg in futures market today as participants cut down their bets.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, lead for delivery in January declined by Rs 3.85, or 2.37 per cent, to Rs 158.90 per kg, in a business turnover of 964 lots.
Similarly, the metal for delivery in February shed Rs 3.60, or 2.22 per cent, to Rs 158.55 per kg in 47 lots.
Market analysts said the weakness in lead futures was due to a weak trend overseas, as most industrial metals fell.
Besides, subdued demand at the domestic spot markets from battery-makers too weighed on metal futures, they said.
This is published unedited from the PTI feed.


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CHART OF THE DAY: Netflix Now Has More Subscribers Than Comcast (And Every Other Cable Company) (NFLX, CMCSA)
Published 4:00 am, Friday, May 20, 2011
Netflix now has more subscribers than any U.S. cable or satellite provider, and it's the only one really growing.
Netflix finished Q1 with 22.80 million subscribers, just squeaking past Comcast, the biggest cable provider, which had 22.76 million subscribers. The big difference is their growth: Netflix added almost 9 million subscribers over the last year, while Comcast lost about 700,000 video subs.
This isn't to say that the cable companies should immediately be freaking out about Netflix -- it's still more of a complementary service to cable than a replacement.
But that could change, especially as Netflix continues to grow, and can start writing bigger checks to content companies -- the sorts of checks that they could only get from the Comcasts of the world just a few years ago.
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HARTFORD, Conn. — Question:
John wrote, “The Governor cited alignment with Rhode Island when he cancelled salon/barber shops reopening at the last minute. Is he prepared to align with Rhode Island's announced reopening of indoor restaurant dining (50% seating) on June 1 instead of the late date of June 20th?”
Governor Lamont just announced Friday limited indoor dining will be allowed beginning June 17 in Connecticut. He has moved up the date of the Phase 2 reopening so that it doesn’t impact a busy Father’s Day weekend. The CT Restaurant Association was hoping to see indoor dining begin June 10, but said this date will thankfully put CT restaurants ahead of neighboring Massachusetts and New York when every day of business counts.
Mike from Wethersfield asked, “Why is it that we can go shopping at all of the open stores, but we can’t get the local public health authority to approve opening for our condo pool where we can self-regulate social distancing?”
FOX61 reached out to the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce to help with this answer. The Executive Director Deb Raymond got in touch with the local health department, which said pools can open as part of the State’s Phase 2 reopening, so that is the date the health department is telling people. It says many condo associations are starting to open their pools now to get them circulating and chemicals balanced. Then, they will need to call the health department for an inspection to get a license. As of Friday, Governor Lamont moved up the date from June 20 to June 17.
Tad wrote, “I am currently a bus driver with All Star Transportation. My license is due to expire soon. Have you heard anything about the DMV reopening?”
FOX61 reached out to DMV Deputy Commissioner Tony Guerrera who told us, “We have appointment-only for the CDL for knowledge testing, but in regards to the driver’s license, I’m hoping that you can get that message out, that there is an extension on your driver’s license and that adheres to CDL operators, too. So anybody that has a license that’s being expired before June 30, you’re automatically extended for 180 days. Now granted, if we’re not open by June 30, we’re going to have to look at that, maybe offer another extension or hopefully by then we’ll start opening more branches to allow those people to come in and renew their CDL licenses."
RELATED: You Ask. We Answer. | Unemployment


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The LVMH-owned cosmetics brand is offering customers a chance to win a $300 Benefit X Crocs package
Crocs has launched footwear collaborations with a host of famous names and faces – from the sublime (Balenciaga’s high-heeled take) to the ridiculous (Kentucky Fried Chicken).
So it was only a matter of time before the foam clogs purveyor dipped its sensible, waterproof toe into the world of beauty, teaming up with LVMH’s Benefit Cosmetics.
The Benefit X Crocs collaboration features two Crocs classics that have been ‘Benefit-ized’ in the cosmetics brand’s signature hot pink colour.
The Benefit X Crocs Classic Clog ($69.99) boasts a translucent glitter jelly upper covered in Benefit-themed Jibbitz charms (which wearers can used to decorate their Crocs), including a real mirror.
Meanwhile, the Benefit X Crocs Classic Sandal ($49.99) is a two-strap slide with sparky gem accents.
Available via crocs.com across the US, Europe and Asia from 13 July, the shoes’ launch will be accompanied by the #BenefitOfCrocsChallenge and fan giveaway.
Here, the brands are inviting consumers to take them through their typical make-up routine while wearing Crocs… on their hands.
Benefit is encouraging consumers who think they’re up to the challenge to participate using the hashtag #BenefitOfCrocsChallenge and tagging @crocs and @benefitcosmetics on Instagram Reels and TikTok on (or before) 20 July to be in with a chance of winning a Benefit X Crocs PR Package valued at $300.


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The Consumer Technology Association has confirmed that to attend CES 2022 this January, you’ll have to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The organization announced the mandate after many other entities like concert venues, entertainment chains, and even cities implemented similar efforts.
“Based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CTA. “We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”
Obviously, there will be people who don’t want to or can’t show proof of vaccination at the show, so the CTA says it’s investigating a way to provide a positive antibody test in order to enter the show.
The Consumer Electronics Show is the largest technology show in the world, with visitors and members of the media flying in from all over the planet to attend in-person in Las Vegas each year. Last year, the show was completely virtual, and the CTA says that experience will extend to CES 2022. However, it still plans to host a full-blown in-person event as well with typical Media Days and show floor exhibits to boot. With all of that foot traffic, it makes sense for the organization to require vaccinations prior to the event.
In addition, the CTA says more details about its safety protocols will be available leading up to CES 2022. “Safety, security and health are a priority at CES, and we will follow state and local guidelines and recommendations by the CDC. CTA will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and will announce additional or modified protocols closer to the show.”
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Here's an unscientific measure of the state of the economy - - advance season pass sales at New Hampshire's ski and snowboard resorts.
According to Bruce McCloy, Director of Marketing and Sales at New Hampshire's Mount Sunapee Resort, "We have had our strongest season pass sales ever, both in units and revenue." Nearby Gunstock Mountain Resort's early season pass sales were "about 11 percent ahead of last year", says Bill Quigley, Gunstock's Director of Marketing and Sales. At Cranmore Mountain Resort, "Season pass sales were up about 12% over last year", states Kathy Bennett, Marketing Director at Cranmore. Lori Rowell of Pats Peak Ski Area "is happy to report that our advanced season passes are up this year over this time last year". Loon Mountain's Stacy Lopes announced that "Loon’s season pass sales are running ahead of the prior season for the second year in a row".
Other New Hampshire ski areas, further away from the Boston market, are finding "people seem to be waiting to commit until the deadline hits". One marketing director in northern New Hampshire notes that season ski pass sales are "slightly lagging the previous year’s sales, and this does concern me a bit."
There are various factors. Gunstock just "finished up on a 3.5 million dollar expansion project", and both Gunstock and Sunapee are less than 100 miles from Boston. "A trend that started last winter was that people were skiing closer to home and trading overnight stays for lift tickets by making more day trips," according to Mount Sunapee's McCloy. "Plus our ticket pricing is less that the bigger resorts."
Translation: There could be more trouble this ski season for the big destination resorts, and more focus on day trippers, as families continue to cut back.


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IKEA Canada opens DC in Kleinburg, Ontario
BURLINGTON, ON—IKEA has opened a 550,000sq-ft customer distribution centre in Kleinburg, Ontario. In partnership with DHL, the new location will allow IKEA to have its products in the right place, closer to its customers, while also providing increased capacity for growth, the company said.
The Kleinburg facility will focus on last mile delivery to customers’ homes and will complement the retailer’s four stores and Mississauga customer distribution centre in the Greater Toronto Area. The site has created roughly 120 indirect jobs, IKEA said, and is operated by DHL Supply Chain, the Americas leader in contract logistics and part of Deutsche Post DHL.
The new Kleinburg location is IKEA’s fourth customer distribution centre in Canada. The retailer opened its first centre in the Vancouver area last year and also operates facilities in the Montreal and Toronto areas.


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King schmuck ANTHONY WEINER action figure on sale figs are rocketing as embattled pol enters “Tweetment”.
HeroBuilders.com which has already cornered the newsworthy action figure doll of the moment with spoof Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton dolls has unsheathed the Anthony Weiner doll – in two collectible versions.
“Everyone wants a Weiner,” Herobuilder prez Emil Vicate says.
One version of Tony the Tweeter comes in a smooth stealth body sans crotch – just like Barbie's BF Ken.
The other is clad in a pair of headline making grey shorts reading “Tweet this”.
Vicatel, who also makes the “action figures”, told the NY Post that everyone who’s bought a "Weiner" has snapped up the anatomically correct version.


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Tags: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Tread lightly into new markets The economic downturn gave one aggregate company more time to focus on expanding its markets. By Kerry Clines, Senior Editor Big River Industries began producing high-quality, expanded clay lightweight aggregate (LWA) in Erwinville, La., in 1954. The company ...
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Colombia’s flower producers say that 2010’s severe weather has been devastating to the industry and that production for next year’s Valentine’s Day will be far lower than usual, reports RCN.
“This harsh winter has brought many negative consequences for floriculture,” said Asocolflores President Augusto Solano.
“In some cases producers have a lot of difficulty reaching their place of work. In other cases the excess moisture in the atmosphere accelerates disease, and most troubling is that this is the most important time for us because it is the production for Valentine’s Day,” he said.
Colombia exports 76% of its flowers to the U.S., where Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, which follows soon after, make this period is the most important time of the year for Colombian flower producers.
Colombian flower sales to the U.S. have been decreasing in recent years, as a strengthening peso, dwindling consumer spending, and harsh weather combine to cause losses in sales.


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International Briefs; 8% Increase in Profits Reported by Ciba-Geigy
Published: March 29, 1995
Ciba-Geigy A.G., the Swiss pharmaceuticals and chemicals company, reported yesterday that its profit for 1994 rose 8 percent, to 1.91 billion Swiss francs ($1.64 billion). The results were stronger than expected.
Ciba-Geigy was the second of Switzerland's big three pharmaceutical companies to report results for the year. Sandoz A.G. said last week that its 1994 net profit rose 2 percent. Roche Holding will report results next month.
Expressed in local currencies, sales at Ciba-Geigy rose 4 percent in 1994. But because of the strength of the Swiss franc strength against many foreign currencies, sales in francs declined 2.6 percent, to 22.05 billion ($18.88 billion). (Reuters)


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IKrusher News & Activities
Dual heating vaporizers are becoming a common trend amongst those moving out of traditional dabbing. Where you used to have a large-scale setup that was in your house, the industry is moving towards high functionality and portability. That means giving users the most optimal experience while they are on the go.
The iKrusher Quest is one of the most innovative vaporizers in the industry. Our engineers have taken the traditional tabletop vape and turned it into a high-power concentrate device that goes anywhere! Let's take a look at how awesome this new device is!
One of the most anticipated vaporizers of this Summer is here with the Akimbo! Let's take a look at why the Akimbo is hot for summer and why iKrusher technology continues to develop and innovative vaporizer products!


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GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) has been having a hard time to sell its new range of cameras and this has already priced in company’s stock. In consumer electronics, going simpler and smaller is stated as a no-brainer. However with GoPro it is a different case as it resulted in a bit of head scratching.
Popular for its extensive product line of small, HD action cameras, the company tweaked its winning formula by unveiling the Hero4 Session in July 2015. The camera priced at $400 is nearly the size of an ice cube and boasts only one button. It promoted the idea of an ultraportable camera that is easy to use in no time.
The idea behind the ultraportable camera failed to support easy sale. It was evident when at an investment conference Finance Chief Mr. Jack Lazar stated that the session has witnessed a “difficult” time competing with company’s more popular Hero4 Silver and Black cameras.
This can drive in an extremely challenging fourth quarter, which usually accounts for over 40% of GoPro’s yearly sales. Mr. Lazar expressed that the company intends to spend more on marketing the Session, adding to operating expenses. The company could reduce its price so as to boost its sales. Moreover, guidance from GoPro’s chip supplier, Ambarella, indicates there is not another launch planned in 20915.
The future ahead
Challenges selling a new product can rarely be a death knell for a strong profitable firm that has sold nearly 6.5 million cameras in the preceding 12-month period, up 64% YOY. Jeremy David of Citigroup projects GoPro’s total addressable market to touch $20 billion, almost ten times its prevailing run rate. While company’s cameras may not appear a bargain, GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) stock is looking like a bargain deal after falling by 50% in a month. It places its forward earnings multiple at 16 times.


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Lack of ships sink sea-burial service
Few ship companies are willing to provide vessels for sea-burial ceremony, baffling Shanghai's promotion for the land-economy and eco-friendly service, the Shanghai Evening News reported.
Ship companies finally convinced to rent us ships usually demand an additional sum of money to "ward off the bad luck" according to the Chinese tradition, according to Xu Guoxiang with the center's Sea-burial Service Department.
"Companies usually require us to keep the deal a secret to prevent mar to their reputation," she added.
Since Shanghai first organized the sea-burial service in 1991, bone ashes of 9,208 corps have been dumped into sea.
The growing popularity of the service has cause a rising demand for ships, Xu said.
"Though those sea-burial only accounts for 1 percent of the total, the rate jumps by 10 percent each year," she said. "Therefore, we want bigger and more ships."
The ship the department now rents, with a capacity for 900 people to attend the ceremony, is far from the need, she added.
Meanwhile, the demand for customized service is on the rise, Xu pointed out.
"Many people don't like a public service," she said, adding "Some ask for a luxury yacht and some want a small boat for a private ceremony".


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"Until they reach that milestone, all bets are off," Handy said.
Other forms of nonvolatile memory under development being considered as possible NAND replacements include phase-change memory and FRAM (ferroelectric RAM), which have been under development for decades, but according to Handy, are losing support.
Startup Everspin is already shipping a form of MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) in small volumes to some customers that need fast write capabilities. Everspin's MRAM is being used in products like ATMs, gambling machines and storage cards, where data retention is key in case of a power loss. Hewlett-Packard has announced its own form of memory called Memristor, which is another form of RRAM.
Crossbar's brand of RRAM looks for a change of resistance to read data in the form of 1s and 0s, which differs from NAND flash and other forms of memory. Crossbar's RRAM takes a layered approach to storing data as opposed to trapping a charge or using transistors. The three layers include a switch sandwiched between metallic and non-metallic electrodes. Positive or negative charges can be passed to read, write and delete data.
The initial design involved putting memory cells in a planar status, placing them right next to each other. But Crossbar has managed to layer memory cells to add more storage capacity, while keeping power consumption down, Kumar said.
Crossbar's RRAM will be made using conventional CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) technology, commonly used to make chips. The first RRAM chips will be made using the 40-nanometer process, followed by an upgrade to the smaller and more power-efficient 28-nm process.
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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry plans to study the tea auction portal (Bharat auction) and revamp it, said Tea Board India Executive Director (Coonoor) M. Muthukumar.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the Planters Association of Tamil Nadu (PAT) in Coimbatore on Saturday, he said that small tea growers in the Nilgiris were on strike for almost 20 days demanding reasonable prices.
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who was in Coonoor recently, spoke to the Tea Board members and the small tea growers in the Nilgiris. He had said that a committee would be formed to study and modify the existing auction portal so that all stakeholders were benefitted. The committee would obtain feedback from farmers, bought leaf factories and buyers, Mr. Muthukumar said.
In most of the tea plantations in Tamil Nadu, the plants were more than 50 years old. These need to be replanted or rejuvenated so that production improved. Apart from support for small growers for replanting, the large and medium-scale plantations also needed support, though not as subsidies and incentives. Discussions were on in this regard, he said.


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UK: Keepers of the Quaich founder awarded OBE
The founder of Scotch society the Keepers of the Quaich and creator of brands including Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Malibu is to receive an OBE for services to the whisky industry.
James Espey, who started his career 43 years ago with Grand Metropolitan's Gilbey's Gin in South Africa and would later lead United Distillers in the US and chair Seagrams, will collect the honour before the end of the year. “It was a very pleasant surprise,” he told just-drinks yesterday (19 June).
“I've spent my life building brands and hopefully creating quite a few billion pounds of export for Scotland and the UK.”
Espey said his proudest achievement was setting up Keepers of the Quaich in 1988 after a visit to France. “I was made a chevalier of Burgundy (an exclusive club for Burgundy wine enthusiasts).” he said. “So I got the idea to create something that genuinely honours someone who has made a contribution to the Scotch whisky industry.”
He admits not all of his projects have been successful. In 1980, he launched German wine Night Music, but the launch bottles were not cleaned properly. “Some of the customers got added protein in the shape of dead flies,” he said.
Espey retired from his last UK directorship at AG Barr in 2011, but still heads up his own high-end spirits company The Last Drop Distillers and is a senior international consultant for Mongolian vodka maker APU. “We are launching a number of bottles on the world stage within a few months,” he said.
He is also chairman of Sainov Ltd, a Delhi-based Indian liquor marketer and producer.
To read a just-drinks interview with Espey from 2010, click here.
After a lively year for our industry, Stuart Whitwell from Intangible Business takes a look at what the next 12 months could have in store for the beer and spirits categories....
Diageo has launched a powerful new anti-drink driving film, tied to its Johnnie Walker brand. ...
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Costa Coffee expanding in Russia
Whitbread has announced its intent to open seven new outlets in Russia by the end of the year to reach 20 units in the country. The first of the planned openings has just been inaugurated in Moscow by LLC Brava, a joint venture of Whitbread PLC and its franchisee Rosinter Restaurants. This is the third Costa Coffee outlet present in the Russian capital and it is more than 110 square metres. An additional five outlets will be opened in Moscow and one in St Petersburg.
Почему в России экологичную бытовую химию производят лишь единицы
В приоритете - Китай
В новых концепциях - фокус на развлечения


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ComiXology is one of the leading online portals for digital comics published by Archie, IDW, DC and Marvel. All of those leading publishing companies also run their own individual apps, but they are also run by ComiXology. Today a new way for authors to digitally self-published has been introduced.
ComiXology Submit is a new program that will allow indie authors to submit their content and have it available via their main app for iOS and Android. When submitting a new comic book your publication would be reviewed by an in-house squad to monitor it for high-quality. They basically want to insure that anything that is submitted would fall in-line with a solid art style and storyline. You can glean a little bit of sanctification by seeing your comic right beside the Avengers.
Single issue comics are allowed to be sold for .99 or more. When a comic is sold, creators will gain 50% of all royalties, but if it is sold on iOS, you will see it diminish to only 35%. You may not make a million dollars but can gain valuable experience via the DIY approach. Successful comic book authors may find the bigger companies trying to poach them into their own departments.
“When we started ComiXology it was with a handful of comics from deals done directly with creators and very small publishers,” said co-founder and CEO of the company, David Steinberger. “We are happy today, with the announcement of ComiXology Submit, that we now have a turnkey system to service this incredibly vital part of the marketplace. ComiXology Submit, helps keep the promise to our customers of having the best and most diverse comic books and graphic novels available worldwide.”
The first indie comics will be available in around eight weeks and have their own section within the main ComiXology app. You can expect an upgrade to be pushed via iOS or Android to give you an indication on when all the new stuff is available. Currently the entire program is in a BETA process and will be open for the general self-pub public in early 2013. Check out full details via their website HERE.
Michael Kozlowski has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past twelve years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.


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Document and mail management vendor Pitney Bowes Inc. said Thursday it plans to acquire MapInfo Corp., a provider of location intelligence software and services, for about US$408 million in cash.
Pitney Bowes plans to use the purchase to expand its location intelligence business, which developed nearly three years ago with its acquisition of Group1 Software, said Matt Broder, a spokesman for the company, which is based in Stamford, Connecticut. The segment is a natural extension of the software, services and hardware Pitney Bowes already offers to manage mail and documents, he said.
"You can build different value chains -- one is around the mailstream and documents -- knowing the physical location of an address," he said. "That's what MapInfo has done a great job at exploiting, and we think it has tremendous potential to grow [at Pitney Bowes] in a major way."
In the next seven business days, Pitney Bowes will begin a tender offer at $20.25 per share in cash for the outstanding common shares of MapInfo, the company said. Pitney Bowes expects the deal, pending regulatory approvals, to close in the second quarter.
MapInfo, in Troy, New York, provides software and services to help companies analyze various business assets and other data and their relationships to geography in an effort to make business decisions. For example, banks use MapInfo's products to decide the best places to put automated teller machines, while retail outlets use the vendor's offerings to decide where to open new stores. Eighty percent of business data used in key decision-making contains a location component, according to MapInfo, and the company helps businesses tap into this information.
MapInfo earned $165 million in revenue in fiscal year 2006, and more than 7,000 organizations worldwide use its products. In addition to its Troy office, the company has locations in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Pitney Bowes expects the acquisition to reduce its earnings per share by $.04 in 2007. Within 18 months, however, the company can cut $10 million to $15 million from expenses by reducing administrative infrastructure and increasing its marketing leverage, it said.
Pitney Bowes, a $5.7 billion company, serves more than 2 million businesses in 30 countries.


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Hobby Lobby Forced to Close, Despite Providing ‘Essential’ Goods
By Allyson Vannatta, Staff Writer
Hobby Lobby is now being forced to close its doors as it’s not considered an essential business during this time.
The past few weeks, some Hobby Lobby’s in the United States kept their doors open despite stay-at-home orders.
Other craft stores like Michael’s and JOANN did the same.
According to a tweet from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Hobby Lobby first closed their doors when Ohio enacted the stay at home order, then backtracked and re-opened.
Hobby Lobby properly closed its stores during Ohio’s stay-home order.
Now they’re open again — what’s changed? Neither the order, nor the seriousness of the health threat, for sure.
I sent a cease & desist letter to their general counsel. https://t.co/HVqDhFfhqo
— Dave Yost (@Yost4Ohio) April 1, 2020
In another tweet, Yost informed followers that Hobby Lobby’s general counsel said they would comply with the stay-at-home order and close all Ohio locations.
The same thing happened in Wisconsin. According to USA Today, some stores closed for a small time, but then re-opened. Now, police there are asking for legal advice as to how to best handle the situation.
Finally, the same happened in Jeffersonville, Indiana, where Hobby Lobby was forced to shut its doors last Monday.
Managing editor of the retail consultancy group Global Data, Neil Saunders, said he feels, “all of the craft stores have behaved irresponsibly during this crisis and have only closed their stores when they have been absolutely forced to do so.”
He stated materials for people to make masks can be ordered online instead of in store.
Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester, said it’s about following the rules. Businesses that don’t offer food, pharmacy or transportation are all considered non-essential.
“I know the crafts stores would love to be considered ‘essential,’ but others in home office and electronics have had the same issues. They have just leaned into contactless curbside pickup. That seems to be OK – just not keeping the stores open to the public.”
USA Today reports that Hobby Lobby’s CEO David Green sent a letter to employees about closures.
“While we do not know for certain what the future holds, or how long this disruption will last, we can all rest in knowing that God is in control. To help ensure our Company remains strong and prepared to prosper once again when this passes, we may all have to ‘tighten our belts’ over the near future.”
They also reported on how managers at the shops received memos on “how to respond and communicate if visited by a local authority that asks why we are open.”


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Future trends and best practices will be discussed, with a focus on the impact on DMCs and realistic future of the business. Attendance is limited at this inaugural event and early registration is highly recommended.
Lorenzo Pignatti, DMCP, CEO, +39 events, Milan, Italy, and chair of the International Forum, said, “ADMEI’s international membership has grown so quickly that it has become necessary that we meet outside North America. At the forum, a select number of DMC executives from all over the world will have the opportunity to examine trends and best practices first-hand with key industry representatives from a major hotel chain, international meetings association, European destination marketing organization and more. It will be very useful information for the DMC’s that attend.”
Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner at SoolNua, and co-founder of Ovation DMC, will engage attendees as he discusses The Evolving Role of DMCs: New Models for the Future. Jennifer Patino, DMCP, CEO of Hosts Global Alliance and ADMEI President, noted “Pádraic’s insight into how DMCs must evolve to meet the changing meetings industry environment is impactful and timely. I would encourage executives to sign up early and not miss this.” The forum begins at 14:00 on Monday, 19 January and concludes by 12:00 on Wednesday 21 January. Registration includes all educational programs, welcome reception on Monday evening and special event on Tuesday evening, Tuesday and Wednesday breakfast and Tuesday lunch.


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Pupils at Farr High School in the Highlands are celebrating after taking ownership of a brand new school bus thanks to funding from a local land conservation and tourism company.
Anders Holch Povlsen
Tourism projects totalling around £3million are being developed in Sutherland by a company owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, its chief executive has said.
A billionaire plans to restore an historic North Coast church which has become an eyesore on Scotland’s answer to America’s route 66.
A mysterious find that could be an ancient fashion accessory has been unearthed by archaeologists working on a clothing billionaire's restoration of one of the most iconic ruins in the Far North.


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Check out the March 2020 edition of The National Provisioner, featuring Wayne Farms' diversification of its product offerings and expansion of its Enterprise, Ala., processing plant, The Food Safety Report, the 2020 Burger Report, formulation strategies and much more!
For most companies, diversification of product mix can be a life-saver when traditional products fall temporarily out of favor. However, adding lines and operational capabilities to fill gaps in a portfolio isn’t something that can be planned and executed overnight.
Barbecue is growing moderately in restaurants, with overall barbecue menu items growing 11 percent from the fourth quarter of 2016 to the fourth quarter of 2019, according to Chicago-based Mintel International’s Menu Insights (MMI).
There is a growing interest in the holistic nature of harvesting wild game. Previous research has shown that the harvest of game animals is an important tool in environmental conservation and serves as a means for promoting animal biodiversity.
U.S. poultry production during the 12 months through November was up 2.3 percent from last year. Production is rising at an accelerating pace, and our analysis indicates upward momentum will persist through at least the first half of this year.
Blackhead disease is an important disease in the commercial turkey and chicken industries. The disease is introduced to turkeys by transmission of the eggs of the cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum by contact with chickens or chicken litter.
With the Coronavirus in the news, now seems to be a good time to talk about disease defense and prevention. Coronaviruses are a family of zoonotic viruses (meaning transmitted between animals and humans) that can cause respiratory illness in humans.
The future is an unpredictable place. As such, we generally prefer to leave predictions to others. We would be reluctant to break our no-prediction rule even in the most stable times, when little in the way of change is expected.
Various reports and data show that the cold supply chain continues to experience strong growth and expansion. Drivers include higher demand for fresh, better-tasting and healthier products and consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for products they feel meet their individual needs.
Food-processing equipment poses unique challenges for maintenance personnel. Wet operating conditions and wash-down requirements can require specially designed equipment to help ensure mandated sanitation compliance.
There are several factors that can make controlling Salmonella in poultry difficult. Chief among them is the long-standing perception held by some operations that processing-plant interventions can eliminate most of the risk associated with any potential threat.
Another recall just came across the news feed. A few minutes before that, there was a news flash about a foodborne outbreak. It got me to thinking: What is the correlation, if any, between the foodborne outbreaks and recalls?
Check out the October 2020 edition of Independent Processor: White Oak Pastures, chronic wasting disease facts that hunters and processors need to know, Indian cuisine, online steak shopping and much more!


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Walt Disney (DIS -1.04%) is raising the price for Hulu by $1 starting next month. Subscribers will pay $6.99 per month for the ad-supported service or $12.99 per month for the ad-free version. It's the first price hike for Hulu's basic subscription package ever.
There are a couple of important reasons the time is right for a Hulu price hike. First of all, Disney is pushing more subscribers to its bundle of streaming services. Second, it's ready to make Hulu more profitable.
All about the bundle
While Disney's raising the price for a stand-alone Hulu subscription, the price for the Disney bundle -- Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ -- remains unchanged. Subscribers now have the option of paying $6.99 per month for Hulu or just $13.99 per month for all three Disney services.
Disney made a similar move earlier this year when it raised the price of ESPN+ by $1 per month. The bundle remained the same price. As a result, the bundle pricing looks more appealing to current subscribers of either ESPN+ or Hulu.
Disney has made a concerted effort to increase the take rate on the bundle this year. "A good chunk of our marketing now is going toward a bundle," CEO Bob Chapek said on Disney's third-quarter earnings call. "While we enjoy extremely low churn rates on our individual services, the churn rates on the bundle are even lower -- surprisingly low, even for us."
Indeed, churn is a major concern for Disney and every other streaming competitor going forward. Being able to keep churn low is essential to the continued growth of its subscriber base. If it loses fewer subscribers each month, it doesn't have to add as many in order to grow.
Furthermore, converting more Hulu or ESPN+ stand-alone subscribers into bundled subscribers can fuel the gross additions for Disney+. Some investors have expressed concern about the stagnation of Disney+ subscriber growth in the United States (the only market where Hulu and ESPN+ are sold).
And of course, getting more subscribers to pay an extra $7 per month by bundling is a great way to grow revenue with minimal marginal costs. Even if it negatively affects average revenue per user due to the way Disney does its accounting, investors should be pleased with the result.
A more profitable Hulu
Raising the price of Hulu could also make it more profitable. As mentioned, more bundled subscribers could put pressure on average revenue per user, but increasing the price can offset that.
While Disney controls Hulu, it still only owns two-thirds of the company. Comcast owns the other third. Until recently, Comcast was helping fund the company's losses, but Disney's decision to keep Hulu a U.S.-only service and use the Star brand internationally led Comcast to pull funding. As such, Disney has more incentive to make Hulu profitable now.
In fact, Hulu already showed a profit last quarter. Raising prices should make it even more profitable. Management previously guided for Hulu to reach profitability in fiscal 2023, so it's well ahead of schedule.
A more profitable Hulu can give management more room to invest in content for Disney+. CFO Christine McCarthy previously said expanding the content library is essential to continued price increases. Not to mention, EU regulators require streaming services like Disney+ to provide a certain amount of locally produced content.
Considering this is Hulu's first ever price increase, it's unlikely to perturb subscribers too much. Regardless of whether they simply pay more each month or find themselves more inclined to subscribe to the Disney bundle, it's a great move for Disney investors.


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Always up to date. Here you can find all press materials of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn.
Press releases of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn ALL PRESS RELEASES
Intertextile Apparel marks 25 years as a trusted platform with 15% more visitors
From its debut of 123 exhibitors in 1995, to more than 4,400 at this year’s Autumn Edition: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics has grown exponentially in the last quarter of a century. The fair’s 25th anniversary celebrations represented a trading platform that has become highly regarded as the best place to find business in China, as well as an ideal platform to meet global partners. With 89,662 visitors from over 120 countries & regions and a wide range of markets (a 15% increase from 2018, which featured 78,131 from 103 countries and regions) there is always potential to be found at Intertextile.
Intertextile Apparel to celebrate 25 years of business with global industry players
Doors will open next week for Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, with over 4,400 high-quality exhibitors from 33 countries & regions preparing to meet tens of thousands of potential trade buyers. Keeping its roots in internationality, the fair will feature 11 country & region pavilions and zones to showcase the best of global talent, while VIP buyer delegations have been organised from India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, to promote more business exchanges on a global scale. The fair will be open from 25 – 27 September at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
Fringe programme topics to explore trends, tech and transparency at Intertextile Apparel
As Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics celebrates its 25th anniversary later this month, the fringe programme will focus on three key topics that shape the future of apparel and the textile trade industry. Design trends, technology and sustainability will be the key themes over the fair’s three days, featuring Shanghai’s first ever FASHIONSUSTAIN conference, a more comprehensive trend forum, a new Consumer Trend discussion and a special event from the Licensing China fair, which debuts in early 2020.
From Berlin to Shanghai: Intertextile Apparel to host FASHIONSUSTAIN conference
Fashion is witnessing an essential shift, as more global brands and groups commit to ambitious environmental targets. More consumers are indicating that they intend to leave fast fashion in the past, in favour of organic, ethical and recycled materials. At the 25th anniversary of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, to be held from 25 – 27 September, eco-friendly supply chain switches and services can be found at All About Sustainability. The zone will also host FASHIONSUSTAIN’s first ever conference in Shanghai.
Intertextile Apparel’s overseas exhibitors discuss potential and strategies in China
The attraction for overseas brands to meet Chinese trade buyers is clear – with a huge domestic population, and a rising level of high income households who associate European brands with quality, the potential for lucrative partnerships in China is high. Meanwhile, rising high-end Chinese designers seek fabrics with high-quality materials and designs, which can be found from international suppliers. The International Halls will be in halls 4.1 and 5.1 of the National Exhibition & Convention Center (Shanghai) from 25 – 27 September, at the 25th anniversary of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition.
All the important information about your trade fair visit
Admission only to journalists and exhibitors within the framework of their press activities. The Press Center opens daily during the fair.
Efficient working environment:
- Internet service in the Press centre
- PC work station(s)
- Interview room(s)
The following materials are available:
- Messe Frankfurt's press releases
- Exhibitors' press releases
Relax in the Press centre:
- Snacks and drinks
- Cloak room
Press registration & contact
Any member of the press wishing to attend this fair should contact us. Our contacts would be happy to help you with any queries you might have relating to your reports. Alternatively, you can register onsite by presenting your business card at the registration counter during the fair.
Contact persons for the press
Ms Emily Peddle
Tel +852 2238 9970
Fax +852 2598 7919
Ms Paula Tan
Tel +852 2230 9252
Fax +852 2598 7919