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Magnesium may help you sleep — here’s how to take it to improve your sleep quality
By Erin Heger, 4/29/2021
Magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve regulation, which may explain why some — albeit limited — research suggests it could help people who are struggling to get enough sleep, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. For example, a small 2012 study found that participants ages 65 and up who took 500 mg of magnesium daily for eight weeks slept longer and woke less in the middle of the night compared to a group who took a placebo. Magnesium may also help you sleep by reducing anxiety, which is notorious for hindering sleep quality, Dimitriu says. Magnesium does so by regulating neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that help relax the body and ease tension.
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text: Outdoor and adventure gear company Kathmandu is moving its web infrastructure to Amazon Web Services\u2019 (AWS) cloud.\nKathmandu looked for an alternative provider following a sale event that resulted in poor online customer experience.\nJames Deane, web development manager at Kathmandu, says the retailer worked with Fronde on the migration.\nThe move allowed Kathmandu to scale its web infrastructure to meet system demands, saving crucial funds and providing the time to innovate.\n\u201cOur online store is the largest and most important of our retail sites,\u201d explains Deane.\nRelated: The challenger\u2019s cloud platform\n\u201cNow with Fronde and AWS, the capacity of our servers grow and shrink automatically. As the website receives more traffic, the servers can scale to meet demand. The benefit for the customer is they always get a great online experience. The benefit for us is that we only pay for servers when we need them.\u201d\n As the website receives more traffic, the servers can scale to meet demand. James Deane, Kathmandu\nKathmandu\u2019s previous system could handle the traffic generated on 345 days of the year, but sales stretched capacity. The company was paying a flat-rate for peak requirements, which they needed only 20 days of the year.\nJames Valentine, chief technology officer Fronde, says that the move to the AWS cloud has allowed the web team at Kathmandu to focus on innovation and improving customer experience.\n\u201cWe provide the infrastructure and take away all the mundane heavy lifting such as provisioning servers, so the online team can focus on providing an awesome customer experience,\u201d he says.\nKathmandu has more than 150 bricks and mortar stores across New Zealand, Australia and the UK, selling clothing and equipment for adventure travel.\nSend news tips and comments to firstname.lastname@example.org\nFollow Divina Paredes on Twitter: @divinap\nFollow CIO New Zealand on Twitter:@cio_nz\nSign up for CIO newsletters for regular updates on CIO news, views and events.\nJoin us on Facebook.

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The iPhone 13 series is barely in stores, but that isn't stopping a growing chorus of leaks surrounding next year's model. As 9to5Mac notes, Bloomberg's historically accurate Mark Gurman claimed the iPhone 14 will represent a "complete redesign" — the first since the iPhone X arrived in 2017. The relatively modest iPhone 13 update was a hint that bigger things were coming, he said. Gurman was shy on details of what that new hardware would entail, but earlier rumors might offer a clue as to what to expect.
Most notably, frequently accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently claimed Apple would begin dropping the display notch entirely in 2022, starting with an iPhone 14 Pro that would use a hole-punch front camera like many Android phones. YouTuber Jon Prosser also claimed to have renders based on real-world photos of the new iPhone. The new model would supposedly resemble a supersized iPhone 4 with a band-like titanium outer ring, flush rear cameras and a thicker chassis.
Other rumors suggest Apple might drop a mini iPhone from the lineup, replacing it with a larger 'regular' model as well as the usual Pro offerings. There have been murmurs of under-display Touch ID, but it's not certain if this would be ready for 2022, if at all.
We'd take the reports with some caution. No matter how accurate the reports might be, the next iPhone is roughly a year away. There's still a chance Apple could make substantial changes before it locks in the design for production. Whatever the end result, the common theme of the leaks suggests the iPhone 14 could be an important revamp.


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Sam Altman’s crypto project Worldcoin got more coin in latest $115M raise
Follow me on Twitter @Jacqmelinek for breaking crypto news, memes and more.
Welcome back to Chain Reaction.
Got coin? No? Well, Worldcoin did.
Tools for Humanity, the team building Worldcoin, raised $115 million in a Series C round led by Blockchain Capital.
The crypto-focused project was co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with a three-part mission: create a global ID, a global currency and an app that enables payment, purchases and transfers using its token — alongside other cryptocurrencies and traditional assets.
Worldcoin has faced some concerns from people worried about privacy ri


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Hundreds attend Cousins opening at old Alan Ward site in Shrewsbury
More than 500 people turned out to the reopening of a furniture store in Shrewsbury today after it was saved by new owners, Cousins.
The Alan Ward furniture store in Harlescott, Shrewsbury, was taken over by Cousins after the company went into liquidation earlier this year.
A huge queue of people turned out to welcome the new owners after months of closure caused by the coronavirus lockdown.
Robert Shotton, chairman and founder of Birmingham-based Cousins, said it was incredible to finally open the store after months of planning and they were also pleased to have been able to honour customers' outstanding orders.
"The shop has been closed for four or five months so we are so pleased to get it open and so were all of our customers," Robert said.
"The queue was about 500 metres long down the car park and out onto the road. We had about 500 people come it was incredible. The store is 80,000 sq ft, one of the biggest in the region.
"We had a lot of loyal customers returning who were ready to get back to the shop. We are extremely pleased so far and all the customers are so pleased that Cousins have taken on the shop."
Robert said the shop is the premier furniture store in Shropshire so customers would be limited in choice if it were to have closed permanently.
The Alan Ward store had originally remained closed even after lockdown restrictions were eased and there was weeks of uncertainty over the future of the store.
"It has been extremely successful day," Robert said.
"We have also taken on nearly all of the original staff. Its great because they have a relationship with the customers already which is nice.
"The sales staff have said they have never seen so many customers. Everything is very much doom and gloom at moment, with people losing their jobs and businesses going under. We have done the opposite.
"It makes us the biggest family run furniture company in the midlands. We have also honoured all the previous orders, where people had paid deposits and things. So we have honoured those orders even though we don't have the deposits ourselves. It is fantastic for Shropshire."
The store is open until 8pm for the rest of the week, and open until 6pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.
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Ferraris, McLarens, Porsches, Lamborghinis and More Were on Display at Pebble Beach
As you probably know this past week was Monterey Car Week. The time of year when the Monterey area is full of very expensive cars. So many top notch cars are on the road the many Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis become almost as common as Hondas.
The vintage automobiles in the Concours are stunning, but so are the displays that manufactures setup and the Concept Lawn is always a top attraction. This year McLaren and Ferrari had displays, however Porsche did not have their usual display at Pebble Beach as they were on display at Leguna Seca instead. However, the German performance car maker did make sure to put their 918 Spyder hybrid supercar on display at the event.
We have put together a short video made up of images from the Concept Lawn and Manufacture’s displays. Take a minute to watch it and then let us know which car is your favorite.
At the Pebble Beach Concept Law there was one car that stood out for different reasons than other cars. The car was the Renovo Daytona Coupe and it stood out because it looked like it was in the wrong section of the event. Thanks to its iconic classic shape it looked like it should have been part of the Concours d’Elegance.
That was until you found out that it was actually a new all-electric vehicle. The car starts out with a body and chassis from Shelby (hence the Daytona Coupe look) and then they add an electric motor and modify the brakes and suspension.
The electric power plant puts out 500 horsepower and they do their best to keep everything lightweight. The batteries have a 100 mile charge and you can quick charge them in 30 minutes. While still not where it needs to be in order to drive on a long trip, it can get around town without issues.
This video from our friends at XCAR gives all the details on the $500,000+ car. It also includes talk about the company’s plans to set some Nurburgring records.
Watch the video and then let us know what you think of the car. With its classic styling and high performance output, it looks like we can still have fun in cars even if they don’t use gasoline.


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After facing multiple threats that promised doom and gloom, personal lines brokers are ready to face down further challenges coming their way
In spite of seemingly relentless predictions of its demise, the personal lines broking channel is one of the success stories of the insurance industry. It has survived regulatory and market changes, as well as increased competition from direct insurers and, more recently, aggregators, over the past 30 years. Now, the sector is preparing itself for the next wave of challenges.
“Some brokers have fallen by the wayside, but those that have succeeded have responsive business models that have adapted to customer requirements,” says Toby van der Meer, retail managing director at Hastings Direct. “It’s all about listening to the customer.”
The ability to adapt is also recognised by Gareth Brady, chief executive at Hughes Insurance, who puts this down to characteristics of the sector. “Many of these businesses are entrepreneurial-owner managed,” he says. “They can shape-shift when required and adapt more quickly to their customers’ buying patterns.”
The way in which successful broker businesses have stood up to change illustrates this adaptability. As customers’ expectations have evolved, so too have the methods of transactions, with brokers moving from branch-based sales to telesales and, more recently, to online and aggregator-based sales.
And, while some have favoured a straight shift towards online, others deliberately retain a mixture of sales channels in recognition of customers liking to transact in different ways. This is the case at Swinton, which retains a network of 570 branches around the UK and Ireland and is on the lookout for more venues to extend its coverage.
Threats turn to advantages
“We have a massive web presence but many customers like to be able to walk into a branch and talk to someone that understands the market,” says Steve Chelton, head of claims at Swinton. “Even when someone buys online we’ll invite them into a local branch — this level of customer service results in good retention rates.”
Some of the market threats have even turned out to be advantages to some personal lines brokers. A good example of this is the growth of the direct writers. When Direct Line launched in 1985, promising to cut out the middle man, many predicted this would see brokers becoming extinct.
But, according to Carl Shuker, CEO of A-Plan Insurance, while direct writers suit some customers, there can be disappointment. “People want the reassurance that they have the right cover — not just that they’re fulfilling their legal requirements. Brokers are able to offer this peace of mind,” he says.
The more recent threat of aggregators was also seen as spelling the end for the personal lines broker. By allowing consumers to compare prices easily and quickly, it was predicted that there would be even less need for a middle man.
But, while the aggregator model may have led some brokers to exit the market, many of today’s brokers have turned the price comparison model to their distinct advantage. “Aggregators have been a godsend to personal lines brokers,” says Tom Cooper, executive director at Igo4. “By being included on an aggregator, not only do you have access to their distribution, but you also get to piggy-back on their brand spend. They’ll display your prices millions of times a month for you.”
Central to survival
A key component in the personal lines broker’s survival has been their ability to pick the markets in which they want to operate. In particular, niche markets are proving ever more popular, allowing a broker to offer a service they might not be able to readily obtain from a direct writer or an aggregator.
As an example, Mark Game, head of London market broking and City underwriting bureau at Brightside, says his firm focuses heavily on niche markets, including commercial vehicles and distressed motor. “There’s less competition in these markets, as customers would find it difficult to obtain a decent quote through other channels. And, because we use a robust validation process, we’re able to secure better products and prices for them,” he claims.
Another niche market some brokers are actively courting is telematics. Again this is likely to appeal to customers, such as young drivers, that may struggle to find affordable cover from more mainstream insurers.
Cooper sees huge potential in this area. “It’s still a ‘hearts and mind’ piece and you have to think about how the customer will react to having their driving patterns monitored,” he says. “But, when they find they can save £300 on their insurance, this will change.”
While some have gained success by catering for more niche audiences, other personal lines brokers have taken the strategic decision to court more mainstream business.
Andy Dunkerley, marketing and finance director at Be Wiser Insurance Services, says this is the strategy at his firm: “There are more than 33 million potential customers out there looking for motor and other personal lines insurances. It’s a competitive market but there’s lots of business there.”
Whether appealing to the mass market or carving out successful niches, technology will inevitably underpin the success of today’s broker businesses. Its role is increasingly important in everything from customer service to counter-fraud strategies.
“We use technology to ensure the customer has a good experience when they buy insurance from us,” says van der Meer. To get the basics right, Hastings Direct uses off-the-shelf technology, then customises this to enhance areas such as data analytics, counter-fraud and the online customer experience. “Because it’s customer focused, it makes a difference to our bottom line,” he adds.
As well as developing robust sales and customer service platforms, technology is also helping some brokers fine tune their marketing campaigns. This is the case at Be Wiser, where Dunkerley says management information is invaluable when it comes to getting the most from its marketing spend.
“The days of saying ‘50% of my marketing is successful, I just wish I knew which 50% it was’ are long behind us,” he says. “We measure the effective return from each campaign and, if it doesn’t make money, we drop it quickly.”
To ensure it has the information to make these pressurised decisions, Be Wiser links its software — Cheshire Data Systems — to IBM’s Cognos software, to drill down through the details to determine which marketing has been most successful. “The cost of new business is key to success. If you can’t write it at an economic rate, you won’t last long,” he adds.
Technology plays an important role in helping brokers reduce fraud. Many have validation processes to check customer data and will also ask for further evidence of driving licences and no claims bonuses to help reduce the incidence of fraud.
Reducing fraud has several advantages as Chelton explains: “By being more inquisitive, we’re able to deliver better quality business to our insurers. This improves our relationship with them and leads to better pricing and products for our customers.”
Long-standing experience is also important in the market. For example, Brady is incredibly proud of his firm’s 35-year history and the benefits it brings to the business. “This gives us long-earned integrity,” he says. “Customers trust us and value the service we provide.”
And the statistics back this up. Hughes Insurance has more than 140 000 customers across its insurance portfolio and, as well as covering one in five motorists in Northern Ireland, where it is a fast-growing commercial broker, Brady claims that a large proportion of this growth is as a result of its reputation. “Because we have built trust with our customers, we are successful in offering other products to them and getting a positive response both in commercial lines and household insurance,” he says.
But while some brokers have history to help them gain consumer confidence, this hasn’t stopped new entrants to the market. Among those firms with much shorter lifespans are: Brightside, which started trading 10 years ago; Be Wiser, which has been in business for five years; and Igo4, which was founded in November 2007.
Cooper claims that although the business is only just growing out of its short trousers, this gives it a number of advantages. “Being a relative newcomer to this sector is not without challenges, especially in the first few months, but we’ve found we can be more fleet of foot than our competitors. Most importantly, we can make quick decisions on advertising and marketing opportunities and we’re not burdened by legacy systems,” he explains.
As an example, he points to the fact that his firm was able to invest in an advanced operating system, CDL Strata. This enables online servicing but brings other benefits, such as a mobile app to enable smartphone users to obtain quotations, and web-based training for employees, which can be faster and more cost-effective to deliver. “It was a bit of a leap of faith,” he admits, “but on the good days we prefer to call ourselves pioneers.”
While those on the inside can see the opportunities in personal lines broking, it is also appealing to private equity investors, with a number of deals taking place over the last few years. These include an investment of £15m in broking group Oval in 2003; Darwin Private Equity’s acquisition of The A&A Group in a management buyout earlier this year; and A-Plan’s private equity-backed management buyout in 2008.
For Shuker, working with private equity investors has been a very positive experience. “The investors are very supportive and, although they challenge us, this is always in a constructive way. We’ve been able to expand significantly, opening 10 new branches in the past two years,” he says.
While such financial interest has enabled growth, the presence of private equity investors is also regarded as an endorsement of the sector. Private equity investors look for profit, seeking out solid sustainable business models with strong growth prospects. Shuker adds: “Private equity investment shows there’s faith in the sector.”
As well as attracting new entrants to the market, and appealing to the private equity investors, personal lines broking is also proving attractive to professionals from outside the sector.
A good example of this is van der Meer, who joined Hastings in June 2011. His previous experience had been gained outside of insurance, notably at internet bank Egg, and most recently at Money Supermarket, where he was responsible for the money and broker lead businesses, plus front and back office operations. “Insurance broking is full of good, experienced people — and is also attracting talent from outside the industry. This is very positive for the sector,” van der Meer adds.
But while there are plenty of examples of personal lines broking businesses that have successfully evolved with the market, none are complacent. Especially not as new challenges are on the horizon that could potentially threaten the viability of these businesses.
Crackdowns on add-ons and referral fees will force change in the market but Brady says this shouldn’t come as a significant shock to anyone in the market. “In every industry, including personal lines broking, if your practices are unsustainable you’ll be found out,” he says. “We’ve made sure our business is transparent and we don’t have to rely on income from other avenues, such as the claims channel.”
However, even those firms that will escape overhauling their business model to survive these changes are likely to see greater regulatory scrutiny. The incoming Financial Conduct Authority will have a greater focus on business models and how these protect the policyholder. Brokers will need to ensure they can demonstrate the customer is at the heart of the business.
But few brokers are daunted by the potential challenges on the horizon it seems. “We’ve dealt with all sorts of threats over the years,” says Chelton. “In each case it’s a matter of embracing the change, adapting and carrying on.”
Further, however the market evolves, Shuker says his firm’s mantra will hold true. “Look after your customers, insurers and staff,” he says. “Give your policyholders what they want; write quality business; and give your employees career prospects and rewards for looking after policyholders. By doing this, you’re creating a sustainable future.”
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Last week, Nigeria joined the number of countries which have launched domestic card schemes as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) deployed the National Domestic Card, which is meant to serve as both a credit card and debit card, among other functions.
With the domestic card, Nigeria follows the example of countries such as China, Turkey and Brazil whcih have harnessed the transformative benefits for their respective payments and financial systems particularly for the unbanked.
A card scheme is a central payment network that uses credit and debit cards to process payments. Its primary role is to manage payment transactions, including operations and clearing.
Visa and MasterCard, two of the largest global brands, offer credit and debit cards that have become synonymous with a payment type that is accepted around the world; these two huge brands are known as card schemes.
Card schemes have four players, the cardholder, the card issuer, the merchant and the acquirer, all of which together make up an open-loop system that allows consumers to seamlessly purchase items or services from merchants by letting the banks do all the work on their behalf.
Asides these four primary players in the card scheme, there are also intermediaries that facilitate the transaction, including the payment gateway and the payment processor.
Nigeria’s National Domestic Card is expected to compete with other industry players like Mastercard, Discovery and Visa cards which have dominated the card payment market in Nigeria. While they remain convenient especially for international transactions, domestic cards are expected to better serve the unbanked market and increase competition within the payment landscape.
According to the CBN, the domestic card is expected to have the capacity to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign-owned financial services companies.
The CBN said it introduced the National Domestic Card because of its belief that Nigeria has achieved significant transformation in its payments system over the past decade.
It furthered that the move was been driven by rapid digital and technological innovation, increasing mobile penetration and the proactive policy initiatives of the CBN which have spurred unprecedented adoption of digital financial services.
CBN spokesperson, Osita Nwanisobi, said the scheme would accelerate financial inclusion and deliver lower cost payments services that are more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest and most vibrant economy and the pace of digitisation and innovation, alongside the expansion of mobile penetration and the proactive policy initiatives of the CBN have driven the accelerated adoption of digital financial services.
“Considering the strength and breadth of its banking sector and the rapid growth and transformation of its payments system over the last decade, Nigeria is ideally positioned to successfully launch a national card scheme,” he said.
The bank said apart from fostering innovation within the Nigerian domestic market, the scheme would allow banks to offer a variety of solutions including debit, credit, virtual, loyalty and tokenized cards amongst others.
“The CBN recognises the significant benefits from delivering Africa’s first central bank-driven, domestic card scheme, which when delivered at scale has the potential to become the largest in Africa, and one of the largest in the world.”


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The annual Fashion Targets Breast Cancer appeal is a worthy cause which, in the 20 years it has been operating in the UK, has raised over £14m for pioneering research into the disease. But there is still much to be done, and each year new fashion names come on board to help raise funds.
Mostly these have been from the high street, but this year stalwart supporting brands like Marks & Spencer and Topshop are joined by premium London label The Fold. Set up four years ago by former City executive Polly McMaster, the brand eschews shows and a high profile but has quietly built a reputation as a supplier of must-haves for anyone needing feminine and decorous yet modern dresses for work or occasions, with a fanbase running from Samantha Cameron to Kim Murray.
McMaster’s choice for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, arriving on April 14, is one of The Fold’s most typical styles: Camelot (pictured), a supremely graceful style – knee-length with a softly pleated A-line skirt, a gently fitted bodice, elbow-length sleeves and a wide, asymmetric waistband that flatters. You have to like pink, of course, but as it’s one of the season’s peak colours, from Gucci to Louis Vuitton, that should not be too hard. Besides, it’s a very good pink, a soft, sophisticated blush that will neither drain nor age you.
In a techno fabric that holds the structure well and does not crush, it is £295, of which 30 per cent goes to the charity. It’s the kind of dress that segues seamlessly from working lunch to spring wedding to smart race meeting, an equally happy partner to a pearl necklace or a tailored straw hat.


text: Seven businesses in the village were burglarized overnight Wednesday, authorities said. Three stores in a shopping mall in the 1000 block of West Rand Road were burglarized about 1:30 a.m. Thursday. The offender apparently used a piece of concrete to break the front windows to the three businesses and stole a total of $1,720, police said. In addition, more than $28,000 in merchandise was reported stolen from the AT&T Phone Center at 328 E. Rand Rd. And three stores in the Brook Run Plaza shopping center, in the 1400-1500 block of East Hintz Road, were burglarized when the offender kicked in the glass doors to all three businesses, stealing a total of $320, police said.


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The American Association of Realtors (AAR) has put its stamp on what people wear when they’re in a home, in an attempt to give people an understanding of the types of things they might be tempted to buy.
It has come as part of a broader effort to address what’s been dubbed “house fashion” — the concept that people want to be able to afford their homes and stay in them for longer.
AAR said it wants to educate people on how the home they live in influences the people who live there.
Its also put forward a checklist of five rules to help consumers avoid the worst of the house-worsening trends.
Among them are:Avoid the “bouncy” house dress — which is typically an oversized, high-necked dress that is often paired with a white blazer, or the “slouchy” house jacket.
And avoid the “shoulder-length coat,” which has a longer, flatter collar.


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UK-Mexico trade deal could boost Tequila
The UK and Mexico have started discussions for a new free trade agreement (FTA) that could help grow Scotch exports and the Tequila sector.
The negotiations for a ‘Mexico 2.0’ deal began last Friday (20 May). The ‘enhanced’ deal aims to support high-tech jobs, industries of the future and grow the economy, the UK government said.
The current FTA between the two nations is based on the EU-Mexico Global Agreement, negotiated more than two decades ago.
The UK’s secretary of state for international trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “From autonomous vehicle manufacturers in the West Midlands, to Wales’ green tech businesses and Scotland’s thriving food and drink sector, companies of all shapes and sizes across the UK stand to benefit.”
The UK government hopes to increase its trade relationship with the country, which is currently worth more than £4 billion (US$5bn).
The new deal aims to ‘lock in tariff reductions’ of £57 million (£71m) every year, secured under existing agreements.
Mexico’s growing population of more than 130m consumers means demand for imports is expected to rise by 35% by 2035, according to the UK’s Department for International Trade.
Mexico is the leading Latin American country for UK food and drink products, and the top market for whisky, the UK government said.
The chief executive of UK-headquartered Diageo, the world’s biggest Scotch whisky distiller, welcomed the new negotiations.
Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes said: “The continuation of tariff-free trade between the UK and Mexico will support both the growth of Scotch exports and the important Tequila category.”
Diageo also owns Tequila brands Don Julio and Casamigos, as well as the recently acquired flavoured Tequila 21 Seeds.
In October 2021, Diageo announced it would invest US$500m in new production facilities in Jalisco, Mexico, following a reported 79% jump in organic net sales of its Tequilas in the company’s full-year 2021 results.
Mexico is the seventh-largest export market for Scotch by volume, up by 13% to 48m bottles in 2021, according to figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
The UK and India are currently in discussions for an FTA that could remove the 150% import tax on spirits. The move could boost Scotch whisky exports by £1bn (US$1.25bn) over five years, the SWA predicted.
Last week, to mark World Whisky Day (21 May) Mark Kent, the new CEO of the SWA, looked ahead to what the future holds for the Scotch industry.


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Tire companies fight COVID-19 by shutting factories.
A growing number of tire manufacturers have announced plant closures in the wake of the global pandemic.
Goodyear recently issued this statement: “In response to the sudden decline in market demand resulting from the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company plans to suspend Americas manufacturing through at least April 3 or until further notice.
“A phased shut down will begin across the company’s tire, retread and chemical plants in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and the United States over the coming days. Its facility in Peru was closed earlier this week.”
Michelin has announced a one-week shutdown of its European plants, while Bridgestone is planning a temporary phased shutdown of its manufacturing facilities in North America and Latin America, set to begin the weekend of March 21.
Bridgestone hopes to be back up and running on or before Sunday, April 12, adding that the company has sufficient supply of product to meet customer demand and that its distribution centres, plant warehouses and logistics teams will continue to fill orders.


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Leading experts in the world of drinks will come together for the UK’s biggest drinks trade show, Imbibe Live, when it returns in July.
The event, at Olympia Grand Hall in London on 4 and 5 July 2022, will feature masterclasses, tastings and panel discussions alongside the showcase of spirits, beers, wines and soft drinks.
Imbibe Live is the show for anyone who buys, sells or serves drinks, offering a chance to find out about the latest products available in both the on-trade and the off-trade in the UK. New exhibitors will include Hotel Chocolat, Atlas Gins and Aztec Rum.
The line-up of renowned industry experts will include educators from WSET, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, who will be taking over the Tasting Room on 5 July with a series of masterclasses covering topics such as agave, whisky and port.
WSET chief executive Miles Beale will also share valuable advice and guidance on navigating the Government’s plans to reform alcohol duty in the Industry Matters Theatre.
The Drinks Trust will be running sessions on mental health, upskilling and education as well as equity within the drinks industry.
An advisory team of some of the industry’s biggest names is helping to curate the programme’s content. New ambassadors to the show in 2022 include Aleesha Hansel, a wine writer and wine judge and broadcaster, and Jane Peyton, a writer, broadcaster, pub expert and founder of the School of Booze. Covering spirits will be Ian Burrell, global rum ambassador for the rum category.
Laura Willoughby from “mindful” drinking specialists Club Soda will be “low & no” ambassador and unveil Imbibe Live’s first pavilion dedicated to low-alcohol and no-alcohol beverages.
Exhibition director Daniel Zanetti said: “Imbibe Live is the most anticipated event in the UK drinks community’s calendar and we’re looking forward to reuniting the industry again whilst continuing to support them as we rebuild after the past few years.
“We are delighted to see so many brands, suppliers and producers joining us again for what is set to be a jam-packed event, as well as welcoming a number of new exhibitors to the line-up including Hotel Chocolat, Atlas Gins and Aztec Rum, all of which are making a huge splash in the drinks industry.
“We can’t wait to showcase all the brilliant brands and products in the business, as well as invite you to enjoy our programme of show-stopping content and unique tastings.
“Whether you source, buy, produce, sell, shake or stir drinks, Imbibe Live is the place for like-minded professionals to come together to share new products, stories and build long-lasting relationships.”
Visitor registration for Imbibe Live is now open, exclusively for people who work in the on- and off-trade. Tickets cost £15 which covers access to the event on both 4 and 5 July.
A portion of the profits from ticket sales is being donated to Imbibe Live’s two partner charities for 2022, The Drinks Trust and Only A Pavement Away, which support those working in the drinks and wider hospitality communities.
For further information visit https://live.imbibe.com/.


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The latest move will bring down the bank’s number of UK branches to 625 by the end of this year.
HSBC head of retail banking and wealth management for UK and Europe Francesca McDonagh said: “More than 90% of our interactions with customers are now through our digital channels – an increase from 80% last year.
“The decision to close these branches ensures a more sustainable branch network for the future as we continue to invest in our digital platforms and our people. We will have fewer but better branches, with more empowered front-line colleagues using a greater range of technology to support all our customers’ needs.”
Union Unite has termed the move as “a dark day for hundreds of HSBC staff”.


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first noticed by VGC NewsSteamCharts shows that the worldwide concurrent player count on PC for Babylon’s Fall, the live service game from Square Enix and Platinum Games, dropped to just one player on Tuesday night, before settling at its more typical but still anemic 20-50 concurrent players.
Player counts aren’t everything to a game’s health. They ebb and flow, with inevitable spikes in the release or release of an expansion and contractions during dry spells of new content. That said, it’s alarming to see a live service game from a long-established publisher and a popular developer reach such a critical level just two months after release.
As the VGC points out, frequent “dead game” contenders Marvel’s Avengers and Outriders managed to keep audiences several times the size of Babylon’s Fall. It’s unclear how the game is faring on PlayStation and Xbox, but I doubt it will be much better given Babylon’s Fall’s frosty reception.
Inside PC gamer review, Anne-Marie Coyle stated that “Babylon’s Fall crumbles under the weight of bland design, repetitive gameplay, and prioritizing paywalls over players”. Babylon’s Fall’s poor reception, coupled with a lack of marketing or word of mouth, helps put its current situation into perspective.
At the end of March, Platinum insisted that “there are no plans to scale development down on Babylon’s Fall. The content up to the end of Season 2 is mostly complete and we’ve started work on Season 3 and beyond.” However, it’s hard to imagine development going on for much longer if the team can’t turn this situation around.
Square Enix made headlines last week as abandoned its North American studios and propertieswith the company claiming that the move “enables the launch of new businesses, moving forward with investments in fields such as blockchain, AI and cloud”.
In turn, the CEO of Platinum publicly stated that the studio will switch to live service games in the future, unlike single-player character action games that put you on the map. The disastrous launch of Babylon’s Fall could bring the company to a halt before committing to its fullest, however.


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AMA sells rights to DMG
Daytona Motorsports Group takes on association’s pro series, agrees to co-branding
DMG will assume responsibility for the AMA’s Superbike Series, Motocross Series, Flat Track Series, Supermoto Series, Hillclimb Series and ATV Pro Racing. DMG will also be allowed to use the AMA brand to promote its own motorcycle racing activities.
“We are honored to be working with the Daytona Motorsports Group,” says AMA president and CEO Rob Dingman. “This group of individuals has supported the AMA and motorcycle racing for decades. There isn’t a better-resourced or more qualified entity in which to entrust the future of AMA Pro Racing.”
The DMG is led by Roger Edmondson, founder of CCS motorcycle racing series and the president of the Grand American Road Race Series, and Jim France, vice-chairman and executive vice-president of NASCAR.
“For as long as I can remember, the AMA name has been synonymous with professional motorcycle racing in America,” says France.
Adds Edmondson: “Our goal is to guide the sport into the mainstream of American culture and showcase the extraordinary abilities of the competitors and their teams.”
The AMA’s Supercross Series and Arena Cross Series were not included in the agreement, as their rights are held by Live Nation in a previous agreement that will run until 2019. The AMA will continue to sanction amateur motorcycle racing and club activities.
“Today is a great day for professional motorcycle racing and for the AMA,” says Dingman. “By placing AMA Pro Racing in the hands of people with a proven record of excellence in motor sports organization and promotion in a fashion similar to our successful partnership with Live Nation, the AMA will be able to focus its resources on its core mission to be a member advocacy organization.”


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Retailer’s second fiscal quarter results fail to meet analyst and investor estimates. Company lowers third quarter estimates as a result.
Despite reporting a rise in sales and earnings, GameStop’s share value subsequently fell by 8 per cent. Trading opened significantly lower after the company’s second quarter figures were revealed, closing the day on $19.06, an 8.2 per cent drop on the previous day’s $20.76.
While GameStop reported $1.8 billion earned in sales (a rise of 3.4 per cent over the same quarter last year) and a 4.2 per cent increase in net earnings to $40.3 million (compared to $38.7 in the same quarter last year), the figures fell short of analysts’ and investors’ estimates for the quarter. 31.4 per cent of the company’s revenue came from used game sales.
GameStop also lowered its third-quarter profit estimate citing expenses connected with its new customer rewards program and its sales of downloadable content in stores. The company recently acquired games network Kongregate.
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter described the quarter’s results as "sloppy" adding that he expects GameStop shares to remain under "mild pressure" until an expected industry rebound begins this fall. In a note to investors, Pachter lowered the company’s share target price from $28 to a "more realistic" $26.


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The 6GCool Mobile Air Purifier offers protection against 99% of common air pollutants, viruses & dust.
The world´s smallest portable air purifier has been succesfully funded on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, reaching its funding goal in only 2 hours. The 6GCool answers the need for a portable device that can purify the air from viruses, smoke, bacteria, dust and allergens.
“We saw the urgent need for a portable clean air solution and decided to act fast.” Janette Mäkipää, the founder of 6GCool explains: “We took the technology of the leading large air purifiers and scaled it down to a size of a smartphone”. 6GCool uses globally patented 6G filtration technology, combining industry standard HEPA filtration together with state-of-art PECO technology, achieving outstanding purification results.
The innovation is simple yet radical: the 6GCool creates a personal clean air zone anywhere you go. Instead of using energy to clean large ambient spaces, the 6GCool delivers fresh air where it is needed, making it a sustainable and an environmentally friendly choice.
Partnering with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as other renowned labs in Europe and Asia, the 6GCool has been independently tested with excellent results. Unlike the scam of ionisers and “virus stoppers”, carried around the necks by many city dwellers in Hong Kong, the 6GCool implements proven technology that effectively cleans over 99% of common air pollutants at a 100X the rate a person normally breathes in a minute.
The product is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter and 6GCool, a family-owned company based in Finland, is also looking for distributors and resellers around the world.
© Liana Technologies


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Revenue up 21 per cent year-on-year as latest iPhone range fuels growth
Record iPhone sales has helped Apple deliver an all-time record revenue of $111.4 bn (£81bn) during the last quarter.
Overall revenue for the last three months of 2020 grew by 21 per cent, as iPhone sales rose 17 per cent to $65.6 billion.
According to IDC, Apple shipped 90.1 million iPhones in Q4, the most any vendor has ever shipped in a single quarter.
Apple also reported that earnings per diluted share was up a record 35 per cent for the quarter to $1.68 (£1.23).
The strong quarter was helped by Apple’s recent flagship iPhone 12 launch, which delivered a 5G product range for the first and four new handsets.
Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted an “enthusiastic customer response” helped the vendor to deliver the record breaking quarter.
“This quarter for Apple wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless and innovative work of every Apple team member worldwide.
“We’re gratified by the enthusiastic customer response to the unmatched line of cutting-edge products that we delivered across a historic holiday season.”
Strong China performance
A considerable driver for the surge was Apple’s strong performance in the Chinese market.
Apple grew its revenue by 57pc in China, which has largely reopened its economy, to $21.3bn.
Apple reported growth across all categories, as sales of Mac and iPads grew as consumers continue to stay at home, with many having to work from home worldwide.
Sales of wearables, home and accessories plus services also grew during the quarter.


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The Greens’ private members bill on legalising medicinal cannabis has been drawn from the ballot in Parliament. It sounds like a great idea, but in reality it just opens up a huge can of worms that would be better solved by legalising cannabis entirely. What the bill shows though is that even the Greens aren’t above putting political opportunism ahead of evidence.
Where’s the evidence?
The story of Helen Kelly captured the public imagination and showed up what a farce our cannabis laws are. But let’s not kid ourselves, there is no real evidence that cannabis has medical benefits. Better evidence will no doubt come, but we don’t have it yet. All we have are anecdotes of the therapeutic benefits such as pain relief. But apparently that is good enough for both Labour and the Greens to jump on the medicinal cannabis bandwagon.
And no wonder when the polls are so much in favour of this, it is a populist’s dream. Over 60% of Kiwis support legalising cannabis for pain relief, even more if the person has a terminal illness. Another 16% think it should be decriminalized, which takes overall support for medicinal cannabis law reform over 80%.
But here’s the issue - there isn’t much evidence for this position. Ironically there is far better evidence to legalise and regulate cannabis for recreational use than there is for medicinal. This is where parliament should be spending its time and the taxpayer’s money. Of course legalising cannabis for recreational use means that people can use cannabis for medical reasons if they chose to do so. Medicinal is a sideshow, in comparison to where the largest reductions in harm can be achieved, and where the grounds for progress is strongest – by a mile.
How is the Greens proposal going to work?
What the Greens are proposing is not a legal market for medicinal cannabis. If you have a terminal condition or other chronic pain you could go to your GP who would write you (or your designated support person) a prescription to grow and possess cannabis. There would be no limit on how much you can grow or possess, nor any restrictions on what you can create with it.
Some honesty is called for here. Legalising medicinal cannabis is a Trojan horse for full legalisation. When cannabis was legalised for medicinal purposes in California this spawned a whole industry of doctors willing to service people with the drug, creating a $US1.3b industry for medicinal cannabis products. This showed what a farce the system was, and legalisation soon followed.
We won’t see this outcome here under the Greens’ proposed legislation. They have made no provision to produce and market quality-assured products, so we won’t even get the economic benefits of a medicinal cannabis industry. Even with the recent government move to allow prescription of CBD (a non psychoactive element of cannabis or hemp) products they have made it clear that they don’t want to see a medicinal cannabis product industry here in New Zealand. What do all these politicians have against people making money out of a crop New Zealand is good at growing?
The outcome of the Greens’ proposal could be even more farcical than what happened in California. As soon as cannabis is legal for medicinal use, you could suddenly see lots of people claiming they have ‘pain’ and going to their doctor for a prescription to grow it. It will make the existing system much harder for police to enforce, because all growers will need in order to legitimize their crop is a certificate saying they have a “sore back”. Meanwhile there is no regulation over what they are growing, and nothing to stop money ending up in the pockets of criminals. It would be chaos.
Leave the doctors out of it, just legalise and regulate cannabis
As it stands, doctors don’t have much evidence about what circumstances they should prescribe cannabis in, so it really comes down to their personal judgement. Do we really want to turn our GPs into dealers, bending the rules so recreational users can access the drug under the guise of spurious medicinal reasons? Do we want to put our medical professionals in the position where they are being asked to prescribe something that is based on anecdote rather than evidence?
We need to skip the bullshit and go straight to what we know works.
Let’s be clear - The Opportunities Party (TOP) is happy for people to use cannabis if it works for them. But that decision should lie with the individual, not fobbed off to the medical community to make decisions on spurious grounds. That’s an insult to the profession. Once cannabis is legal there will no doubt be more medical trials, and cannabis or some derivatives may well end up being an accepted part of our medical arsenal. But the state of science simply doesn’t support a medicinal-only supply of cannabis.
So why the hell are these Establishment politicians taking us through the farce, the showpony of medicinal cannabis reform? It’s nothing but a distraction and reflects the sheer lack of evidence-based thinking that is too often employed by politicians. This is precisely what generates such despair from informed experts so often with politics, that the sheer expediency of career-focused politicians sees them so often backing second or third rate solutions to the challenges we face. And there really is no excuse for such sub-par performance – it’s not political pragmatism, it’s political expediency.
For goodness sake can we get real for a moment here? Can our politicians at least aspire to some sort of excellence? Two in five Kiwis have tried cannabis, and one in nine in the last year. It is everywhere, and for most users causes very little harm. The far greater harm is that we force those wanting to buy it to deal with the criminal underworld, people who have no respect for society, who will do whatever is necessary to maximize their profits. It is this harm that needs to be taken out by fully legalising and controlling the supply, quality and price of cannabis. Then, the issues become issues of health and safety, not criminality.
We agree with the Greens that criminalising cannabis is wrong. But let’s not try to use two wrongs to make a right, turning our doctors into dealers, compromising their integrity while all the while avoiding the main harm inflicted by the prohibition of recreational use.


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Written by: Dr. Rita Madanlal Shetiya
Ambassador of Grace Ladies Organization
Lecturer, Journalist, Trekker, Photographer, Anchor
Location: Pune, Maharashtra – India
Published at: Grace Ladies Random Thoughts Diary
Money/currency acts as a medium of exchange. While doing financial transactions, we have to use the currencies of different countries globally. The central bank of any country controls this currency. Dollar is more important in international trade. A recent alternative to such currency is the “Central Bank Digital Currency”, in essence a virtual currency. “In FY 2022-23, the Reserve Bank of India will introduce such a digital rupee using block chain and other technologies,” announced by the Finance Minister.
What is Digital Rupee?
A digital rupee (currency) is a form of virtual currency, i.e. not in the form of notes or coins. This currency will be like money in your account, which can be used in contactless transactions but cannot be used to buy goods directly in stores. A digital currency is basically a payment system in which digital transactions take place in electronic form and are not physically tangible like rupees.
Objective to bring Digital Rupee
The Digital Rupee envisioned by the RBI will be created through an advanced payment system that is affordable, accessible, convenient, efficient, flexible and secure and aims to further promote the digital economy. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a pilot and transparent project on digital currency. The main objective is to take India forward in the race of virtual currencies.
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) can be classified into two types.
1) Retail (CBDC-R): Retail CBDC will potentially be available for use by all.
2) Wholesale (CBDC-W): It is designed for restricted access to selected financial institutions.
Difference between Digital Rupee and Crypto currency
Crypto currency is a decentralized digital asset and medium of exchange based on block chain technology. However, it has been controversial mainly due to its decentralized nature. This means it can be operated without any intermediaries like banks, financial institutions or central authorities. In contrast, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be legal tender in digital form. Crypto currency is a type of digital currency, but it is managed on a global level rather than by any central bank or government. Hence it is also called Decentralized Financial Tokens or DeFi. It basically aims to create a single currency across the world without the control of any central organization.
Bit coin, Ethereum, Tether, Binance, Doge coin are the most prominent and famous examples of this. The value of this crypto currency can be in millions. This means that a bit coin is worth millions, but since no one has direct control over this value, it is erratic and can go up and down at any time. Currently more and more Indians are getting attracted to Bit coin or other similar crypto currencies. There are many exchanges established in India that deal in Bit coin, but these transactions are often done in foreign currency. It is often used to purchase expensive items such as art collections to luxury cars and even non-fungible tokens (NFT) on the Internet. But nobody is in control as crypto currencies are used on the dark web for everything from weapons purchases to drugs and other illegal activities. Therefore, as an alternative to this, Central Bank Digital Currency RBI has decided to bring.
Advantages of Digital Rupee (Central Bank Digital Currency)
1. Centralized: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) – New Digital Forms of Money Issued by Central Banks – Govt., R. B. i. And the public will have the new infrastructure needed to bring greater trust, flexibility and efficiency. Prosetz Exchange founder and director Manoj Dalmia said in a media report that while the rupee will bevirtual like other crypto currencies, the digital rupee will not be centralized, but will be controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Digital Rupee will be fully legal and acceptable to the Government of India.
2. Low cost and easy to use: RBI has to print notes continuously. Coins have to be made available. Notes tear, get damaged while handling. Something is written on those notes and then they cannot be used. Digital currency will reduce the cost of printing, distribution and logistics management of cash. This will not only reduce the dependence on cash, but like currency notes, it will remain mobile forever. According to experts, the shift to digital payments and digital currency can reduce dependence on cash.
3. Online financial transactions: After the corona period, the importance of online financial transactions started to be realized. Nowadays everyone has a payment wallet in their mobile phone. Apart from this, financial transactions can also be done through separate ATMs of banks. As the next step in this chain, the first goes to digital currency or ‘digital rupee’.
4. Prevent Risks and Malpractices: To prevent risks and malpractices in Bitcoin or Crypto Currency, the first go to ‘Digital Rupee’. Transparency in financial transactions will be the first to go to Digital Rupee as the most important issue. Black money, tax evasion, corruption, financial transactions through hawala is seen in large scale, cash is paid while buying gold and silver. Because of this, the government does not know how much money anyone has. Because currency notes can be hidden. The government can be cheated. But with e-currency, the government can know exactly how much money is going to whom. But due to e-currency, the government will keep an eye on the financial transactions. This will also make tax evasion very difficult. The taxation system will be strengthened. Not only the income tax but also the income from GST will increase. This will certainly benefit the government and the general public. RBI data shows that from 2018 to 2020, Indian banks lost around $50 billion due to fraud. Digital currency can proactively address these issues with established programmability and regulated traceability.
5. Direct transactions: E-currency will reduce cash withdrawals and deposits from the bank. There will be no need to queue up at the bank. Digital currency does not need to be kept in a bank. We can keep this currency in mobile like digilocker. Even if a payment wallet is used today, it has to be linked to a bank account. These transactions are done through the bank. But this is not the case with e-currency. We can deal directly. For example; In the United Arab Emirates, employees receive 50 percent of their salary in the form of digital money. So these employees can send money to their families easily and without any extra charges. The same can happen in India.
6. Less expensive and time saving: Financial transactions through CBDC can be less expensive and time saving as compared to other digital transaction options. Traders importing into India will be able to remit direct remittances in dollars to exporters in any country through CBDC. There will be no need for a bank or any other medium for this. Digital Rupee will not require a bank account. The e-currency will also have the same value as currency notes. This kind of digital currency will make the dream of a cash free economy a reality. Of course, he needs the support of the citizens. They should use these options diligently. Using this type of currency is not only convenient for us, but it will be in the interest of the country, especially our economy.
7. Global acceptance: With the internationalization of current and financial account transactions, there are no longer any geographical boundaries. A digital rupee held by non-resident Indians and available for cross-border financial transactions seems to be a natural extension to enable new retail payment possibilities and business ventures,” said Dalmia. “One hundred and five countries have accepted such a currency.
8. Cannot be damaged or lost: The advantage of digital currency is that it cannot be torn, burned or physically damaged. Nor can it be lost. “The lifespan of digital currency will be uncertain compared to physical notes,”
9. Immediate Impact on Monetary Policy: The digital rupee will further empower the RBI by providing a direct tool to control monetary policy. The use of the digital rupee will give the RBI the power to directly create and supply money, allowing the effects of policy changes to be seen immediately, whereas until now the RBI was dependent on commercial banks to implement its policy decisions.
Conclusion : A digital rupee backed by the Reserve Bank of India or the Government of India will empower Indian citizens and help them find their place in the fast-growing global digital economy. Along with this, Indian citizens will also get freedom from the old banking system of the country and will add a new dimension to India’s banking model. Given the impact of the digital rupee on liquidity in the economy, banking system and financial markets, etc., India’s policymakers need to seriously consider the possibilities of a government-backed digital currency in India. India is already looking to prepare for the possibility of a digital currency war between China and the US in the near future, so India may also face international tensions if it launches its own digital currency.


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THE Swedish government supports the resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU), a minister said.
Foreign Trade Minister Johan Forssell said at a roundtable in Makati City last week that negotiations should resume “when the time is right.”
“There is great potential there for the Philippines but also from the EU, not having to pay all these tariffs, making it easier to export products and services in both directions. That must be the ultimate goal,” Mr. Forssell said.
Negotiations for the Philippines-EU FTA started in 2016. The last round of negotiations took place in 2017.
“The Philippines is a really key market for us… So, it is important to come here,” Mr. Forssell said.
Mr. Forssell said 40 Swedish companies operate in the Philippines.
He arrived in the Philippines on May 18 at the head of a trade mission.
“There is a growing interest from Sweden in investing in the Philippines. We’re talking about the next year but also in the coming year. That is because of the possibilities that we see here, also the very strong underlying economic growth and the young population,” Mr. Forssell said.
According to Mr. Forssell, some of the industries being studied for investment are renewable energy and energy transmission and infrastructure.
In the course of his visit he met with Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, and Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.
Mr. Forssell also expressed support for negotiations on a new scheme to replace the expiring EU-Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), adding that Sweden has been a “strong supporter of free, open, and rules-based trade.”
Set to expire by the end of 2023, the GSP+ is an incentive arrangement that allows the Philippines to ship its goods at zero tariff. The agreement covers 6,274 products consisting of 66% of all EU tariff lines.
The top Philippine exports qualified for EU-GSP+ are crude coconut oil, vacuum cleaners, prepared or preserved tuna, electro-thermic hair dressing apparatus, and prepared or preserved pineapple.
Participation in the GSP+ is conditioned on meeting commitments to 27 international conventions related to human rights, labor, good governance, and the environment.
In 2022, Swedish exports to the Philippines rose 10.5% to $152 million compared to 2019 levels while Swedish imports from the Philippines jumped 126.9% to $124 million relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Top Swedish exports to the Philippines include machinery, wood, and paper products, while top Swedish imports include machinery, fish and fruit. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave


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The Wall Street Journal’s Tripp Mickle is working on a book that will focus on the last decade at Apple without Steve Jobs. It will dive into how some of the products like Apple Watch and more came to be that have launched under Tim Cook and Jony Ive’s leadership and the company’s shift to Services.
Reported by Axios, Mickle’s upcoming book about Apple’s post-Jobs era doesn’t have a title yet but will be published by William Morrow.
Tripp Mickle will write an as-yet-untitled book for William Morrow about the iPhone maker’s last decade since the death of co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011 — the era in which design chief Jony Ive held sway over product design while CEO Tim Cook steered the company to new market highs and new revenue from services.
Mickle shared a couple of thoughts with Axios on how he’ll make his book compelling.
“[The Apple Watch] was the first product that was launched without Steve, and how does that change the process?” says Mickle, who’s keenly aware that a number of books about Apple have been published, though none really capturing this most recent era.
“We’ve all had a chance to see what the products are that Apple launched, but there’s an opportunity to see how these products came about,” he adds.
Notably, Jony Ive is set to officially leave Apple sometime soon as he starts his own design firm. However, he expects he’ll work closely with Apple for many years to come.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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JOH extends celebration after successful IFPA
ANAHEIM, CA -- As the curtain closed on what was considered a wildly successful IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 19-21, here, JOH welcomed its valued clients and partners to keep the party going at a post-convention celebration the evening of Oct. 21 on the Tiffany Patio at the Sheraton Anaheim.
"The International Fresh Produce Association represents every part of the worldwide fresh produce and floral network, and our event following the Global Produce & Floral Show was the perfect chance to express our gratitude and provide an additional networking opportunity to our clients, customers and industry friends,” said Brian Maguire, executive vice president at JOH. “A big thanks to IFPA for another amazing show and to all the attendees and sponsors of our reception. It was our one best yet!"


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Following an injunction by a German court, HTC may have sales of its smartphones and mobile devices banned in Germany over a lawsuit which claims HTC didn't properly license patents.
Microsoft unveils the stunning Surface Studio all-in-one PC, and Surface Dial
Unboxing the Lenovo Moto Z reveals some unexpected surprises
Microsoft announces the Windows 10 Creators Update, coming in early 2017
windows 10 event
It's finally here: HP Elite x3 unboxing and first impressions
Lenovo Yoga Book with Android unboxing and first impressions
Straight from the rumor mill of South Korea comes news of a change in LG's flagship smartphone plans for 2016, with LG's G Flex 3 reportedly getting the axe in favor of a leaner lineup.
According to research firm IDC, smartphone shipments will slow down this 2015, predicting a single-digit growth of only 9.8%. Stagnation of shipments in the Asia Pacific region was seen as the reason.
It was only a matter of time, but someone built a working smartphone in Minecraft. Verizon took it upon themselves to build a smartphone that can MMS, browse the web and also perform video calls.
Further specifications leak of Samsung's second generation Galaxy A5 smartphone. This comes after a subset of information was released after the FCC approved the device last month.
Aimed at the mid-range market and competing with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy A5 and the One Plus X.
It's been a couple months, but a new render of Nokia's upcoming smartphone has hit the web and there's an interesting bit of info to be gleaned from the newly leaked image.
Chinese smartphone maker UMi has just launched a sub-$100 handset that puts most mid-range smartphones to shame, featuring a 5.5" AMOLED screen and 3GB of RAM for just 89 bucks.
The Chinese Bluboo Xtouch smartphone was dropped from 20 feet -- or about 6 meters -- and managed to not only keep working but the screen hadn't even slightly shattered either.
If you live in the United States or Canada, you'll now be able to order a OnePlus X direct from OnePlus themselves without having to go through a reseller.
Samsung is currently aiming to launch a new flip-phone called the SM-W2016, which packs an octa-core Exynos processor, with 3 GB of RAM. The smartphone is also a Galaxy S6 look-alike.
German smartphone maker Shift will ship a modular handset running Windows 10 Mobile or Android 5.1 depending upon the user's preference in Q3 2016. The device will be available for pre-order at €399.
After its previous successful launch if the Intel-powered ZenFone 2 earlier this year, ASUS is announcing a new mid-range smartphone that offers good value and won't break the bank.
Respawn Entertainment has partnered with Nexon and Particle City in an effort to bring Titanfall games to Android and iOS platforms in 2016, promising a "deep rich mobile experience".
Nintendo has unveiled the name of its upcoming smartphone game, dubbing it "Miitomo". Exact details of the title are unknown but it will rely heavily on social interaction and is slated for 2016.
After announcing plans in March to offer games "compatible with a variety of devices including PCs, smartphones and tablets", Nintendo is expected to unveil its first mobile game tomorrow.
In a video posted by Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oukitel, the currently unreleased K6000 is shown to charge four other smartphones, as well as an iPad, through its USB port, among other things.
I recently picked up an iPhone 6s. These are my thoughts on the phone and the ecosystem as primarily an Android user, how the two experiences compare, and whether Android users should consider iOS.
At its Z3 launch event yesterday, Samsung claimed that its Tizen OS is the second-largest operating system in the budget segment in India, ahead of Microsoft's Windows Phone.
Beverage company Pepsi has recently confirmed that it's currently preparing to release a line of new smartphones in China, with one called the Pepsi P1. Accessories were also confirmed by the firm.
In what seems to be an extremely uncharacteristic move, Pepsi is rumoured to be making an Android smartphone, with a 5.5-inch screen and a $200 asking price.
Like previous “s” releases, the iPhone 6s Plus is defined by a single feature. This time around, that new feature is 3D Touch. It also features an upgraded 12MP iSight camera and a 70% faster A9 SoC.
The Moto X Style packs a 5.7-inch 1440p display and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 808 SoC, alongside 3GB of RAM and a 3,000 mAh battery. This time around the Moto X Style finally has a much better camera.
A huge Distributed Denial of Service attack has hit an unnamed web server. 650,000 Chinese smartphones unwittingly enrolled in this attack, likely caused by a set of malicious adverts.
Oukitel has a lot to prove now that it is penetrating an already saturated worldwide market for Android devices, and their main selling point is focused on toughness as well as low pricing.
The Galaxy Note 5 is Samsung's latest iteration of their stylus-equipped smartphone, featuring an all new metal and glass design, a 16MP camera and Exynos 7420 SoC and a large 5.7-inch display.
The OnePlus 2 is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, starting at $329 for the 16 GB model, but once again it features top-of-the-line hardware to deliver great value for your money.
Apple claims that its new iPhone 6S and 6S+ are outpacing the 10 million preorders of last year's iPhone 6 and 6S, but the demand is reportedly causing problems in production.
Microsoft thought we'd fall in love with touch on our PCs with Windows 8, but many new Windows 10 notebooks and desktops still lack touchscreen support today. How much does this feature matter to you?
A new tool born from research by Purdue University can significantly reduce the power draw of an Android smartphone by analyzing background processes and blocking low-priority tasks.
Samsung has started mass production of 12Gb LPDDR4 modules on a 20nm process in order to allow devices makers to start building 6GB devices or 3GB devices in a smaller footprint.
One of the biggest updates to the 2015 Moto G is that it finally comes with 4G LTE connectivity as standard. We're also seeing decent upgrades to cameras, MotoMaker support, plus water resistance.
In the last few days, renders and photos of a new Nokia-branded Android smartphone have emerged, along with some details of its specs - but over a year ahead of its launch, can these be accurate?
A researcher of a recent study has come up with a formula that connects boredom to how we use our phones. They measured how many apps a person uses, as well as how often they check their handsets.
The S6 Active is almost a clone of the standard S6, featuring the same 5.1" 1440p display, Exynos 7420 SoC inside, and 16MP optically stabilized camera. But it has a rugged design an beefier battery.
Nextbit has unveiled there cloud-first smartphone, Robin. The handset will utilize the power of the cloud to create a more intelligent and efficient Android smartphone.
Sony acknowledges that "it's difficult to expect growth in the smartphone business alone," which is why it plans to use some of its mobile and imaging technology to launch commercial drone services.
Huawei has just announced its new smartphone, the Honor 7i. The device features a 13-megapixel camera that can be rotated to the front. The handset also has a fingerprint sensor located on its side.
Nokia's smartphones are known for their reliability but if any one of them stands out, it's the classic 3310. A YouTuber recently put it to the test - against a flaming hot ball of nickel!
Sprint customers who are keen on owning the latest and greatest iPhone will now be able to do so with a newly announced trade-in program, with a special offer if you enroll by the end of the year.
Due to a standing agreement with Microsoft, Nokia can't launch smartphones under its own brand until late 2016 - but it can start developing them now, and indeed, it's hiring people to help it do so.
A research organization has found that smartphones are now the preferred method of Britons when going online. Also, it was revealed that over a billion selfies were taken in the past year.
Samsung has released a new smartphone for its Galaxy S4 lineup, the S4 Mini Plus; the new handset has an improved chipset over its predecessor but is not widely available.
In today's era where we are dominated by rectangular touchscreen phones, LG has decided to launch a flip-phone, called the LG Gentle. It runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, and has a physical T9 keypad.
Whereas past models brought a near bezel-free design, a crisp 1440p display and a laser-assisted autofocus system, this year's LG G4 is an incremental update, but the results might prove impressive.
A computing brand famous back in the 1980's has returned, with a phone called the Commodore PET. Two businessmen reportedly acquired rights to the brand, which led to the device's announcement.
Strong sales, high margins and incredible customer loyalty have allowed Apple to take almost all the profits in the smartphone industry, leaving other manufacturers scrambling.
Yota produced a truly innovative product with the YotaPhone, and Chinese manufacturer Oukitel is looking to get in on the action. The Oukitel U6, coming in August, also features two displays.
Microsoft Research has unveiled a new project that is able to more than triple a wearable device's battery life. That's thanks to WearDrive, a new technology that pairs the wearable with a smartphone.
With today's news of a major reduction in Microsoft's mobile devices unit creating a hazy future for Windows smartphones, will you consider buying a Windows 10 Mobile phone from the company?


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Lenovo has revealed that its Legion Gaming cellphone will include 90W quick charging help. As soon as launched, the smartphone will be anticipated to supply the quickest wired charging supported by any smartphone on the planet. The corporate had hinted by way of a poster in February that the Legion Gaming cellphone will help larger than 55W quick charging. It had beforehand introduced that the gaming-centric smartphone will likely be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC. The brand new Legion smartphone can be touted to come back with ground-breaking cooling expertise to offer a clean gaming expertise to the customers.
Legion Gaming cellphone is predicted to get absolutely charged sooner than all the opposite quick charging smartphones. Nevertheless, within the poster shared on Weibo, Lenovo has not specified the period of time required for charging the smartphone. Presently, Oppo Reno Ace comes with 65W SuperVOOC quick charging expertise. The corporate claims that the expertise can cost the smartphone from zero to 17 % in simply 5 minutes that may present 2 hours of battery backup. Furthermore, Oppo claims that the charger can present 100 % of cost to the cellphone with a 4,000mAh battery in simply 30 minutes. It’s anticipated that the upcoming Lenovo Legion Gaming cellphone will get absolutely charged in lower than 30 minutes.
Lenovo has already revealed a few of the Legion Gaming smartphone’s specs and options. As talked about earlier, the Legion Gaming cellphone will characteristic a “disruptive” cooling expertise to maintain the cellphone cool, an enormous explanation for concern for the avid gamers. The gaming expertise will get a lift, because of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC the gaming cellphone will likely be that includes. The Black Shark 3 and Black Shark Three Professional gaming smartphones additionally include the identical SoCs.
With the brand new gaming smartphone, Lenovo’s Legion model will compete with Black Shark, Nubia, iQoo, and Asus which might be out there with their gaming smartphones. To this point, nothing has been revealed by Lenovo relating to the launch date and value of the smartphone.


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For the first time in a few weeks there wasn't a major event to shake up our popularity ranking, but it was still a very close run for the first place with the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha just managing to retain it in the end.
It fought off the rapidly rising Samsung Galaxy M30s and the shocking new entry Galaxy A70s, which completed the podium.
OnePlus 7T made the top 10 in the second week following its announcement with a respectable fourth. The Redmi Note 8 Pro follows it in sixth.
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max got its podium streak broken and is now down to sixth, ahead of the upcoming Realme X2 Pro, which already has people talking about it.
Samsung Galaxy A50 is by far the longest serving active member of the top 10 and it even managed to climb a spot to eight.
Two more new etnries complete the chart in the Xiaomi Mi A3 and the Realme 5 Pro.
I bet it was Samsung Galaxy Grand. That phone stayed around until people started bashing gsmarena that the servers had been hacked
Bruh, JerryRigEverything literally made durability video about this phone, it is very durable and you dont have A50 and you are hÐ°tÐµr, sorry
until it goes for repair/warranty. its the top phone of warranty since it got released. never seen a samsung so bad. i cant enumerate all the problems, and he is very fragile, and bend a lot.


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Notre Dame Study Finds High Levels Of Toxic PFAS Chemicals In Cosmetics
A University of Notre Dame study has found many cosmetics sold in the United States may contain high levels of PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals. Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to several serious health conditions including cancer, hypertension and thyroid issues.
“These results are particularly concerning when you consider the risk of exposure to the consumer,” Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at Notre Dame and principal investigator of the study, said in a press release. “There’s the individual risk — these are products that are applied around the eyes and mouth with the potential for absorption through the skin or at the tear duct, as well as possible inhalation or ingestion.”
Scientists tested more than 200 cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada including foundations, lip and eye products and mascaras. And according to the results, about half of the tested cosmetics contained high levels of fluorine, which indicates PFAS use.
PFAS are known as “forever chemeicals” because they don’t naturally degrade. That means they end up contaminating groundwater and drinking water for decades after their release into the environment.
“PFAS is a persistent chemical — when it gets into the bloodstream, it stays there and accumulates,” Peaslee said. “There’s also the additional risk of environmental contamination associated with the manufacture and disposal of these products, which could affect many more people.”
PFAS have previously been used in nonstick cookware, treated fabrics and fast food wrappers. They were also recently found in personal protective equipment used by firefighters and are common in foam fire fighting suppressants.
The study was recently published in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
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43% Of Young People Buy Smartphones At $15,000 Salary
Next to air, the smartphone has become the next –can’t-do-without thing for young people. So says a survey conducted by research and insights firm Nielsen.
The company conducted a survey of 20,000 US mobile users and found that smartphone usage is heaviest (unsurprisingly) among the young wealthy people in the country. But the use is so pervasive among young people that even the poorer ones can’t do without them. The study found that people on an average salary $15,000 still made the sacrifice to buy a smartphone.
Among 25-34 year olds, a whopping 43% of people earning less than $15,000 a year thought it absolutely necessary to splash out on a smartphone. Age it seems comes with a grace and lots of wisdom because most people over 45 who responded as earning less than $15,000 a year did not own a smartphone. In other words, older folk have their priorities in order—no sense in being able to talk if you can’t eat, or breathe even.
The study shows something indirectly I suppose, and that is the fact that young people are very susceptible to smart advertising. The sort of advertising that made millions of Americans spend money that they didn’t have. Today, among young people, owning a smartphone is part and parcel of calling yourself ‘hip’, and that, is all down to marketing.
Are young people slaves to marketing and advertising companies? Let us know below.


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Evatran has begun taking orders for Plugless demo systems. These would be used by those looking to integrate such systems with their various electric vehicle or robotics technologies, according to an email sent to CleanTechnica.
The overarching idea is that interested parties can “leapfrog the large expense of original or licensed development of high-powered inductive charging” and rely on Plugless’s years of experience instead.
The company is offering both 3.6 kW and 7.2 kW Plugless demonstration systems, according to the email. The full 3.6 kW demo system runs $5,999, and the full 2nd Generation 7.2 kW system runs $12,999.
“With the exponential growth of technologies relying on electric motors, and companies exploring varying degrees of autonomy, wireless inductive charging is a popular feature set in product development,” commented Ned Freeman, VP of Marketing and Sales for Evatran. “Our demo system customers appreciate starting with a working system that has already provided more than 900,000 charge hours in every conceivable environment and across a wide variety of platforms.”
The email notes that Plugless systems have been used by a variety of fleet operators, research institutes, and military programs; as well as in conjunction with the operation of autonomous shuttle bus systems.
The new demo systems feature complete, functioning benchtop wireless charging systems paired with a vehicle simulator.
There’s reportedly a limited supply of these systems, so interested parties may want to snap one up sooner rather than later.
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Former Tesla Battery Expert Leading Lyten Into New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Era — Podcast:
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MT's Local Kitchen and Wine Bar waitress, Brittany McKenna takes plates from a customer's table. The restaurant is one of 18 participating in the Spring Feast week.
Feast Week coming to downtown Nashua
NASHUA – Any season is a great season for a celebration of all things culinary, but somehow everything just seems to taste better in the spring.
That’s one of many reasons Nashua’s annual Spring Feast Week, conceived almost four years ago by downtown eateries and Great American Downtown, has zoomed in popularity and appeal since its 2009 debut and promises once again to draw many a curious and discerning palate this week.
Feast Week runs Monday through Friday.
“There will be some great deals out there, I know I’m looking forward to it,” GAD executive director Rebecca Dixon said. “It’s a showcase, really, of all different kinds of food.”
Eighteen restaurants ranging from downtown “rookies” to “veterans” are participating in the Spring Feast week. The week is designed more as a vehicle for drawing people into the downtown area than for setting sales records, and plenty of attractive discounts and dining packages regularly pop up everywhere visitors turn.
There are three “true rookies” this year: Portland Pie Co., Riverwalk Cafe & Coffeehouse and Tacos Colima are new to the event.
This year’s roster of 18 restaurants ties it with 2010 for the most participants, Dixon said. Last year, the week drew an additional 5,000 diners than it did the year before.
Numbers show the springtime weeks outdraw the fall ones, Dixon said, and while it’s not by a whole lot, it’s clear people are more apt to come out in post-winter warmth. This month’s sudden summer-like temperatures proved the point: Restaurant owners and their patrons wanted to eat and drink outside, city ordinance or no city ordinance.
Besides the wide variety of food offered, the dining specials and discounts also come in many shapes and sizes. Some restaurants, for instance, do prix fixe (fixed price, common in Europe) menus, while others offer percentage discounts or in some cases, two-for-one or family deals. Participating restaurants sometimes try out new dishes during the week as a way of judging which ones they will add to their menus.
Spring Feast and its seasonal sibling, Fall Feast Week, set this year for Oct. 15-19, are bookends to one of downtown Nashua’s most popular events: the annual Taste of Downtown.
Each June, “The Taste” fills downtown eateries, sidewalks and even portions of streets with people eager to sample dozens of culinary offerings and take in the variety of music and other entertainment. This year’s Taste is set for Wednesday, June 6 from 6-9 p.m.
Just before The Taste, the Main Street Bridge Farmers Market makes its 2012 debut on Sunday, June 3. It takes place each Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. 21.
Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-6443 or firstname.lastname@example.org.


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HTC’s Chairwoman Cher Wang has revealed the corporation has been mulling around buying their own os.
“We have given it thought and we have discussed it internally, but we will not do it on impulse,” Wang said in an interview with the Economic Observer of China, via FocusTaiwan.tw.
Recent move with Google in the buying Motorola has established doubt among Android OEMs, causing Samsung shifting Bada development in to large gear.The only real OS of notice that’s presently up for sale is actually webOS, that has a significantly ruined brand.
Wang even so stated there is absolutely no urgency to buy yet another OS at the moment, because HTC by itself was not dependent on the actual operating system:
“We can use any OS we want. We are able to make things different from our rivals on the second or third layer of a platform,” Wang said. “Our strength lies in understanding an OS, but it does not mean that we have to produce an OS.”
HTC having said that carried on to state assist for the Google buying Motorola, stating it wasn’t distinct exactly how Google would certainly move forward with managing the company, particularly in terms of branding, however Google would need the patents to guard Android development.


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Specialized Technology Resources (STR) Holdings, an Enfield, Conn.-based manufacturer of solar cell encapsulants, has filed for an IPO that could be worth as much as $300 million in common stock. It plans to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “PVS”; Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse will serve as its co-lead underwriters.
Founded in 1945, the company sells Photocap encapsulants, protective sheets for solar cells that are typically made of glass, to many of the world’s leading solar module makers, including First Solar, SunPower, United Solar, Solarwatt and BP Solar. STR claims its proprietary “User-Friendly” (UF) technique makes encapsulants with zero shrinkage during the lamination process. This allows for higher throughput, it says.
Its encapsulants undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the harshest environments, and STR says they are some of the most long-lived in the industry. The company currently has four factories in operation; its fourth factory, launched last year, specialized in the production of systems for emerging photovoltaic (PV) applications.


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Just when you thought H&M’s Australian invasion couldn’t spread any wider, in comes its eighth retail space in Australia and third in Sydney. Pretty crazy considering the Swedish retailer only arrived down under last year, right?
Anyway, the new H&M will be at Westfield Chatswood and is opening as soon as February 2016. More information will be on its way in the lead up to the new store’s opening, but, if the Pitt Street Mall and Macquarie Centre H&Ms are anything to go by, it’s going to be another enormous, multi-level venue with lines to get through the door, into the change rooms, to the tills, and out that door again.
But, hey, with collabs like H&M x Balmain, we wouldn’t have it any other way.


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The third week of March reported no appreciable increase in venture funding into the Indian startup ecosystem, largely due to the absence of large deals. In February, venture funding into Indian startups had crossed $1 billion.
The total venture funding during the week stood at $166 million, rising marginally as compared to $113 million in the previous week.
During the week, a total of 18 deals were signed, of which 14 were in early-stage startups, followed by four in growth, and one in the late stage. Only a single transaction was reported in the debt portfolio, with the transaction value amounting to $4.8 million.
Fintech unicorn Policybazaar raised $75 million in a round led by Falcon Edge Capital to expand its business in the UAE and the Middle East.
D2C beauty startup MyGlamm raised Rs 175 crore in Series C funding with investments from Ascent Capital, Amazon, and Wipro Consumer – Ventures.
Leap, the overseas education assistance platform, raised $17 million in Series B funding led by Jungle Ventures. It also saw participation from Sequoia Capital India and Owl Ventures.
OZiva, the plant-based nutrition brand, raised $12 million Series B funding led by Eight Roads Ventures, with participation from F-Prime Capital and Matrix Partners India.
Technology startup YAP, which provides an API platform focussed on the financial services sector, raised $10 million in a Series B round co-led by Flourish Ventures and Omidyar Network India.
Space tech startup Pixxel raised $7.3 million in a seed funding round from Omnivore and Techstars with participation from Lightspeed Ventures, Blume Ventures, growX, Ryan Johnson, and others.
Livve Homes, a real estate-focused startup, raised $5 million in a second funding round from angel investors.
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand Bewakoof raised $4 million from IvyCap Ventures.
Prescinto, a tech startup focused on the solar industry, raised $3.5 million in a seed round led by Venture Catalysts. Other investors include Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Mumbai Angels, and Lets Venture.
Venture debt firm BlackSoil Capital raised Rs 22 crore by issuing secured debentures to family offices and high net worth individuals on a private placement basis.
EV startup Euler Motors closed its Series A funding round at $9.5 million, with additional investments of $2.6 million raised from new investor ADB Ventures and existing investor Blume Ventures.
EV startup BLive raised $1 million as part of the follow-on capital of the pre-Series A round. The funding, which was a combination of debt and equity, was led by LetsVenture, Mumbai Angels, JITO, and Credit Wise Capital.
Insure tech startup Bimaplan raised a $500,000 seed round from Titan Capital and other marquee investors.
Cultural startup Indic Inspirations raised Rs 2.5 crore in an angel round from investors in India, the US, and Singapore.
Chirrup, a social gaming startup, raised a pre-seed round of $300,000 from Titan Capital, iSeed, First Cheque, and 3.0 Fund.
Wysa, a mental health startup, raised an undisclosed amount from Google via its assistant investment programme.
Say Cheese, a woman welfare startup, raised an undisclosed amount in a seed funding round from an angel investor.
Firmway, the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI) incubated startup, raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round.
Wealthtech firm CashRich acquired WealthApp mutual fund distribution business for an undisclosed value in an all-cash deal.
Square Yards, a real estate startup, acquired AI-based platform PropVR for an undisclosed value.


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Canton's Gervasi Vineyard, which just a couple weeks back joined the cadre of distilleries that have converted operations to making hand sanitizer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, now is preparing to sell some bottles to the public.
Gervasi has set aside its first batches of sanitizer — totaling 3,000, 18-ounce bottles — to be donated to local health and medical groups, including Aultman Hospital, Stark County Emergency Management Agency, the city of Canton's health, fire and police departments, and the city of Green (which distributed the product to its fire department).
The plan was to offer some bottles for sale if demand was there after refining the sanitizer-making process, which requires production of high-proof alcohol that was novel territory for the craft distillers. Most standard liquors are in the range of 60- to 140-proof, and 170-proof is required for the sanitizer.
Needless to say, demand is high.
"Once we announced we were going to produce hand sanitizer, the outpouring of need was far greater than expected," said Scott Swaldo, co-owner of Gervasi's parent company, GV Destinations, in a statement. "We knew we needed to do more."
Gervasi said it will begin selling 900, one-gallon containers of liquid hand sanitizer "on multiple dates based on production." The containers will go for $34 plus tax.
"This is an extremely limited supply, which we expect to sell quickly," Swaldo said. "Therefore we will limit the amount purchased by a company to allow us to help as many people as possible."
Another Northeast Ohio distillery selling its own sanitizer is Lakewood's Western Reserve Distillers. The business has been offering one-gallon jugs for $25 each. Interested buyers can buy a "ticket" to pick up their orders via an Eventbrite page. While those pickups happen every Friday, tickets are currently sold out for several weeks, and the earliest new customers (as of April 9) could pick up a bottle is June 19.
Like just about every hotel, bar, brewery and restaurant in Ohio today — and the country overall, for that matter — Gervasi's business has been hit hard as efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have led to shelter-in-place orders. You can read more about how the Canton business has been specifically impacted in this recent Crain's story, which is the first in an ongoing series called "Pandemic Perseverance."
Ohio-based companies that have helped Gervasi in making its sanitizer include the following: Berlin Packaging (discounted bottles), Label Aid (labels), Swartz Farm (corn for making alcohol), Hartville Elevator (milling), Lellamand (yeast) and Berandi's (boxes).
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