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|Published by NetAction||Issue No. 81||February 19, 2002|
* * * Circulate this alert until February 27, 2002 * * *
A bill that would eliminate key consumer protections in telecommunications is scheduled for a floor vote on February 27, 2002, in the House of Representatives. NetAction is urging Internet users to contact their House representative today to urge a "no" vote on H.R. 1542, the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001. The bill poses a threat to the continued deployment of affordable broadband and dial-up Internet services, both of which are crucial to bridging the digital divide. In addition, state regulators have warned that the bill could exacerbate the decline in service quality that consumers have experienced under deregulation. (See: http://www.naruc.org/tauzin_dingell.pdf.)
H.R. 1542 would free the four remaining Bell phone monopolies -- SBC Communications, Verizon, BellSouth and Qwest Communications International -- from their obligation to open their networks to competitors. Rep. Billy Tauzin of Louisiana, who co-authored H.R. 1542 with Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, is an unabashed Bell supporter.
One of the key consumer protections that Congress included in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was the requirement that the Bells open their local phone markets to competition before they are allowed into the long distance markets. This requirement is the only incentive the Bells have to treat their customers and competitors fairly. H.R. 1542 would waive this requirement for long distance data markets, giving the Bells control of the nation's telecommunications and technology infrastructure and threatening the future deployment of both broadband and dial-up Internet access, as well as of competitive telephone service. The result for consumers would be less choice, lower quality service and higher prices for everything from basic phone service to Internet access.
H. R. 1542 will not promote competition.
The Bells sat on DSL technology for years, deploying it widely only after competition developed.
H.R. 1542 does not ensure that broadband services will be available
in rural communities.
Despite Tauzin's rhetoric, there is nothing in the bill that would require the Bells to deploy broadband service in rural areas. In fact, the Bells have been selling off their rural assets as fast as possible in recent years.
The Bells can't be trusted to offer broadband service if the
current restrictions are lifted.
In the 1990s the Bells promised to deploy high-speed fiber optic networks in exchange for relaxed rate-of-return regulation. But instead of delivering on those promises, they pocketed the profits.
H.R. 1542 will make it more difficult to bridge the digital divide.
With less competition, the cost of Internet access will increase, making the service even less affordable to low-income consumers.
H.R. 1542 will undercut efforts to address consumer complaints
about declining service quality.
According to the National Association of Utility Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC), H.R. 1542 could also lead to additional litigation over state jurisdiction.
News reports indicate a floor vote is scheduled for February 27, 2002. Calls to all House members are urgently needed.
All House members can be contacted through the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121. Or visit http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html to look up your Representative's direct House or District phone number. (If you don't know who represents your district, the site includes a zip code search tool to locate your Representative.)
Tauzin's claim that allowing the Bells into long distance data markets before local phone markets are truly competitive is necessary to ensure widespread deployment of broadband, particularly in rural communities, is an old ploy. In fact, it's one the Bells have used before.
In June 2000 NetAction released a comprehensive report describing how the Bells had broken the promises they made to regulators in the 1990s to deploy high-speed fiber optic networks. (See http://www.netaction.org/broadband/bells.) In many instances the promises to deploy fiber optic networks were made in exchange for relief from important pro-consumer regulations. In many states where regulators went along with these schemes, traditional rate-of-return regulation - intended to protect consumers from profit-gouging - was replaced with incentive or price cap regulation.
The new regulatory schemes gave the Bells more profits, ostensibly to be used to build the promised fiber optic networks. But instead of building the networks, the companies simply pocketed the higher profits. This is one of the reasons that the four remaining Bell monopolies are among the most profitable companies in the nation.
If the Bells had made a good faith effort to meet the conditions spelled out in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we might already have vigorous competition in both broadband and local phone service. But the Bells chose instead to stonewall competition by engaging in protracted legal and regulatory maneuvers, and by lobbying Congress to change the law. Changing the Act now would reward the Bells for failing to follow the rules.
In addition to threatening the future availability of affordable broadband and dial-up Internet access, H.R. 1542 could lead to higher phone bills. The bill broadly preempts state regulators, leaving the states with only limited authority over voice phone services.
Because of problems with NetAction's list software, many of our readers did not receive the last issue of NetAction Notes (No. 80, published Jan. 29, 2002). The issue included the results of our survey of computer security practices in nonprofit organizations, and a pointer to NetAction's comments on the Microsoft antitrust settlement. Now that our list is working again, we wanted to provide those pointers again for readers who missed the last issue.
Our report on the survey results, "Computer Practices in Nonprofit Organizations," is available at: http://netaction.org/security/.
Despite the growing importance of computers to nearly every aspect of nonprofit operations, our survey found substantial room for improvement, especially in maintaining the security of confidential and/or sensitive files, user work habits, and disaster planning.
Many of the respondents acknowledged the need to improve their security practices. When asked to identify specific security issues their organization needs to address, about two-thirds of the survey respondents listed user work habits and disaster planning, about half listed data backups and encryption, and about one third listed virus protection and firewalls.
NetAction's comments on the proposed Microsoft antitrust settlement are at: http://www.netaction.org/msoft/doj-comments.html. They are also included in the listing of major comments published recently by the U.S. Department of Justice, at: http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/ms-major.htm.
NetAction and Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) filed joint comments warning that consumers will have to make substantial investments in new hardware and software in order to benefit from the terms of the proposed settlement of the Microsoft antitrust case. NetAction and CPSR argued that the proposal is not in the public interest and urged Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to either reject the proposed settlement or order additional proceedings to eliminate its many ambiguities.
If you want to read the whole issue, it's at: http://www.netaction.org/notes/notes80.html.
NetAction Notes is a free electronic newsletter, published by NetAction. NetAction is a California-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting use of the Internet for grassroots citizen action, and to educating the public, policy makers, and the media about technology policy issues.
To subscribe to NetAction Notes, send a message to:
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To unsubscribe at any time, send a message to: . The body of the message should state:
For more information contact Netaction by phone at 415-215-9392, by E-mail atNetAction * P.O. Box 6739 * Santa Barbara, CA 93160
Copyright 1996-2003 by NetAction. All rights reserved. Material may be reposted or reproduced for non-commercial use provided NetAction is cited as the source.


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The trade war between China and US has seen increased pressure on US allies to follow its policies of restriction against Chinese telecoms company, Huawei from 5G core infrastructure and the company place on a US 'blacklist'. The UK has so far allowed Huawei access only to "non-core" infrastructure.
The Trump administration sent a stark threat to the UK on Saturday, warning that a post-Brexit trade deal with the US may depend on the UK's willingness to follow US trade policy towards Huawei.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that allowing Huawei access to newly-developed 5G networks and infrastructure could be a deal breaker when negotiating a new trade deal with the US.
The declaration is based on an alleged national security threat from the US which lays on the basis that Huawei technology is ultimately answerable to the Chinese government and could be used to spy on users of 5G infrastructure.
CEO of Huawei Ren Zhengfei has assured the UK that it would “never do anything to harm any other nation”. Huawei itself has also offered to sign a “no spy” accord with the UK.
This stands in contrast to US tech companies such as Apple and Google which have offered to signed no such agreement.
Reports from trade talks between the US and China reveal Telecoms companies believe that is likely the US’s actual concerns are more due to fear of international competition on the global market than any legitimate anti-security threat.
This echoes statements from American academic and tech expert Nicholas Negroponte who said that “clearly [the Huawei ban is] not about national security. We don’t trade national security”.
Speaking to The Telegraph, a civil servant claimed that Britain may have to capitulate to hardline American policies against Huawei as rejecting them could be seen as “undermining Washington’s efforts to reinvigorate the World Trade Organisation (WTO)”.
Another senior official said in The Telegraph that it’s becoming difficult to balance the need to improve mobile networks with the necessity of a free trade agreement as the US “keeps moving the goalposts”.
This comes as President Trump tweeted that he will allow certain purchases from Huawei which “which will not impact our National Security”.
Ben Wood, an analyst for CSS Insight, claimed that uncertainty surrounding British policy towards Huawei’s involvement in 5G is harming mobile phone operators.
He said: “It’s impossible for them to accurately assess what their addressable market will be and could trigger delays to the roll out of 5G”.
This comes as Huawei says that it will lay off hundreds of employees in the US, citing the blacklist restrictions on trade resulting in decreased revenue.
This is not the first time the US has put out statements in recent months regarding British internal policy.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in June that it would push back against a Jeremy Corbyn government in Britain, who has expressed disdain for the Trump administration.

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ST. LOUIS — St. Louis city and county officials announced a 30-day stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Both officials held separate press conferences Saturday afternoon and made the announcement.
City Mayor Lyda Krewson said there is evidence of community spread of COVID-19. The stay-at-home order will go into effect at 6 p.m. on March 23 and will last for 30 days.
Individuals in the city and county are ordered to remain at home except as needed for the following activities: perform tasks essential to health and safety of individuals, their family, household members and pets – such as obtaining medical supplies or medicine, visiting a health care professional or obtaining supplies necessary to work from home, to get or deliver necessary food, outdoor walking or exercise while maintaining social distancing of at least 6-feet from any other person or going to work.
County Executive Sam Page said the stay-at-home order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 23 and will last until April 22 at 11:59 p.m. unless otherwise modified.
All businesses are allowed to maintain the value of inventory and infrastructure, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits, or facilitate employees working remotely, but are required to cease all other activities.
The following businesses, nonprofits and institutions are exempt:
Healthcare facilities and businesses that produce or provide medical care, supplies or medicine – this does not include fitness centers or gyms, massage parlors, tattoo shops, salons, nail salons or similar establishments.
Grocery stores, convenience stores or other places that sell food or household consumer products, restaurants and bars – but only for pickup/curbside/delivery
Nonprofits that ship or deliver groceries, food or goods, provide shelter, utilities, social services or other necessities
Food cultivations including farming, livestock and fishing
Food and beverage wholesaling, storage, warehousing and distribution business
Newspapers, television, radio and other media
Gas stations, vehicle-supply, vehicle-repair and related facilities
Banks and financial institutions
Places that provide mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes
Laundromats and laundry service providers
Transportation services including rental, taxis and rideshares
Home-based care for seniors, adults or children
Facilities and shelters for adults and children
Long-term care facilities including hospice
Hotels and other commercial lodging
Professional services including accountants, lawyers and engineers
Childcare facilities providing services to first responders and all emergency personnel
Manufacture, distribution and supply chain for exempt businesses
Federal, state and local government
For more information, click here
St. Louis County coronavirus hotline: 314-615-2660
Gov. Parson announced a statewide order that requires social distancing Saturday afternoon.
“As the COVID-19 crisis continues to develop, this is a critical step in protecting the health and safety of Missourians,” Governor Parson said. “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for all citizens to practice social distancing and abide by this order, which is backed by intense deliberation and knowledge.”
The order will take effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 23 and remain in effect until 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 6 unless extended by further order of the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.
St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann released the following statement on the stay-at-home orders issued by St. Louis and St. Louis County:
“I do not believe we are in a situation where government should be deciding which businesses must close and which may stay open,” says Ehlmann. “We will continue to educate our residents that they should stay home except to go to work and procure the services they feel are essential. If businesses and residents work together to do what is right at this critical time, we will be doing everything we need to do right now to slow the spread of this disease.”
The St. Louis Lambert International Airport sent out a press release that said it is open and will remain open through the largest restrictions announced.
“The airport is an essential and critical operation that remains open to accommodate travel for a number of reasons, including essential government, infrastructure, business, and healthcare operations,” said Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, STL Director. “We also remain open to serve those who need to return to St. Louis or leave our region to travel home. There are also many cases when people must travel to take care of relatives outside of the region.”
Several airport restaurants and concessions will remain open as part of the airport’s essential operations. Those operations will follow the latest regional health mandates when applicable, a press release said.
MORE CORONAVIRUS STORIES


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On November 17, 2023, the PilarBio Strategic Upgrade and the Sixth National Strategic Customer Development Conference was held in Changsha, Hu’nan Province in China. During this event, PilarBio launched its microencapsulated formulation Pilarcore® and nano-formulation Pilarnano® brands, and officially introduced its brand mascot, ″Pilar OX″. Nearly 300 people attended the event, including Mu Canxian, chairman of the board of directors of PilarBio Group, Li Yongping, a researcher from the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center, senior industry experts, and PilarBio’s strategic customers from throughout the country. Attendees also exchanged views on the latest development trends in the agricultural industry.
Established twelve years ago, PilarBio has seen rapid development and become one of the top ten pesticide formulation brands in China thanks to its differentiated products and breakthroughs in microencapsulation technology. In the future, PilarBio is striving to achieve the corporate development goal of entering the list of the global Top 20 brand pesticide companies, and become a global leader in microencapsulated pesticide brands.
Promoting reduction in chemical pesticide use to ensure food security
In 2023, the development of China’s pesticide industry has experienced ups and downs, facing the challenges seen throughout the industry. From a macro perspective, trends in reducing chemical pesticide use and ensuring national food security will fuel the development of the pesticide industry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has put forward a target of increasing grain output by 50 million tons, and requires that efforts in reducing pesticide use shall continue, supplemented by measures such as substitution, precision application, professional control, and comprehensive solutions. The prospects for precise application technologies, such as microencapsulated formulations and the biopesticide market, are broad.
Through many years of intensive efforts, PilarBio has accumulated advantages in resistant pest and disease control. In 2022, PilarBio’s microencapsulated product brand Pilarcore® was launched throughout the entire industry, marking the landscape of microencapsulated formulations, which formally began the ″Pilarcore Era″. Pilarcore® is an integration of PilarBio’s world-leading technologies in microencapsulated formulation research and development, production and application, representing the highest level of microencapsulated formulation production. It is an important tool for PilarBio to establish the potential for long-term development and differentiate itself from its competitors.
Today, Pilarcore technology is poised to boost PilarBio Group to become one of the global Top 20 brand pesticide companies.
As the leader of PilarBio Group, Chairman Mu Canxian elaborated on PilarBio’s strategic vision and the global strategic layout of the Pilarcore® brand. Based on the company’s development plan for the next 3-10 years, Mu is confident in the development of the global microencapsulated formulation market, proposing the corporate development goal of ″striving to achieve US$500 million in sales, entering the list of global Top 20 brand pesticide companies, and becoming a global leader in microencapsulated pesticide brands by 2029″.
Mu Canxian, Chairman of PilarBio Group
Microencapsulation technology is a core technology developed by PilarBio over many years, with advantages including extending the effective period of pesticides, improving the utilization rate, reducing use rate, and enhancing safety. There have been almost no pesticide formulation companies with microencapsulated products as their core competitiveness in China. PilarBio has taken the lead in the industry and built the first domestic DCS control system for capsule production, which ensures the stability of product quality. Pilarcore® series microencapsulated products have reported initial success in overseas markets, with over 80 registrations for products in more than 30 countries. The annual sales of Pilarcore® series products reached over 5,000 tons, showing broad application prospects.
In China, PilarBio has 33 microencapsulated formulation products that have been registered or are in the process of being registered, and are registering more products in more countries worldwide. The company’s goal is, within 5 years, 50% of its global sales will come from Pilarcore® series products.
Pilarcore® incorporates four core application technologies: Wait-for-weed, secondary film-forming, staged release and dual film protection. Based on these core technologies, the widespread application of PilarBio’s Pilarcore® series products at home and abroad has proven that these products can significantly improve pesticide utilization rates, achieve reduced pesticide use and increased efficiency, and are safe both for the environment and users.
The event also saw the debut of the mascot for the Pilarcore® brand, Pilar OX, along with a promotional video featuring the mascot. Pilar OX, in the form of a cartoon bull, combines the images of working people and scientists, representing the spirit of the company. The introduction of Pilar OX marks the start of a new branding phase for Pilarcore®, solidifying the brand concept and making it more approachable.
Pilar OX, the mascot for the Pilarcore® brand
Pilarnano® nano-pesticide series: to become a leading brand in the nano-pesticide segment
Nano-pesticides are an important way of increasing efficiency and reducing pesticide use. Both China and the rest of the world are vigorously developing the nano-pesticide segment. PilarBio has chosen nano-suspensions, which have higher technical difficulties, as the main target. Through raw material screening and process upgrades, the company has developed the excellent, safe, and environmentally friendly Pilarnano® series nano-pesticide products.
The Pilarnano® series products encompass four core technologies:
1) By increasing the sand milling equipment and boosting the sand milling grade, the suspension stability is improved, and the adjuvant content is increased by over 20%;
2) With a suspension particle size of less than 600nm, the number of pesticide micro-particles of the same morphology increases, and the surface area increases by 1000 times, contributing to full effect of pesticides;
3) The imported ″nano-microsphere″ mixed suspension adjuvant generates a double electric layer effect that keeps the particle size unchanged, resulting in small surface tension and better spread ability;
4) The innovative use of cosmetics grade moisturizing adjuvant enhances the absorption rate and the resistance of a film’s protective layer to rain-fastness. Taking the application test of PILARTEP and PILARZOX as an example, the results show that compared to common suspensions, the Pilarnano® series products maintain the same effect under the condition of 25% reduced use, truly realizing increasing efficiency while reducing the use of pesticides.
PilarBio launched the first batch of Pilarnano® series nano-suspension products in 2022, and will launch a range of new products in 2024, including nano-copper metal, nano dry suspensions, and others, to expand its product portfolio. PilarBio aims to build Pilarnano® a leading brand in the nano-pesticide segment, bringing more high-quality nano-pesticide products to users and helping increase efficiency, while reducing the use of pesticides.
Cooperation for a shared future: expanding new markets for brand pesticides
No product can succeed in the market without the cooperation and efforts of distributors. During the event, outstanding distributors of PilarBio talked about their experience in cooperating with PilarBio and how PilarBio, taking into consideration the practices of farmers, while integrating corporate values into products and services to provide the most solid and powerful support for local farmers’ crop production and increasing their economic benefits.
During the event, 12 subsidiaries of PilarBio signed a ″Cooperation for a Shared Future″ strategic cooperation agreement for Pilarcore® products with representatives of outstanding distributors, officially reaching an in-depth cooperation on the Pilarcore® series products. This signifies that the cooperation on the PilarBio’s Pilarcore® brand has entered a new stage of development, in which both sides will form a close cooperation to promote the agricultural modernization of China and even the world with Pilarcore® series products.


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Mobile phone operator TNM is introducing a package targeting the youth called ‘Agulu’.
Announcing the news during Gwamba’s musical show in Mzuzu, Segment Manager for TNM, Wanangwa Banda, said the package aims at empowering the youth to easily access the internet.
“At TNM we realise that the internet is the gateway to many aspects of development these days. We also realise that with the internet the youth can access limitless opportunities be it education, markets, applications just to mention a few, ” Banda said.
He further said the package will target the youth aged 26 and below.
Carrying the tagline ‘I have joined the movement’ Agulu’ TNM will provide a package that will have cheaper internet bundles, cheaper call bundles and many more freebies.
Reported by Henry Haukeya.


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// Many large retailers are set to close their doors today, the day of the Queen’s funeral
// Online retailers such as Ocado will also refrain from making online deliveries
Retailers across the UK will close their doors today as the nation prepares to bid farewell to the Queen.
Her Majesty’s state funeral, which has been declared an official bank holiday, is taking place today at Westminster Abbey, with the service starting at 11am.
Although their is no official obligation for businesses to suspend trading, many retailers including John Lewis, Primark, Harrods, Selfridges, M&S and Next will close today as a mark of respect for Her Majesty.
M&S chief executive Stuart Machin said: “All of us at M&S – and indeed across the country and beyond – feel a real and deep sense of loss and sadness at the passing of Her Majesty, as well as huge respect for the grace with which His Majesty King Charles III and the wider royal family have led the nation in our mourning.
“It is right that we make changes to our operational arrangements on the day of the funeral to ensure our colleagues across our stores and distribution network can participate, whilst supporting customers as they show their respects too.”
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In the world of grocery, all supermarkets will be closed until at least 5pm. Although chains including Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, and Iceland will be closed all day, Asda and The Co-op will open from 5pm, when Tesco and Sainsbury’s will also start trading from their convenience formats.
Meanwhile, some online retailers have opted not to deliver parcels today. Both Ocado and Asos will not be making deliveries and major fulfilment firms including Royal Mail, Evri, DPD and Yodel will also suspend service for the day.
However, Amazon has taken a slightly different approach and will continue deliveries, although it said it would “pause” service during the actual funeral ceremony.


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The Google Drive productivity suite has three core applications, Docs, Sheets and Slides. In December last year Google introduced a revamped version of Sheets. Not only did it bring offline editing support, it also brought a plethora of new features. Google gave users the choice to opt-in, the new version wasn’t enabled by default for all users. Starting today though Google is rolling out the updated Sheets version for all users.
This happens to be the biggest update ever for Google Sheets. One of the major features that it brings is offline editing. The feature only works if you use the Chrome browser, but if you do, you will be able to work on your spreadsheets even if there’s no internet connection. Once the computer is connected to the internet, any changes made offline will be automatically saved and synced. Other apps in the suite, Docs and Slides, already have offline support.
Several features such as support for Solver tool and autofill through Google Sets, which were included when the update was first introduced last year, have now been removed. Google now makes it easier to select multiple cells and add hyperlinks. Moreover, through new Filter views, users can easily share different views of their Sheets with other collaborators.
The company says that it is going to take a couple of weeks for the roll out to complete. Some of you might not immediately see the updated Sheets right away, just know that it requires a little patience.
Filed in Google Docs.. Read more about


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Skateboarders, skiers, cyclists and snowboarders are all united by their use of helmets.
And those helmet-wearers are further united in knowing that their headgear is not only clunky, but also manages to separate them from their phones and MP3s. Until now.
CHIPS is a wireless audio system that slips into any helmet with an audio-enabled liner and allows users to seamlessly listen to music and talk on the phone, hands- and wires-free, all while wearing their helmets. Created by Outdoor Technology, an outdoor action lifestyle company specializing in wireless audio and apparel, the device merges sports, technology and safety.
Caro Krissman, co-founder and CEO of Outdoor Technology, says that CHIPS will be a game-changer for helmet-wearing sports enthusiasts who want to stay connected without distracting wires hanging from beneath their helmets.
CHIPS is notable for its innovative technology, but should also be commended for its simplicity and ease of use. Users simply drop the device into the slot of a helmet liner and they’re in business. They can then make calls and listen to music without removing their helmets or messing with wires.
The system is controlled with two buttons -- one controls volume and the other accepts or ends calls -- so even people wearing gloves can operate it with ease. Plus, CHIPS has a built-in mic, so calls will come in and go out crystal clear -- assuming you stick the landing.
The CHIPS patent is currently pending, but expect to see it in the U.S. sometime this winter, selling for $129.95.
I, for one, just might use the device to listen to audiobooks. Now I can finally catch up on "A Game of Thrones" while pretending to know what I’m doing on the bunny slopes.


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At this year’s Mobile World Congress, HMD Global announced four new additions to its portfolio of Android smartphones, namely the Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 6 and Nokia 1.
It has also “reloaded” the iconic Nokia 8110 feature phone, with 4G connectivity, apps including Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Search, Facebook and Twitter, and the return of the slider phone.
HMD Global also announced it is to become Google’s first global partner to have a full suite of devices selected into the Android One programme. “The unwavering commitment to deliver a pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience has ensured Nokia smartphones were a natural fit for the global programme,” said a company statement.
HMD Global provided the following information:
Three new Nokia smartphones – the Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 7 Plus and the new Nokia 6 – join the Android One family, offering a high quality software experience designed by Google. Each phone will stay fresh over time with the latest AI powered innovations to the highest grade of security from Google. With a pure Android installation, Nokia smartphones come with no unnecessary UI changes or hidden processes that would eat up battery life or slow them down so you can enjoy your new phone for longer. Each of the new phones comes with a limited number of pre-installed apps so that you’ll get more storage space, as well as the latest innovations that help you stay ahead of the game every day.
By shipping with Android Oreo out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest features, including Picture-in-Picture for multitasking, Android Instant Apps to discover and run apps with minimal friction, 60 fantastic new emojis and battery-maximising features like limiting background app use.
Introducing four new Nokia Android smartphones and expansion of the portfolio:
Nokia 8 Sirocco: an ultra-compact powerhouse for the fans
Inspired by the rich design heritage of Nokia phones, the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s elegant design and compact style is the ideal blend of precise craftsmanship and purposeful innovation. Delivering powerful storytelling features including enhanced Dual-Sight, ZEISS optics and carefully tuned acoustics with Nokia spatial audio, the Nokia 8 Sirocco is an ultra-compact powerhouse, and our most beautiful smartphone to date.
Its curved glass finish envelops a precision-crafted stainless-steel frame to deliver a fusion of strength and beauty. Just 2mm thin at the edge, the Nokia 8 Sirocco combines a curved edge-to-edge pOLED 2K 5.5-inch display with smaller bezels and moulded body curves to create an ultra-compact profile.
Its stainless steel frame is 2.5 times stronger than 6000 series aluminium, and its 3D Corning® Gorilla Glass 5 is robust enough to endure life’s everyday knocks. Luxuriously weighted and perfectly balanced, it feels more secure in your hand thanks to the improved grip given by the dual diamond-polished stainless steel frame.
Now capture every detail thanks to the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s dual rear sensors with ZEISS optics that combine an ultra-sensitive, wide angle primary camera for impressive low-light performance and a secondary 13MP sensor with 2x optical zoom. And with Pro Camera mode you get full manual control over every picture you take, helping you capture photos like a pro.
Available from early April, the Nokia 8 Sirocco will retail for a global average retail price of €749, excluding taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 7 Plus: the flagship hero for everyone
Made for creators to deliver stunning content, the Nokia 7 Plus has the screen, power, design and features to make it a true hero in our smartphone range. Combining innovative optical hardware and imaging algorithms, the Nokia 7 Plus captures moments into photos that are true to life. With enhanced Dual-Sight, dual rear sensors with ZEISS optics combine an ultra-sensitive 12MP wide-angle primary camera for excellent performance in both low-light and extra bright conditions and a secondary 13MP camera that delivers 2x optical zoom for the moments when you wish you were closer.
To enable you to capture and enjoy more content for longer, the Nokia 7 Plus is backed by the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660 Mobile Platform. It’s been optimised and integrated for maximum performance and battery life, even when you are broadcasting your #Bothie videos live on Facebook or YouTube. Optimised to extract every bit of juice from the already powerful 3800 mAh battery, the Nokia 7 Plus delivers an amazing 2-day battery life.
Its gently curved back and slim edges give you a big-screen experience in a comfortable, neat package. The vivid 6-inch 18:9 Full HD+ display makes the Nokia 7 Plus perfect for browsing, social media consumption, gaming and entertainment with more content in the same width as a traditional 5.5-inch display device.
Available in a choice of two colour blends, Black/Copper and White/Copper, the Nokia 7 Plus will go on sale from early April and will retail for a global average retail price of €399, excluding taxes and subsidies.
The New Nokia 6: our award-winning phone just got even better
Building on the success of its predecessor, the New Nokia 6 packs even more powerful performance and great new features in a more compact, durable body. Over 60% faster than its award-winning predecessor, it now offers enhanced Dual-Sight, ZEISS optics, USB-C fast-charging, a more compact screen-to-body ratio, Nokia spatial audio and pure, secure and up-to-date Android Oreo.
The New Nokia 6 takes the original’s precision craftsmanship to the next level by combining a unibody, made from a solid block of 6000 series aluminium, with an 11-hour two-tone anodising and polishing process. And by uniting a sculpted 2.5D display with damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, the New Nokia 6’s compact and refined body is built to last.
Our engineers have integrated the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 630 Mobile Platform to deliver fast and smooth performance alongside great day-long battery life.
Available in three slick colour blends: Black/Copper, White/Iron and Blue/Gold, as well as two configurations of 3GB RAM/32GB ROM, which will be available in early April, or 4GB RAM/64GB ROM coming later, the New Nokia 6[ii] will go on sale in early April and will retail for a global average retail price of €279 excluding taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 1: a complete Nokia smartphone experience, accessible to everyone
The Nokia 1 is a breakthrough in accessible technology, delivering smartphone essentials with the reassuring quality you expect of a Nokia phone and a refreshingly familiar design to fans around the world. Giving more people access to technology, it comes with Android Oreo™ (Go edition), a version of Android optimized for devices with 1GB RAM or less. The Nokia 1 is designed to be smooth and responsive, with full access to the Google Play™ Store so you can find all your favourite apps from WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to mobile banking while also highlighting apps that are optimised for Android Oreo (Go edition).
Featuring the iconic ‘Nokia smile’ in a fresh new package, you can give your Nokia 1 a makeover thanks to the popular Xpress-on covers, available in a range of vibrant colours. Simply click on and off in seconds to express your personal style with these exchangeable covers. Each cover has been built with the same precision and attention to detail as the phone’s original cover. Inherently coloured, the tough two-tone polycarbonate cover is ready to take on every day knocks and bumps with its durable design.
Available from early April in Warm Red and Dark Blue to fans around the world, the Nokia 1 will retail for a global average retail price of $85, excluding taxes and subsidies. Xpress-on covers, sold separately, are available from $7.99 in Azure, Grey, Yellow and Pink.
For the Originals: Reloading Nokia 8110
Reloading the legendary Nokia 8110, this 4G feature phone comes complete with the iconic curved slider design. Giving you the chance to switch off, have fun and relax with the knowledge that all your smartphone essentials are there when you need them.
With a familiar and easy to use interface, it features intuitive tactile mechanics, with slide to answer and end calls, as well as an addictive helicopter style spin on its axis. Nokia 8110 comes with the craftsmanship you expect from a Nokia phone, delivering durability and reliability as standard. Nokia 8110 delivers crystal-clear VoLTE calling and is perfect for anyone who wants an iconic 4G feature phone or a companion phone. With access to an app store, for favourites like Google Assistant, Google Search, Google Maps, Facebook and Twitter, send and receive emails or import your contacts and sync your calendar with Outlook and Gmail. To keep it running flawlessly, the Nokia 8110 features the Qualcomm 205 Mobile Platform. And yes, it comes with a revamped version of Snake.
With two vibrant colours to choose from, Traditional Black and Banana Yellow, the Nokia 8110 will be available from May and will retail for a global average retail price of €79, excluding taxes and subsidies.
Florian Seiche, CEO of HMD Global, said:
“This time last year, we started our journey with huge expectations from fans and a massive responsibility to deliver on the legacy of one of the most innovative brands in our space. Since then we have reintroduced well-loved icons, forged partnerships with friends old and new and delivered our pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience across our smartphone portfolio. Last year we shipped over 70 million Nokia phones.
“As we’ve expanded our portfolio we’ve always maintained one vision: to deliver great Nokia phones that live up to the values that our fans expect. It has been an exhilarating time and as we look ahead, we plan to build on our success by expanding our portfolio and giving consumers a wide range of Nokia phones they can love, trust and rely on.”
Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer of HMD Global, said:
“Today, we are delighted to announce the expansion of our range with the introduction of five new devices, setting new benchmarks in smartphone design with Nokia 8 Sirocco and delivering our most accessible smartphone to date in Nokia 1.
“Through these new devices, you’ll see our innovative approach to engineering and our strong legacy in imaging coming to the forefront in collaboration with ZEISS. And you will recognise our best in class materials led design and the distinctive finish throughout the portfolio which delivers all the reliability and durability expected of a Nokia phone.
“We pride ourselves on making smartphones that address real-world needs. Our commitment to pure, secure and up-to-date Android is core to our strategy and is loved by consumers. Today, we take that commitment to a deeper level by becoming the lead partner for the Android One programme globally, delivering an experience that is endorsed by Google.”
Pekka Rantala, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of HMD Global, said:
“A smartphone is an everyday partner and something people need to know they can rely on. Last year we promised that we would deliver on all the hallmarks of a true Nokia phone experience and that we would live up to the trust people have in the Nokia brand. This year, we are delighted to join the Android One programme that reinforces our commitment to pure, secure and up-to-date Android and makes us a natural choice. Today, with our expanded portfolio, we feel every consumer can pick a Nokia phone they can truly rely on.”
Jamie Rosenberg, VP, Business & Operations, Android & Google Play:
“Android One is our flagship partner programme, and this comprehensive line-up of new Nokia smartphones represents our biggest partnership to date. Now, users around the world can find the perfect device to fit their needs and know they’re getting a high-quality hardware and software experience that’s smart, secure, and simply amazing.”
Here is 2019’s tech
From AI to flexible displays, this is the tech that will shape 2019, writes CY KIM, MD of LG SA
2018 was incredibly exciting for the technology sector which has seen myriad advancements. These include the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) being established, robots helping around the house and consumer electronic innovations such as TVs that are so thin, they might be mistaken for windows, or paintings.
2019 promises to be another significant year as people’s attitudes are changing and technology becomes embedded in our lives. Smart electronics manufacturers will ensure their plans for the future match evolving consumer needs with suitable technology.
We take a look at the biggest innovations for 2019 from AI to lightning-fast internet speeds and flexible viewing surfaces, and we shed some light on how these evolving technologies will impact on how we live and work.
AI will come of age
AI has experienced a marked increase in investments and according to Forbes, 80% of enterprises are investing in AI while 30% are planning to expand their AI investments in the next three years. It’s estimated that during 2017, venture, corporate and seed investors put about $3.6-billion into AI and machine learning companies.
This investment trend has given rise to innovation in deep learning products that have the potential to change the world for the better.
Yes, AI has been around since the 1950s, but its consumer benefits weren’t visible until recently and 2019 will be the year when AI starts to really take off and become a necessity, not just in the home, but in every facet of our lives.
The potential of AI is endless as this technology goes into everything from small watches to cars and even gigantic, connected smart cities. AI is also starting to find its way into TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, speakers, mobile phones and even air cons as products adapt to human behaviour.
Lightning-fast internet speeds
Faster internet speeds enable quicker response times for business tools that we all rely on to get the job done. It will increase the efficiency of workers and will provide reliable communication tools for companies that rely on remote workers.
Given that the so-called gig economy has grown exponentially in recent years, the expectation is that the evolving workforce will contain a higher percentage of employees, or contractors who do not work in a central office.
5G has the potential to change the world the way the internet did a few decades ago. The fifth generation of wireless technology will take internet connectivity to a new level as the internet of things (IoT), will bring about the potential for everything to be connected to everything.
However, 5G is not just about faster internet speeds. It will create new possibilities in numerous sectors, including medicine, transportation and manufacturing.
A smarter world through IoT and AI isn’t possible without 5G’s speed and capacity as the system is able to carry large numbers of connections simultaneously, and is therefore crucial to the development of smart cities, autonomous cars and smart homes.
Life-enriching smart technology
Much like technological innovations, consumer habits and preferences are changing drastically when it comes to home appliances and particularly, home entertainment.
Most consumers believe that advancements in home entertainment tech is life-enriching and that their life is better with the latest tech at their fingertips as it allows them to stay indoors and enjoy quality time with friends and family.
The value of home entertainment tech lies in how it allows loved ones to share experiences, thereby bringing them closer together, particularly during big events such as major sporting events and holiday celebrations.
The potential of flexible viewing surfaces will not only change home entertainment, but also marketing techniques in shopping malls, city centres and shop fronts. With the ability to curve around any environment, this technology creates the perfect platform for signage and consumer engagement that stands out from the crowd.
LG Electronics is an established market leader in innovation and has already started to incorporate these futuristic technologies into its products, which are designed to make consumers lives more convenient. We will continue to release amazing products that utilise smart tech to connect with consumers while staying ahead of the evolutionary curve.
AI will power IoT
A simple gesture. A world built from accessible assets that drive human convenience and interaction. This is the future that’s powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), two of the planet’s hottest topic trends right now for a very good reason. They work, says PHATHIZWE MALINGA, managing director of SqwidNet.
They are also the fuel driving digital transformation in 2019. These are the technologies revolutionising performance, process and productivity. They are also transforming industry challenges across agriculture, retail, health and the public sector and are set to continue on this path well into 2019.
IoT has become the central nervous system of technology, allowing users to make intelligent decisions without feeling overwhelmed by choice or technology. Its ability to make life easier on every level – business, consumer, public sector – is the next step of the IoT evolution as it improves quality of life using AI and machine learning to analyse past behaviour and the insights it gleans to change the future.
This is the vision of the perfect IoT and AI future. The two technologies so intertwined and connected that they are influencing one another’s growth, development and adoption. IoT provides the ability to generate data from the changing circumstances of an asset and the infrastructure required to transport that data to where it can be accessed and analysed. Considering the sheer volume of data generated, it is impossible for a human being to analyse it at the speed required for real-time decision making. And this is why AI has become so important.
Today, it is possible to write code that can read the data generated by IoT and identify meaningful patterns at the right speed. This code can also be written in such a way that it can learn from the results it found the last time it ran. It is code that can learn, an algorithm that can self-educate. In this way, AI requires the power of IoT to generate the data it needs to learn and IoT needs AI to ensure that this data can be made meaningful, in time.
Over the next six to 12 months, it is very likely that the potential of IoT will see numerous small players emerge across all industries. They will be focused on servicing those who have yet to experience the full benefits of IoT and they will use technology to deliver solutions that are just ‘good enough’. This could potentially see the more established players being disrupted but most will likely be using the same technology to innovate and to create solutions that don’t just meet customer expectations but transcend them. Of course, there will be some companies that will remain complacent and they will be the ones battling for customer attention out on the IoT playing field with the small, fresh players.
While on the topic of the customer, the next year is likely to introduce a lot more variety and scalability. The consistent drop in the cost of technology will allow for more choice in solution and capability and this will have a knock-on effect with regards to quality of life and the choices customers make when it comes to solution and service provider.
On the business frontier, the growth of IoT and AI offer an interesting bouquet of choices and opportunities. They allow for investment into solutions that generate better insights that, in turn, generate better products and services. Organisations that ignore this potential or think they can sidle on past what IoT and AI bring to the business are likely to be the ones that are left behind. It’s a cliché for a reason. A single look back at the companies that have emerged as big players in industries previously perceived as impenetrable proves the point. Innovation isn’t optional, it’s an essential part of business DNA and both IoT and AI are critical parts of the ability to innovate at speed, with relevance, and on time.


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March 7, 2016
Originally announced at Cannes Lions way back in June 2015, Facebook’s chief product officer Chris Cox demonstrated mock-ups of a new mobile format that takes over the mobile screen after a user clicks on it from the news feed, it then turns into a browsable mini-website. That has since evolved into Canvas.
Demonstrated here in a video from recode.net and here in an example from Gatorade –
Designed to bring brands and products to life for mobile Facebook users Canvas will take the user “away” from the News Feed without ever taking them out of the app, for a more immersive experience. This is supposed to work in much the same way as Instant Articles work, moving one step closer to keeping you on Facebook and away from the rest of the internet.
Facebook has been making big moves towards more mobile centric content for a while and it’s easy to see why when so much of their revenue comes from mobile ads. In fact more than half a billion people only interact with Facebook via mobile devices and according to Q4 2015 figures mobile now makes up a massive 80% of Facebook’s advertising revenue, up from 78% in Q3.
So what does this mean for advertisers?
Well firstly, the new ad unit is entirely within Facebook which means creating content specifically for this platform. Again, great idea.
Undoubtedly content could be re-purposed for the new rich media Canvas ads, but it would probably be more successful to design specifically for the platform.
Also like Instant Articles the ads will be targeted using Facebook’s own data, making them super relevant to users.
Lastly it appears the same ad units will be rolled out over instagram which is always a plus.
It’s clear that immersive is becoming synonymous with successful in mobile and in social and with VR well on the way a whole world of possibilities is opening up before us.
One thing we can be sure of is that Canvas is a sign of things to come in the ever expanding world of Facebook mobile.


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Aquavit in London
The two star Nordic restaurant in New York is to open in at the end of the year in the St James’s Market development.
Unleavened Danish Bread
Michelin starred chef Christoffer Hruskova is opening The Bread Station in London Fields next month serving traditional unleavened Danish breads
Soho and Peruvian continue their love in
A new Peruvian called Butifarra is coming to Soho. It will serve the Peruvian street food it is named after – a type of pork sandwich – along with other sandwiches and ‘cevushi’, a hybrid ceviche sushi item.
Sleep among the Heavenly Vapours of Gin
Portobello Road Gin have announced plans to open a Gin Hotel at its distillery on the eponymous road of their gin name. Planned to open in November this ‘gin mecca’ will feature the gin museum, blending room, restaurant and Spanish-style ‘Gintonic’ bar alongside a number of boutique rooms.
And another drinks hotel
Portobello Road Gin are doing it, BrewDog beer are doing it, and now the Experimental Cocktail Club are opening a hotel, this one in Covent Garden with 18 bedrooms on Henrietta Street and a 60 cover bar and 60 cover restaurant.


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On March 14, 2008 the Naming and Launching ceremony of a new 3735 lane metres RoRo freight ferry took place in . She is the eleventh of fourteen RoRo vessels, which our longstanding Turkish customer U.N. Ro-Ro has ordered with Flensburger. U.N. RoRo is now in ownership of the private investor KKR (), who took over the shipping company U.N RoRo in 2007 for approximately 910 million Euro. The vessel will be christened UN Akdeniz and then launched. The first ship of the series had the same name. She and the second vessel UN Karadeniz have in the meantime been sold to Norfolk Line, a subsidiary of the Maersk Group. Approx. 11:15: Beginning of speeches Approx. 11:45: Launching Godmother is Ms. Maria Triep Pfeffer, spouse of Mr. John Pfeffer (KKR-Manager).
Shangai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding contracted by Grimaldi Group to build 5 large RoRo container ships. The new generation of 3,800-teu Ro-Ro container ships will replace ACL's existing fleet of such types of ship operating in the company's transatlantic service and they will be the first of their type ever built. The newbuilds will be bigger, faster, greener and more efficient than their predecessors, according to ACL. All five vessels are to be delivered in 2015.
While the Chinese automotive sector is experiencing double-digit growth, Chinese finished vehicle exporters are facing stiff competition and ongoing logistics challenges in getting their products to foreign markets because of a lack of RoRo ships, according to a report on http://www.cargonewsasia.com. Zhang Xiaoyu, vice-chairman of the China Machinery Industry Federation said that while the number of China's vehicle exports has increased sharply
The maiden call of the Parsifal, the latest vessel of the Scandinavian shipowner’s fleet specialised in roll-on/roll-off traffic, took place on June 15th, at the ro-ro terminal of Le Havre. This giant of the seas, 265 m long, carries all types of vehicles, whatever the size and the weight, providing an unequalled capacity on this kind of vessels. The Parsifal was designed to offer a maximum of flexible areas suited for the transport of high and heavy cargo (H&H’s)
Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) 7500 design introduced: a smaller heavy transport, offshore installation & ro-ro platform. Damen developed the new vessel in cooperation with Singapore based heavy lift transport specialist Hans van Mameren, managing director of Ha-Ce Engineering Pte Ltd.. The DOC has an endurance of 65 days, a large, flat and unobstructed deck of 2,300 m², a deck strength of 20 t/m² and is highly fuel-efficient.
Port of Hueneme’s first Post-Panamax ship was greeted by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines (WWL) company leaders and Port officials during an occasion marking a paradigm shift in how the widened Panama Canal will bring a new class of vessels to the Port of Hueneme. This maiden voyage of the M/V Thalatta marks a new milestone to support the Port’s and its industry partners’ agenda. Thalatta is one of the newest high efficiency Roll on Roll off (RoRo) HERO class vessels
Maritime Transport & Logistics Advisors, LLC (MTLA) an industry consulting firm based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL has been engaged by Roadships America, Inc. to provide research and analysis of the U.S. Coastal Transport market, as well as assistance with operational considerations in the final design stages of Roadships’ new generation high speed Ro/Ro vessels. Roadships America, Inc., a Reno, NV company is owned by U.S. and foreign investors.
OT Africa Line (OTAL) has announced a number of developments to its West African Ro-Ro and container services designed to give customers access to a greater number of ports. The changes will also provide improved transit times and more frequent sailings to ensure even more extensive transport coverage of the trade to and from this region. OTAL continues to operate its established multipurpose Ro-Ro service but with the addition of a restructured improved all-round schedule called the
A sector-specific Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ro-ro cargo & ro-pax vessels has been agreed by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee – MEPC 65. Formal approval was confirmed late on Friday (May 17) for an Interferry-backed modification that will take effect from 2016 as an alternative to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ standard EEDI formula in force since January this year for tankers, bulk carriers and container ships.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) says that its subsidiary MIRRAT has been announced as winner in its bid to operate automotive terminal 'Melbourne Australia'. Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) have selected Melbourne International Ro-Ro Automotive Terminal (MIRRAT) for the development of the automotive and Roll-On Roll–Off (RoRo) terminal in Webb Dock West. WWL explains that a world class terminal for the Webb Dock West project will benefit Melbourne
WE Tech said it has received an order to deliver its permanent magnet shaft generator solutions to a series of four fuel efficient ROPAX ferries, with an option for another four. The vessels are to be built for the Swedish shipping company Stena RoRo at AVIC Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd. in China
Belgium is Sweden’s eighth largest export market. The Swedish shipping company SOL is about to expand its departure frequency between the Port of Gothenburg and the Belgian port of Zeebrugge. The change will offer greater scope for Swedish import and export companies to ship freight to and
WE Tech Solutions (WE Tech), an energy efficiency solutions provider in the marine industry, and The Switch, a technology specialist of permanent magnet machines for advanced marine drive trains, have been chosen to deliver their permanent magnet shaft generator solution to Australian Toll
The heavy cargo roll on/roll off' coaster vessel recently delivered and commissioned by Concordia Group is not the typical RO/RO. Once a containership, the 141-meter-long and 20-meter-wide Rotra Vente was converted into a specifically designed ship to be used under charter by Siemens
Cochin Port, one of the top 12 major ports in the country, has begun coastal transportation of cars, with carrier ship M V Dresden carrying 500 vehicles reached with first consignment. The first call of a Car Carrier ship, M. V
NYK has started a new car transport service “Ruffles Ao Dai RORO Express (REX)” linking Hai Phong in Northern Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh and Laem Chabang (near Bangkok). On October 8, the NYK-operated car carrier Modern Link arrived in Hai Phong for the first call
Gibdock has redelivered the Seatruck Ferries container/ro-ro vessel Clipper Point on-time, after a fast turnaround 11-day renewal project for the Clipper Group-owned operator. The ship has subsequently been introduced to Seatrucks’ Irish Sea operations.
Wärtsilä said it has signed a contract with Construcciones Navales del Norte SL (LaNaval) shipyard in Sestao, Spain for the design and supply of the LNG power and propulsion installation for a new RoRo passenger ferry being built for Spanish owner Baleària
The port of Antwerp continues its excellent performance, handling 161,671,573 tonnes of freight in the first nine months of this year, up 3.3% on the same period last year. The container volume in the first three quarters came to more than 7.5 million TEU. This represents growth of 4
Plans are in place to move the freight terminal currently located in the central city of Gothenburg to the Port of Gothenburg. The switch will allow a higher proportion of transport by rail instead of road. At the intermodal terminal, in the city centre of Gothenburg
Development of Inland Water Transport is one of the major endeavours of the Ministry of Shipping. The Phase-1 of Jal Marg Vikas project will cover the Haldia- Varanasi stretch. The project includes development of fairway, Multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Haldia and Sahibganj
The Singapore flag state authorities have approved Wärtsilä's exhaust gas cleaning (EGC) systems, making it the first EGC to be approved by an Asian flag authority. The approvals relate to Wärtsilä EGC systems ordered for two new RoRo vessels owned by a Japanese shipowner
The opening of a new freight service to Rotterdam is a welcome development, presenting further opportunities for Swedish industry. The company behind the new service is the ro-ro* carrier CLdN, whose vessels will call at the Port of Gothenburg twice a week.
A decision to undertake development of National Waterways (NWs) declared under The National Waterways Act, 2016 is based on Techno Economic Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report, commissioned on each of them, by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Ghana President John Dramani Mahama has launched the start of major expansion works at the Tema Port, near Accra, according to local reports. This ambitious project involves an upgrade and significant expansion of Ghana’s main seaport


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Grocery Stores, Including Aldi, Are Closing Locations, Starting March 21
Regional chain Green Zebra Grocery is shuttering all stores on March 31.
Grocery trips can be a mixed bag. You might snag ingredients to try a new recipe every night, load up on frozen meals, or just stick to the same list every week—but no matter what's on your list, there's probably a grocery store you prefer to shop at. So when that option is taken away, it can seriously disrupt your weekly routine. Now, some shoppers will be forced to make adjustments, as Aldi and other grocery stores announced that they're closing certain locations in the coming weeks. Read on to find out more about these upcoming closures.
An Aldi store will be the first to close.
An Aldi in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, is closing on March 21, a company spokesperson told TribLIVE. The store is located outside of Pittsburgh, and was first opened 15 years ago.
Shoppers won't be totally out of luck, however, as a new store is set to open in New Kensington at Riverview Plaza, which is just over a half-mile away. Aldi is holding a grand opening ceremony on March 23, TribLIVE reported.
JR Perry, divisional vice president for Aldi, told Best Life that the company considers "several factors" when it comes to selecting new store locations.
"Aldi looks for convenient locations for our customers that can support a high traffic volume daily," Perry said. "We are also committed to ensuring that the design and experience of each store matches the quality of our products while providing customers with the best shopping experience possible. We're excited to welcome the Lower Burrell community to our new store in New Kensington later this month!"
In addition, Perry said that the New Kensington store was built with "environmentally friendly building materials" and will have different amenities, including an expanded refrigeration section to accommodate additional "fresh, organic, and convenient products" and more produce, dairy, and meat selections. Two other stores are planned to open in the Pittsburgh area later this year, Perry said, in Mars and Greensburg.
Other Aldi stores recently shut down.
Last month, an Aldi in the Jordan neighborhood of north Minneapolis was closed for good, Best Life previously reported. Aldi told NBC-affiliate KARE the store was closing on Feb. 12 "due to the inability to renovate the store to accommodate our larger product range and our current lease term expiring."
A few weeks later, on Feb. 28, the Aldi at 7440 McCart Ave. in Fort Worth, Texas, also shut down, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
"We will continue to proudly serve the residents of Fort Worth at our other area stores," an Aldi spokesperson told the outlet, adding that a nearby store on Hulen Street is being remodeled "to offer an enhanced selection of our customers' favorite items, from Aldi staples to regional delicacies."
A local store in Chicago is also closing its doors.
Aldi is a larger chain—and it will certainly survive a handful of closures. But smaller, independently-owned shops can't say the same.
Local Foods Public Market in Chicago is shutting its doors on March 26, the store announced on Instagram. The specialty grocery store also houses the butcher shop Butcher & Larder, which is set to close as well.
"Despite valiant efforts by our staff to make the business sustainable, we can no longer justify continued operations," the Instagram post reads. "Our staff has been incredibly flexible and supportive over the past year as we have attempted multiple approaches to make business viable. Unfortunately, our best efforts have not been successful in the face of an isolated location and macroeconomic headwinds."
The company kicked off a closing sale on March 10, offering a 50 percent discount on specialty grocery items. But while the retail store is closing, Local Foods confirmed that its wholesale distribution business will stay in operation.
"We look forward to continuing to provide source-identified foods to restaurants, schools, businesses, and other food operations committed to supporting sustainable food systems," the social media post states.
All Green Zebra stores are closing this month.
A regional operation is on the chopping block, too: Portland, Oregon-based chain Green Zebra Grocery is closing all locations, the company announced in a March 7 press release.
The chain's three health convenience stores will see their final day on March 31, after being in business for 10 years. The stores offer nutritious grocery items like kombucha slushies and locally-sourced meat—as opposed to the sugary drinks and jerky sold at most convenience stores—and are larger than most competitors at about 5,000 square feet, Grocery Dive reported.
However, executives said the company has been struggling since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have been holding on by a thread since the pandemic started and have been in austerity mode since then," Lisa Sedlar, Green Zebra founder and CEO, said in the release. "We experienced 9 straight quarters of increases to our cost of goods, packaging, fuel, insurance, taxes, freight charges and well, pretty much everything. Combine that with supply chain and staffing shortages and razor thin grocery margins, we just couldn't overcome all the obstacles. We definitely gave it our all and fought the good fight. We are thankful for the opportunity to have been in service to our community."
Portland is being hit hard this month, as Walmart also announced plans to close all stores in the city on March 24. Walmart said that the two closing supercenters—on N Hayden Meadows Drive and SE 82nd Avenue—are underperforming. However, speculation arose about whether the closures were crime-related, after local business owners said that vandalism and shoplifting run rampant in the community.


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The supermarket chain has also confirmed it plans to close 34 hot food counters whilst 'simplifying bakeries' in 54 stores.
Details on which stores are going to be impacted by the closures have yet to be confirmed.
The Mirror reports that Chief executive Simon Roberts said the chain was "absolutely committed" to supporting the members of staff affected.
Sainsbury's confirmed today that said around 2,000 colleagues were today notified of their 30-day consultation period.
Colleagues affected will be prioritised for vacant roles in Sainsbury’s stores and will be encouraged to explore alternative roles within the wider business.
Around 67 Sainsbury’s cafes will stay open while Sainsbury’s reviews rollout plans.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive officer said: “We are totally focused on improving what we can deliver for our customers and at the same time, working hard to make our business simpler.
“As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.
“We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain time. Of course, we understand this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices.”
The measures are part of a wider transformation of the supermarket's food hub, which will see it completely change its eat-in, takeaway and home delivery food and drink offerings in 250 stores.
This transformation includes the closing of traditional cafes and replacing them with chains such as Starbucks and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
Around 30 Starbucks coffee shops will open in stores over the next year, doubling the amount currently inside Sainsbury's stores.
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Wal-Mart is selling Yihaodian, its Chinese e-commerce business, to JD.com, and teaming up with the buyer to increase market share. Bobbi Rebell reports.
Wal-Mart is selling its Chinese e-commerce business, Yihaodian. The buyer, JD.com, the second-largest online store in China after Alibaba will issue shares to Wal-Mart representing about 5 percent of the outstanding stock. The deal also calls for a strategic alliance to better their chances in the country's cutthroat retail market. The deal is a rescue for Wal-Mart, says Euan Rellie, senior managing director at BDA Partners. (SOUNDBITE) EUAN RELLIE, SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, BDA PARTNERS, (ENGLISH) SAYING: "Wal-Mart was really struggling to get e-commerce right in China. Actually, arguably, to get the physical stores right. It's really a cut-throat market. Overall market growth has shrink down to five or six percent. And it's just a wildly competitive market as well. Local retailers are getting into e-commerce and, I think, Wal-Mart figured out quite wisely that it couldn't win by itself." Rellie says, the alliance is really a battle for market share. Yihaodian specializes in online grocery sales, an increasingly competitive a market in China. JD has built a reputation on selling brand-name electronics, but it's been branching out into selling food, with investments in a produce retailer and deals with milk companies.


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Get yours now? With the NFT, Delvey is offering up one-on-one calls, sketches and even personal items. A few lucky people will get to meet her in person.
Madonna shocked the world when she released her new NFT collection earlier this week where she appeared nude.
The NFT collection includes a 3D model of Madonna's vagina — which is on full display on the collection's NSFW website.
Diplo himself cheered the twins on as they battled it out with bids for an exclusive NFT of the EDM star. "The bidding started at $1,000," says the spy.
The famous pin-up shot from 1976 showed the actress, then just 29 years old, posing in a bathing suit. A poster of the image went on to sell more than...
The "Peaches" singer reportedly purchased the NFT for $1.29 million, 300 percent more than its valued market price.
Purchasing a Depp NFT will grant owners access to Johnny’s exclusive community on Discord, a community platform for fans to collaborate on creative projects.
While auctioning off digital versions for charity, he will retain the original pieces himself, including Paul McCartney's handwritten notes for the song "Hey Jude."
"Although a digital image connected to an NFT may reflect some artistic creativity … the title of 'artist' does not confer a license to use."
The Marvel legend's followers lamented that his legacy was being further cashed in, with one saying they could "hear ... Mr. Lee spinning in his grave."


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Defra proposes to hand this responsibility over to the water companies.
'We have already committed to putting an end to this discrepancy. The proposals published today consider how this should happen. There are significant environmental gains to be made, as well as offering peace of mind to householders they serve, often without their knowledge. When they need repair the costs can be significant,' he said.
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) urged the government to be cautious.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of CCW said, 'Although the change of ownership will benefit many households, consumers are entitled to know exactly how much this will cost on their annual sewerage bill, as inevitably the cost of the transfer will be passed onto the consumer,' she said.


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This investment puts Qollabi on a fast track to further support our existing customers and accelerate our expansion in the US. The new investors contribute additional expertise, making an impact we are already feeling.Frie Pétré, CEO Qollabi
Brussels-based technology company Qollabi is developing software that allows large companies to better manage their indirect sales channels. Qollabi’s software allows them to efficiently digitise and enhance predictability of the collaboration process with intermediaries such as resellers, brokers and agents. Founded in 2009, Qollabi is already supplying its innovative collaboration software to major European customers such as Alcatel Lucent in France, Dutch company KPN and Bpost in Belgium.
Partners in ambition at Qollabi
In July 2022, KPN Ventures, PMV and Angelwise invested €3 million in Qollabi in a Pre Series A round. The company aims to use the fresh capital to further support existing (international) customers and accelerate its expansion in the US.
“We are convinced that the digital management of indirect sales channels can provide all users, both companies and their partners, with interesting insights that can lead not only to increased sales but also, for example, to optimised products or more accurate forecasts. The fact that Qollabi’s software is also user-friendly and has been able to convince several large customers strengthens our belief in their potential,” said Marie Delbeke, Head of Equity Investments at PMV.
Visit the website of Qollabi


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TVS aims to double 310cc volumes with new Apache RTR 310
The company has spent Rs 50 crore in the development of the new motorcycle which is based on the existing platform jointly developed with BMW Motorrad, and holds potential for exports to ASEAN, Latin America, and European markets.
TVS Motor Company has launched its new 310cc motorcycle, TVS Apache RTR 310 at Rs 2.43 lakh, ex-showroom. The new motorcycle which has been developed with an investment of Rs 50 crore, is targeted at the premium-lifestyle naked motorcycle segment both in the domestic, as well as overseas markets, including Latin America, Europe, and the ASEAN region.
The key driver behind TVS’ move into this category is the rapid growth in the mid-size naked motorcycle segment, which is estimated at 1.8 million units globally, and has seen a significant uptick in its contribution to the overall motorcycle sales. While the segment’s sales contribution was pegged at 15 percent around five years back, it has climbed to almost 21 percent in the present day.
In FY23, TVS Motor Company clocked overall domestic motorcycle sales of 910,376 units (FY22: 707,563 / +29%), and the introduction of the new model expands the two-wheeler major’s 310cc product range, which now includes the flagship Apache RR 310, and Apache RTR 310 motorcycles - both based on the existing platform jointly developed with BMW Motorrad.
Presently, the company sells around 6,000-7,000 units of its Apache RR 310 motorcycle in India annually, and with the addition of the latest model, it targets to double the domestic volumes from this category. “Globally, we are looking at a collective 25,000 units of the motorcycle in the first year of launch,” said KN Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company, on the sidelines of the launch.
“In addition to India, we will be exporting the motorcycle to Latin America, ASEAN, and we will also be focusing on Europe this time around,” he added. While the deliveries of the Apache RTR 310 are slated to commence by end-September, the company will soon after start exporting the motorcycle to markets such as Thailand in the ASEAN region, and Latin America, while the European market will be addressed starting FY25.
“The TVS Apache is a well-loved brand with over 5 million customers globally, and the latest introduction with its first-in-class features will redefine the segment. This product is the hallmark of TVS R&D and technology, and there are several characteristics which will act as significant differentiators in addition to the agility and performance of this motorcycle,” Radhakrishnan said.
Unique product attributes
The Apache RTR 310 is built around the company’s track-to-road philosophy, and inherits the company’s learnings from its racing activities. The motorcycle is based on a lightweight aluminium sub-frame and offers a streetfighter silhouette with its naked body style. It gets LED lamps all around, a 5-inch TFT display with connectivity options for music, navigation, as well as action camera, and a first-in-segment heated-and-cooled seat, specifically considering the hot Indian climate.
The company says the cooling function is achieved by using a refrigerating element in the seat, which cools when 12V electric current is passed through it. The motorcycle also gets a hyper-spec trellis frame, adjustable levers, dual-channel ABS, and a race-tuned linear stability control (RT-LSC) safety system that offers linear traction control as well as rear-lift protection.
The new TVS Apache RTR 310 comes powered by a 312.2cc, reverse-inclined, DOHC, single-cylinder engine that produces 35.11hp and 28.7Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission with a bi-directional quick shifter. The motorcycle will be available with two customisation packs – Dynamic kit and Dynamic Pro kit – under the company’s unique ‘Built To Order’ programme.
While the former pack brings a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as a key feature, the latter will equip the motorcycle with a race-tuned dynamic stability control (RT-DSC) system that will offer a 6D IMU for cornering ABS, cornering traction control, and cornering cruise control safety features.
Exploring premium retail channels
The company will sell the Apache RTR 310 from its over 400 premium motorcycle dealers across the country, and says it is exploring newer channels to differentiate its premium offerings. “While presently, we are going ahead with our existing premium retailers, the future of premium distribution and customer experience, especially in the premium motorcycle and high-end EV categories could change. So, we are looking at new channels and various differentiating aspects that we would need to offer to consumers in this premium segment,” said Radhakrishnan.
“We are one of the leading players in the premium segment in India as well as international markets. Going forward, while we want to expand our market share to a higher level, we are more focused on overall the overall satisfaction of our customers. We are very optimistic about the festive season in the current financial year,” Radhakrishnan signed off.
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Packaging supplier Cascades Inc. posted a $47-million net loss in the fourth quarter of 2014, which included a number of expenses such as asset write-downs and a loss on discontinued operations.
Excluding those items, the Kingsey Falls, Que.-based company reported $8 million of net earnings, down from $18 million a year earlier. Sales rose to $879 million, up from $844 million a year earlier.
The fourth quarter included the sale of some of its container business, the startup of a new tissue paper machine in Oregon and the startup of a new tissue converting line at a plant in North Carolina.
The net loss for the quarter ended Dec. 31 includes a $36-million loss from discontinued, operations, $13-million to recognize the impaired value of assets in its packaging group, a $13 million foreign-exchange loss, and a $5 million provision following settlement of a class action against the packaging group.
Cascades makes packaging products such as boxboard and containerboard as well as bathroom tissue, much of it using recycled material. The company’s Specialty Products Group is said to be Canada’s largest manufacturer of polystyrene trays for the food processing industry.


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When you pay for something with a debit or credit card, you will no longer face any extra charges. The Conservatives have claimed that they devised this ban. The reality is they didn’t.
Taking undeserved credit
The EU is responsible for the new measure, which will help millions avoid being charged for paying by card. The European Commission tweeted:
As of today, new EU rules on payment services apply. They will:
📌prohibit additional charges for payments with credit or debit cards, both in shops or online
📌introduce strict security requirements for e-payments
📌enhance consumers' rights
More info → https://t.co/o8RDNUGE77 pic.twitter.com/NWyRmEzPlc
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) January 13, 2018
But both Theresa May and Ross Thomson, Conservative MP for Aberdeen South, tried to take credit for the move:
From today we're banning hidden charges for paying with your credit or debit card – a move that will help millions of people avoid rip-off fees when spending their hard-earned money. pic.twitter.com/EEk5jxdk7R
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) January 13, 2018
Great news that as of today @Conservatives have banned hidden charges for simply paying with your credit or debit card. This will help millions of people avoid rip-off fees when spending their hard-earned money. pic.twitter.com/cJM9kfJahG
— Ross Thomson MP (@RossThomson_MP) January 13, 2018
People were quick to react to the dishonesty. Reporter Grant White replied to May:
No, Theresa, this is a beneficial EU directive. One of an increasing number you pretend you and the British tabloids came up with.
— Grant White (@GrantWhiteTZ) January 13, 2018
This isn’t the first time…
The Conservative Party has previously tried to take credit for other beneficial EU measures. Just recently, May announced that all small shops in England would be required to charge 5p for plastic bags. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said he was intent on tackling “the throwaway culture that plastics encapsulate”. Yet as EUobserver reports:
But while the news is framed as the Conservative government showing its greener side, other motives are at play as well.
What has gone mostly unreported in the UK is that the plastic bag charge is needed to fulfil a requirement in an EU directive.
In 2015, the EU brought in a measure which meant member states had two options: stop shops from giving away free plastic bags, or take other steps to reduce their use. It didn’t make any comment about the size of the shop. And the UK introduced legislation [pdf] requiring that only large shops charge 5p for bags. But as EUobserver points out, the bill “does not even mention the EU or the directive”.
The government may paint these measures to save us money and protect the environment as its own, but they’re not. In fact, there is ample evidence that the Conservatives care little about either. They have cheered pay cuts to public sector workers and failed to tackle illegal levels of air pollution in the country.
This dishonest and seemingly desperate attempt to gain popularity isn’t going to work. And it’s precisely these sorts of tactics that cause people’s trust in the government to crumble away.
– Join us so we can keep holding the powerful to account.
Featured image via David Mirzoeff
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Samsung has unveiled its new stylus-toting, plus-sized, storage-heavy Note9 handset, as well as a health-and-wellbeing-focused smartwatch and a Bixby-powered smart speaker at an event in New York overnight.
The South Korean multinational says it's hoping to push Galaxy-centric connectivity through home, lifestyle and work, with a focus on gaming and millennial entrepreneurs.
There’s a lot Galaxy Note die-hards will recognise, including a massive screen, hidden stylus and dual cameras, but there are a few stand-out additions. Samsung Electronics Australia Vice President Garry McGregor points specifically to a long-lasting battery, ample storage and more speed.
"It's quite simply the best smartphone we've ever brought to market. The reason its the best smartphone is it's got the biggest battery which gives you comfortable full day usage," he says.
The Note9 packs a 4000mAh battery, a huge improvement on the Note8’s 3300mAh.
It also comes with either 128GB or a massive 512GB of storage.
The addition of a 512GB microSD card would give the handset an unheard of capacity of one terabyte, although existing cards of that capacity are incredibly expensive, and Samsung is yet to release prices or dates for its own.
"Theoretically you can have 1TB of storage of space now. It's good to have that offline storage, particularly with photos," Mr McGregor says.
According to Samsung, 64 per cent of Note users are loyal because of the S Pen, and its engineers are making it hard to ignore.
Within one of three colours available in Australia, the stylus will be bright yellow in an ocean blue handset.
But more importantly it will have Bluetooth, and a button on the S Pen will give users the ability to take photos up to 10m away from the device, perfect for Instagrammers or family portraits.
The button also acts as a way to control slides during a presentation, or click through YouTube without touching your phone.
Charging it for 40 seconds will give the S Pen 30 minutes of autonomy.
And in case you have epiphanies in the shower, or in the pool, both the S Pen and phone continue to be water, dust and sand proof.
The Note9 also has enhanced DeX software to let it behave like a PC when plugged into a monitor via HDMI — you can even run a different app on the phone and monitor at once, or use the phone screen as an artist's tablet — and packs a water-carbon cooling system to keep the phone cool while gaming.
The edges of the phone are ‘diamond cut’ to the metal frame with matte surfaces and glossy sides which aim to give the phone the illusion that it is thinner than it is, although it is noticeably thicker than last year's.
It also has the largest end-to-end design on a Note, with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display covering the front.
The cameras on the phone are much the same as the Note8. The photo scene settings are the key difference, there are now 20 different selections from flowers to landscape to up your photography-game.
There’s also a flaw detection setting which alerts you if your image is blurred, eyes are closed, is backlit or the lens needs a clean.
Importantly the fingerprint sensor is now below the cameras, which is a welcome change from the Note8's awkward location.
The device will ship with Android Oreo and a new version of Samsung's Bixby smart assistant.
Vice President of Samsung Electronics Ji Soo Yi says a lot of work had gone into revamping the Bixby technology to focus it on personal assistance tasks like booking hotels, restaurants or launching Google Maps.
"Bixby was built with a simple purpose, to help you get things done. So now on Note9 there is a more conversational, more personal and more useful (Bixby)," he said.
In Australia the Samsung handset will sell for $1499 for the 128GB model, the same price as last year’s Note8, and $1799 for the 512GB when it goes on sale on August 24.
Possibly off the back of reportedly sluggish sales for buyers on the S9+, pre-orders from today until August 23 will drop the price of the 512GB phone to $1499.
Meanwhile the new Galaxy Watch, with its unique toggling bezel, targets health and wellbeing, both emotional and physical.
It comes in a sleek rose gold or silver for the 42mm, and a silver grey in the 46mm. Under normal usage, the 46mm can apparently last up to 168 hours with low usage.
The Bluetooth version will start at $549 for 42mm and $599 for 46mm, the LTE version will be $649 for 42mm and $699 for 46mm.
The watch will focus on stress management, monitoring heart rate and oxygenation levels giving queues to breathe, and can also track the type of exercise you do, from weights to squats at the gym and whether you are getting a good sleep.
The watch will be on sale in Australia from October 4.
Another announcement was Bixby's smart speaker, Galaxy Home, which is focused on music but can also handle a range of voice-activated tasks.
A partnership with Harman Kardon, which is owned by Samsung and specialises in audio speakers, has produced a vase-shaped speaker with a legged bottom and pulsating lights at the top.
The speaker goes up against rivals Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple’s Homepod, but even with a revamped Bixby it will be a test to see whether Samsung can take on the competition in the intelligent assistant race.
Availability and pricing are still to come.
At the event, Spotify chief executive Daniel Ek also announced a partnership with Samsung. Spotify will be the default music provider on the Galaxy Home.
"When we created Spotify we had a simple goal; make music available to everyone while supporting musicians who create it," Mr Ek said.
With "hundreds of millions" of Samsung users, and Samsung creating everything from televisions to fridges, it was a "really great fit" with great possibilities, he said.
Spotify users will be able switch between different devices to play music, from mobile to television to a compatible Samsung fridge, for example.
Finally, the Galaxy Tab S4, which was announced last week, will be available for pre-order from today and cost between $979 and $1379, depending on storage and LTE options.
The Galaxy A 10.5 inch tablet, meanwhile, will go on sale in Australia from September 7 from $449.
The author flew to New York as a guest of Samsung.


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FIME 2022 is Done and Dusted Successfully Aug.01.22 Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) 2022 is done and dusted successfully in Miami Beach Convention Center, USA! This event attracts more than 1000 exhibiting companies and thousands of attendees from countries all around the globe.
AOJ Medical Attends Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) 2022 Jul.28.22 Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) 2022 officially kicks off on July 27th which gathers more than 850 exhibitors 11000 visitors from across the globe! AOJ Medical is so excited to meet old friends and new ones here. Here we present our new medical
How Should RPM Vendors Choose Remote Patient Monitoring Device Suppliers? Jul.27.22 AOJ Medical has kept trying understand the RPM industry and vendors' requirements deeply, and deliver valuable devices for our customers, including total hardware solutions for chronic disease management.


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(WAFB) - The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is trying to make sure people avoid food poisoning this summer by offering grilling safety tips.
According to the USDA, an estimated 128,000 Americans are hospitalized each year with food poisoning.
Officials said perishable food items, including raw meat and poultry, need to be kept at 40°F or below to reduce bacterial growth.
They added perishable foods held above 40°F for more than two hours should not be eaten and in hot weather (above 90°F), food should be thrown away if it sits out for more than an hour.
The USDA recommends using a cooler to keep food cold during the summer when away from home.
It also suggests having a food thermometer, two sets of cooking utensils, and other items to prevent food poisoning.