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LOUISVILLE, Ky., November 15, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Streamline Payments, an industry-leading card processing provider announces a new agreement with Unistar Purchasing Solutions as their electronic payments supplier of choice. (http://www.streamlinepayments.com). The company offers a multitude of credit card processing services to thousands of merchants throughout the country. The company’s growth over the last decade can be attributed directly to the experienced industry professional representatives it employs. Their relationship building skills have allowed the company to earn multiple endorsements from banks, associations and local chambers of commerce. Streamline is heavily focused on the Business to Business merchant segment which made this agreement with Unistar such a natural fit. The company has software developers on staff to provide customizable solutions for their clients. Their software solutions help businesses reconcile easier, reduce cost, eliminate risk and advance their receivables.
“Our software suite can often be a real difference maker when it comes to both processing efficiencies, and interchange savings to our merchant customers,” said Chris Pruitt, Managing Director and one of the company’s owners.” As a fellow Kentucky-based company, Unistar’s clientele and the Streamline Payment’s footprint are a perfect match.” Pruitt also added that “Streamline and Unistar are both committed to the face-to-face relationship-based model.“ Tim Hoskinson, Vice President of Unistar Purchasing Solutions added: “We are excited about adding Streamline Payments to our list of preferred vendors. Having experts ready to assist with electronic payments bringing both product capabilities and the support staff of Streamline Payments will undoubtedly pay dividends for our joint customers. Not to mention great savings in an important expense category.”
About Unistar Purchasing SolutionsOur software suite can often be a real difference maker when it comes to both processing efficiencies, and interchange savings to our merchant customers.
Since Unistar Purchasing Solutions began in 1997, they have worked with thousands of purchasers and hundreds of suppliers across a broad spectrum of industries. Their customers range from large multi-location law firms and financial institutions to single location manufacturers and nonprofits. They improve their customer’s bottom line while delivering value to the supply chain in the process. Delivering that win-win scenario is exactly what has enabled Unistar to be so successful in what they do. For more information, visit www.UnistarPurchasingSolutions.com.
About Streamline Payments
Founded in 2008 by industry veterans from Bank of America and NPC, Streamline Payments is a full-service payment processing company offering a wide array of services to merchants of all sizes throughout the country. Streamline Payments only utilizes the nation’s most reliable card processing platforms. They offer next day funding for all card types and product offerings to fit every merchant segment. Their highly customizable software provides solutions and efficiencies directly to the B to B merchant segment. The assembled sales partners of Streamline Payments have quickly delivered expansive growth and multiple association and bank endorsements. For more information visit www.StreamlinePayments.com.
Source: Streamline Payments


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Yahoo Japan is preparing to launch a cryptocurrency market, regional media sources say. Nikkei Asian Review reported on Friday that the tech firm — originally a joint venture between Altaba (formerly Yahoo!
The hackers behind the record-setting Coincheck theft have laundered 40 percent of the roughly 500 million NEM tokens (XEM) they stole in the exchange in January, cybersecurity consultants say.
Japanese authorities have penalized seven national cryptocurrency exchanges following inspections, such as a month-long suspension for 2 exchanges.
Japanese financial services SBI Group has delayed the launch of its exchange after discovering it had to further strengthen security measures.

domain: news


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[Monday update to the following story: the Ziddio beta site is live—go to Ziddio.com and refresh the page.]
Nov. 5–Comcast COO Steve Burke said at a Wall Street Journal-sponsored conference earlier this year that Comcast aims to be "the Amazon of video on the Internet." The company is getting closer to that goal with Ziddio, an online and On Demand channel developed by Comcast Interactive Media that not only rhymes with video but aims, YouTube-like, to lure Web video enthusiasts to its lair.
Although Burke’s comment was made at a WSJ event, the newspaper failed to mention Ziddio in its Nov. 4 story (sub. req.) on Comcast’s user generated Web video aspirations. All credit to CableFAX Daily for breaking the news about Ziddio on Aug. 28. Comcast announced Ziddio’s launch on Nov. 3 and then withdrew the press release and gated the site until it’s (presumably) announced this month.
Ziddio’s pitch to YouTubers and others is the opportunity to create, view, rate and share original content across Comcast.net and Comcast on Demand in eight different categories: comedy, animation, games, movies, horror/Sci-Fi, action/drama, music and reality. Why should they bother, given the glut of Web video sites for amateurs? No surprise: Ziddio is dangling prizes by running contests to lure amateur video-makers.
The portal, created in partnership with Los Angeles-based interactive ad agency Genex, boasts four professional TV/movie brands at launch: HBO, Cinemax, the Comcast-owned Style Network and director George Lucas’ Lucasfilm, which is sponsoring a "Join the Jedi Order" contest that awards the best Star Wars-themed video (as determined by Ziddio’s community) an all expense-paid trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
Ziddio is also launching with a "Search for the Messiest Home" contest related to Style Network’s Niecy Nash-hosted Clean House, in which users are invited to submit videos of their filthy abodes homes—and, of course, compete for a makeover on the series. In order to participate in contests, upload videos, rate other users’ videos and get complete access to the site, users must register to become Ziddio members at no cost.
Videos can be created using a camcorder, digital camera, cell phone or webcam—the only stipulation is that there is no copyrighted material. As for content restrictions, the site will feature content guidelines and encourage visitors to use the "contact us" link to report any videos they find offensive. The site’s preferred video formats are MPEG & MOV files but will accept MPG, MP4, WMV, ASF, AVI (including DIVX), 3gp, and 3g2. There is a 100MB per video size limit.
Liz Schimel, SVP of online content development for Comcast, told CableWorld in June that user-generated content was "absolutely on the roadmap" for Comcast. "You’ll see us over the course of the next few months launching some exciting new video products that will be tapping into a lot of the new capabilities on the Web and users’ desire to be authors and creators themselves."


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(St. Paul, MN) Oct. 5, 2015 – MidModMen+friends, the Twin Cities retailer of restored vintage modern home furnishings, is celebrating its third anniversary with pop-up sales, special merchandise and a few twists.
The store started as a three-month retail experiment on University Avenue in St. Paul. It’s since become a long-term presence – and destination – along the Green Line light rail route.
Store owner Neal Kielar sees a strong parallel between the success of the business and the Green Line corridor. “Both are about revitalization,” he said. “In our case it’s about restoring furniture and objects that were nearly discarded and then finding new homes for them.”
Anniversary events kick off Oct. 8 through 11 with 33 percent off all wall art and barware. On Oct. 10 there will be an outdoor pop-up sale. That day shoppers can expect a range of ready-to-use furniture and lighting at discounted prices.
“Some anniversary activities are planned and others will be spontaneous because our store is as much about experience as it is merchandise,” he said. “But there definitely will be cake.”
MidModMen+friends offers a classic modern mix of home furnishings grounded in clean, functional design with plenty of leeway for bold statements through art and found objects, strong color and unexpected combinations. The store carries a changing portfolio of furniture for every room, with pieces individually selected and rejuvenated or professionally restored according to need. Visit the store at 2401 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104. Follow MidModMen on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.


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As reports of dog illnesses linked to Purina’s Pro Plan food caused a stir on TikTok in recent weeks, a Purina spokeswoman said that the rumors “are not true and that our food is safe to feed.”
Purina has been forced to rebut what it described as “online rumors” that have caused a frenzy on TikTok in recent weeks alleging that its Pro Plan food had sickened dozens of pets, mostly dogs.
Days after the company issued a statement in which it said “these false statements may be creating unnecessary stress for pet parents,” a Purina spokeswoman said on Thursday that there was “absolutely no data showing us that there is a pattern of problems” with any Purina product.
“During the past few days, we have seen an increase in consumers who are scared and reaching out to ask if we have a product recall or issue after seeing this rumor,” the spokeswoman, Lorie Westhoff, said in an email. “In response, we are informing them that these rumors are not true and that our food is safe to feed.”
Purina, which is based in St. Louis and is a subsidiary of Nestlé, was responding to unsubstantiated accounts that were shared in TikTok videos that accumulated thousands of views, and in a public Facebook group with 62,000 members called Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time. Dogs were having seizures, vomiting and suffering from diarrhea, according to these accounts, and some were dying, after eating Purina Pro Plan food.
Worried pet owners encouraged a Purina boycott. By last week, the Facebook group had received nearly 197 anecdotal reports that animals — 151 dogs and 46 cats — had fallen ill, and that 51 of them had died.
Purina said there was no evidence to support those reports.
“We know this is a rumor because we have absolutely no data showing us that there is a pattern of problems with any specific product,” Ms. Westhoff said. “As a company that feeds more than 100 million cats and dogs each year, we don’t take risks with pet health ever.”


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Yesterday afternoon, Founding Spirits welcomed the latest addition to our Farmers Restaurant Group family: our 18-wheeler, owned and operated by our co-owners at the North Dakota Farmers Union. Our truck will be used to deliver family-farmed ingredients directly to our restaurants.
The largest commodity of yesterday’s delivery was the wheat we use to distill our award-winning Founding Spirits Vodka. Known as the aristocrat of wheat, this Hard Red Spring Wheat is harvested right on the family farm of Mark Watne, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union.
Watne was there to receive the truck, along with Co-Owner Dan Simons and our Distillery Manager, Bob VanLancker. A few other friends helped us meet the truck as well, including Roger Johnson from the National Farmers Union and members of the Keany Produce & Gourmet family and team who help us distribute to all of our restaurants.
Everyone said a few words, and then we celebrated the big day with tasty treats at the Farmers & Distillers bar overlooking our still.
Founding Spirits was simultaneously hosting a tasting of our spirits, which now have earned four prestigious international awards. If you are interested in trying our craft spirits, Farmers & Distillers is hosting tastings every week, Monday thru Thursday, from 4-6pm.


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Karl Lagerfeld and Woolmark Company launch 777 Knit Karl boxes
The Woolmark Company has teamed up with the Karl Lagerfeld brand to honour the late designer’s life and legacy through a knitting project. 777 ‘Knit Karl’ kits have launched as part of the collaboration in an ode to the designer’s favourite number.
Each box contains one of four unisex designs: a pullover, cap, headband and scarf — plus all the necessary tools to knit the piece, including knitting needles, yarn, personalised pins and instructions. The yarn is made from Australian Merino wool that is 100% natural.
To take part in the competition, fans of the brand are invited to join a scavenger hunt, with clues appearing across stores, magazines and the company’s social media channels and online shop.
Using a unique code, customers can access Knitkarl.com to win a DIY box. The competition will run until 7 March.
In addition to the Knit Karl initiative, the International Woolmark Prize introduced a new award this month: the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. The title will recognise individuals who showcase outstanding creativity and innovation, two characteristics that influenced Lagerfeld’s success. The inaugural winner was Emily Adams Bode, chosen by a judging panel composed of industry experts. The award was presented by Carine Roitfeld, style advisor at Karl Lagerfeld, during London Fashion Week.
The late designer’s career has been tied to the Woolmark Company since its beginning, as Karl Lagerfeld rose to fame after he won the 1954 Woolmark Prize in the coat category.
Copyright © 2023 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.


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The technological impact on Nike’s products has made a huge change on Nike in terms of selling and promoting its products. On one hand, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are major players. For instance, Nike Facebook page that has more than 23 million likes which promotes long video advertisements as well as communicating with its fans and customers by comments under every statement, video or picture.
Another example, Nike posts announcements, …show more content…
He highlighted that the roll out of Nike.com drives “great energy” across the business and gives consumers access to “the best of Nike”.
“We have focused our investment in digital and mobile over the last several years and they are paying off. Driving the connection of Nike.com to our broader digital strategy continues to be, without a doubt, one of our greatest opportunities as a company,” he said.
Nike is making a major push to give more store associates mobile devices to complete transactions and help shoppers find out-of-stock items on Nike.com. Store associates also can log shoppers into their Nike Plus loyalty accounts to help them earn rewards, and all online orders placed in store ship to the consumer’s doorstep or his local store for free. Members of Nike Plus who complete an online transaction in stores also get free returns, which helps reduce barriers to closing a sale.
3- Impact on promotion within your industry (include relevant online media like online intermediaries, search engines and platforms that play a role in your …show more content…
Promoting its product by a new idea, new inspiration and new passion. One of the famous campaign is called The Chance, which gives youngsters around the world the chance to win a place in The Nike Academy for a year. The image of this campaign was delivered by an inspiring video. This video has been watched by 2,7 Million people. As well as, it was party posted on Instagram, which by that it was spread between more people. The winners were given a full year attendance in the Academy, getting to play against the reserve teams of Premier League and other clubs.
Another campaign is called Times Square billboard, an interactive billboard in Times Square in America that allowed people to text their own custom design for a chance to win a pair of Nike IDs. To take part users had to dial the number displayed on the billboard then use their phone’s keypad to customize the on-screen shoe. They were then sent a text message with a link to download a wallpaper of your design or even buy it. The campaign ran back in 2009 when smartphone penetration was far lower than today. Nevertheless, it works very well as it was


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Legislative news involving the foodservice industry and stories about how a change in shaving tendencies is affecting CPG product lines made this week's top 10.
Plant-based products are continuing to grow in popularity, both at restaurants and food retail, and certain product categories have emerged as consumer favorites in each channel.
Companies making meat from animal cells could be closer to bringing products to market, if regulators around the world approve.
If recent news from some of the country’s largest food retailers is any indication, the future is now when it comes to adopting fast-paced, game-changing technologies in the supermarket.
Two stories about Hershey made the Top 10 this week, including the reveal of its newest candy bar.
Packaging that prioritizes food safety and sustainability is set to succeed in the restaurant industry this year.
This week saw news from Kroger, Unilever, Tyson and White Castle.
Restaurants turn to CPG product sales as the coronavirus pandemic continues to restrict indoor dining.
Restaurants were able to apply for loans this week under a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding.
Restaurants are responding to growing takeout sales with new store designs that put off-premises front and center.
Food retailers large and small are turning to technology to streamline the checkout process.
New CPG product debuts and Pizza Hut’s “Nothing But Stuffed Crust” also caught the attention of SmartBrief food and beverage readers.
Veganuary's growing popularity among consumers has spurred plant-based brands to participate in the 31-day vegan challenge.
What does convenience look like when a global pandemic throws normal schedules and routines into disarray?
Looking ahead to 2021, many of the food trends predicted by chefs, retail executives and other experts reflect the changing way consumers eat both at and away from home.


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Noticeably, the Da Nang Tourism Association has recently partnered with municipal Department of Tourism to make the debut of the second tourism stimulus programme with a view of stimulating travel demand for the rebound and revitalisation of domestic tourism, following the first running from 23 May to 31 June, following successful containment of the first coronavirus wave in Da Nang.
Of especial note, one of the new innovations observed from the latest stimulus programme is that, instead of offering discounts and other attractive deals just at press conferences as previously, this much-awaited event was broadcast live on the Danang FantastiCity fanpage.
This new approach, in deed, was hailed by the general public, for bringing up a high efficiency in boosting interactions with netizens, especially enabling them to gain deeper insights into what Da Nang longs to offer to its potential holiday makers.
During his recent meeting with the Da Nang tourism industry leaders, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung suggested that Vietnamese localities, including Da Nang, innovate its way of boosting tourism promotion.
Amidst the trend of digital transformation in the world currently being stronger than ever, the application of digital technology in tourism operations to make the best possible travel experience is very essential to businesses active in tourism industry, hereby partly assisting them in surviving, and gaining profits even amid the pandemic.
A large number of travel-themed webinars have been held by Da Nang tourism industry in an effort to market Da Nang’s tourism to such key potential international markets as Singapore, India, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and Japan.
Source: DA NANG Today


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Two more CSC students deny theft chargesNovember 06,2013Student theft ring:
Two more charged
Two more Castleton State College student athletes have denied charges that they stole merchandize from a sporting goods store in Rutland Town.
Eric N. Cross, 19, of Morrisville and Zachary Howe, 28, of Westminster pleaded innocent in Rutland criminal court to misdemeanor charges of retail theft. Cross faces two theft charges while Howe is charged with a single count.
They are among six CSC students who have been charged with stealing from Dickís Sporting Goods.
Students Brandon E. Boyle and George A. Busharis have already denied a felony charge of retail theft and four misdemeanor charges of retail theft respectively.
Two other students, Dominic S. Heller and Mark Comstock, have also been charged in the theft ring and have been cited into court at a later date.
All six are players on the CSC football or soccer teams. Two more unidentified students in the alleged theft ring have been suspended by the college from sports but not charged.
Vermont State Police said Cross, with the help of Boyle, who worked at the store, left the store on two occasions with merchandise that wasnít paid for. The value of the items taken was $172.99, police said.
Police said Howe took merchandise from the store once, but the value of the goods was $304.93.MORE IN This Just In
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- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: On Jan. 31, 2002, Berkshire Armored Car Co. in Rutland's Howe Center was robbed of $1.9 million. Brent Curtis reports some of the surprising details he found in 10 years of FBI investigation files in a 5-part Herald series.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: In 1835, deranged house painter attempts to kill Pres. Andrew Jackson; in 1969, Beatles play last live public performance on roof of Apple Corps building, London; in 1935, poet Richard Brautigan born in Tacoma, Washington.
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Top Gear, the famous British motoring publication, announced that a dealer had found his car painted by the famous Banksy, the street artist whose identity is shrouded in mystery.
Top Gear made a joke about Dacia on April 1 Photo: Top Gear
Banksy's artwork would have appeared in the showroom in the English city of Grimsby, on the back of a Dacia Spring, the cheapest electric vehicle. And the graffiti referring to 'The Stig', the name given to the anonymous racing driver who appeared on Top Gear, made the car priceless.
“Adigging up an original Banksy immediately increased the vehicle's value overnight,” said Top Gear correspondent Cory Spondent, known for “its largely incorrect exclusives from the automotive world“.
And the scribbled vehicle was titled “Hope Springs Eternal,” a sort of “Hope of Eternal Springs.” “Critics believe the name suggests a reduction in political commentary and have dismissed the idea that it is “just a loose play on words”.“, says the Top Gear journalist.
“I was absolutely blown away when I opened this morning. Crazy. A Banksy, a real Banksy. In my representation. Unbelievable.“, says the owner of the dealership where the miracle happened.
If for Bansky this could raise the auction price to tens of millions, for Dacia this could lead to the cancellation of the three-year warranty, it is also shown in the material written by Top Gear journalists for April 1st.
He who laughs last laughs better!
The pamphlet was tasted by the fans. The comments are funny too. A foreign Dacie owner claimed that “has several artistic mud splashes on the back of the car” , than what Banksy achieved. Another car enthusiast claims that “Dacia should offer this as an option“.
Dacia owners, especially Romanians, jump to the brand's defense. “We have a proverb in Romania: “He who laughs last laughs the most”. Dacia is the best-selling car in Europe“, commented a proud Romanian.


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The New York International Beer Competition, along with The Alcohol Professor, is proud to announce that we’re a sponsor of NYC Beer Week! This week-long event was created by the NYC Brewer’s Guild, whose mission is “to advocate for and promote awareness of its local brewing members; to increase the visibility of local beers through marketing, events, and consumer education; and to foster a healthy, ethical, and growth-focused craft beer industry throughout the city.”
From February 24th to March 4th, 2017, there will be awesome brewery events, classes, tastings, and lots more throughout the city. The New York International Beer Competition will be at the Opening Bash, showcasing this year’s competition winners. The NYIBC will take place on February 12th, 2017.


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Windows 10 runs on 1+ billion devices, Microsoft announced today. Yes, today the company is officially celebrating the 1 billion active devices. Remember that 1 billion devices was a goal he had put the company in 2015 during the release of Windows 10.
According to the company's forecasts at the time, the milestone of one billion would be reached in 2018, three years after the first official release of the operating system.
He finally did it in March 2020.
"Today we are pleased to announce that over one billion people are choosing Windows 10 in 200 countries, resulting in more than one billion active Windows 10 devices." he says Redmond.
Yusuf Mehdi, Vice President of Modern Life, Search & Devices at Microsoft, took the opportunity to report that 100% of Fortune 500 companies now use Windows 10 devices.
"New Windows 10 features and security updates are now delivered faster than ever. We have evolved from the release of a new edition every three years, to the release of multiple editions each year. ”
Of course, the company's celebrations do not mention the problems caused by the updates to some users. Let's remember the story for a while:
Kip Kniskern has written an article for Microsoft. Confusion reigns: what's going on with the Windows Insider Program? It addresses some of the issues and confusion that prevails in Windows Insider.
Let's look at the names:
The Creators Update was released in the spring of 2017 and has a release number of 1703. The Fall Creators Update (version 1709) was released in the fall, where "Fall" caused problems in some countries, as the fall (Fall) in the northern hemisphere is Spring in the southern hemisphere.
After all, some are beginning to realize that there will be a problem in the spring of 2020. According to the above nomenclature, a Windows 10 version 2003 is expected to be released, but it has almost the same name as Windows Server 2003 from the previous decade. I'm curious to see how this can be resolved. They might call this version Windows 10 2004.
If anyone asks me if I could do something better: Probably not. First of all, probably I would not move Windows as a service and secondly I do not get paid to scratch my head to find a name for Windows 10…
Treshold, Redstone, 19H1 etc.
For Windows Insiders there were special code names like Threshold 1, 2 or Redstone 1, 2, etc. for development branches. Because this again led to confusion, the name of the development branches was changed at the beginning of 2019. Now codes are given from the year and then number 1 for the spring release while number 2 for the autumn version. Thus, Windows 10 version 1903 is the development branch with code 19H1. In the fall of 2019 will be released Windows 10 19H2 (probably as a 1909 edition).
In addition to the above, Microsoft also uses individual build numbers for Windows. Personally, I do not pay attention to them, and I believe that no "ordinary" user is interested.
Kip Kniskern asked if, after four years of nonsense, it was time to create a single nomenclature for the releases of Windows 10. I totally agree and would appreciate a name scheme like the latest codes 19H1, 19H2 etc.
Major and minor updates
Businesses are furious with the semi-annual updates of new features. Meanwhile, Microsoft has tried to make a 180-degree turn. In order to maintain the old strategy (updating new features of Windows 10 twice a year), the company found a much "smarter" solution. A regular new feature update will be released each spring, supporting 18-month upgrades to all versions of Windows 10.
Let's wait for the sequel…


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Tourism numbers in Capricorn & the Southern Great Barrier Reef Region continue to see positive growth!
National Visitor Survey results were released this week from Tourism Research Australia to reveal overall visitation to the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) Destination is up by 11.8%, welcoming a whopping 2.3 million domestic visitors (2 million were from within… Read more »
The new 2020-21 Helloworld Travel QLD Islands & Whitsundays including Southern Great Barrier Reef brochures have just been released and will be hitting AUS & NZ retail stores this week! Here is a link to the Viva Holidays branded brochure…. Read more »
As Central Queensland fast becomes an economic powerhouse due to the progression and commencement of $3.6 billion worth of major infrastructure projects within the region, recent data released from the Rental Tenancy Authority shows that population across Rockhampton and the… Read more »
Work is well underway on the four year, multi-million-dollar Rookwood Weir project, which will provide a new water storage facility on the Fitzroy River, approximately 66 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton. The project, being led by industry giant, Sunwater, is jointly… Read more »
The Australia Day long weekend is just around the corner so Capricorn Enterprise is encouraging the community to check out what’s on and start making some plans. “If you’re keen to sample some true-blue Aussie tucker, hang out by the… Read more »
Tourism Australia (TA) and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) have been working furiously behind the scenes to not only ensure correct messaging to our international markets, but also help fund additional marketing campaigns going forward. TEQ has held regular teleconferences… Read more »


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WALNUT — More than eight years after the closing of the local grocery store, plans are falling into place for opening a new grocery store in Walnut.
Owners Dave and Robin Jameson have announced that they are on track for opening the store this November. The store will carry numerous grocery staples, including produce and meat, but also a wide variety of other items as well, plus natural and gluten free choices.
The Jamesons purchased the former Walnut Family Foods building in October 2016 with the intent of using it as a butcher shop for their farm-to-table meat business. After many months working with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Lee County, Bureau County, and the village of Walnut, building and remodeling is in progress for a slaughter and chill facility off site as well as butchering, packaging, and freezing areas at the grocery store building. The couple intends to open the beef and pork butcher shop early in 2018.
According to the owners, the couple originally intended to open a meat shop that also sold a few of their other food items, but over the last few months that idea expanded to a small grocery, and now to a full-size grocery. They are working with a grocery retail counselor and are set up with a grocery distributor out of Indiana that specializes in small town groceries.
“They are wonderful to work with, and very supportive as we take each step toward opening the store,” said Robin Jameson.
“We have received so much encouragement already from the community,” said the Jamesons. “People are very excited to have a grocery store back in town, of course for the convenience, but also to shop smaller (compared to big box stores) and to support Walnut businesses and families.”
For more information, follow Walnut Acres Country Store on Facebook.


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Jane Goodall Releases Adorable Chimp Cards for #GivingTuesday
In honor of #GivingTuesday, a day devoted to helping others rather than heading out to the stores to buy more stuff (how many of us really need more), The Jane Goodall Institute has released the most adorable e-cards you can imagine. My favorite is the one above, but “Stick close to the ones you love” is definitely a close second.
Shawn Sweeney from The Jane Goodall Institute told us, “#GivingTuesday specifically calls people to consider their purchases around this time of the year, and encourages them instead of buying more stuff, to support their favorite causes. We have some of the best supporters out there and wanted to make #GivingTuesday something extra fun for all of us.”
Take a moment today to support your favorite cause, whether it’s endangered species like chimpanzees, clean water, human rights, farm animals or any of the other worthwhile issues out there that desperately need funding. Nonprofits can only do as much as their bank accounts allow them to. They depend on all of us to fund their work to make the world a better place. Who will you donate to today?
(And don’t forget to send a chimpanzee holiday greeting!)


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The cryptocurrency industry had extreme highs and lows in 2023. Despite the crypto drop that started in 2022, the total market value climbed over 70% to $1.5 trillion by December 13, 2023 (Coinmarketcap.com).
The Good: Crypto's Notable Growth in 2023
Bitcoin made an impressive comeback in 2023 after hitting low points the year before. As of December 13, 2023, Bitcoin was up a remarkable 159% from its January price.
Bitcoin Price January- December 2023
Investment companies like BlackRock, the world’s biggest asset manager, also supported Bitcoin. Other large companies like PayPal and VISA continued exploring cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. PayPal launched its stablecoin $PYUSD, while VISA expanded stablecoin settlement capabilities to merchant acquirers. This increased institutional involvement provided the industry with a sense of legitimacy and stability.
Philip Swift, who created the Look Into Bitcoin stats site, said the rising number of Bitcoin wallet holders shows increasing adoption. This growth in everyday Bitcoin investors is important for several reasons. First, it suggests people feel more confident about Bitcoin being viable long-term. Second, it shows Bitcoin’s potential to evolve past its "digital gold" status and become an asset class used by a wider range of investors.
The Bad: Challenges and Uncertainty
The cryptocurrency world is bursting with innovation and potential, but it also operates in a largely uncharted regulatory landscape. This lack of clear rules and frameworks can be both a boon and a bane for the industry, creating uncertainty for businesses and investors alike.
Crypto regulations vary between countries. Some places welcome crypto innovation with guidelines and support, like Switzerland and Singapore. Others banned or limited crypto trading and mining, like China and Russia.
While the specifics may differ, most regulatory efforts around the globe tend to focus on a few key areas:
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC): Regulators are concerned about crypto's potential for facilitating illegal activities like money laundering and terrorism financing. They are implementing AML/KYC requirements for crypto exchanges and other service providers to help prevent such activities.
Consumer Protection: Regulators want to ensure that crypto investors are adequately protected from fraud and scams. This may involve measures like licensing exchanges, requiring disclosure of risks, and establishing dispute resolution mechanisms.
Market Manipulation: The volatile nature of crypto markets raises concerns about market manipulation. Regulators are developing frameworks to prevent unfair trading practices and protect investors from manipulation.
Taxation: The treatment of cryptocurrencies for tax purposes remains unclear in many jurisdictions. Regulators are working to establish clear guidelines for taxing crypto transactions and holdings.
The rapidly evolving nature of the crypto industry makes it difficult for regulators to keep pace. New technologies and business models emerge constantly, posing new challenges and requiring adaptation of regulatory frameworks.
The Ugly: Tax Headaches and Security Threats
Cryptocurrencies have exploded into the mainstream in recent years, attracting scores of investors and traders seeking to cash in on this booming new asset class. However, crypto’s meteoric rise in popularity has also created numerous tax headaches as regulators scramble to address widespread confusion around reporting obligations.
Cryptocurrency tax rules still evolve and vary based on location and crypto use. Most people have no idea how digital assets are treated for tax purposes.
Making things more confusing, you need to track gains and losses on every crypto transaction. If you traded one token for another, bought something with crypto, or moved assets between wallets - all of these are potentially taxable events. This creates a data nightmare.
Unlike stocks or bonds, determining the exact cost basis on cryptocurrencies can prove incredibly complex due to constant trading activity across various exchanges and wallets. Properly calculating gains and losses for tax reporting is impossible without accurate purchase and sale price data.
The disruptive nature of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has opened up new possibilities in finance and beyond. However, it has also introduced new attack surfaces and vectors that users should know to best secure their funds and assets.
One of the most common crypto threats comes from phishing attacks or fraudulent sites masquerading as legitimate wallet providers or exchanges to dupe users into giving up private keys or account info. These sophisticated fakes can look extremely real, underscoring the need for caution when accessing any crypto service online. Only use official sites and beware of any suspicious communications requesting urgent action.
Like the internet in its early phase, prior to global adoption, cryptocurrencies can seem complicated. At CryptoConsultz, we know that investors need help to navigate this complex landscape. The world of crypto investing and taxes takes specialized knowledge. Our team at CryptoConsultz wants to make this easier for our clients. We offer tailored solutions to meet your unique needs and challenges with cryptocurrencies.
The events of 2023 have shaped the direction of the cryptocurrency market. Key market trends and new regulations play a big role in determining the future of Bitcoin and other digital assets. CryptoConsultz remains dedicated to guiding our clients through an evolving crypto world. We give guidance and insights to handle today’s complex issues, preparing you for the future of digital assets.


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Printed Circuit Design & Fab Magazine
San Jose — Sanmina today reported second fiscal quarter revenue of $1.68 billion, flat with a year ago and down 3% sequentially.
HSINCHU CITY, TAIWAN – Iteq reported first quarter sales grew 11.2% year-over-year to nearly $2 billion, as a result of rising copper foil prices and increased halogen-free, low-loss product shipments, say reports.
KAOHSIUNG CITY, TAIWAN – Taiflex Scientific reported first quarter net income down 2.4% year-over-year and 40% sequentially to $3.3 million, the lowest level in 25 quarters.
SHENZHEN, CHINA – Flex PCB manufacturer Leader-Tech Electronics plans to raise up to $16.2 million in new funding through the issuance of new shares, according to reports.
COSTA MESA, CA – TTM Technologies has completed its acquisition of Anaren for $775 million in cash consideration. The companies had combined total revenue of $2.9 billion in 2017.
TAINAN CITY, TAIWAN -- Hitachi Chemical will invest 7.5 billion yen ($70 million) to construct a new laminate materials factory here, the company announced.
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TAMPA, Fla. - Online shopping has taken some of the punch out of hitting the mall once the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away.
Before you make your list and check it twice you may want to see what the folks at DealNews.com say you should wait to buy to get better deals.
The website says jewelry, winter wear, Christmas decorations, top-brand TVs and even toys can wait until after the Doorbuster rush when they will likely get even cheaper.
To read about the rest of the top 10 items, visit dealnews.com/features/10-Things-Not-to-Buy-on-Black-Friday/518931.html .
Mobile users cut and paste: http://bit.ly/vyGvyI


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According to the latest report, the global LED lighting market reached a value of US$ 1.26 Billion in 2018. Looking forward, IMARC expects the market to reach a value of US$ 1.74 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of around 6% during the next five years.
For more information about this report visit: https://www.imarcgroup.com/led-manufacturing-plant
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor, electroluminescence device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. Cost-effectiveness, reliability, minimal power consumption, and a longer life-span are some of the key benefits offered by LED lights when compared with the conventional lighting systems, such as incandescent and compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Owing to these benefits, these lights find extensive applications in both the outdoor and indoor settings across various industry verticals, ranging from electronics to healthcare.
Global LED Lighting Market Trends:
The global market is driven by the rising environmental consciousness across the globe, which has led to an accelerated shift toward the adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions. Furthermore, the implementation of favorable government policies promoting the utilization of LED lighting systems, along with significant investments by both the government and non-governmental sectors, is creating a positive impact on the market. Other factors, including technological advancements and the emerging trend of smart cities, are projected to drive the market further.
Get a PDF Sample for more detailed market insights: https://www.imarcgroup.com/led-manufacturing-plant/requestsample
Key Market Segmentation:
Performance of Key Regions
4. United States
Market by Application
2. Retail and Hospitality
Key highlights of the report:
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Market Drivers and Success Factors
Also read: Smart Lighting Companies in the World 2019
Contact US: IMARC Group
309 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on twitter: @imarcglobal
This post was originally published on Trading Herald


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BlackBerry 10 will be dead on arrival, proclaims analyst
One Pacific Crest Securities analyst reckons RIM’s BlackBerry 10 will be dead on arrival
RIM’s upcoming BlackBerry 10 platform, arguably the company’s last-ditch attempt at closing the void between itself and Apple and Google, will be dead on arrival, according to Pacific Crest Securities analyst James Faucette.
Pegged with a Q1 2013 release date, BlackBerry 10 will join the likes of Android 4.2, iOS 6, and Windows Phone 8 in the highly competitive mobile space, currently dominated by Google’s little green man, which owns around 75 per cent of the market, with Apple’s iOS in second place on 25 per cent.
In this sense it's very much a two horse race, and looks to stay that way for the foreseeable future. This current market trajectory is perhaps the main reason why investors on Wall Street aren’t particularly enamoured with RIM's upcoming platform either.
Shares in RIM, despite the upcoming launch of new hardware and a brand new platform, continue to tumble. The launch of Windows Phone 8 hasn’t helped RIM’s position, with many analysts tipping Microsoft’s platform as the most likely suitor for third place.
In a note to investors on Wednesday, reports BGR, Pacific Crest Securities analyst James Faucette said BlackBerry 10 may be dead on arrival, thus setting off the biggest decline for shares of RIM in more than a month.
‘We believe BB10 is likely to be DOA, said Faucette.’
‘We expect the new OS to be met with a lukewarm response at best and ultimately likely to fail,’ concluded Faucette.
Faucette believes RIM’s new OS will struggle to persuade users over from iOS and Android partly because the new platform is so unfamiliar, but mostly because of the limited number of applications and compatible technology.
There is also talk of RIM licensing out BlackBerry 10 to manufacturers that are looking to lessen their reliance on Android. No partners have been confirmed as yet and RIM has remained pretty tight-lipped about the idea up to now.
Still, licensing deals could be the way forward for the company, particularly if it can secure some big brand names like HTC and Samsung.
RIM has confirmed that it will be releasing BlackBerry 10 inside a new selection of handsets, as well as its existing PlayBook tablet, in Q1 2013. Latest reports suggest March is the month it’ll all be happening.


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Canada will need a lot of time to recover after the economic damage the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted upon the country. Tiff Macklem the governor of Bank of Canada said that as the restrictions are lifted, and people go back to work there will be some economic growth in the third quarter of this year. However, the households going back to normal and even all the businesses reopening does not mean that the economy will also go back to normal and start growing again. Recovering the economy of Canada will be a long-lasting process. The reopening does not follow the same path in every province and not every industry follows the same regulations. Nobody can predict the degree of consumerism, and the unemployment rates are still quite high. Some regulations, such as physical distancing means that some businesses will not be able to work at the full capacity. This means that even when all the businesses reopen certain regulations will limit productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic created a recession unlike any other in our lifetime, Mr. Macklem said. After April three million people stayed unemployed and more than that had their hours slashed. Mr. Macklem says that as the economy reopens more jobs will be added and hopes to see more spending.
Digital charter could be a rescue during the recession
Ever since the government of Justin Trudeau took over Canada, the digital economy has become one of the top priorities of the country. Canada tries to create a thriving ecosystem for tech projects. In 2019 the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Industry published Canada’s Digital Charter. The government will help the traditional economies to adopt new technologies and create an environment in which digital economies will further evolve. iGaming is a good example of a digital economy’s success in Canada. Canadian online casinos are very popular not only locally but globally. The main goal was to create a long-lasting environment for international players and industry to achieve success with the help of digital charter. With digital charter, authorities of Canada helped iGaming industry providers to adapt exclusive Canadian slot games with original plots. Another reason for the iGaming industry’s success was the green light from the government about the digital currencies. Adopting cryptocurrencies was an important decision for the iGaming industry. iGaming became easily accessible for users from outside the country because of BTC and crypto in general. The difficulties associated with the traditional money transactions and international exchange rates were lifted. Online casinos use facial recognition technologies to increase safety and prevent theft. In the times of the pandemic digital industries managed to keep working.
Digital Charter is a roadmap for the development of the digital economy of the country. The document promotes principles such as equality and transparency and aims at creating equal access to digital technologies for Canadians. Creating a transparent digital world with high safety standards is also a goal.
Uber getting into grocery delivery business in Canada
Uber Technologies Inc., a tech giant based in San Francisco, is starting a grocery delivery service and will start offering its services in Toronto and Montreal first. Last week, Uber announced that the users in Montreal and Toronto can order groceries with Uber and Uber Eats apps. Daniel Dunker, the head of Uber’s product team said that the users will be able to order groceries from local merchants and get them delivered in a couple of hours. Uber will deliver thousands of products from all stores including Walmart, Metro, Costco, Pet Valu, and others. In 2018 Uber announced that the company was hiring the head of grocery products in Toronto. At the time Uber did not make any official announcements about the plans but the company became a major shareholder of a Chilean grocery delivery startup Cornershop. Cornershop that is about to launch in around twelve Latin American cities in addition to Canada, will be Uber’s partner. However, other giants such as Amazon.com and Instacart are already competing with supermarkets such as Walmart and Loblaw Companies Ltd. It might not be very difficult for Uber to get into the market because their food delivery app Uber Eats is already super popular because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health And Hygiene: Items That You Need To Clean Regularly During The Coronavirus Pandemic


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On Pocketnow Daily, one of Apple’s suppliers just developed some new technology that could shrink the iPhone’s notch significantly. New polarizing leaks of the heavily-rumored iPad Mini 5 have just emerged on Twitter. Two new colors of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro will launch in the following days. Benchmarks show us the specs as well of what the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite will be capable of. We end today’s show with leaks for Xiaomi’s upcoming AirPod replacements.
- Apple may have found a way to get rid of the notch created by Face ID
- This could be the new iPad mini 5, but there’s no flash in sight
- Fragrant Red and Comet Blue Huawei Mate 20 Pro coming this week
- The Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is starting to show us what it’s made of
- Check out the new Xiaomi Mi Air true wireless earbuds


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CNBC's Carl Quintanilla reports Fisher Price has upgraded its "bouncy seat" with an iPad holder. CNBC's Jon Fortt weighs in.
Tech Yeah focuses on reports of Apple and China Mobile reaching a deal.
U.S. stocks fell on Thursday after data had the economy growing more rapidly than expected.
European equities closed lower as investors worried about deflation in the euro zone, and concerns over Fed tapering.
Has Carl Icahn put Apple CEO Tim Cook in a box in regards to the buyback? Brian Marshall of ISI Group shares his opinions.
Apple is trading at its highest level since last December on reports a deal has been completed with China Mobile. Brian Marshall of ISI Group, says there may be a relief rally for the stock if the partnership happens.
Alex Gauna, JMP Securities senior research analyst, discusses Apple's expectations amid rumors of a China Mobile deal. CNBC's Jon Fortt weighs in.
CNBC's Jon Fortt digs into the rumors of a China Mobile-Apple deal and what that means to Apple's pricing and revenue.
The key to understanding Apple's 2014 strategy is its cohesive cross-device operating ecosystem that is driving sales and product development. Jason Stein, of Laundry Service, shares his predictions.
Will the arms race in baseball finally come to a breaking point? Will the NFL regain its mojo? What lies ahead in sports is not a sure bet. CNBC's Dominic Chu offers his insights.
Rana Foroohar, Time assistant managing editor, discusses her interview with investor Carl Icahn. Foroohar says Icahn is "persistent and aggressive" but is "super smart," so she hopes investors are listening.
Brian White, Cantor Fitzgerald managing director discusses the China Mobile - Apple deal and Carl Icahn's impact on the stock.
The "Squawk on the Street" news team discuss investor Carl Icahn's buyback proposal for Apple. David Faber says Apple needs stock to go up to be a competitive employer.
Stock index futures slide on Thursday.
Apple and China Mobile have signed a deal to distribute Apple's iPhone, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
U.S. President Barack Obama said he is not allowed to have an iPhone for "security reasons," though he does have an iPad.
Some of the names on the move ahead of the open.
Indian shares outperformed on Thursday while the rest of region declined on uncertainty over when the Federal Reserve may taper its stimulus program.
Tablet computer sales have been on fire this year, but a shift in consumer preferences is set to douse demand in the coming years, according to IDC.
Keith Fitz-Gerald, Chief Investment Strategist at Money Map Press, describes what impact the long-awaited Apple distribution deal could have on China Mobile's revenues.


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The company, which transitioned from a luxury online marketplace to a monobrand around 18 months ago, says Jones’ appointment represents a pivotal step in opening its offering to a new set of consumers.
"We want evolution and revolution," founder Bec Astley Clarke told BoF. "When [we] met Dominic, there was no question that here was someone who had an acute awareness of the international fashion zeitgeist and who could be instrumental in elevating our brand onto the international stage."
Busquets believes the appointment of Jones will help the company tap into a younger generation of consumers. "Many businesses lack the creative energy that Dominic has for understanding his clientele and the whole generation of millennials who haven’t seen the area of jewellery as interesting, so I think there is lots of opportunity for growth," she says.
Jones says Astley Clarke represented an exciting opportunity to design collections for a wider range of customers, create both contemporary pieces and fine jewellery, and evolve his aesthetic. "There is an opportunity to serve women at all levels," Jones told BoF in an interview at the Astley Clarke studio in west London. "And that is what I really want to promote. This idea of democratising fine jewellery and it being inclusive."
The designer oversees a direct team of four people, a wider team of around 30 people, and is responsible for all creative decisions within the company, from designing collections and overseeing creative campaigns to the redesign of the brand's website. He will reveal his first complete collection for Astley Clarke in February, for Autumn/Winter 2017.
Jones launched his eponymous jewellery label in 2009, and was one of the first jewellers to be included on the official London Fashion Week presentation schedule, catching the eye of Anna Wintour as well as celebrities including Beyonce, Rihanna and Florence Welch. Jones won the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN award five times and his jewellery was sold at Liberty, Harvey Nichols Net-a-Porter and 10 Corso Como. In spite of this, he closed his label in 2014.
"I trained as a fine jeweller, so I know all of the techniques and processes but I was working in this one language," he says. "If you were interviewing an artist, I would say that was my sculptural period — now, I am going to be doing oil painting and its going to be about colour and its going to be about technique, its going to be about detail and refinement and emotion. So it’s still very much me, but it’s like me playing drums [then] and me playing the violin now."
"I’ve just given myself a bit of a debrief, just to let myself settle into who I am today … rather than trying to evolve something that I had grown out of," he adds. "It was just nicer to have a clean break and come back."
There is an opportunity to serve women at all levels. And that is what I really want to promote. This idea of democratising fine jewellery and it being inclusive.
The move is an exciting opportunity for both Jones and Astley Clarke, says Fran Burns, fashion editor at British Vogue, who has watched Jones’ career develop over the years in her role on the British Fashion Council NEWGEN committee.
"When Dominic first launched his own collection ... people responded to it immediately because it was beautiful and it was a luxury product but it was very connected to youth culture, and high fashion, in a way that fine jewellery hadn't been for such a long time," she says. "He will bring something unexpected, brilliant, contemporary and fresh and reach a whole new market for the brand. Its just really exciting to see how that is going to unfold."


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UK Web Hosting provider eUKhost has announced its competition for the 2012 London Olympics giving great prizes for those that correctly predict the amount of medals Team GB will win during each day of the Olympics.
Mr. Logde, Marketing Manager at eUKhost stated “[The] Olympics is associated with the spirit of energy, focus, determination and enthusiasm, which also defines eUKhost’s commitment and dedication to excel. So, eUKhost has decided to celebrate the event and cheer the team of brilliant sportspersons; and to give out some exciting prizes to all the keen participants.”
eUKhost has announced that the contest shall run until the 11 August 2012 at 8AM UTC/GMT.
Read more on eUKhost’s contest on their Web Hosting Forum.


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‘Spirit of the Desert’: Diageo Expands Distribution of Godawan Single Malt Beyond India
After explaining the concept of Godawan whisky and its purposeful luxury at the 75th Cannes Film Festival 2022, the expession dubbed the “Spirit of the Desert” now makes its way to another iconic desert destination – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As the world’s first luxury single malt whisky from Rajasthan, India, Godawan has been gaining much attention since its debut earlier this year. Now, Diageo India is set to introduce this outstanding whisky to international markets with the unveiling of Godawan in Dubai. After the successful launch of Godawan in Jaipur, India, Diageo looks to bring Rajasthani tradition and culture to the world with this unique whisky.
The brand pays homage to the people of Rajasthan, who are known for their ability to make beautiful and long-lasting products from limited resources. Godawan is committed to sustainability and supporting the local economy. In a prepared statement, the brand said it produces high-quality items that are both beautiful and durable.
“We, at Diageo India, believe consumers, culture and community lie at the heart of our innovation. Godawan will help the world and our consumers discover an aspect of Indian culture hitherto unknown – rich and meaningful. This Single Malt is representative of what sustainable, mindful, purposeful modern Indian luxury looks like and Dubai is the right stage to take this story to the rest of the world. Godawan is not just rich in its story, but also in its distinct flavors. With this launch, I truly believe that Diageo India has set a new standard for single malts coming out of India>,” said Hina Nagarajan, CEO of Diageo India.
Temperatures in the area surpassing 100 F and the use of six-row barley, which requires lesser water, helps create a whisky with an “incredible depth of flavor, and a rich and complex character,” according to the brand. This also means the “Angel’s share” is higher than average in Godawan. The whisky is further enhanced by a finish in special casks selectively curated with Indian botanicals.
Here at Whiskey Raiders, we do more than write about current events in whiskey. We are the only media property reviewing whiskeys and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the whiskey world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of whiskey in your morning email, sign up for our Daily Dram Gram!


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Cloud gaming is fast becoming the next big thing in gaming. Google being first in the game to announce its Stadia cloud gaming platform with some pretty promising specs a few months ago. EA’s Project Atlas game streaming service is also on its way. In fact, the game maker has announced a surprise Cloud Gaming Technical Trial that will debut September 10th at 1 AM Eastern as a closed beta for some people who’ve signed up for Community Playtesting.
There will be only four games available to the beta testers as of now including FIFA 19, Need for Speed Rivals, Titanfall 2 and Unravel. Atlas’ synced game progression will be a nice thing to see as progress you make while streaming will translate to your games on Origin, no matter what device you’re playing on.
EA is using this trial to also gauge how well its streaming works in real-life situations. EA intends to use Amazon Web Services and the “public cloud” to place servers closer to gamers, improving reliability while minimizing Jitter, lag and other obstacles to the cloud gaming experience.
EA has not commented on if or when it expects to premiere a full-fledged service to the public. As with rivals like Google Stadia and Microsoft’s Project xCloud, EA is dreaming of a day when you can play its games on virtually any device with a screen, whether it’s a computer, mobile device or a smart TV. The trial is both a step toward that goal and a peek at the future, even if practical service isn’t ready for a long while.


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The move to electric transport will be boosted by a £30M five-year investment announced yesterday by the Welsh Government.
It is putting up the money to encourage private investors and network providers to install more public charging points to meet concerns motorists expressed so far in a public consultation which ends in February 2021,
An assessment of the current EV network has revealed a serious shorage of public charging points which discourages more people from making the switch to electric vehicles and currently only 0.17% of Welsh cars are pure electric.
The £30 M over five years will go into creating over 30,000 fast charging points and more than 2,500 rapid chargers which will help with the practical issues surrounding running an electric vehicle.
The UK Government has said it will outlaw pure petrol and diesel cars by 2035 and then only hybrids and pure battery electric vehicles will be permitted, but there is widespread belief only EVs will be allowed beyond 2040, possibly sooner.
The Welsh Government boost will kickstart the widerspread installation of chargers for public use and it is keen to introduce a uniform easy contactless payment system to support adoption of EVs, safe provision of charger stations and around-the-clock support which will be part of the investment.


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Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset is shipping today after being announced earlier this year. The HoloLens 2 headset, which costs $3,500, will be delivered to preorder customers in around a half-dozen countries. It’s an upgraded version of the device first released in 2016, featuring a wider field of view and more complex gesture controls.
The HoloLens 2 is shipping in the US, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. As my colleague Dieter Bohn detailed earlier, the HoloLens has gotten a redesign for better ergonomics, so its weight sits more comfortably and it’s less difficult to find a good viewing angle. Its field of view has substantially increased, from 34 degrees to 52 degrees diagonally — Microsoft has described the overall area as “more than doubled,” and while you can debate the specifics, it’s a dramatic improvement.
It’s still for businesses, not consumers
Microsoft has also added full-fledged gesture tracking, not just the “air tap” option from the original HoloLens. You can do things like pinch and drag objects or pull up menus by tapping a holographic button on your wrist. These new gestures are an important draw for companies that might want to upgrade from the earlier HoloLens, since they open up a new range of app options.
Microsoft prototyped some games and art apps for the first HoloLens, but the HoloLens 2 is aimed purely at business customers — especially people working in manufacturing or repair jobs where a hands-free heads-up display would come in handy. Buyers can pay an additional monthly fee for Microsoft’s Remote Assist software, which is designed for live, hands-free troubleshooting. Consumers aren’t meant to buy these headsets, but they may still interact with them in situations like product showrooms. And a custom US military version of the HoloLens is being built as part of the controversial Integrated Visual Augmentation System.
Microsoft communications director Greg Sullivan says the original HoloLens will still be supported, but some developers may start building apps that require the HoloLens 2’s gesture controls. And the preorder customers, he says, are a blend of new buyers and people who want to replace their first-generation devices. “The first time it was like, ‘What is this thing?’” says Sullivan. Now, there’s an existing base of customers — albeit a relatively small one — already sold on the idea.


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Cruise Ships Ain't Getting No Stimulus Money Just Because They're Not Even American, Isn't That Sad?
The coronavirus and resulting economic shutdowns have laid waste to such industries as restaurants, hotels, airlines, and, yes, cruise ships, those floating petri dishes where you go to fall in love and catch the measles. The Senate passed a hefty $2 trillion stimulus package this week, but cruise ships won't have access to $500 billion in aid for large employers. That's because they've previously spelled “relief" T-A-X-D-O-D-G-E.
From the Washington Post:
Language in the 883-page bill passed by the Senate says that to be eligible for aid from the $500 billion fund, companies must be certified as "created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States" as well as having "significant operations in" and a majority of employees based in the United States.
Major cruise companies like to base their primary headquarters overseas, so they can avoid pesky federal taxes and even more annoying US regulations, such as health and safety codes. They staff their ships with workers from the Philippines, Indonesia and India, which they don't do because they're big believers in the global village. No, they pay foreign workers around $2 an hour and work them plantation style. Business Insider reported that cruise-ship employees often work eight to 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
NEW: Cruise industry not confident it could borrow from any of the existing loan programs bc of offshore registrati… https://t.co/Z36Bgp8c99— Kayla Tausche (@Kayla Tausche) 1585247757.0
Near slave labor and robber baron tax rates have greatly benefitted the cruise ship industry. The major players make profits in the billions. Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean enjoy profit margins of 16, 17, and 19 percent, respectively, which is almost double the average of most hotels of a similar size. It was a good ride before they hit the coronavirus iceberg, but the bailout rules are clearly stated, in black and white, which the cruise ship owners can read for themselves in this photostatic copy.
Wonka - Good Day Sir!www.youtube.com
By the way, Royal Caribbean Cruises is literally incorporated in Liberia. Live by the Ayn Rand Boner Fantasy, die by the Ayn Rand Boner Fantasy, we guess.
The Cruise Lines International Association tried to plead poverty, but it didn't work. The major cruise lines aren't included in the stimulus package. CLIA spokeswoman Bari Golin-Blaugrund was just bummed.
GOLIN-BLAUGRUND: For the more than 421,000 people in the United States whose jobs are supported by the cruise industry, we will continue to work with policymakers to help our community recover from the impact of this pandemic.
LOL. She's trying to spin this as if cruise lines actually employ Americans. They treat their foreign workers like disposable goods: When crew members are injured on the job, they're left behind in their home countries with a “too bad, so sad" kiss off. Cruise ships also work out wiseguy-esque deals with local vendors at the ports they frequent, taking almost 70 percent of the onshore revenue. Sure, the cruise ship industry itself creates jobs for travel agencies and other small businesses, but they are eligible for the $377 billion in relief to small businesses that technically operate in the United States.
About one in seven cruise ship passengers is over 70, which is a high-risk group for the coronavirus. Cruise ships have a bad reputation in general for keeping passengers safe from contagious disease. It's true that this pandemic is an existential threat to cruise ships, but it's debatable how much the American taxpayer should care. The cruise ship industry definitely never cared about paying taxes in America. Which must be why Donald Trump was so hot to throw money at them, besides his longtime friendship with the CEO of Carnival, which owns Princess Cruises. That guy should try hitting up Panama, where he's incorporated, instead.
[Washington Post / The Hustle]
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Stephen Robinson is a writer and social kibbitzer based in Portland, Oregon. He writes make believe for Cafe Nordo, an immersive theatre space in Seattle. Once, he wrote a novel called “Mahogany Slade,” which you should read or at least buy. He's also on the board of the Portland Playhouse theatre. His son describes him as a “play typer guy."


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As exhibitors put the final polish on their gems for the Couture jewelry show, running May 27 to June 1 at Wynn Las Vegas, buyers should get ready for plenty of gold, geometric shapes, Art Deco motifs and splashes of color.
“The market in America the last couple of years has gone from strength to strength,” said London-based jeweler Stephen Webster. “We had our best year ever on Rodeo Drive and our best year in a long time for Neiman Marcus, two big indicators for the American market.”
While the collapse of the Russian market has brought challenges to his business, Webster said he’s not as dependent on that consumer anymore, particularly with the American market gaining stability and more selling in Asia. In fact, he’s focusing more on the highest price points. “One trend we have seen is much more activity in the $50,000-to-$100,000 range. “From Christmas leading into spring, we’ve invested more in that area. It’s a lot easier than selling 20 things at $10,000.” Webster’s colorful, mixed-stone collections have taken a shift toward the geometric with larger single stones rather than pavé. “They’re big looks, but less formal. Think of what ladies wear at Saint-Tropez at lunchtime.” Like others, he’s also doing more gold: “I think our Gold Struck collection will be our success story for Las Vegas.”
Even smaller jewelers like Nam Cho, who started her line in 2009, have found more customers at a higher-than-average price point. Cho said her diamond and sapphire baguette earrings and bangles look expensive, but are priced at what is considered the entry point for most high-end jewelers. “When I started out, people told me that the $5,000 to $10,000 range is tough, but that’s where I think the market is growing. It’s affordable for what it is.”
But Couture veteran Penny Preville, who has exhibited at the show for 25 years, said the fine-jewelry business has its challenges. “This season, it’s taken more strategic planning with our retailers and more of an effort to connect with the customers. The economy is improving slightly, but we’re competing with other luxury categories and consumers. It’s definitely a lot of work,” she said. Preville sees growth opportunities with her bridal collection as well as with mobile. The company is updating its e-commerce site to make it smartphone-friendly, though Preville said, “Soon it will be on their watches.” The retail sweet spot for Preville’s core customer is $3,000 to $5,000, though a growing number of younger customers, the daughters of her collectors, are spending in the under-$2,000 range. Newness includes more statement earrings, such as climber styles, and collars, chokers and long necklaces. While her garland motifs remain the most popular, she’s also designed celestial, Art Deco and lace groups for the show.
“Buyers are going after uniqueness,” said Greg Kwiat, president of the New York jeweler known for its diamond high-end jewelry. “We have seen retailers take risks with younger designers and be rewarded with space at the retail counter.” Kwiat, the family-run firm established in 1907, took a departure this season with its modern Madison Avenue collection, which incorporates black matte ceramic with white gold and diamonds. “We wanted to create something with a contemporary feel that would appeal to a client looking for some individuality,” he said.
For Los Angeles-based Arman Sarkisyan, creating more one-of-a-kind pieces has increased his business this year by 25 percent. “I find stores are reaching more for designer fashion jewelry, where it’s not as much about the name or the price. Buyers will say, ‘Show me what’s not commercial,’ so we are changing the business as a result of this,” he said. Arman lockets start at around $2,500 and average about $8,000 to $12,000, though some pieces run as high as $200,000. He’s also changing his signature motifs — typically Gothic and Renaissance — to more Art Deco, and he’s using faceted as opposed to cabochon stones.
Some of the most familiar names at the show are under new ownership. In June, Judith Ripka was acquired by Xcel Brands and Hearts on Fire was bought by Chinese giant Chow Tai Fook, the world’s largest jewelry retailer, in June. Hearts on Fire has paused its retail expansion in the U.S., where it has stores in the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania and the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, in order to focus on opening stores in China. About 80 percent of its business is wholesaling to independent jewelers in 32 countries. At the same time, HOF has been growing its presence steadily in the fashion category to capture more red-carpet and editorial coverage. To that end, the latest collection features mixed metals, lacy, layered designs and of-the-moment pieces such as ear climbers, crisscross rings and pieces with detachable elements. With its business spanning the globe, omnichannel remains important to encourage customers to buy wherever they are. “We know that elements like live chats and in-store technology are helping our retailers close at the counter,” said chief marketing officer Caryl Capeci. “We’re looking to elevate visibility with ‘brand boutique’ environments that are like shop-in-shops.” The brand also expects to reveal a design partnership at the show.
Among the 40 or so jewelers showing at Couture for the first time is Pamela Love, who launched the fine-jewelry portion of her business last year. “A lot of the industry may not even know we offer fine jewelry,” she said. “Financing a fine-jewelry business is very challenging, as the cost of materials is far higher. We really had to take our time and set aside funds to launch the collection. It is also a leap of faith. If people don’t love it, if it doesn’t sell, it would be a big loss, financially. However, I believe this is the direction my brand needs to go in.”
While the show can be a springboard for brands, it’s also a means of reintroducing established ones. The 30-year-old Italian house Vhernier, which has boutiques in Miami and Beverly Hills, is returning to the show after 10 years. “We have concentrated our U.S. expansion with Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus and now we want to be reintroduced to more of the market,” said Anna Maria Castracane, vice president of Vhernier USA. “We value the American market very much, but the show is also becoming more international with buyers from Hong Kong, Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada, so this is a good opportunity.” The brand will introduce two collections: Eclisse, an oversize ring and earring featuring dramatic stones cut down the middle, and Plissé, which represents a departure from the brand’s signature smooth metal look. The surfaces are angular like origami or wrinkled fabric, accented with pavé diamonds. Vhernier also produced a special piece in titanium as an entrant in the Design Awards’ innovation category.
Many brands cite a self-purchasing woman seeking everyday jewelry as their target customer. That’s also true at San Diego-based Alor. With a core retail price point of $800, Alor’s twisted steel-cable bracelets have become a category of their own. Principal Ori Zemer, whose family manufactured jewelry for Charriol for more than 20 years, said he’s trying to keep the balance between classic styles and newness to attract younger customers. “That’s important to reach that Millennial out there. We keep our styles traditional, but want to attract that new 25- to 30-year-old who’s looking to buy her first piece of fine jewelry, but make it fun.” To set their product apart, Alor is using colorblocking (the steel is heated in a PVD process that changes color from silver to shades of yellow, brown and black) to add newness to traditional styles, while a new collection also showcases more delicate pieces incorporating the cable.
Couture stalwart Chimento, known for its sculptural gold cuffs, has added more stacking bracelets that women can buy for themselves and wear every day. “We try to make an entry-level item up to a statement piece to cover the entire range,” said president Federica Chimento, whose product ranges in price from $1,500 to $40,000 and higher. The collections, called Velvet, Olympia and Supreme, come in all shades of gold, but Chimento said yellow gold is still the most sought-after look. “People like to see that shine, especially if there aren’t a lot of stones.”
Yellow gold has always been the signature look for brands like Marco Bicego and Gurhan. “I’d say of industry trends, the return to gold is number-one,” said Gurhan president and chief executive officer Fiona Tilley. “Our focus is the $3,000-to-$10,000 range, but we’re also making sure we have entry-level product for the aspirational customer who is returning to the market.”
The brand is known for its long, layered necklaces in 24-karat gold, but this season includes lariats, charm necklaces and bracelets, as well as rose-cut rubies and sapphires and diamond slices. Bicego’s hand-textured gold pieces make up 80 percent of his business. “It’s comfortable and looks good from day to night. I don’t think anyone wants to spend a lot of money on something they are going to keep locked up in a safe.”


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In 2010-2012 there was a lot of talk about currency wars: countries competed in the devaluation of their currencies trying to increase the revenue from exports. Now the world is seized by a slightly different type of rivalry – the one related to trade.
Exclusive from FBS
A trade war is a conflict between two or more countries, in which the role of weapon is played by higher or new tariffs and other trade barriers. The trigger that sets trade wars in motion is protectionism: one country limits imports to help domestic producers, the exporting counties get hurt and fight back, and the clash spirals.
Trade wars have recently become one of the most discussed topics in the financial world. The US President Donald Trump should take the credit for it. According to Mr. Trump, the US had lost 60K factories and 6M jobs due to “unfair trade practices”. Trade was one of the key topics in his election campaign, and he kept pursuing the issue after the inauguration.
Firstly, the President withdrew the US from Trans-Pacific Partnership. Then he announced tariffs on solar panels, an industry dominated by China. In the latest move that took place in March, Trump administration enacted a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum. Tariffs were not implemented against Canada and Mexico – the North American neighbors of the United States – but an exemption is not permanent and will depend on NAFTA negotiations.
Where the US imports its steel from
Top countries/areas January 2018, value in $ millions
Source: US Department of Commerce
Judging by the volumes of trade, trade fights will mostly affect the US relationship with China, Canada, and the European Union. If we look at the table, we will see that Canada and the EU are the top countries, from which the US imports steel. As for China, the share of its export to the US is not big compared to other countries. However, China is the world’s leading economy and a trade war between the US and China will definitely affect other countries.
Mr. Trump has adopted a brinkmanship strategy: he is trying to achieve an advantageous outcome by pushing dangerous events to the brink of active conflict. Let’s see how the US is managing trade relations with its key partners.
The USA vs China: Apocalypse Now
In 2017, American trade deficit with China reached the record high. US imports from China accounted for $506B, while exports were only $130B. Trump’s aim is to get things closer to a balance and reduce the deficit by $100B. He plans to achieve this goal by a $50-billion package of tariffs on 100 products that are supposed to be developed by using the intellectual property of US.
US-CHINA merchandise trade
Source: US Census Bureau
There may be some nifty bargains in place. According to Bloomberg, Trump’s administration is looking for alliances to push back against China trade in return for relief from American tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Although China does not want to participate in a trade war, the nation’s authorities claimed that they are ready to take counter-measures. China announced a $3-billion list of US goods for possible retaliation. The list includes 128 products from US agricultural products to aluminum and steel pipes. For example, American pork is facing a 25% tariff.
It’s necessary to make two points here. Firstly, China’s and America’s economies are closely tied. Chinese smartphones use chips from the US manufacturer Qualcomm, while many parts of Apple’s iPhones are made in China. So, both will suffer if these ties get damaged. Secondly, if the US implements its tariffs, American trade deficit with China will decline, but it will increase with other countries. Imports from China will be replaced by imports from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea – things like that already happened before, and the goal of protectionism won’t be achieved.
The USA vs Canada: A Fistful of Dollars
The US President initiated the renegotiation of the 23-year old North American Free Trade Agreement accusing the NAFTA of job losses in the States. Moreover, Mr. Trump is worried about the existing trade deficit.
America is negotiating from the position of force. It is threatening to leave the NAFTA – a stick – while offering Canada an exemption from the recent tariffs if the northern country makes concessions in the NAFTA – a carrot.
Trade between NAFTA members
The stumbling block in the talks is about the automotive industry: the US initially proposed a requirement, according to which cars should have 50% American-made content. The most recent news shows that the US is ready to soften its position. Yet, there are other “bones of contention” that won’t be easy to solve.
If there is no NAFTA deal in April or so, talks will likely be put on hold for months. Mexico’s new president will not take office until December, and the US has congressional midterm elections in November. It’s also necessary to mention that Canada is so integrated in the US supply chain, that whatever hurts the United States hurts Canada.
The USA vs Europe: Game of Thrones
Trade clash between the US and the EU is extremely dangerous: we already see a conflict underway. After Trump’s move, the European Union claimed that it is going to impose 25% tariffs on $3.5 billion of American goods. The EU is ready to enact tariffs on another group of goods as well, but it will do so only if the World Trade Organization will declare American tariffs illegal or after 3 years. Mr. Trump responded that if the EU imposes its tariffs, the US will retaliate with a 25% tariff on European cars. The EU has to inform the WTO of counter-measures by May 23 – within 60 days after the US tariffs are enacted.
Economic tensions between the US and Europe actually go beyond trade. The European authorities unveiled a plan designed to get big US tech companies, including Google, Amazon, and Facebook, to pay more tax in Europe.
How trade wars will affect the USA
Although Donald Trump said that trade wars are good and easy to win, it is certainly not true. The truth is that protectionism costs a lot because it leads to higher prices, lower productivity, and smaller competition. This has already been proven by history: in 2002, after George W. Bush imposed steel tariffs, GDP fell by $30.4 and about 200K jobs were damaged.
An increase in tariffs will make the prices in America go up. The auto and oil industries that use a lot of steel and aluminum will get hurt and will have to cut jobs. Other victims include companies that assemble products in China and then sell them in the US; US manufacturing, agricultural and transport-equipment firms that purchase goods in China for their production; US consumers and retailers that get a benefit because of the low-price goods that are imported from China.
What about the US dollar?
American protectionist policy will have a negative impact on the USD. Remember how the currency weakened on comments of Treasury Secretary Mnuchin about the trade benefits of a weaker dollar? Even the expected rate hikes of the Federal Reserve may not help the greenback and it will be most vulnerable against the safe-haven Japanese yen and Swiss franc. The dollar’s role as a reserve currency may decline. At the same time, the US currency can perform better versus higher-yielding commodity and emerging market currencies as the latter will lose ground in the risk-off environment. As a result, trade wars may bring a high volatility to the Forex market.
It’s obvious that the risk of trade barriers all around the world has become real. There are no doubts that trade wars between several countries will affect not only their economies but also have global consequences. A blow to Chinese economy will translate into lower commodity prices and problems for the exporter nations. Everywhere consumers and businesses will suffer high prices and the lack of supply. Commercial and investment ties between the countries will suffer.
Trump’s protectionism might support his short-term economic and political goals, but in the long term, it will have the catastrophic results. To be fair, trade has a smaller share of the US GDP compared with what we see for other G10 economies. It means that while the US will suffer because of trade wars, other major economies will suffer more.
To sum up, while we don’t want to indulge in doom about the prospects of trade wars, all we can do is hope that decision makers will manage to keep the situation under control and turn away from this slippery slope.
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updated 02:45 am EDT, Wed October 12, 2011
May pressure AT&T into doing the same
MacWorld Senior Editor Jason Snell is reporting that Sprint plans to offer the iPhone 4S with its micro-SIM slot unlocked, and that Verizon will remove the carrier lock from any iPhone 4S if the customer has been with them for 60 days or more in good standing (and requests an "international unlock"). Apple itself sells the iPhone 4 and 4S (along with 3G iPad) with the micro-SIM "factory" unlocked, but U.S. carriers generally put a "carrier" lock on them to ensure customers don't switch networks easily.
The news that Sprint and Verizon will offer customers an easy way to remove the carrier lock is a first for the U.S. market, and may put pressure on AT&T -- which has traditionally not offered carrier unlocking, although Apple retail stores can now, under certain circumstances, override the simlock -- to offer the service themselves at little or no charge. The change makes the iPhone 4S a true "world phone" for U.S. customers for the first time, with both Sprint and Verizon customers able to buy prepaid micro-SIM cards in the countries they visit, avoiding any international roaming fees.
Customers who just used the iPhone 4S' built-in ability to log into GSM networks without changing the SIM, however, would still see roaming charges that tend to be quite expensive. AT&T customers have been able to use "world roaming" for some time, but roaming charges are much higher than being able to "unlock" a GSM-compatible iPhone and use a pre-paid local micro-SIM in the country users are visiting. The unlocking has no effect within the U.S.; Sprint customers would be unable to switch to T-Mobile by replacing the SIM, for example, as the GSM roaming only works with non-U.S. GSM frequencies.
Apple began selling unlocked GSM iPhone 4 models in June, but at a cost of at least $649, with Verizon customers unable to take advantage of most world networks, which are largely GSM-based. The iPhone 4S is the first iPhone model with both CDMA and GSM compatibility built into a single model.
The iPhone 4S comes with a "roaming SIM" when purchased from Verizon, that allows users to immediately join non-U.S. GSM networks at standard Verizon roaming charges. Verizon's unlocking policy has been in place for other models before, but the iPhone 4S is the first iPhone model that could take advantage of the unlocking offer.


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Style :: Food/Drink
Looking for a foodie adventure and an excuse to wear your fur-lined parka this winter? New restaurants, star chefs, local produce and deep-rooted culinary traditions make the Baltic Sea region ideal for the culinary traveler.
So what will Michelle Obama turn out for? Turns out it's a turnip. Video of the first lady dancing with a turnip has gone viral after the White House put it on her Twitter feed late Tuesday.
No matter your locale, budget or predilections, the Big Easy is undoubtedly one of the cocktail capitals of the world - and the French Quarter is its epicenter. Here's a taste of what's on the menus, from the old school to the new classics.
First the chefs of a small Italian restaurant got mad at online review site Yelp. Instead of trying to get better reviews, they decided to take a different approach: get terrible ones.
In this feature, women's editor Winnie McCroy, travel & style editor Matthew Wexler, A&E editor Robert Nesti and news editor Jason St. Amand pore over their love for winter boots, vodka, mind-numbingly informative TV and the queerest album of 2014.
The "Never Ending Pasta Pass" card from Olive Garden not only promised weeks of unlimited pasta, but a look into why the chain is fighting to hold onto customers.
Cattlemen's is a legend that lives up to its reputation if you're on the lookout for an old-school steakhouse.
The final ingredients of Templeton Rye are blended in Iowa, meaning the whiskey is made in the state, according to company owners who responded to several recent lawsuits alleging consumers were deceived by the product's Indiana-based distilling process.
Scientists have long known that your DNA influences how much java you consume. Now a huge study has identified some genes that may play a role.
A small number of wineries struggle to survive amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.


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Samsung Adds Google Assistant to 2020 QLED Smart TVs
This is excellent news for Samsung TV customers who do not want to use the built-in Bixby voice assistant.
Samsung has announced a breakthrough for its smart TVs released in 2020.
Google Assistant has been added to the available voice assistants on those TVs, along with Samsung’s own Bixby assistant, as well as Amazon Alexa. The change goes into effect immediately for customers with QLED-based 4K and 8K TVs from this year, including the Crystal UHD TVs, The Frame, The Serif, The Sero and The Terrace.
Google Assistant brings Samsung TV owners access to all of the major Google functions, including Search, Photos, Maps and others. It’s also great news for the many Samsung users who truly despise the Bixby product and prefer not to use it.
“The use of voice assistants on our Smart TVs has grown exponentially since Bixby’s launch in 2018,” Seline Han, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics said in the announcement. “With Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa now supported, we are inviting our consumers to ask even more of their Smart TVs.”
Google had said in a blog post earlier this year that Google Assistant was coming to Samsung TVs. Reports in July also stated that Samsung was in talks to add Google Assistant to Samsung phones, although there’s been no announcement of such a deal, and the new announcement applies only to this year’s Samsung TVs.
“By bringing Google Assistant to Samsung Smart TVs, we want to connect your living room with the rest of the smart home and help you better manage your day, across your favorite Google services,” Jack Krawczyk Director, Product Management for Google Assistant, said in the announcement. “With our collaboration with Samsung, we are able to offer help from Google assistant to more people around the world right from the big screen.”
The new functionality is now available on Samsung TVs in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and will soon roll out to Spain, Brazil, India and South Korea by the end of the month, with other countries on the way by the end of the year. The functionality is available in several languages.
“Amazon Alexa on Samsung Smart TVs is designed to delight customers with an enhanced entertainment experience. Beyond navigating video and music content with ease, customers can also connect their Alexa built-in TVs with over 100,000 smart home devices, to make everyday tasks more convenient,” Aaron Rubenson, Vice President of Alexa Voice Service and Alexa Skills for Amazon, said in the announcement.
“Our collaboration with Samsung continues to bring customers the convenience of voice control on Smart TVs while giving customers access to their voice service of choice.”
Samsung recently filed several trademarks for TV-related phrases, providing some indications of their plans for future technologies.
Stephen Silver, a technology writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.


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Verizon is testing a new service that could eliminate the need for a dedicated landline account.
Known as Home Phone Connect, the service would let Verizon Wireless subscribers make calls from their landline phones using Verizon's cellular network, allowing them to share minutes between their cell phones and home phones.
Customers would be able to keep their existing landline phones through the use of a base station that taps into Verizon's wireless network and then connects calls to the home phone handset, according to Network World. A battery backup would provide power to the base should the electricity go out.
The service itself would cost an extra $9.99 a month for Verizon Wireless subscribers who pay at least $69.99 for their current family plans or an extra $19.99 a month for unlimited local and long distance calls. Subscribers will also be able to carry their existing home phone numbers to the new service.
Currently available for testing to customers in New York and Connecticut, Home Phone Connect would offer virtually the same features available with a traditional landline account, including 911, 411, and 611 service as well as such options as call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, international dialing, and three-way calling.
Verizon Home Phone Connect comes on the heels of a similar service from T-Mobile USA called T-Mobile @home service. T-Mobile's service used a router equipped with a SIM card to let landline phone calls hop onto the cellular network. But the company cancelled its @home service last January with no explanation why.