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Singapore Shopping Centre up for sale at $255 million
Singapore Shopping Centre at Dhoby Ghaut is for sale with a reserve price of $255 million.
Located opposite Dhoby Ghaut MRT, the seven-storey retail and office development spans a land area of 2449sqm.
The development also has a “prominent triple-road frontage onto Clemenceau Avenue, Penang Road and Penang Lane”, according to marketing agent SRI.
“The area is poised for a major rejuvenation with the redevelopment of park mall just across the street,” said Andy Gan, head of investment sales at SRI.
According to SRI MD Tony Koe, city authorities plan to pedestrianise a portion of Orchard Road as well as to connect green spaces at the Dhoby Ghaut Green, Istana Park and Plaza Singapura’s open space.
The tender will close on September 9.


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With UK Xbox sales about to reach the one million mark, Microsoft has decided to release a new high value bundle pack at the beginning of October, according to the ever-reliable MCV.
The ¿149 pack will feature the console, Halo, Midtown Madness 3, and a two month subscription to Xbox Live, Microsoft's online games playing portal. Head of Xbox operations in the UK, Chris Lewis knows what's happening, and told MCV this:
"Live is on a roll. With that we have the number one online games service without a doubt. I can't talk about the bundle specifics right now, but what I can promise is that it will offer great value. And whatever the recent rumours, it has not been and will not be our intention to sell on price. We can't control what others might do, however, and will always remain competitive.
His comments certainly indicate that Microsoft are not interested in the idea of a price cut, as sales remain buoyant, and bundles continue to bring in new customers looking for high value and quality titles.

domain: news


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Weekly Roundup: 4 Austin Startups to Watch
Want to stay up to date on the latest startup fundings, launches, and expansions in Austin? Startup Over Coffee’s weekly roundup of startups to watch in Austin will keep you in...
Want to stay up to date on the latest startup fundings, launches, and expansions in Austin? Startup Over Coffee’s weekly roundup of startups to watch in Austin will keep you in the loop on the latest Austin tech news.
Featured image by Perpetual Motion
Bumble, the dating app that allows women to initiate connections with men, was founded in Austin in 2014 by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. Now, six years later, the company has over 100 million users and is considering going public in 2021 with an IPO valuation between $6 to $8 billion.
Bumble belongs to parent company Magic Lab which was valued at $3 billion last year after Blackstone Group bought a majority stake. Blackstone bought the majority stake after an investigation conducted by Forbes discovered Magic Lab founder Andrey Andreev had some misogynistic and toxic work practices. As a result, Blackstone had Herd take over as CEO for the entire company.
Fast Company reported Bumble is the second most popular dating app after Tinder. With dating apps on the rise, Bumble faces competition from fellow companies such as Match Group, parent company of Tinder, Hinge and more, with a total valuation of $30 million.
Fox Robotics, an Austin-based robotic forklift company recently received a $9 million Series A funding from Menlo Ventures. The funding round will be used to increase production and meet demand. After the Series A round, the company valuation is brought up to a total of $13 million.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the demand for robotics and automation adaptation became more clear than ever. Fox forklifts use AI technology and real time detection of pallets and other obstacles that don’t have pre-programmed fixed locations. The forklifts are still human operated, however the need for forklift drivers is gone. According to PR Newswire, Fox claims their technology can increase production by 200% to 300%.
MineralAnswers.com recently launched their platform after a seed funding round sponsored by Bill Woods, co-founder of Austin Ventures and founder of Silverton Partners. MineralAnswers.com’s goal is to connect those in the oil and gas industry with the resources they need. Think of it like Google for the energy industry.
MineralAnswers.com’s SaaS platform was created by founder Jeff Chambers. Before starting MineralAnswers, Chambers also founded DrillingEdge.com and UpstreamDB.com. While DrillingEdge is still its own entity, he combined Upstream DB with MineralAnswers.com to create a single brand.
According to Austin Inno, the three-person operated startup will provide free data to energy companies as well as services for purchase. MineralAnswers.com plans to use the funding round to roll out commercial models as well as increase marketing and development.
Another company using the effects of COVID-19 to their benefit is Perpetual Motion, a first of its kind startup that uses drones to distribute disinfectant to both indoor and outdoor large venues. According to Austin Inno, Perpetual Motion is the first company to combine drone technology with a disinfectant that is safe for humans, animals, and plants.
Perpetual Motion is targeting large venues which can range anywhere from hospitals to sports arenas. They use an N-listed EPA-approved chemical from Mark-V along with Titania, a non-friction, antimicrobial disinfectant that can last up to a year. Up until now, founders Scott Thorton and Jimmy Petrick have funded Perpetual Motion on their own.
About Savannah Burns: Savannah is a marketing and communications intern for Swyft, which is a PR firm in Austin and Houston and a top digital marketing agency in Denver since its founding in 2011. Swyft recently opened a satellite office where it offers PR in San Francisco.


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In support of U.S. Travel Association’s “National Plan for Vacation Day”
RENO, Nev., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), Reno Tahoe, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce are working to raise awareness of the benefits of travel and inspire Americans to start planning their next adventure for 2023.
“Travel is an integral element of the human experience,” said Reno Tahoe President and CEO Charles Harris. “Travel is known to increase mental and physical health; it creates art; it builds a sense of understanding between cultures; it supports infrastructure; and it creates industry that allows the economic well-being of countless individuals, families and destinations around the world.”
According to the U.S. Travel Association, “National Plan for Vacation Day is a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the whole year, at the start of the year, and inspire them to use those days to explore the USA.”
Recent findings from Travel Nevada and Tourism Economics estimate that 43.2 million travelers generated an economic impact of $62.5 billion in 2021, resulting in $4.4 billion in tax revenue, and sustaining 355,000 jobs throughout the state of Nevada. Illustrating the economic importance of travel, a bipartisan bill backed by Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen was approved by congress in December 2022. The Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act created a new position for an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, who will be responsible for the first-ever national strategy for travel and tourism, as well as enhancing tourism in the U.S. on a national and international level.
“As Chair of the Senate’s Tourism Subcommittee, one of my top priorities has been to strengthen Nevada’s tourism, travel, and


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Ofcom has published new advice for consumers who are victims of silent calls and slamming. Ofcom is also releasing new guidance on what to do if consumers have complaints about services from their communications providers.
This action coincides with today’s publication of Ofcom’s report, The Consumer Experience 2008, which reveals that real progress has been made in the reduction of complaints from consumers unable to switch broadband providers because of difficulties in obtaining a MAC or because of a tag on their line. Complaints about mobile phone cashback deals – which were a real source of consumer harm – have also been on a downward trend from a peak of almost 600 per month in September 2007 to fewer than 70 per month in June 2008. However, more consumers are contacting Ofcom about fixed line mis-selling and silent calls than any other telecoms issue.
The report also sets the stage for Ofcom’s future work on access and inclusion for consumers who are at risk of social exclusion.
The majority of silent calls are caused by automated calling systems known as diallers. Diallers are mainly used in call centres to generate and attempt to connect calls. If there are not enough call centre agents available to handle all of the calls which are connected to a live individual, the recipient may receive an abandoned call. If the call centre does not play an information message in the event of an abandoned call, a silent call may result.
Ofcom has opened a programme of monitoring and enforcing compliance with guidelines which relate in part to reducing the harm which can be caused by silent and abandoned calls. As part of this programme, Ofcom has recently taken enforcement action against Abbey National plc, Barclaycard, Complete Credit Management Ltd, Equidebt Ltd and Ultimate Credit Services Ltd.
From September 2007 to September 2008 the number of consumer complaints about silent calls received by Ofcom has increased from around 300 per month to around 1050 per month.
Fixed line mis-selling
The term mis-selling is used to cover a range of sales and marketing activity including when communications providers pass themselves off as other companies and slamming, where a consumer is switched to another provider without their knowledge.
Tackling mis-selling remains a high priority for Ofcom. Through our enforcement programme we gather mis-selling data from communications providers which helps us to identify targets for enforcement action, and we continue to work closely with the industry to reduce consumer harm from mis-selling. In the early part of 2009, Ofcom also plans to consult on the existing sales and marketing rules with the aim of tightening the existing rules.
From September 2007 to September 2008 the number of consumer complaints about fixed line mis-selling received by Ofcom has increased from around 800 per month to around 1050 per month.
As well as revealing consumer concerns about silent calls and slamming the Consumer Experience report shows that consumers are increasingly taking advantage of competition to seek the best deal.
The research reveals a significant increase over the past 12 months in consumers switching to “triple-play” bundles. The proportion of consumers switching to one supplier for three services – digital TV, fixed-line, mobile or broadband – has increased from 18 to 32 per cent. This choice usually results in lower monthly bills.
Landlines and mobiles
There is also higher prompted awareness of suppliers in the fixed line and mobile markets with 62% of consumers aware of three or more fixed line suppliers and 89% aware of three or more mobile providers (compared to 55% and 85% in 2007).
To make switching easier for consumers, in 2008 Ofcom awarded its first price accreditation logos to price comparison websites Broadband Choices (www.broadbandchoices.co.uk) and SimplifyDigital (www.simplifydigital.co.uk). Consumers can be sure that their price comparison calculators are accessible, accurate, transparent, comprehensive and up to date.
Access and Inclusion
Some sections of society risk exclusion from the benefits of information and communications services either because a service is not available in a particular area or because there are barriers to the take-up or effective use of services.
In early 2009 Ofcom will publish its strategy for addressing access and inclusion issues. This will set out the current evidence base on availability, take-up and effective use of key services and the main barriers to further improvements.
Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards said “The Consumer Experience report allows us to monitor how the consumer experience of the communications market is changing over time. Satisfaction levels remain high but action against the scourges of slamming and silent calls remain priorities for Ofcom over the coming year.”
The Consumer Experience 2008 research and policy reports can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/tce/.


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The 21st international SENSOR+TEST trade fair will be held from the 3rd to the 5th of June 2013 at the Nürnberg Exhibition Center. The SENSOR+TEST...
The message may or may not come as a surprise to you. Today’s industrial production depends in an essential way on sensors. But, not to worry,...
An increased moisture content affects relevantly the performance of lubrication, hydraulic or insulation oils and can cause...
E+E Elektronik Ges.m.b.H.
IEN Europe: What has been Eaton’s major focus and strategy behind the launch of new products in the last year? Mr. Ramakrishnan:...
Eaton Industries GmbH


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Jonathan O’Sullivan, of 30 Fairfield Avenue, Farranree, Cork, pleaded guilty to counts of theft that ranged from stealing an iPhone 5 at Jacque’s restaurant on Oliver Plunkett St on September 20, 2014, to stealing a flask from Hickey’s on Maylor St on Tuesday this week.
Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said unlike many people coming before the courts who shoplifted to raise money for drugs, that was not the case with O’Sullivan. Mr Buttimer categorised his client as a kleptomaniac.
O’Sullivan told his solicitor that he was obsessive and compulsive about stealing things and took them without wanting them; he saw something unattended and felt he had to steal it.
Insp Finbarr O’Sullivan said the spate of thefts by O’Sullivan saw him stealing €1,540 worth of goods and cash. His crimes included the theft of a handbag from the counter at Butler’s café on Oliver Plunkett St four days before Christmas and the theft of other items from premises including Webworks café on Winthrop St and from stores including Boots on Half Moon St, The Athlete’s Foot sports store on Oliver Plunkett St , and Wild West Wings restaurant on Washington St.
Judge Leo Malone imposed an overall sentence of seven months.


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Chinese online learning company iHuman Inc. debuted on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Oct. 9 after raising nearly US$100 million in its initial public offering (IPO).
Chinese online learning company iHuman Inc. debuts on the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 9. (Photo provided to China.org.cn)
The Beijing-based company offers a range of online and offline educational programs in language, math, science, and culture in the form of audiobooks, picture books, and online learning apps. The courses are targeted at children between the ages of three and eight years old and emphasize learning in a fun environment.
Its online learning apps, including iHuman Chinese, iHuman Magic Math, and iHuman English World, are popular on Apple's App Store and Google Play with leading downloads in its category.
In the second quarter of this year, the average number of monthly active users of iHuman's app services reached more than 10.3 million, over three times that of the same period last year. Its quarterly paid subscribers reached 1.4 million, increasing four-fold year over year and making it the No.1 provider of online childhood "edutainment" in China, according to business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.
"Based on over 20 years of education experience, we aim to make learning a more joyful experience," said Michael Yufeng Chi, founder and chairman of the company.
Under the symbol "IH," the company offered 7,000,000 American Depository Shares (ADS) at US$12 in its IPO. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are acting as joint bookrunners and underwriter representatives for the offering.
iHuman said it plans to use about 35% of proceeds from the offering to expand its products and services both domestically and overseas.


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A couple of months back, the United States government was in talks with major tech companies such as Apple and Google to help the healthcare system in its battle against the 2019 novel coronavirus. The proposal was that of a COVID-19 contact tracing software that will be integrated into the operating system. It will pull data from compatible health apps and use Bluetooth to detect if the user is within the vicinity of someone who might be infected. Meanwhile, officials in the United Kingdom initially wanted to develop their own platform, but have reportedly abandoned the project.
Original plans detailed that the app would have been developed by the NHS' tech arm – the NHSX. However, results from preliminary trails reportedly indicated that it was "highly inaccurate," according to the Independent. There was apparently a huge disparity in reliability wherein it only detected around 75 percent of those on Android and a just four percent for iOS mobile phones. Hence, it hopes to switch its system over to that of the two aforementioned tech companies.
In contrast, Google and Apple were able to confirm that their respective systems are accurate by up to 99 percent on both operating systems. The time and money spent on the development of the custom app are expected to raise some questions. In fact, It would not be ready until late in 2020, which is not acceptable given the health crisis. U.K. health secretary Matt Hancock, on the other hand, pointed out that there was a "technical barrier" that affected its functionality.
He stated: "We found that our app works well on Android devices but Apple software prevents iPhones being used effectively for contact tracing unless you are using Apple's own technology." Hancock went on to reveal that the government actually backed two platforms: Its own and the one from Google/Apple as well.
Nevertheless, despite plans to move forward with the contact tracing app from Google and Apple, the team behind it believes their work can help enhance its capabilities. Executive chair of NHS Test and Trace Baroness Harding said: "Precisely because we've developed our own and developed some really sophisticated distance calculations we think that we can enhance the Google-Apple platform such that it will work."


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As part of the lead up to Emerald City Comic Con 2018 next week, publishers have started making announcements (that is, if it’s not announcements to do with Image Expo and ComicsPRO, which are also happening this week!).
Dark Horse have lead that charge by releasing information on their upcoming creator-owned project, Modern Fantasy. Illustrated by Kristen Gudsnuk, whose book Henchgirl, Dark Horse also published last year, and written by Rafer Roberts, whose work you may know from Valiant titles and more, the new series will blend fantasy elements in an irreverent way with aspects of modern life.
Dark Horse says:
Modern Fantasy follows three friends, new to the big city, as they struggle to keep their crappy day jobs and pay off their student loans. A young Ranger woman, her drug-dealing reptilian wizard roommate, and her boisterous Dwarf maiden BFF as they embark on a modern day quest to save the world. The roommates become embroiled in danger when one of their significant other’s finds himself taken by criminals, and the trio must get their $#!& together to save him.
Modern Fantasy #1 (of four) goes on sale on June 27, 2018, and is available for preorder at your local comic shop.


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ProShow Producer 3.5 is the world's first professional slide show software to give photographers the power to produce high-definition Blu-ray slide shows for their clients.
Three new models are now available including the Crystal line featuring bevelled edges, the affordable Atrum 7, and the new PLANO media digital frames.
Kodak have expanded the post capture experience with new suite of HD products - three new Kodak EasyShare High Definition Digital Cameras and Kodak EasyShare HDTV Dock.
Following Jessops' plans to axe 81 of its shops as announced last Thursday, the photographic retail giant have unveiled exactly which stores it plans to close down.
Along with the improved user interface the new version of PicturesToExe offers advanced sharpness management options and allows embedding video files in slideshows.
In an ePHOTOzine World exclusive we can reveal that Daniel Lezano, who launched Photography Monthly magazine, is back editing a new magazine titled Digital SLR Photography and in the shops in November.
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Faced with the claim of the Dominican rice sector, the Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruzassured that the conversations on the subject DR-Cafta “they are doing very well”.
“They are doing very well, USA They are aware that in the Dominican Republic rice is a product for national consumption and many families depend on the rice industry,” Cruz said.
The rice sector has been protesting the tax relief on rice imports in the Dominican Republica process that would affect local producers because it would create unfair competition.
“Rice generates more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and more than 20 provinces live, practically from rice production,” said the head of the Dominican agricultural portfolio.
He added that the rice sector involves more than 45,000 million pesos.
“Agreements are agreements and you have to honor them, but if there is a special situation, you can also sit at the table and discuss, negotiate the situation and, obviously, we can correct this situation that confronts us in the coming years,” he said.
Limber Cruz spoke when visiting the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) within the framework of the Latin American Citrus Congress, organized by the Lemon Cluster of the Dominican Republic, a JAD partner.
Self-sufficient in rice production
“You have to find a solution because that doesn’t happen in other Central American countries. There are Central American countries that barely produce 20% of what they consume, we we are self-sufficient in rice production,” said the Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz.
He assured that the rice production in the country it is around 14 million quintals per year.
“We are a country very dependent of that category (rice)”, he pointed out.
The president of the Republic, Luis Abinaderacknowledged, on February 27 before the National Assembly, that he will not allow instability in the national rice sector because it would create a “true social crisis.”
“Another problem that we are closely monitoring since the beginning of my government is the one that looms over our rice production, due to the great impact that the strong tax relief would have on zero rate that would apply to imports of rice from 2025 and 2024, provided for in the DR-Cafta”, pointed out the president.
He highlighted that of the rice income depend:
- More than 90,000 direct jobs
- 320,000 indirect
- 300 factories
“The economic activity generated by this crop represents more than 45,000 million pesos, whose instability would create a true social crisis, which we are not going to allow”, he emphasized.
Despite these words from President Abinader, the Dominican rice sector will exhaust an entire agenda that includes protests and mobilizations so that the authorities do not forget to follow up on the issue of DR-Cafta.
A rice farmer who requested reservation of his name, told Free Daily that will take to the streets next Thursday and Friday to demand the protection of the sector.
“Governments that we had in recent years they have promised us to solve the looming threat, but in the end they do nothing. We want to protect this industry that has generated wealth in the country for more than 100 years,” said the producer.


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In an industry where it is easy to get lost in the plethora of competitors, one African lady has found her feet, shining forth brightly in the fashion world and carrying others from her home-continent along with her fast-rising fame.
From her modest home in Columbia, South Carolina, US-based Ghanaian fashion icon, Serwah Armah-Koranteng, is on a mission to bring the world closer to fashion ideas and talents from Africa.
Serwah believes that as a fashion entrepreneur, she owes it to Africa and the world to unearth talents and opportunities within the industry, and thereby create entrepreneurs – and it has been a fulfilling task since 2014 she tells myjoyonline.com.
– Serwah Armah-Koranteng
For close to five years, she has leveraged on the power of the internet and other entrepreneurial tools to connect fashion talents from Africa with U.S businesses, organisations and manufacturers, who have interest in building business partnerships overseas.
Her first event in 2014 was aptly titled: “Africa is not a country”, which was not only a multi-cultural fashion show, but also a forum to discuss the cultural diversity of the different African nationals in her community and their belief systems. Although she had targeted Africans, it turned out that participants at that successful maiden event came from different parts of the world.
“The feedback from this show was encouraging, so I decided to continue it as an annual event to commemorate the Black History celebration here in the USA,” she recounts.
Aside from her fashion outfit, AfricStyle Initiatives, which plans and executes fashion and networking programmes with the aim of spreading “the love of God” and promoting brands from the U.S and all African countries, she is an astute unisex designer herself.
“My fashion shows are held twice a year and part of the proceeds goes to my local community and my overseas partners. Each year, my schedule permits two major fashion shows where I showcase my designs and products. My products – clothing, accessories, home decor, all with African print fabric – that are showcased at the fashion shows are 80 percent made by me right here in the U.S. The rest come from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa,” Serwah says.
Serwah says she is always looking for partners and sponsors to help young people learn a skill or make use of their skill by producing and selling made-in-Africa products through her platform.
“I also use my platform to support young talents with seed money to produce products that benefit my platform,” she explains.
Serwah has had four successful events within the last four years, and she is confident her fashion events could pass easily as the “largest African networking fashion show in Columbia, South Carolina.”
“I have been featured in Columbia Fashion Week and currently serve as an International Fashion Coordinator for Columbia International Festival where I coordinate fashion shows for adults and children from over seventy-eight different countries – all to the glory of God,” she is modest.
She is currently working on her Summer event which will be a display of Ankara necklaces and bags to show the beauty of the African print and to demonstrate that the prints are not only used for clothing but can also be used for accessories and decoration.
“I am also working on having hands-on training in Ghana and US on branding and presentation of products with an emphasis on selling abroad. I had quit my full-time as a nursing professional job this year to focus mainly on business and projects, so this should tell you how serious I am in pursuing this,” she said.
For Serwah, consistency and trust have been her watchwords.
“My goal for 2018 is to partner up with some businesses or organisations in Ghana and other African countries to help educate our people on entrepreneurship, building a business network and also branding of products.
She says she would love to work with anybody, however, to earn her trust, she must be convinced without a doubt that the person’s passion for his or her brand.
“Although I have the desire to help, I am also keen on accountability,” Serwah says.
More photos of Serwah’s designs are published below.


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19 Jun 2013 07:10
WINDHOEK, 19 JUN (NAMPA) - Meatco and its producers have to stand together more than ever to survive and to ensure a ?thriving tomorrow? for the industry, Meatco?s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vekuii Rukoro said on Tuesday.
Rukoro was quoted in the Meat Corporation of Namibia?s (Meatco) latest newsletter issued on Tuesday, in which he reiterated Meatco?s ?open-door policy?.
?While producers may not be happy with the effect the current drought and price cycle have on producer prices, it is important to appreciate that these are tough times.
Today, the prices are not so good. This is not because Meatco has decided not to pay producers well, but simply because we?ve been hit by a double-whammy,? he noted.
Rukoro said firstly, the industry is going through the normal seasonal cycle of falling prices because of cattle supply outstripping demand, and secondly, the country is hit by a drought.
Namibia is experiencing the worst drought in the last 30 years, which has resulted in huge livestock losses and human suffering.
Currently, there are more cattle coming into the market and less consumer demand for meat, which has resulted in a price collapse.
Rukoro expressed concern that the effect of the drought on pricing is that the condition of the cattle has worsened.
The carcasses Meatco receives now are in a worse condition compared to previous years, and the corporation cannot pay the same prices for these carcasses.
Prices are not determined by Meatco, but by market forces in South Africa and Europe. These market forces comprise of the buying activity of consumers who decide whether they want to buy meat or not, and what they are willing to pay depending on the condition of the meat.
Rukoro said Meatco has throughout the years paid their producers fair prices, and certainly far better prices than they could have ever obtained in one of the leading markets in the region, namely South Africa.
?We are able to sell our meat in overseas markets and the result of this is the benefit of the exchange rate when it is good, like it is now. This benefit is ultimately channeled down to benefit our producers,? he said.
The Meatco chief commended the corporation?s producers for the important role they play in ensuring, not only the company?s success but also, the Namibian beef industry as a whole.
Rukoro added that the Meatco management and board both remain open for civilised dialogue on possible changes to the current price formula and through consensus to come up with a workable and viable replacement which will serve the long-term interests of both Meatco and its producers.


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Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and to many, that entails food. From heart-shaped treats to to buy one, get one free (BOGO) deals to share with loved ones, restaurants nationwide are celebrating the holiday in a delicious way. Here are some of this year’s Valentine’s Day food offers from choice-favorite restaurants and fast-food chains, starting with the savory, then the sweet.
California Pizza Kitchen
This year, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a shareable heart-shaped pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. The pizza chain launched the Sweet Deal for Two packages last week with a pair of deals that will last right through Valentine’s Weekend, and on Valentine’s Day itself.
The Classic includes one appetizer (think Spinach Artichoke Dip, White Corn Guacamole and Chips, or Mexican Street Corn), a pair of entrees (pizzas, pastas and salads are on the roster), and a dessert (Red Velvet Cake, Key Lime Pie or Butter Cake) for $40. The Adventure deal also comes with an appetizer, a pair of main meals and a dessert, but the offerings are slightly different, with Belgian Chocolate Soufflé Cake making a showing, and Lettuce Wraps with Chicken for $45.
To Popeyes, the only thing better than a chicken sandwich is two for the price of one. The Popeyes Valentine’s Day promotion gives customers two chicken sandwich combos, Classic or Spicy, for the price of one, making it the perfect meal for those who would rather celebrate with fast-food over any other gift.
This isn’t the first time the chicken chain has offered shareable meals for Valentine’s Day. In 2019, its “2 Can Dine Valentine’s Day” deal for $10 included fried chicken, sides and biscuits. This year’s BOGO Chicken Sandwich Combo deal is available starting Valentine’s Day through February 20 on the Popeyes App, the Popeye’s website or at locations nationwide.
Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Some people purchase a bouquet of flowers for their significant others, but the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative is offering an alternative for seafood lovers. Last week, company announced that it has brought back its lobster tail bouquet-making kits for another year. This year, the Collaborative is working with three companies to sell the kits, which are all made with Maine-harvested lobster tails.
Lobster Trap Co. is selling the bouquet kits with six lobster tails, plus clam chowder for two, which will cost $99. Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. is also selling the kits with six tails for $199, plus shipping. Meanwhile, Lucky Catch Lobster is selling its bouquet kits starting at $89. The kits include skewers, festive wax paper, a burlap wrap and an original Maine Lobster Valentine tag.
In years past, White Castle restaurants would host romantic, in-restaurant Valentine’s Day meals by transforming them into “fine dining” rooms, complete with reservations, hostess seating, tableside service and plenty of festive red décor. But as the Omicron surge continues, White Castle announced last month that it won’t be running the event at all this year.
However, the 101-year-old family business has a Valentine’s Day food offer for those on the go. White Castle is making it a to-go celebration with its “Love Cube” meal box. The meal for two (which can be delivered for free on Valentine’s Day through White Castle’s delivery partners on all orders $15 and up) includes eight cheese sliders, two small soft drinks and a choice of two shareable sides for $15.
What would Valentine’s Day (or month) be without a sweet treat to share with a friend or significant other? Every Monday in February, Cinnabon is offering its limited-edition Fantasy Sweet Bundle — a combo with two rolls and two cinnamon roll-flavored cold brew iced coffees.
Much like White Castle’s Valentine’s Day food offer, customers don’t even have to leave their house to score the deal. Free delivery is available on all online orders of $15 and up from February 1 to February 14.
Impress your sweetheart with a fondue dinner — cheese first, then chocolate. Melting Pot is offering several options for the month of February and on Valentine’s Day itself. Celebrate on Thursdays throughout the month with “Thursdate,” a four-course meal starting at $40 per person. Or, round up a group of friends and celebrate Galentine’s Day with the Best Fondue Friends Forever (BFFF) menu.
On February 14, Melting Pot is offering a five-course menu for $150 per couple, which includes a starter, cheese fondue, salad, featured entrée, chocolate fondue and crème brûlée.
While the beloved waffle chain isn’t offering any deals per se, Waffle House locations across the country will be serving up affordable, one-of-a-kind date nights beneath the warm glow of their iconic yellow signs. This Valentine’s Day, close to 150 restaurants in 19 states will be taking reservations, offering special menu items, dimming the lights and classing up their tables with candles and white tablecloths.
The chain’s Valentine’s Day tradition reportedly began in 2008 at a location in Johns Creek, Georgia. An influx of customers dined at this restaurant every Valentine’s Day, so the manager decided to make the experience extra special.
While some Valentine’s Day food offers are only valid on the holiday itself, many extend beyond the day into the rest of the week or month.


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Dick’s Sporting Goods preparing for September opening in Kennewick
The Tri-Cities posted one of its highest mid-summer unemployment rates in recent years in July.
The Washington Employment Security Department reported 5.4 percent of the local workforce was unemployed in July, up 0.2 percent from June and the highest jobless rate for July since 2016.
Carl Adrian, president and CEO of the Tri-City Industrial Council, said the modest increase provides relief in an economy in which employers struggle to fill positions.
“You don’t want a lot of unemployed people, but it’s good to be able to show employers that there are people looking for work,” he said. “I’m not ringing the alarm bell.”
Looking for workers
Dick’s Sporting Goods is just one employer on the hunt for new workers.
The Pittsburgh, Penn-based sporting goods retailer will open a new Kennewick store in September, in a newly built 50,000-square-foot building constructed where the old movie theater once stood.
Dick’s announced Tuesday it’s hiring five full-time employees, 40 part-time associates and about 30 temporary employees.
Prospective employees can apply online for posts such as cashier, retail sales associate, golf club technician or bicycle technician at dickssportinggoods.jobs.
Dick’s operates almost 730 stores across the U.S.
A lot of private jobs
Retail is a key sector in the Tri-Cities. About 13,400 Tri-Citians worked retail in July; the Tri-Cities has about such 100,000 private sector jobs in the area.
The monthly employment report stated construction employed 10,000 people in July, up 500 from a year ago.
Professional and business services employed 22,400, an increase of 600.
Leisure and hospitality employed 12,400, including 9,100 in food service, comparable to 2018.
The statewide unemployment rate rose 0.1 percent in July, to 4.5 percent.
Elsewhere: Bellingham, 5.4 percent; Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, 3.2 percent; Spokane and its surrounding areas, 5.7 percent; Walla Walla, 5.3 percent; Yakima, 6.1 percent.


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Comics in the Bay
Did you know Spider-Man is currently in San Francisco? Apparently, he’s been operating in our backyard with a whole host of Spider-Folk for at the least a year. I haven’t been spending much time in the Marvel Universe so this fact managed to fly under my radar. Anyway, he’s here and over the last couple of issues of Amazing Spider-Man has been investigating a San Francisco-based medical lab called “New U.” This investigation leads to a run-in with the Jackal in the well-received first issue of The Clone Conspiracy.
Dynamite Comics has signed a deal with CBS to start publishing a comic based on the TV show Charmed. Its likely Dynamite will continue to use the show’s hometown, San Francisco, in the comic.
Speaking of witches, Marv Wolfman is currently writing a mini-series for DC based on his creation and long-time Teen Titans member, Raven. She’s currently residing with her Aunt in San Francisco and attending the fictional Madison High School.
Comics by the Bay
Oakland artist Carlos Ramirez rarely gets the recognition he deserves for creating the iconic Trollface. The image made its way to television last week via the third season of the series Black Mirror. This weekend, Bleeding Cool ran a profile on the history of Ramirez’s Trollface.
San Francisco-based writer Dani Colman has launched a Kickstarter for her Couture graphic novel project. Colman has enlisted the help of 15 artists, including Bay Area artists Kevin Wada and Justin Greenwood, to bring her stories influenced by moments in haute couture history to the page. Per the Kickstarter, “influenced by designers from Christian Dior to Hussein Chalayan, Couture’s short stories span romance, science fiction, historical drama, fantasy and horror, drawing from fashion that shook the runway and changed the face of haute couture.” The additional artists are Alexander McQueen, Marguerite Sauvage, John Galliano, Thom Browne, Jen Bartel, Thierry Mugler, Robbi Rodriguez, Howard Chaykin, Tony Parker, Taki Soma, Comfort Love, Adam Withers, Jed Dougherty, and Valentine De Landro.
Bay Area Comic Industry and Shop News
Flying Colors Comics (Concord, Calif.) owner Joe Field is stepping down from the ComicsPRO Board of Directors. Field was the founding President of ComicsPRO which is a trade association of comic book retailers. Under Field’s stewardship, ComicsPRO started the popular annual Free Comic Book Day event.
Berkeley-based Madefire has partnered with Oculus to bring a whole new dimension to comics. The company is known for developing motion comics for both independent publishers and some of the industry’s top publishers. According to The Daily Californian, MadeFire previewed the new technology at New York Comic Con, “The free preview app for Oculus-powered Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality device, features digital comics that are specifically optimized for virtual reality reading. The comics include motion, sound and the ability to see the story in 3D.”
The SF Bay Guardian is back (sort of) and they’ve released their annual Best of the Bay issue! Hayes Valley’s Isotope: The Comic Book Lounge has once again snagged best comic shop in San Francisco.
For a list of upcoming Bay Area comic events visit this link.
For a list of Bay Area Comic Shops visit this link.


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But meeting that boom in demand at the world’s largest heavy equipment manufacturer is a challenge, in part because of Caterpillar suppliers like Steve Kirsh.
Years of watching Caterpillar and other big manufacturers cut inventories, close plants and axe workers in the last downturn has embedded caution in Kirsh’s ambition to expand after the surge in orders, reflecting a more fundamental shift in how many industrial businesses view expansions, according to interviews with Caterpillar executives, more than a half-dozen Caterpillar suppliers and U.S. economic data.
“I just wasn’t sure it was real,” said Kirsh, speaking from a windowless office at the front of Kirsh Foundry Inc., in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, which makes metal parts for Caterpillar and other customers.
Even with a surplus in demand for its product, Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby told investors last month the company will not invest in factory capacity. Instead, it plans to spend more on new technologies, expanding its parts business and selling more rental and used equipment.
Timely, incisive articles delivered directly to your inbox.


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The Cheapskate hates paying monthly fees for anything, but exceptions are sometimes made. Here are three, along with totally free alternatives!
All the news from the annual Google I/O event, including the latest on Android.
Is your unlimited data plan really unlimited? Use an app to find out.
Google's developer conference is coming up fast. Based on Google's officially released schedule, here's what we expect to see at the show.
Technically Incorrect: Meditation and mindfulness may be milestones on the road to bliss, but you may also end up in a ditch of despair, says a brain expert.
Where's My Water 2 is a fun sequel that is sadly overshadowed by a brutal freemium model that makes it impossible for me to recommend it to anyone.
Pricing not available
Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a must-download, with new plants, new ways to play, new challenges, and a freemium model that doesn't get in your way.
The software maker is struggling to make sure its online stores are clean, well-lighted places for apps, even as it readies the update to its Windows operating system.
The latest beta of the iPhone's system software shows additional setup screens for Apple's upcoming mobile payments service.
The brand new Voicemail+ app, launching for the iPhone in the UK today and in the US later this year brings text transcription, e-mailed voicemail receipts, push notifications, and it matches your messages to your contacts.
After its $25 phones fail to dent the dominance of Google and Apple, the Firefox backer will try to compete using technological superiority -- and maybe by adding key Android apps, too.


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|Fruit and vegetable prices have dropped by VND500-1,000 a kilogram. (Photo: SGGP)|
A week after fuel prices went up, the prices of essential commodities remain stable, with some even falling on high supply.
At Co.opMart supermarket, the prices of kitchen implements and electronic goods are set to be cut by 35-40 percent from July 8.
BigC supermarket has also announced a promotion with the prices of 300 products to be reduced by up to 50 percent.
Household goods will be down by 30-50 percent, stationery and toys by 42 percent, and shoes and clothes by more than half.
At Thu Duc agriculture wholesale market, fruit and vegetable prices have dropped by VND500-1,000 a kilogram.
Nguyen Thanh Ha, the market’s deputy director, said the increase in fuel prices has not affected the prices of agriculture products, adding that most sellers have decided to reduce their profit margins to keep prices stable.
Most supermarkets report that revenues have fallen by 20 percent this year.
In related news, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade has announced it will hold a trade fair from September 1 to 30 to stimulate demand.


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A pensioner who broke her hip after slipping on a spilled prawn cocktail has won £7500 compensation from Marks & Spencer.
Janet Morritt sued the store giant for £30,000 after she slipped on the sauce and was sent f lying into the chilled sandwich cabinet.
The 71-year-old charity worker was shopping in the M&S store in Perth last year.
She told the town's sheriff court she was left with a plate in her hip after emergency surgery and that the incident has left her with a permanent limp and unable to drive.
She claimed the shop was to blame by allowing the prawn cocktail sauce and water from a Valentine's Day flower display to lie on the floor.
The pensioner's writ said her left foot slipped and she tried to save hersel f by clutching the flower stand.
It added: "As she did so, her right foot slipped. She was unable to save herself and fell to the ground. Her back was jammed against the display cabinet behind her."
M & S argued that Mrs Morritt "had to take reasonable care for her own safety." A sheriff made an award of £7500 this week.


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Nike chief executive John Donahoe gave a fiery defense Thursday of the sports apparel company’s extensive business ties in China.
“Nike is a brand that is of China and for China,” Donahoe said during a call with Wall Street analysts after being asked about the backlash Nike received in China for having expressed concern about human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
Actual quote from the CEO:
“Nike is a brand that is of China and for China.” https://t.co/oR2rdF2PeI
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) June 25, 2021
Donohue added that he believed China would continue to be a fast-growing market for the company.
“We’ve always taken a long-term view. We’ve been in China for over 40 years,” he said, “Phil [Knight] invested significant time and energy in China in the early days and today we’re the largest sports brand there,” he said in reference to Nike’s co-founder.
Nike had come under fire in China after state media circulated a months-old statement from the company denouncing reports of forced labor in Xinjiang, in which they also claim to not source any of their products.
Over one million Uyghur Muslims are known to be enslaved in the region, which produces more than four-fifths of China’s cotton.
Despite the backlash from Chinese media, the company saw its profits in greater China rise by 17% in the first three months of 2021 in comparison to the previous year, according to the Financial Times.
Nike, along with other American corporations like Coca-Cola and Apple, has also pushed back on legislation in Congress that would crack down on forced labor in China.
“Nike has long prioritized constructive discussions on issues of respecting human rights and enabling responsible manufacturing with Members of Congress, congressional staff and other government officials,” Nike told the Daily Caller in December when asked about their opposition to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. (RELATED: US Corporations With Big Business In China Stay Silent On Biden’s ‘Genocide’ Designation)
“We regularly provide insight and feedback at the request of policymakers on a wide range of public policy issues and have not lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, or any other proposed forced labor legislation,” the company added.
Nike has also been very critical of several policies in America, such as the recent Georgia voting law, despite committing to increase their business relationship with a country known for its notable human rights abuses.


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US-based Tao Group Hospitality has acquired the Hakkasan Group for an undisclosed sum, creating what it describes as a ‘premium hospitality powerhouse'.
The combined company operates 61 entertainment, dining and nightlife venues in 22 markets across five continents, including the Michelin starred Hakkasan Mayfair and Hakkasan Hanway Place (pictured) restaurants in London.
Other brands under the group include Tao's Marque, Beauty and Essex, Lavo, Cathedrale and Koma, and Hakkasan's Yauatcha, Omnia, Ling Ling, Jewell and Casa Calavera.
Hakkasan's executive team will continue to run its day-to-day operations under the direction of Tao's co-chief executives Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss.
"Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, we know there's a real desire by people around the world to gather once again," said Strauss.
"As indoor dining and other hospitality experiences start to return to regular operations, we believe our newly combined company will be well-positioned to take advantage of this pent-up demand, setting the stage for long-term growth."
The deal will expand the global reach of both groups, giving US-based Tao a foothold in London, where Hakkasan has five restaurants, as well as in the middle east.
Tao is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp (MSG Entertainment), which owns New York's Madison Square Garden.
MSG has also announced plans to build music and entertainment venues, named MSG Sphere, in Las Vegas and London and is seeking necessary approval for its UK site.
Tao owns a majority of the newly combined company, while MSG owns a controlling interest in Tao.


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The other day there was some interesting news about how a couple of malls in the United States planned on tracking shoppers, anonymously of course, as they went about their Christmas shopping. They handed out the typical line that this was only going to the collection of anonymous aggregated data and that no personal information would be collected.
Needless to say the reaction was less than favorable and started very quickly after the first reports of this idea surfaced on the web. It now appears that the company, Forest City, has had some second thoughts about the idea and they have decided to shelve the whole idea.
Forest City had planned to conduct the trial until the end of December. However, just a day after the trial began, Sen. Schumer contacted Forest City to raise his concerns. In a press conference on Sunday, Schumer said that the malls should have allowed customers to opt into the survey, rather than having to “opt out” by turning off their cell phones. “A shopper’s personal cell phone should not be used by a third party as a tracking device by retailers,” Schumer said in a press conference on Sunday. “Personal cell phones are just that—personal. If retailers want to tap into your phone to see what your shopping patterns are, they can ask you for your permission to do so.”
Schumer also sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission chairman Jon Leibowitz asking the FTC to look into whether Path’s technology was legal in the US.
via Ars Technica
Don’t think that this is any big privacy win however because the company says that they have totally given up on the idea but rather they would bring it back once they had figured out a better way for shoppers to opt-out of the tracking.


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QTech Games, a top-tier distributor of games for the Asian market, has just entered a deal with another leading provider in the industry, Pragmatic Play.
Based on the terms of the agreement, Pragmatic Play’s games, including slots and live casino, will be available to QTech Games’ partners and their customers. Moreover, the brand’s games will increase differentiation, engagement, and retention. Some of the available games will be The Dog House Megaways and the latest hits from the Emerald King series and Yum Yum Powerways, together with a suite of live casino titles, including baccarat, blackjack, and different roulette versions.
The new agreement will also consolidate the QTech Games’ catalog of slots titles. Its platform is already known as a one-stop-shop for global operators, thanks to its unrivaled localized gaming content.
Pragmatic Play will also expand its global footprint, with an opportunity to enter more emerging jurisdictions. QTech’s platform consists of different games, localized for many regions, with native mobile apps, robust reporting, and marketing solutions as well as 24/7 local-language support.
Speaking on the new cooperation, CCO at QTech Games, Ulf Norder, said:
“We’re excited to have partnered up with Pragmatic Play, whose distinct and diverse portfolio needs no introduction. The QTech Games platform is integrated with the best games from the planet’s top providers – and Pragmatic’s unique content sits near the summit of this mountain.”
The company can’t wait to see how these titles will perform across new territories. It especially refers to the locations where demand for localized products is paramount in handling the different cultural trends and player preferences.
Chief Business Development Officer at Pragmatic Play, Yossi Barzely, says that QTech’s reach from Asia and Eastern Europe to LatAm is always spectacular. Building a strong partnership with a giant in the Asian market enables the company to expand its presence in the region by supplying brands with staggering content.
According to his words, the collaboration has enhanced their speed-to-market. Thanks to its reputation for delivering high-quality games to players in diverse markets, Pragmatic looks forward to seeing games create a part of QTech’s wider offering.
Pragmatic Play is a top-rated provider of casino content, founded in 2015. Its catalog consists of more than 250 HTML5 games including bingo, live casino, and slots. The provider has already established itself for delivering innovative, mobile-optimized, and regulated games. It looks to expand the reach even further while becoming the first choice of players around the globe.
“Pragmatic Play adds another boost to QTech Games’ premier platform”, europeangaming.eu, September 28, 2021.
The post Pragmatic Play Joins Forces with QTech Games first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.


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By Alan Chung According to the January report from the National Federation of Independent Business, economic optimism among small business owners is at a near record low. But innovative mobile marketing solutions are helping merchants boost sales and confidence levels. Research shows that mobile marketing is now far more effective than traditional marketing tactics. Businesses […]
Tag: "Alan Chung"
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Reports suggest that Intel, one of the largest manufacturers of computer microprocessors, intends to launch a new “super energy efficient Bitcoin mining ASIC” called Bonanza Mine at the “International Conference” IEEE economy” in February 2.
Intel filed a patent in November 11 outlining ideas for “High Performance Bitcoin Mining”.
It is doubtful that the processes described in the patent could be incorporated into the product being displayed at ISSCC.
According to the patent, the ASIC behind Bonanza Mine can complete calculations as efficiently as other ASICs while eliminating the need for repetitive or redundant computations. This system reduces overall power consumption by about 15%.
Intel will become a competitor to companies such as Bitmain and Nvidia, which have also been affected by slumping chip sales.
The demand for cryptocurrency mining is steadily increasing despite constant processor shortages and inconsistent production costs.
Representatives from Intel seem confident in entering the crypto mining industry with the new chip.
“Intel has been working on the design of SHA 256 optimized ASICs for several years, research work done in Intel Labs.”
At the time of announcement, it was unclear whether Intel would release Bonanza Mine for retail or if it was intended for industrial or research purposes only.


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What we are doing as parents and how we are doing as the digital society? As for as digital parenting is concerned, parents are doing reasonably well, PEW Survey stated and parents are more engaged now in digital parenting compare to the post times. Parents did not take interest in their children’s cyber life at all, but now we have seen progress presently. However, there are plenty of digital parenting blunders most of the parents do and they have still a lot to go to learn about digital parenting do’s and don’ts in order to make sure the safety of their children. Let’s discuss in detail about all the embarrassing mistakes parents usually do when it comes to the safety of the kids and teens cyber life.
Digital parenting is not less than art that every parent should learn and impose it on their kids and teens for their online safety there are following parenting blunders that every parent should avoid.
Parents Provide Password Protected Devices to Teens
The contemporary world has also provided modern cell phone and gadgets to the users that run with different OS such as Android, iOS & Blackberries. However, parents provide to children password protected phones, tablets and pads without knowing the email passwords, cell phone passwords social media accounts such as Facebook, Yahoo, Line, Vine, Tinder, WhatsApp and plenty of others alike.
According to PEW Research Center
- Among parents of teenagers between 13 to 17 most of the parents don’t know the password of teens.
- Almost 48% of the parents don’t know about the email account passwords of teens
- 43% of the parents don’t have the password of the cell phone of their children device
- 35% don’t have clue about the password of at least one social messaging app account password of kids and teens
Obviously, without having a password keystroke, messenger keystrokes and email keystrokes how it would be possible for parents to monitor their kids and teens cell phone devices and their activities they do in the digital world.
Don’t Discuss Teens About Online Behavior
Parents usually discuss with their kids and teens to make right decisions and behavior for “Real Life”, but they miss the part of the discussion about the children behavior in “cyber life”. According to the PEW research center, almost 98% of the parents discuss frequently what is appropriate and what is inappropriate in school, in their real-life social life, and at home and only 56 percent of the parents discuss about their online or digital life behavior. The behavior of the digital life has got much importance since the exposure of the cyber world has risen. However, they don’t even discuss they constitute appropriate online behavior towards others. This is the reason behind your children could be a bully! Victim! And a Witness!
In the light of recent stats of PEW research, only 43% of the parents do discuss kids and teen’s online behavior such as what sort of content they don’t share and what sort of content is acceptable for them to be viewing online.
Don’t Aware of Teen’s Sneaky Texting Codes
No matter what parents have to do to make sure that teen’s Tutor is not a pedophile, but they don’t know about the contemporary real parenting challenge teen’s sneaky texting codes.
According to the Barak’s data, more than 10 million text messages delivered by the teen’s every month including in the form of texting codes.
They use texting codes in front of their parents and they don’t know what there meaning is. Today teens are using text codes such as GNOC =GET NAKED ON CAMERA, MOM =Mother is over the shoulder, 1174 = meet at the part spot, LMIR = meet in real life and hundreds of others. So, parents have to be aware of the contemporary messaging codes that teens do on their cell phones, instant messaging apps and even though the emails.
Open Wi-Fi at Home
Motherhood is a tough job in the digital world and it is not possible for them to feel relax. On the other hand, the present percentage of mothers in the United States, almost 83% of U.S moms has the Wi-Fi connection at homes. Most of the mommies don’t consider to put a password or to change the password in order to prevent young children to connect their cell phone devices with the wireless internet connection. When kids and teens devices are connected all the time with the internet, they can use their device anytime and can do things which are now worthy enough for their health and even for their online activities.
Don’t Teach Internet Netiquette
Parents often ignore things about the internet Netiquette the time when the children about to come to the stage to have their individual cell phones and gadgets. Parents should guide their kids and teens about all the digital nightmares and how to use the IM’s social media and for what reasons you can use it and what to do and what not to do on the cyberspace using the mobile phones.
Lack of Privacy Settings on Kid’s Device
Parents often forget to set privacy settings before they are going to provide the smartphones, tablets, and pads for their kids and teens. Because contemporary gadgets and phones provide the user to set the privacy such as to ON and OFF the location of the phone and to restrict the cell phone browser with the password and to set the password on certain cell phones apps in order to prevent kids and teens to use particular cell phone apps and browser.
Build Blind Trust on Kids and Teens
Parents should build a trust with the kids and teens, but a blind trust on them may lead the young teens towards the blind dating, drug abuse and towards the party life. Parents have to make sure a check and balance on their children until and unless they become adult and get to know what is good and what is harmful to them. Most of the young teens due to the negligence of the parents try to find out ways to share their thoughts and issues with the third party that could their boyfriend in the shape of stalker or child abus
e. Many parents in the world are facing an issue of “Child Run” why it happens and parents don’t know how to deal with it.
Not Conscious of Teen’s Social Media Activities
Most of the parents that are busy in their lives to make their children bread and butter don’t have information what their kids and teens are doing on the social media platforms. However, they even don’t know about the social messaging apps they use on their smartphones and they are unaware about the social media predators that can harm their kids and teens such as stalkers, cyberbullies, sexual predators and child abusers.
Furthermore, parents don’t fully aware of the phenomenon of online shaming such as sexting, sharing nude photos and to view the pornographic material via their cell phone browser connected to the internet. Parents don’t know about Self-Obscenity that is as UN-save as sex without condom and teens used to of sharing their videos on the internet.
Don’t Consider Parental Control
Parents don’t realize setting parental control on their cell phone and gadgets has become necessary and they cannot perform monitoring of kids and teens cyber life with a Naked eye, but to consider parental control. Busy parents especially have to get the best parental control app in order to keep a hidden eye on their kids and teens activities cell phones and the internet. They have to know about their text messages, audio and video social media apps calls, shared media material such as photos and videos, private chat conversations and they need to control that activity with parental control software.
Avoid all Digital Parenting Blunders with TheOneSpy Parenting App
Improve your digital parenting responsibility and protect your kids and teens from all cyber issues. Parents should remotely install cell phone spy app on their kids and teens devices. Once they have done it then they can do surveillance on kids and teens activities 24/7.
They can spy on passwords teens has fixed on their devices with password chaser of the phone spy app. Parents can get all the keystrokes applied to the target cell phone and get password keystrokes, messenger keystrokes, and email keystrokes and it will provide all the teens sneaky texting codes keystrokes. It empowers the parent to view the IM’s logs with IM’s social media of the cell phone monitoring app.
The user can view logs of social media apps such as private chat conversations, audio and video conversations, shared photos and videos to protect kids and teens from self-Obscenity.
You can read the text messages sent or received on the target smartphone such as iMessages, SMS, MMS and heads up tickers notification. Parents can remotely block the activities even setting at their workplaces, they can block incoming calls, text messages and even block the internet remotely.
Don’t need to worry TOS spy 360 of the cell phone tracking app empowers you to listen to the surround sounds and Voice conversation in real-time with spy 360 live surround listening. However, parents can view the surround visuals of the teens with spy 360 live camera streaming by hacking the camera of the phone. Further, a user can view all the activities happen on the kids and teens cell phone with spy 360 live screen sharing. It will enable parents to share the live screen of the cell phone to the online control panel of the cell phone surveillance software.
Having said that digital parenting is not less than art and every parent should learn to avoid all the digital parenting blunders. TheOneSpy is the parenting control app that teaches and helps out parents to do parenting in an effective way.


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Dr. Johnson and Monica McGarrity collaborated with Dr. David Dall and his Australian company, Pestat Pty. Ltd., to conduct field and laboratory trials of a new euthanasia spray for invasive frogs. This product, called HopStop®, contains only ingredients found in common household cleaning supplies but is highly effective for euthanizing frogs. Because frogs have thin, absorbent skin, the spray quickly soaks in, anesthetizes, and then euthanizes the frog -- the frogs are comatose within seconds.
HopStop® was made available on the market in Australia in 2013. Unfortunately, it never received approval for use in the U.S., and it is unlikely it will ever be released in the U.S. for use managing our invasive amphibian pests, the Cane Toad (FL), Cuban Treefrog (FL), and Coqui frog (HI).


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On Jan. 15, Birmingham-based Pepsi bottler Buffalo Rock sued PepsiCo for breach of contract, alleging the franchisor has failed to stop the transshipping of unauthorized products such as Pepsi-Cola and Mtn Dew into Buffalo Rock’s exclusive territory. Buffalo Rock’s franchise rights cover portions of Alabama, West Georgia and Florida. The lawsuit asks for at least $1 million in actual damages, plus more for punitive damages. PepsiCo’s company-owned bottler, Pepsi Beverages Co., also is named.
BD held its annual Future Smarts conference on Dec. 7 in New York City. The program focused on the implications of massive changes this year to the North American non-alcoholic beverages landscape. New leaders have taken over all three of the largest soft drink makers -- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper -- since 2017. Acquisitions of Dr Pepper Snapple by Keurig Green Mountain, Costa Coffee by Coke and SodaStream by PepsiCo have all signaled a more aggressive approach to portfolio transformation. Meanwhile


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The Singapore-based startup proposes a solution to convert virtual currencies into cash swiftly through the use of its prepaid Visa card. This real time conversion raises the potential for cryptocurrencies to be used an actual currency in the real world rather than just an investment tool, and it comes as no surprise that TenX received close to $80 million worth of funding through a token sale.
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Jamie Foxx And Cryptocurrencies
In September 2017, Jamie Foxx revealed that he was investing in cryptocurrencies. Following this announcement, the price of Bitcoin rose to a new all-time high of over $6,000.
Over the course of 12 months from that date, the price fluctuated between highs and lows ranging from $2,500 to about $3200 before finally settling at around the same level.
Who Is Jamie Foxx?
Jamie Foxx has received fame as an actor since the 1990s. He is best known for his roles in the film “Ray”, “Django Unchained”, and “Bring It On”.
He also starred in various TV shows including “In Living Color”. In 2004, he scored a Grammy for Best R&B Album for his album “Unpredictable”.
Jamie Foxx Loves Cryptocurrency – Invested in COBINHOOD
As a celebrity who likes cryptocurrency, Jamie Foxx has partnered with COBINHOOD to invest in cryptocurrencies.
He has stated that “Crypto can make the world equal”. Foxx also expressed his opinion that the security and efficiency of cryptocurrencies can change the world.
COBINHOOD is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that aims at making the trading of cryptocurrencies easy and accessible to everyone. On this platform, no account is needed to trade cryptocurrencies and only a unique currency address is required to store them.
Is Jamie Foxx Hopeful About Cryptocurrencies?
Jamie Foxx has expressed optimism about the usage of cryptocurrencies by 2023. In an interview, he stated that “If cryptocurrency is used as a means of payment, then it would be very equalizing across the world”.
Additionally, Jamie Foxx believes in the benefits that cryptocurrencies offer. He also is optimistic about their future and its usefulness to people.
Smart Contracts And Cryptocurrencies – What’s Next In Eyes Of Jamie Foxx?
Technology for smart contracts and cryptocurrencies are being explored continuously. This technology is set to revolutionize how people interact with each other and also with their own bodies. It will enable people to make transactions anywhere in the world, anytime, from anywhere.
Jamie Foxx, in a TV interview, said that “Cryptocurrency is going to be the backbone of commerce, I mean everything is going to be on cryptocurrency”.
Cryptocurrencies could also serve as a better alternative to the current banking system. Jamie Foxx expressed his hope that cryptocurrency will become the way people pay their bills and bills. He also expects this technology to make payment easier and faster so that people can spend more time doing what they love.
Jamie Foxx has stated that “Bitcoin if it’s implemented right, could really define a whole new industry”. He further believes that cryptocurrencies could help solve current issues such as financial inequality, corruption, and poverty.
Is Jamie Foxx An Investor Or a Trader?
Jamie Foxx has never been labeled as an investor but it is believed that he holds some amount of cryptocurrency. He also revealed that he buys and sells coins in his personal portfolio and also invests in several ICOs. Anyone can buy cryptocurrencies using their bank account or credit card at any point in time. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile as they fluctuate from day to day depending on demand and supply (supply means the number of coins available for trading). Since there is a limited amount of Bitcoin, the price of Bitcoin can change quite drastically. The volatility of cryptocurrency is one of the reasons why there is a high demand for cryptocurrencies.
Jamie Foxx’s Cryptocurrency Pains
Jamie Foxx has admitted that he has had to learn about cryptocurrency initially, but now he is familiar with it and uses it regularly. He revealed that the main cause of frustration in him when trading Bitcoin at that time was due to market volatility. Jamie Foxx said that he was unable to predict whether Bitcoin will go up or down in price and it resulted in losses as he was not ready to take risks. He also stated that if you hold cryptocurrencies, you should always know what your Plan A and Plan B are, which are ways of getting out if the situation goes wrong.
Jamie Foxx started a short-term trading plan in 2018 to invest in cryptocurrency. He has mentioned that he plans to keep 10% in his portfolio for 3 months and then the rest for the rest of the year.
The interview of Jamie Foxx with CNBCCrypto anchors was aired on 7th November 2017 and it was introduced by Christine Tan from Coinspeaker. Foxx’s interview was featured on Coinbase Blog, among other outlets. At the end of the interview, Jamie stated how much he loves Coincobot and also mentioned that United States institutions don’t want to deal with cryptos because it is too much difficult as they do not want to deal with an unknown currency and something that puts them at risk.
What Should You Learn From Jamie Foxx’s Crypto Journey?
Jamie Foxx, being an actor and all in the early days of his career, started from a very low position. Through hard work and determination, he has climbed up the ladder of success. Following this route can be a great lesson to all of you who believe in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.
However, the journey to success is never smooth and effortless. There are many ups and downs along the way but it is worth the effort as the result is worth it.
The fact that he has been investing in cryptocurrencies since September 2017 is an indication that Jamie Foxx holds Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for quite some time now.
Jamie Foxx’s Advice for Beginners
- Bitcoin could give you a headache. It is not for the faint-hearted and can be quite frustrating if you are not ready to lose money and accept the risk of investing in it.
- If you are planning to invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, do not rush into it without understanding the basics of cryptocurrency first. If you are a beginner, learn to trade using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as your medium currency.
· Before buying any Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, have a clear plan on where to keep them safe and how many would you keep in your possession? Many people have lost their savings due to hackers and exchange failures so be aware of this possibility.


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The easing of restrictions in NSW and Victoria has seen a surge in hotel occupancy rates particularly in regional areas.
Victoria has seen the largest rebound with an occupancy rate of 56.9 per cent compared with last week’s 22.6 per cent, according to figures from analysts STR.
Occupancy in hotels across NSW has also snapped back to 48.4 per cent after recording just 10.6 per cent in early October.
The states capital cities also saw an increase with CBD occupancy levels hitting 37 per cent in Sydney and 34 per cent in Melbourne at the end of October.
“Lockdowns and state travel restrictions have made the past four months extremely difficult for the hotel industry, however, a progressive approach to vaccinations and the easing of restrictions have led to an increase in travellers and hotel demand with leisure guests driving performance,” STR regional manager for the Pacific Matthew Burke said.
“Based on our forward-looking data, and from the experience of Australia’s first recovery, we will likely see that leisure demand dominate recovery for the rest of 2021.”
Speaking to the Australian Financial Review, Shantha de Silva, head of operations at Pro-invest Hotels, which is preparing to open Australia’s first Kimpton hotel in the Sydney, said the number of rooms in the CBD is exceeding demand as hotels end their quarantine contracts.
“In CBD markets, the re-entry of quarantine hotels is significantly impacting demand levels with the supply influx outweighing the recovery demand,” he said.
“However, we expect this to even out over the coming months as more states start to welcome quarantine-free international travel and international tourists and students return.”
Marriott International’s local chief Sean Hunt was also bullish about the future.
“We’ve had the strongest pick-up [in bookings] in the past few weeks since 2019 and the biggest spike in revenue generation since the pandemic started,” he told The Australian Financial Review.
“I’ve just got off a Tourism Accommodation Australia board meeting call. Everyone is bullish about future bookings. The revenues are returning.”


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With summer upon us many families will be preparing to jet away on a long-awaited holiday. But financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to anyone wanting to park at airports.
The guru says there can be a considerable difference in parking costs depending on whether you pay on the day or book in advance. Something that can be crucial as the cost of living spirals.
On his Martin Lewis Money Saving Show, the expert looked at parking at Manchester Airport. He found parking on the day cost a whopping £400 a week.
However, when booking in advance, motorists can pay as little as £130 a week while they jet off on holiday. He says booking in advance can even be done on the day.
Martin said: "Parking at the airport, book ahead. Even if it's on the day.
"Given an example, we found one case where, if you turn up at Manchester Airport and paid there it's £400 for the week. If you had pre-booked that morning, it was £130.
"Better still, if you had booked earlier, there are comparison sites for that too."
He also advised travellers to check their hotel prices on comparison sites, especially if they have free cancellations. He said some sites could offer a cheaper price meaning you could cancel and rebook your room.


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The virtual wing brand launched several months ago by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is becoming a “real” restaurant.
A brick-and-mortar location of Wing Boss is slated to open later this summer in Addison, Texas, the fast-casual barbecue chain announced Tuesday.
The first unit of the formerly delivery-only concept will be 1,500-square-feet with a full bar and several televisions.
Opening a physical restaurant was not in the original plans for the virtual concept, CEO Laura Rea Dickey told Restaurant Business.
"It wasn't," Dickey said. "We genuinely launched the virtual brand to see how it complemented our core concept ... The transition to brick and mortar really makes sense."
The first Wing Boss location will be run by the company, she said, adding that future restaurants could be owned by existing Dickey's franchisees or those who are new to the brand.
Hickory-smoked wings from Wing Boss will continue to be available from more than 70 delivery-only locations nationwide.
Wing Boss sells its wings in combos or by the piece, as well as in large-format group packs. The wings are available with a variety of dry rubs and sauces, including Atomic, Sweet Chili, Sweet Barbecue, Garlic Parmesan and more. Wing Boss also sells breaded chicken tenders, fries, mac and cheese, Texas toast and more.
Wing Boss, which launched in April, is one of a slew of virtual wing brands that sprung up during the pandemic. Among the delivery-only wing concept creators: Fazoli’s, Chili’s, Applebee’s and Smokey Bones.
Many point the explosion in wing concepts to the nearly-unmatched pandemic success of Wingstop, which reported more than 30% same-store sales growth during the height of the crisis.
All that interest in wings, perhaps unsurprisingly, led to a widespread shortage in the commodity.
Dickey said her chain's longstanding relationship with suppliers has helped mitigate the volatility in wing prices.
"We have the benefit of those long-term contracts," she said.
Wing Boss isn't Dickey's only virtual brand. The chain offers the delivery-only burger concept Big Deal Burger. And, later this year, the company is launching Trailer Bird—a virtual hot chicken restaurant.
So, will Big Deal Burger also become a brick-and-mortar establishment?
"I believe it will," she said. "That is definitely our intention. We always want to validate that we're going in the right direction."
This story has been updated to add comments from Dickey's CEO Laura Rea Dickey.
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KFC chicken shortages, reduced menu as supply chain issues bite
Getting your hands on some KFC chicken isn’t so easy these days, as supply chain issues force the fast food outlet to reduce its menu.
Fast food company KFC has confirmed it is facing supply shortages on chicken and that some of its restaurants will offer a smaller menu as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage on and affect businesses across the country.
“Unfortunately our supply chain has been disrupted, and some of our restaurants will be offering a reduced menu,” a KFC spokesman told news.com.au.
“We’re sorry for any issues this causes our customers – we’re doing everything we can to help our suppliers get back on track.”
Signs declaring sold-out items have popped up at stores in recent days, according to 7News.
“Due to supplier issues, we have no original chicken, zingers, fillets or wings. Please refer to sold-out stickers for available items,” one sign read.
It’s not the first time KFC has dealt with a shortage of chicken during the pandemic.
In July 2020 some Victorian stores had to close or reduce opening hours.
Changes were made to isolation requirements for supply chain industries on Monday to deal with the high number of workers in isolation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the change would allow close contacts working in critical food and grocery production, manufacturing, logistics, and distributions facilities to be able to go to work if certain requirements were met.
“So, those who are driving the truck to deliver the food, those stacking the shelves at night, those in the distribution centres, those who are in the abattoirs, the manufacturing places that are producing food,” Mr Morrison said.
Critical workers who are close contacts must get negative rapid antigen test result on day one and take a RAT every second day until day six.
Last week, Coles introduced buying limits on chicken breasts, chicken thighs, mince and sausages.
In an email to customers, Coles chief executive Steven Cain said he expected it would take “several weeks to fully recover” from supply issues.
“An increase in Covid case numbers in the community has required more people to isolate, which has meant fewer people are available to work in Australia – including in the food industry,” he wrote.
“At Coles this has resulted in disruptions to deliveries from our suppliers which in turn has impacted the availability of some products in our stores.”
Woolworths have not introduced buying limits, but in an email to customers chief executive Brad Banducci said there may be gaps on the shelf or substitutions in online orders because the number of workers in the supply chain in isolation.
“We are experiencing Covid-drive absences of 20 per cent-plus in our distribution centres and 10 per cent-plus in our stores,” he said on Friday.


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Inside Xbox in Europe has been cancelled. The incredibly popular first-party video content service, produced in the UK and presented by Dan Maher and Andy Farrant, has suffered the same fate as its US counterpart last week.
While the news of discontinuation has obviously angered fans of Inside Xbox programming such as Sent U A Message and The NeXus, what's wound up the community even more is the fact that the message was delivered by US representative Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb.
In an amendment to last week's blog post
regarding US video content, Hryb wrote that, "the team in Europe has been investigating what makes most sense for them and the Xbox LIVE community as they continue to strive to deliver the latest gaming and entertainment news for users across the region.
"As such, they have decided to move away from the current first-party produced content model and transition to a third-party content model, which will provide timely and locally-relevant content to users across more of the EMEA markets."
The response has not been kind. "Insulted that the UK guys of InsideXbox had to wait for Major Nelson to announce it on his precious blog in US time and keep them waiting for the confirmation of the axing of the content," reads one comment. "The shift from community driven content to more "lets get it for free and sell some ad space for cars and McDonalds clearly is the evolution of the Xbox."
Another comment adds, "I have to say that it's sad to see our xbox community ending like this. It's been one thing after another… Our forums have degraded to bitch fests, our friends lists are running dry, and our favorite games are collecting dust. The bottom line is our community is dying a slow painful death."
Microsoft's own @XboxSupport
Twitter account is getting a similar pounding from audience dissent.


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Liz Truss says ‘we need to diversify our trade’ in November
Anne-Marie Trevelyan has secured a digitally-focused trade deal with Singapore. The Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) has been described by the Government as the "world's most comprehensive digital trade deal" with the Asian country. It is also the first such pact signed by a European nation. After six months of negotiations, it is to bring opportunities for growth to UK firms that wish to target tech-savvy Asian markets.
The UK's trading relationship with Singapore was worth £16billion in 2020. The DEA is set to take this "to the next level" by paving the way for an expansion of digital trade.
Ms Trevelyan said: "This cutting-edge agreement with Singapore links two of the world’s most dynamic hi-tech hubs and plays to our strengths as pioneers in digital trade.
"Negotiated in just six months, it is the first digital trade deal ever signed by a European nation and will slash red tape, cut costs and support well-paid jobs across the whole UK.
"Digital trade is creating a new global economy, but it is still largely governed by old-fashioned rules that pre-date the digital revolution of the past 20 years.
"We’re using our independent trade policy to strike ground-breaking agreements that update these rules for the digital age and connect UK businesses to the biggest and fastest-growing markets in the world."
Agreed with Singapore Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S. Iswaran, the DEA is set to amend outdated trade rules for goods and service exports. This is intended to facilitate new business opportunities for UK companies in Singaporean and other Asian markets.
Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan and S. Iswaran closed a digitally-driven UK-Singapore deal
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While one-third of the UK's exports to Singapore are already digitally delivered, with little difference to the finance, advertising and engineering sectors, service companies such as telecoms giants of the likes of BT Group are presented as the "big winners" of the deal.
The agreement is also seen as a significant step towards joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which would mean access to an £8.4trillion free trade area for the UK.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss formally started trade negotiations to join the CPTPP in June.
In the meantime, the DEA is being portrayed as a gateway to business within the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Andy Burwell, CBI Director, International, said: "It’s extremely promising to see the UK agree its first-ever digital trade deal with Singapore.
"This deal will help to unlock digital trade and support key industries of the future, driving forward the UK’s global competitiveness, jobs and growth.
"Services will underpin the UK’s economic growth and therefore the UK’s Global Britain ambitions.
"Enabling digital exports in its broadest sense, and importantly the free flow of data, is integral."
Julian David, CEO, techUK, said: "Given Singapore’s longstanding status as one of the most innovative countries in digital trade policy, this agreement provides a strong platform for meaningful bilateral cooperation on tech and digital, allowing us to build common approaches to emerging issues.
"This is exciting news for the tech sector and the broader services economy and techUK looks forward to helping bring this agreement to life."
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Clare Francis, Regional Head, Client Coverage Europe, Standard Chartered, said: "The United Kingdom continues to show its leadership in global trade by becoming the first European country to agree to a Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore.
"A modern digital trade agreement will help facilitate growth in trade for digital services as well as support digital platforms that make global trade in goods faster, more transparent and secure."
Catherine McGuinness, City of London Corporation Policy Chair, said: "While we await further details on how these provisions will work for firms practically, we also look forward to seeing similar agreements announced in 2022 with our partners and friends across the world."
Indo-Pacific tilt 'terrifically important' for UK trade says Singham
Deals were this year also signed in principle with Australia and New Zealand. But trade bodies worry these agreements may not actually materialise into tangible results for UK businesses.
Angus Brendan MacNeil, chairman of the International Trade Committee, said: "As a committee, we've called on the Government to publish a full strategy for its international trade negotiations, outlining the overarching aims and objectives of the UK’s trading approach.
"Ministers should focus on getting deals right, rather than constantly rushing to move on to the next negotiation.
"These agreements have positive and negative impacts, and it's only right that the Government puts due consideration, time and effort into them."
His comments came in response to research by the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighting that even though the UK had "successfully led the delivery of a challenging and intense programme of trade negotiations to a tight timeframe", it needs to ensure "the UK can reap real benefits from these deals".
The report, released on Wednesday, warned there was a certain "speed and intensity" in reaching deals and pointed out the Department for International Trade (DIT) needs to "bring together its trade strategy in one place" to "help to clarify" its international ambitions.
A DIT spokesperson said: "2022 will be a five-star year for UK trade as we launch new negotiations with India, Mexico, Canada and the Gulf, as well as securing CPTPP accession.
"We also look forward to seeing the ambitious deals we have agreed with Australia and New Zealand come into force."


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NEW YORK — Supervalu is trying to facilitate the expansion of its Save-A-Lot banner by looking for ways to reduce the costs for licensees to open new stores.
Speaking to investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Credit Conference here last week, David Oliver, vice president of investor relations for Minneapolis-based Supervalu, said the company wants to bring the average cost of opening a new Save-A-Lot “from the $1 million range down to the $800,000 range.”
As previously reported, Supervalu is seeking to double the number of Save-A-Lots in the chain within the next five years, and most of that growth is expected to come from licensees. There are currently just under 1,200 Save-A-Lots across the U.S.
Oliver outlined some specific plans Supervalu has for reducing costs at Save-A-Lot, such as allowing more flexibility in store design, so that licensees can better utilize existing store infrastructure when taking over a vacated location, for example.
“If it was a pre-existing, small grocery store where they were going into, and the frozen-food lineup was already there with the equipment, and it happened to be on the right side of the store, they would have had to move that to the left side of the store,” he said.
Now Supervalu “can live with that” if the licensee can work with an existing layout.
Supervalu is also planning to allow more flexibility in the product selection that Save-A-Lot licensees are permitted to carry, he said, and is exploring ways to reduce costs through distribution synergies with the rest of the Supervalu organization. About 80% of the offering in Save-A-Lot is private label, and the other 20% is direct-store delivery.
Currently, Supervalu is “very controlling” about what Save-A-Lot operators can merchandise, but “what plays well in Philadelphia may not be the right products for small town America, and vice versa,” Oliver said, noting that the company is looking toward more “conditional flexibility” in its operations.
“We're letting the box be the box,” he said.


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Smartphone sales down, but 'Phablets' are in
The International Data Corporation has predicted that worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to reach 1.46 billion units with a year-over-year growth rate of 1.6% in 2016.
IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker found that while growth remains positive, it is down significantly from the 10.4% growth in 2015.
Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers, says growth in the smartphone market is quickly becoming rstyleliant on replacing existing handsets rather than finding new users.
“From a technological standpoint, smartphone innovation seems to be in a lull as consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable with 'good enough' smartphones,” he says.
“However, with the launch of trade-in or buy-back programs from top vendors and telcos, the industry is aiming to spur early replacements and shorten lifecycles. Upcoming innovations in augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) should also help stimulate upgrades in the next 12 to 18 months."
Larger screens also seem to be a building trend, with a growing interest in AR/VR driving that forward. ‘Phablets’ (5.5 inches or larger) are predicted to go from only one quarter of the market to one third by 2020.
Anthony Scarsella, research manager of Mobile Phones, says that as phablets gain popularity, vendors will further expand their portfolio of large-screened devices – at affordable prices.
"Over the past two years, high-priced flagship phablets from the likes of Apple, Samsung, and LG have set the bar for power, performance, and design within the phablet category,” says Scarsella.
“Looking ahead, we anticipate many new 'flagship type' phablets to hit the market from both aspiring and traditional vendors that deliver similar features at considerably lower prices in both developed and emerging markets,” he explains.
Scarsella also adds that the sverage selling prices (ASPs) for phablets are expected to reach $304 by 2020, down 27% from $419 in 2015, while regular smartphones (5.4 inches and smaller) are expected to drop only 12% ($264 from $232) during the same time frame.


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Sony has unveiled its upcoming offerings for PlayStation Plus users in a flashier way than usual: by putting them in its big State of Play event. While most of the show was devoted to the PlayStation VR2 titles and the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game, they also introduced the new PS Plus titles. They also revealed that PlayStation Plus is getting a new game on the service at launch time – a rarity for the service.
The three free games coming to PS Plus subscribers are Battlefield 2042, Code Vein, and Minecraft Dungeons. All three join the platform on March 7. Breaking with tradition a bit, all of these games offer co-op or multiplayer gameplay. Minecraft Dungeons, a Minecraft-style dungeon crawler, and Code Vein, a Soulslike anime, both offer cooperative play. Battlefield 2042 is, in keeping with the rest of the series, a primarily multiplayer title.
In addition to the free games offered for all PS Plus levels, Sony has also revealed some of the games coming to the exclusive game catalog for Extra and Premium levels. These games include Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves, Ghostwire Tokyo, Immortals: Fenyx Rising, and Rainbow Six Extraction.
Buried in this revelation was a surprise: Sony is putting out a new release on day one on PlayStation Plus. Upcoming platformer Tchia launches on March 21st on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via the Epic Games Store. It will be available on launch day for Extra and Premium subscribers. Xbox Game Pass (PS Plus’ main competition) regularly offers launch-day games to subscribers. While PlayStation has done this previously with games like Bugsnax and Oddworld: Soulstorm, it has been slower to adopt the practice with more games.
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