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Update: A spokesperson for Disney Consumer Products has since contacted VF.com, denying that the company had unveiled a different look for Merida on its Web site.
Last week, Disney crowned its 11th official princess—Merida, the red-haired heroine of Pixar’s Brave—in a Magic Kingdom Park ceremony embellished with Scottish bagpipes, attendants in kilts, and, for reasons unknown, Olympic-gold-medaling gymnast Gabby Douglas. Along with the splashy coronation at Cinderella Castle (embedded below), Disney also reportedly unveiled a sexier new look for the princess on its Web site. Specifically, Merida’s eyes were widened, her dress’s neckline lowered, her waist slimmed, her breasts enlarged, her hair tousled, and her face layered with makeup.
In response, an e-commerce site called A Mighty Girl, which sells books and other products meant to help people “rais[e] smart, confident, and courageous girls,” circulated a petition protesting the sexualized makeover. An excerpt of the petition, which was addressed to Disney C.E.O. Bob Iger:
After the petition received more than 200,000 signatures—including one from Bravedirector Brenda Chapman—Deadline initially reported that Disney has “replaced the Disney-fied Merida featuring a smaller waist, fuller bust, and more sensual facial features with the original Pixar design on its Disney Princess website.” No official statement on Merida’s reported make-under, however, has been released.


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It’s the kind of regulation that has an impact on every single American, as well as the kind you’d imagine everyone would be in favor of. For more than a century, the government apparatus that regulates food safety has served as a watchdog, protecting consumers from both fraud and food poisoning. Not to mention setting everyone straight on the benefits of drinking camel’s milk. Still, there are those that oppose these ideas as over-regulation, unnecessary taxation, and a burden on small businesses.
U.S.-backed food regulations go back to the mid-1800s, but the first sweeping legislation was courtesy of President Theodore Roosevelt who passed the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act on the same day in 1906. These were meant to safeguard both public health and push back against consumer fraud, and 21 years later, that mandate was used to form The Food, Drug, and Insecticide Administration, which became the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1930.
Eight years later, The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) was passed, which replaced the Pure Food and Drug Act, setting the modern standard for food regulation. It’s still in effect today and is regularly amended so it can maintain its relevance in an ever-changing industry. But with the incoming administration taking shape, many of these regulatory commissions are already in the crosshairs of lawmakers. While the current regulations for food safety in the U.S. are far from ideal, with food-borne illness still a factor today, the idea of eroding these practices instead of finding ways to improve them seems counterintuitive.
Regardless, agencies designed to protect the consumer are under fire, and to get a better understanding of what we may be in for, here’s a look at what it might mean for the future.
The Price Of Deregulation
Despite alerting the public to the presence of things like wood pulp in food, there’s been a steady, concerted effort to deregulate the food inspection process by those who tout privatization dating back to the Reagan administration. This effort can be traced back to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an agency designed to meet the needs of the food producers while also enforcing food safety. Within their department, the office of Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) who act as the USDA’s eyes and ears, and employs more than 7,000 inspectors working across the country.
This is where problems start to arise. The FSIS is entirely separate from the FDA, though the two share a number of similar duties, such as food labeling. However, the FSIS can regulate food from restaurants, whereas the FDA cannot. The FDA’s jurisdiction deals with products like infant formula, dietary supplements, and bottled water while focusing on overall consumer health, while the FSIS takes the lead role in dietary staples like regulating meat, poultry, and eggs.
However, due to the nature of FSIS’s inspection program, known as Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (PR/HACCP), production companies (like slaughterhouses) are asked to come up with their own PR/HACCP plan, which the USDA then approves of and conducts random inspections making sure these precautions are met. This means that the responsibility falls directly on the companies themselves while they’re allowed to setup their own parameters for safety. This also lets them to decide independently if they need to consider diseases like E. Coli or Salmonella as potential threats.

domain: news


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28 Jan 2013
64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 & Windows 8 Enterprise
Microsoft to launch the new Office commercially on January 29
Read more at source: Microsoft to launch the new Office commercially on January 29 | ZDNet
Finally, an official confirmation. Microsoft is launching the new Office, a k a Office 2013, on January 29.
There have been lots of rumors that January 29 would be the day that the latest version of Office would be generally available via retail channels. But thanks to a tweet from the Office team, and a #Timeto365 campaign/hashtag -- which I saw via Winbeta.org -- we now know Microsoft is "launching" the new Office on Tuesday in Bryant Park, New York.
|My System Specs || |


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Laura Ashley may have suffered torrid trading over the past few years, but it started 2020 by taking action to stop the rot. With a £20m loan secured and a new boss in post, can the heritage retailer do enough to survive?
Laura Ashley posted widening pre-tax losses at the interim mark earlier this month, while like-for-like sales slumped 10.4% and online sales slid 15.5%.
It’s a bleak picture for the once sought-after fashion and homewares brand – but new chief executive Katharine Poulter, former managing director at Wilko, is confident she knows how to revive the business’s fortunes, thanks to Laura Ashley’s outspoken customers and staff.
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On November 18, 2021 Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the bicameral Small Business Lending Disclosure Act. This bill aims to protect small business borrowers from predatory lenders and loans carrying unfair terms and conditions and would ensure safeguards already required in consumer lending, through the Truth in Lending Act. The bill would bolster the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in policing small business lending and bring enhanced transparency to small commercial loans.
Carolina Martinez was quoted in the press release: “We are excited that Congresswoman Velázquez and Senator Menendez are working to close a loophole for small business lending. Many business owners act like consumers when it comes to lending and look at their financing options like they would a car loan or a mortgage. This bill is of special importance to entrepreneurs of color as they are more likely to find financing online, where most of the predatory lenders operate and tend to hide the true costs of their products.”
Currently the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires that only consumer creditors disclose critical financing information, including annual percentage rate (APR), in a clear and comparable format. Congress has not extended these disclosure requirements to small business loans and other credit products, leaving small businesses vulnerable to irresponsible lenders. This is particularly true for people of color, as minority small business owners are twice as likely to apply for high-cost and opaque credit products, some of them with APR rates as high as 350%. Help us call on Congress to pass legislation that would put safeguards in place to ensure small businesses can access credit safely with transparent loan terms.
Lastly, the The U.S. Department of Treasury released long-awaited guidance on the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) — a $10 billion federal program to provide greater capital and resources to small business owners across the country. Eligible projects include: venture capital, loan participation, collateral support, and other capital programs. CAMEO and the Responsible Business Lending Coalition (RBLC) are encouraged by Treasury’s incorporation of small business borrower protections in its program guidelines—many of which draw from the coalition’s recommendations to the agency, and, more specifically, the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights.


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This week, Robocallers get huge fines for spoofing phone numbers, 100,000 home routers used for Brazilian hacking scam, 85 reasons to update your Adobe PDF software, 9 NAS bugs open LenovoEMC, 5 major Security updates for Chrome extensions, and Twitter bans distribution of hacked materials ahead of the US midterm elections! Sven Morgenroth of Netsparker joins us for expert commentary this week on the most recent Facebook hack!
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HMRC has announced that Self Assessment taxpayers will not be charged a 5% late payment penalty if they pay their tax or set up a payment plan by 1 April.
The payment deadline for Self Assessment is 31 January and interest is charged from 1 February on any amounts outstanding.
Normally, a 5% late payment penalty is also charged on any unpaid tax that is still outstanding on 3 March. But this year, because of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, HMRC is giving taxpayers more time to pay or set up a payment plan.
Taxpayers can pay their tax bill or set up a monthly payment plan online and are required to do this by midnight on 1 April to prevent being charged a late payment penalty. The online Time to Pay facility allows taxpayers to spread the cost of their Self Assessment tax bill into monthly instalments until January 2022.
Jim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive, said:
‘Anyone worried about paying their tax can set up a payment plan to spread the cost into monthly instalments. Support is available at GOV.UK to help anyone struggling to meet their obligations.’
Internet link: HMRC press release


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Turkey takes the spotlight in the most recent salmonella outbreak. The latest development ties raw turkey products, including pet food, to potential sources of infection. Dogs who eat these products may be at risk for exposure.
Pet food brands have started recalling their products as more people report salmonella infections. The outbreak first surfaced in late 2017, and the most recent infection appeared in January of 2019. Some of the latest cases included two children.
While some of the contaminated products are pet food meant for dogs, reports emphasize that humans are at risk, too, when they handle and come into contact with these food items.
A notice from the Food and Drug Administration reads: “There is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.”
CDC Unsure Of Which Brands Are Contaminated
The infection count has only increased since the outbreak began. What’s worse is that the salmonella infections are resistant to multiple drugs, thus patients need constant and focused monitoring.
Up to 279 people have been infected as of February 13th, 2019.
“Ill people report eating different types and brands of turkey products purchased from many different locations. Four ill people lived in households where raw turkey pet food was fed to pets,” said the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in a report.
Worse is that the CDC has not yet pinpointed a single or common supplier for the raw turkey products. The only warning given is that the outbreak may be present in different facilities and suppliers, hence the possibility of the strain being present in multiple brands.
Arm Yourself And Your Dog Against Salmonella
It’s best to be aware of the symptoms of salmonella poisoning. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which are experienced 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
Always handle raw turkey with care, since it can spread germs during prep time. Thoroughly wash your hands and any surfaces or utensils the turkey touches. If your dog’s food bowl has touched raw turkey, wash that, as well.
One solution for serving turkey safely is to thoroughly cook it. Cook the raw turkey to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the germs. If there are leftovers, reheat them to the same temperature when you serve them.
It may be best to avoid feeding your dog a raw turkey diet for now. Salmonella can make your pets sick, and by extension, when handling raw pet food with turkey, you can get sick because of the bacteria, too.
While dogs are fairly resistant to salmonella infection, dogs who are younger, older, or have weakened immune systems may be at higher risk.
If you think your dog ingested raw turkey, watch out for symptoms like diarrhea with blood or mucus, tiredness, vomiting, fever, or depression.
If your dog shows these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Salmonella is not uncommon or often fatal to dogs, but more serious cases could lead to worse symptoms that may require hospitalization.
Are you and your dog protected from salmonella brought on by raw turkey? What other steps are you taking to keep your pup safe? Let us know in the comments below!


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Sonos confirms the news that fans desperately didn’t want to hear – Express
CEO Patrick Spence has confirmed to investors that Sonos will be “focused on launching new products in our existing product categories” for the rest of the financial year. Since headphones would constitute a new product for the US brand, it won’t happen before October 2022. That’s quite a long wait.
That said, there’s still plenty for Sonos fans to be excited about. Since the statement from CEO Patrick Spence, Sonos has revealed a new product – the Sonos Roam SL. As the name suggests, this pocketable speaker has the same rugged design, water-resistant case, and the ability to switch between Wi-Fi streaming and Bluetooth.
The only difference between the Sonos Roam and Sonos Roam SL is the latter ditches the far-field microphone array that enables hands-free smart assistants like Alexa. It is also £20 cheaper.


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1947 Rise ☀: 345
Zepto, Ather, Fintech & UPI
1. Zepto becomes India’s first 2023 unicorn with $200 million fresh funding | TechCrunch
Instant grocery delivery startup Zepto has raised $200 million in a new funding round at a valuation of $1.4 billion, it said Friday, at a time when most other firms in the category have either died or are struggling. The funding makes Zepto the first Indian startup to attain the unicorn status this year.
StepStone Group, an influential LP in many venture funds including Nexus Venture Partners, led Zepto’s Series E funding in what is the U.S. firm’s first direct investment in India. Goodwater Capital and existing backers, including Nexus, Glade Brook Capital and Lachy Groom, also participated in the round.
2. Hero MotoCorp to increase stake in Ather with fresh $66.5 million investment | TechCrunch
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s top two-wheeler maker, said on Monday it plans to invest up to $66.5 million in Ather Energy, a promising electric vehicle startup in India whose fast-growing fortune had to hit brake after a local policy change.
Hero MotoCorp, which already owns a 33.1% stake in the Bengaluru-headquartered Ather Energy, disclosed (PDF) in a stock exchange filing that its board of directors had approved a fresh investment of up to $66.5 million in the rights issue of Ather Energy.
Prior to the new investment, Ather Energy has raised $336 million over the years from investors including Tiger Global, Flipkart founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, and India’s quasi-sovereign fund NIIF, according to Tracxn. It was valued at $739 million in a round last year.
Worth your attention:
UPI transactions for August crosses 10-billion mark for the first time Link
Value of fintech-led businesses to rise to $400 billion by 2030: report Link
Walmart pays $3.5 billion to increase stake in India’s Flipkart | TechCrunch Link
B2B SaaS investor Pentathlon Ventures launches $54.4 million Fund II Link
Atomicwork raises $11 million in seed round led by Matrix Partners and Blume Ventures Link
MediBuddy raises $18 million in funding from existing investors Link
B2B seafood company Captain Fresh raises $20 million from SBI Investment, others Link


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Google reveals Google TV partners
January 6, 2012
By Colin Mann
In advance of next week’s Consumer Electronics Show, Google has revealed a range of industry partners supporting the product’s relaunch. Writing in the Official Google TV Blog, Mickey Kim, Google TV Partnerships, shared the following:
“Last October, we launched an update to Google TV: a simpler interface, a new way to discover great web and TV content, a more TV-like YouTube experience, and Android Market. Since launching the update, we’ve seen our activation rates more than double. New features and new apps are coming to the living room via Google TV almost every day. We now have more than 150 apps which developers have specifically built for TV with thousands more Android apps from the mobile world available to deepen your living room TV experience. We’ve also been working with our hardware partners to bring new Google TV-powered devices to consumers. Next week is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Here are some of the Google TV partners to look out for at CES and throughout 2012:
- LG – We’re thrilled to welcome global consumer electronics leader LG to the Google TV family. LG will showcase a new line of TVs powered by Google TV running on their own L9 chipset at CES.
- Marvell – Also new to the Google TV family this year is Marvell, an innovative worldwide leader in chipsets. Marvell will be showcasing a new generation of Google TV solutions which will help bring more products across more price points to consumers.
- MediaTek – We’re also excited to partner with MediaTek, the leading Taiwanese chipset designer. MediaTek chipsets will power yet another wave of Google TV devices.
- Samsung – We’re excited to work closely with Samsung to bring Google-TV powered Samsung devices to market in 2012.
- Sony – We’re happy to build on our partnership with Sony. At CES, Sony will unveil new devices for the US and plans to offer Google TV powered products in several countries around the world in 2012.
- Vizio – Last year we announced our partnership with Vizio at CES. This year we’re excited to join Vizio as they hold private demos at CES showcasing their new line of Google TV-powered products.
As we’ve said before, Google TV is about bringing new entertainment and innovation from the Web to TV and our team along with our partners are pleased to bring more Google TV powered products to more people, across more devices in more countries in 2012.”


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It's been a big year for Harry Styles on the fashion front. Not only is he the star of Gucci’s seven-part miniseries Ouverture of Something that Never Ended making jorts (yes, jean shorts) look cool, but the former boy bander was the first solo male to grace the cover of Vogue for the magazine's December issue, too. Now Harry Styles' has been named as the first male celebrity to top Lyst’s Power Dressers list, proving 2020 was really his year.
Lyst's annual Year in Fashion report delivers findings on trend and data to reveal how shoppers are behaving, the most wanted items, and the Power Dressers of the Year showcase the celebrities whose personal style choices drove the biggest spikes in searches, sales, news coverage and social media mentions over the last 12 months. Hot on the heels of a flamboyant and fashionable month, Styles topped the list, making him the first male celebrity to do so.
And It wasn’t just his jealousy-inducing “Watermelon Sugar” that got fashion lovers searching for hawaiian shirts. Lyst found that in the 24 hours following the release of “Golden,” page views for blue and turquoise blazers increased by 52% on their site, whilst searches for yellow bucket hats spiked 92%.
Meanwhile, during lockdown, an unlikely star was born: a JW Anderson color-blocked knit cardigan, worn by Styles during a rehearsal for a performance on The Today Show. Searches for the knitwear spiked 166% during the last week of June and the multi-coloured knitted cardigan sparked a viral #HarryStylesCardigan challenge on TikTok, whereby JW Anderson even released a knitting pattern for the cardigan so that fans could continue to create their own looks from home.
Queen B came in a close second to Mr Styles. Beyoncé choice of crescent moon print catsuit for Black Is King skyrocketed searches for the designer Marine Serre’ within 48 hours of its debut in July. Searches for the French designer spiked to 426% and 3,000 shoppers looked for “crescent moon top,” helping the French brand become the logo of the year.


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Cazana appoints David Hammond as chairman
David Hammond has joined used vehicle database Cazana.com as non-executive chairman.
Founded in 2013, Cazana is claimed to be the largest car search and indexing engine for used cars on sale in the UK, with more than 600,000 cars listed for sale on the website and records of all 37 million vehicles on the road.
Hammond has previously been involved at very senior levels with businesses such as Camden Corporate Fleet Services, Car Shops, Allen Ford, Crystal Motor Group and currently CEO of Camden Ventures.
“Cazana’s unique business model is one that is going to bring both value and enabling technology to the motor industry. I’m delighted to be joining the board as they continue to bring innovative data products to both the UK and international markets,” he said.
His appointment comes a few months after Cazana received investment totalling £1.75m, including from Robert Diamond, former managing director of the RAC, who has become a key adviser to Cazana, together with Andy Homer, the former CEO of Aviva and AXA.
The company also recruited former Glass’s director Rupert Pontin as head of valuations late last year while Steve Worrell, ex-Glass’s sales director and former national sales manager at Cap HPI, joined the team in January 2018.
Worrell said: “This is a very exciting time for Cazana as we’re rapidly expanding our client base in the UK and international expansion is on the horizon. It’s great to get support from such well-known and respected industry experts like David.”


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FitStation uses HP Multi Jet Fusion printing technology to manufacture the world’s first 3D printed insoles made using 3D scanning and dynamic gait analysis to create a one-of-a-kind digital profile of each foot.
Superfeet, the leader in innovative, over-the-counter insoles, is piloting the platform in select stores across the 4,000 retail locations where they have a presence.
Without question, the system is on the cutting edge within our industry, and the level of engagement with our consumers is remarkable. FitStation has become an integral component now in our standard shoe-fitting process with our business. In addition to a cool experience, the system allows us the opportunity to sell the consumer a very personalized ME3D insole while never having to stock an inventory item ... positively brilliant,” says Adam White, of Running Central.
"For 40 years, we have set the standard for shape and fit. Until today, the technology to deliver a 3D printed insole that meets Superfeet’s exacting standards didn’t exist,” says Eric Hayes, Chief Marketing Officer at Superfeet. “Our new solution allows us to create the most individualized shape and fit on the planet."
Learn more about FitStation powered by HP.


text: Reuters, Washington, November 16 - US President Trump said on Friday that he may not impose more tariffs on Chinese goods, after China submitted a list of measures to be taken to the United States to address trade tensions. However, Trump said that some important issues are not reflected in the list, which is unacceptable. The United States has asked China to improve market access and intellectual property protection for US companies, reduce industrial subsidies, and reduce the US trade deficit with China of $375 billion. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months. US Vice President Burns said on Tuesday that China needs to adjust its practices to avoid a new cold war with the United States. The US tariff rate on US$200 billion in Chinese exports to the United States will increase from 10% to 25% on January 1. Trump threatened to increase taxes on the remaining US$267 billion in Chinese exports to the United States if China failed to meet US requirements. "We may not have to do this," Trump told reporters at the White House. "China is willing to reach an agreement." But Trump added that 142 projects on the Chinese list have fewer "four or five big items." "They list the projects they are willing to deal with. This is a huge list, but I can't accept it," Trump said. He didn't specify the missing items. But Trump said he is confident that the missing items will be dealt with in any agreement with China. “I think we may also deal with these issues,” he said. Trump’s remarks on tariff issues have softened and brought a modest boost to the stock market.


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Nike NFL Jerseys: Attaining Licensing Rights Will Prove to Be a Shrewd Move
Nike is going to reinforce its dominance in the sporting apparel world with its takeover as the makers of NFL jerseys.
Next season, NFL players will be wearing jerseys made by Nike. This comes after 10 years of Reebok unis.
Nike will ensure it gets the most out of this deal. In fact, it already has.
The Oregonian's Allen Brettman tells us that Nike has already dramatically boosted its sales.
One of the best demand indicators is Nike orders for delivery from March through July. The orders are 22 percent higher in North America this year than during the same period a year ago.
Analysts expect Nike in its first year to sell more than Reebok did across any of its 10 seasons.
Are you planning on buying a Nike jersey?
The reason for this increased sales numbers is simple: Nike is the king of hype. It knows how to create buzz around a product and it knows how to market it.
Its reputation alone helps create demand and value. And the hype is going to turn jerseys into not just the attire of fans at a game, but a fashion centerpiece for people.
This is going to cause a huge bump in jersey sales, and is surely a big reason why analysts expect Nike's sales to trump Reebok's.
Brettman also shed some insight on the growing buzz:
Jersey sales dropped last season "because so many people knew that this change was happening," Dick's Chief Executive Ed Stack told analysts March 8.
This is going to be a gold mine for Nike, and it should help its sales across the board as its product will be even more in the public forefront than it was before.
What is the duplicate article?
Why is this article offensive?
Where is this article plagiarized from?
Why is this article poorly edited?


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PORTLAND, OR — Standing along busy Sandy Blvd here, Art Laws, who now owns Timberline Tire Factory, points down the street to a series of structures.
“This had been Timberline Dodge since 1982. I used to own these buildings,” he says with a shrug. “I've had to sell off most of them.”
Laws, 70, began selling Dodges in 1965. “I never drove anything else,” he says of the brand. “I started off as night janitor a few blocks from here at the Dodge Store and slowly made my way up.”
He didn't realize the way down would be so fast when Chrysler Group LLC pulled the plug on his store and nearly 800 like it nationwide as part of the auto maker's post-bankruptcy reorganization plans.
Back when he was a low man on the pole, as he learned more about the car business, he started calling the former Chrysler Corp. with tips on how to better run a dealership.
“One day, they told me if I thought I could run it so much better, then I ought to,” he says.
Twenty years after he first started working at the dealership, Chrysler loaned him money to take over the struggling store. He renamed Timberline Dodge. He made a profit in the first year.
Over the years, Laws would expand his brand representations to Chrysler and Jeep. His facilities were on eight city blocks in downtown Portland. According to Laws, his sprawling store was a top-grossing dealership in the Northwest.
“We had a big showroom I built in 1996 and I had 179 employees.” But one day in 2009, all of that would change. He got the “Dear Dealer” letter telling him he had 21 days to “get out of the Chrysler car business,” Laws says, shaking his head.
The turn of events came as a surprise to the Automotive Hall of Fame inductee and former dealer-council chairman.
As a dealer, Laws took pride in great customer service based upon a distinctive system he developed.
“One day they tried to take everything they could,” he says. “They tried to take chairs, tables, hoists, tools, everything, and sell it at auction. They said I'd signed a personal guarantee.”
Out of the car business, Laws had to downsize his staff and his real-estate holdings. He agonized over firing people he had employed for 25 years.
In the end, he laid off more than 130 people and sold most of his real estate.
He estimates losing his dealer status cost him $3 million to $4 million.
Once prominent in the community, Laws took pride in aiding schools, funding lifeguard programs on the Sandy River, sponsoring rodeos and lending free space in his buildings to social groups. “I can't afford do that anymore,” he says.
After being financially forced to sell his home, Laws and his wife of 51 years moved into the basement of their daughter and son-in-law's home.
He converted one of the two buildings he retained into the tire store and a Napa Auto Parts distributorship.
In the other building, he and his son own and operate a stationary-bicycle aerobics studio. It shares space with a mattress outlet.
After losing the dealership, Laws was asked by Chrysler to remain a parts dealer. Timberline Dodge had been a top Chrysler-parts distributor.
But he says operating within Chrysler's new terms didn't provide enough profit margin to remain in business. In October, he closed his parts warehouse.
Laws wishes he could still sell Chrysler-brand vehicles. If he could, he would like to buy back his dealership. But he knows he can't afford to, and doubts he would be comfortable with the terms. His goal was to pass the dealership on to his son.
“I wish I could have seen this coming sooner,” he says of the dealership termination.
Laws remains dismayed, but not defeated
“I'm an outdoorsman and I have survived avalanches,” he says. “Don't think I won't survive this, too.”


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Loaded travellers return to Limerick for 20 weddings and a funeral
IRELAND’s richest traveller traders rolled home from across the world again this year in a fleet of high-end luxury cars to attend 20 weddings and a funeral.
Parts of the Co. Limerick town of Rathkeale were lined with an array of Mercedes, Range Rovers, BMWs and a variety of SUVs.
Most were U.K.-registered, but some bore plates from Italy and Germany where the traders regularly ply their trade.
They included a number of BMW Coupe models that cost in excess of €100,000 and €120,000 Range Rovers that arrived towing caravans.
This year traders from the town were especially active in Italy.
“They’ve been doing well painting white lines in car parks for shops and businesses in the north of the country,” explained a local source.
The traders spend most of the year on the road working across the U.K., continental Europe and even further afield. Their ornate houses in Rathkeale are left empty until their return home for the festive season.
BMW M4 - €100,890
Up to 20 wedding parties had been planned among the Rathkealers over the festive season.
But the annual raucous celebrations were muted this year with the funeral taking place of a popular Rathkealer killed in a car crash in South America.
As a result, some of the weddings were temporarily put on hold.
Christopher ‘Choppers’ Flynn died in the smash near Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay last month.
“A lot of people came back early for the funeral,” the source added.
Range Rover Vogue - €124,300
The 32-year-old father lost his fight for life in a South American hospital.
Sources added that a number of other Rathkeale traveller traders were also injured in the smash.
This year the traveller traders also lost one of their most famous wheeler-dealers in Simon Quilligan, better known as Sammy Buckshot.
The multi-millionaire antiques expert was long regarded as the community’s brightest and best. His willingness to travel far and wide for business inspired other traders.
But he never flashed his wealth like many other traders.
BMW X5 - €85,500
The traveller traders have been hit by the recession like everyone else, but some based in Ireland targeted by the Revenue and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
“The cuter ones haven’t been as a showy as they have been in the past – they know only too well that cars can be seized,” said a source.
BMW 530d - €69,952
Other traveller traders in Ireland have been recently targeted by Gardaí seeking to claim back the ill-gotten gains of criminals and rogue operators.
Just two weeks ago CAB successfully secured a court order to seize a car belonging to Michael Wall (23), from Tallaght, Dublin.
In recent years the Rathkealers suffered a setback thanks to the activities of a gang stealing antique rhino horns for the black-market Chinese medicine market. The gang became targets for Europol as well as U.S. federal agents, resulting in a number of prosecutions.


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Consumers stocked up on cannabis products during this past holiday season, as post-holiday sales data from Headset, LeafLink, Flowhub and others show increased sales in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Headset data demonstrates increased sales in the U.S. and Canadian cannabis markets in the week leading up to Christmas (Dec. 18 through Dec. 24) when compared to previous weeks’ sales. The U.S. saw an increase of 17% in sales, while sales in Canada rose more than 26%. In both markets, topicals saw the biggest increase in sales during the week before Christmas, with beverages taking second place and edibles ranking third.
Headset data from California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon and Washington in the U.S. and from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan in Canada illustrates increased sales on New Year’s Eve when compared to the previous four Fridays. In the U.S., sales jumped 6%, compared to an 8.9% increase in Canada. Michigan had the largest rise in sales on New Year’s Eve with a 13.7% increase, while Saskatchewan had the largest increase in Canada with sales up 12% compared to the previous four Fridays.
There was a slight increase in dispensary discounts on New Year’s Eve in both the U.S. and Canadian cannabis markets, Headset reported, with the average discount in the U.S. clocking in at 21.1%, up by about 13% when compared to the previous four Fridays, which saw an average discount of 18.6%. The average discount in Canada on New Year’s Eve was 4%, up by about 10% over the previous four Fridays’ average of 3.6%.
In the U.S., beverages, flower and concentrates sold the most on New Year’s Eve, according to Headset’s data, while tinctures/sublinguals, concentrates and beverages saw the largest increase in sales in Canada.
Post-holiday data from LeafLink shows a 6.8% increase in sales through the platform in December when compared to the average growth rate over the prior three months.
Flower was the most popular product category in December, according to LeafLink, and made up 32% of sales through the platform. Packaged flower sold the most, making up 15% of total flower sales, while bulk flower was the second most popular subcategory, making up 14.7% of total flower sales.
Cartridges were the second most popular product category with 24% market share in December, LeafLink reported.
Both flower and cartridges performed relatively consistent with the previous month, according to LeafLink’s data, which shows that consumers did not significantly alter their purchasing habits during the holiday season.
Flowhub data shows that Christmas Eve was a big sales day, marking the second most busy Friday of 2021 in terms of number of transactions. Christmas Eve sales in 2021 were down 10% from 2020 in terms of pre-tax sales, however.
In contrast, sales slowed on Christmas Day as they were 73% lower than a typical Saturday, according to Flowhub. The average order was $17 lower than the average order value, and sales on Christmas Day 2021 were 23% lower than those on Christmas Day 2020, which fell on a Friday.
Flowhub also reported that New Year’s Eve sales were nearly identical to a typical Friday, although the average order value was $2 lower than average. Sales on New Year’s Eve 2021 were 18% lower than New Year’s Eve 2020.
On New Year’s Day, sales were about half of a typical Saturday, according to Flowhub’s data. The average order was $10 lower than average, and sales on New Year’s Day 2021 were down 31% when compared to last year.
Many dispensaries had discounts for the holidays, Flowhub reported, although the discounts themselves tended to be small, averaging roughly $5. On a typical day, 18% of transactions included a discount, according to Flowhub, but on Christmas Eve, 39% had a discount. Forty percent of transactions on Christmas Day included a discount, as did 39% on New Year’s Eve and 38% on New Year’s Day.
Additional Holiday Data
At Jushi, sales the week before Christmas (Dec. 18 through Dec. 24) were higher than the previous four weeks, and the week of Dec. 11 through Dec. 17 was the second biggest week of sales leading up to Christmas. The week of Nov. 20 through Nov. 26 was the third biggest week of sales for Jushi during the holiday season due to Green Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, which was Jushi’s biggest sales day of the year.
Patients and adult-use consumers tend to gravitate to online pre-orders at Jushi, and the company experienced an increase in online reservations this year compared to the same time period in 2020.
Flower remained Jushi’s most popular product category during the holiday season, although the company reported an uptick in disposable vape and edible sales in 2021.
According to data from Lantern, consumers started stocking up for the holidays during the second weekend in December, which saw a 56% increase in daily order volume. That trend continued through the month, with a 26% rise in order volume and a 7% increase in average order value the week before Christmas. This peaked Dec. 23 with a 51% increase in average order value.
Lantern also saw increased sales leading up to New Year’s Day, with a 110% increase in order volume in the three days before New Year’s Eve compared to the three days prior.
Data from Jane Technologies shows that online sales spiked 5.7% in December compared to the previous three months. Online sales of dispensary merchandise, such as branded t-shirts and hats, increased 65% in December compared to the previous three months, and online sales of edibles and topicals were up 10% and 9%, respectively.
Finally, data from springbig demonstrates an 11% increase in sales the week before Christmas through New Year’s Day when compared with the same period last year, which equates to $276 million in total sales.


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Team Global Express (TGE), the new company name for the former Toll Global Express, has announced a major new electric truck trial that it is claiming as potentially the largest electric truck trial in the world, with 60 new electric Volvo and Fuso trucks to be added to the company’s Bungarribee facility in Western Sydney, thanks in part to a $20.1 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), with TGE investing the remaining $24.1 milion.
The announcement was made by the company’s CEO Christine Holgate, in the presence of the Federal minister for Climate and Energy, Chris Bowen, who also happens to be the member for the local seat where the Team facility is located near Blacktown.
The move to add the 60 battery electric trucks to the company fleet represents around one third of the number of trucks which operated from the Bungarribee facility, but is just a drop in the ocean when compared to the company’s total fleet of more than 6500 vehicles, however as Christine Holgate pointed out “the way to climb Mt Everest is one step at a time”.
The 60 electric trucks being added to the fleet will include 36 Volvo eFLs and 24 Fuso eCanters, and along with rapid charging infrastructure and power via a large-scale roof top solar power generation system on the warehouse, represents a total investment totaling $44.3 million. Both the Volvo and Fuso sales are claimed to be the single largest orders each company has received for the electric trucks in the world, to date.
The five-year TGE electric truck trial also includes the installation of 63 chargers on site and the battery system to store energy generated by the 400kW/h solar power generation system at the Bungarribee depot at Sydney’s Eastern Creek.
Team Global Express says it aims to reduce the emissions profile of its 6500 vehicle transport fleet, with the 60 BEVs to be used by the company’s Express Parcels fleet.
Christine Holgate said the pioneering trial will place Team Global Express at the forefront of electric vehicle adoption in the Australian logistics sector.
“I want to thank ARENA and Minister Bowen for this opportunity and their support under the Driving the Nation Fund. I would also like to thank our employees, our Union partner the TWU, our Board and our banking partner – CBA, who together have all made this trial possible. This announcement is a very proud milestone for our people, our customers, our industry and our country.
“Today is an important step toward progressing Australia’s pathway to reduce scope 1 emissions and secure a net zero future. This is the first project of its scale in Australian logistics, as such we are in a unique position to work closely with ARENA to share the knowledge we gain and provide this vital information for the benefit of the entire transport and logistics sector.
“This trial will not only reduce emissions, it will also give our valued employees at Bungarribee the opportunity to be trained on charging, driving and optimising the electric vehicles of the future. For Team Global Express, it’s an important milestone in our vision to be Australia’s most sustainable logistics company,” said Holgate.
The company says the Bungarribee site in Western Sydney has been chosen to host the trial due to its strategic location in the geographic centre of Sydney, the nature of the operations and the suitability of the existing facilities to host the necessary battery and charging infrastructure for the fleet.
The project will see the BEV fleet transition operate under a ‘back-to-base’ model with travel from the distribution centre to customers in residential and urban areas, with the trucks returning to the depot for charging.
Daimler boss Daniel Whitehead said the Team Global Express project is a great example of carbon-reduction in action.
“We are thrilled to partner with Team Global Express for this exciting project, which represents a dramatic step forward on the journey towards zero emission freight transport in Australia,” Whitehead said.
“We have no doubt this ground-breaking project will provide inspiration for many operators in Australia and are pleased the Fuso eCanter has been recognised as the best truck for this role,” Whitehead concluded.
On the Volvo side, its senior vice president for international sales area ,Per-Erik Lindström was assigned the role of spokesperson and said the ambitious initiative shows what the industry can achieve with positive government policies and agencies like ARENA.
“It’s clear that more and more transport companies around the world now want to start the journey towards electric, zero emission transports,” said Lindström.
” We are excited to work together with Team Global Express and other customers and we have the broadest electric truck line up in the industry, which makes it possible to electrify city and regional transport already today,” he claimed.
TGE said that trucks will be powered and charged on-site using both on-site solar generation, the installation of a battery energy storage system and the use of renewable energy from the grid.
Construction at the depot and associated charging infrastructure will commence shortly after the coming Christmas peak period and the company will employ more than 50 people, while the company will commence receiving the 60 vehicles over an 18 month period from early next year.
“I am so encouraged by the amazing response we have had from our people to put their hands up and volunteer to be part of this trial. We often talk about the transition of workforces as we move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This is happening in real time at Team Global Express as we retire diesel-fuelled vehicles and replace them with EVs. I am so proud of the enthusiasm and willingness from our team to participate in this change that benefits our customers, people and our Country,” said Christine Holgate.
The electric vehicle fleet will be deployed as part of Team Global Express’ parcels fleet as this is where the duty cycle is most appropriate to the distances driven during the day and the shift patterns of the drivers. The battery electric vehicles will service deliveries direct to customers in residential areas and commercial customers across a range of industries throughout the Greater Sydney area. Rolling out the electric truck fleet into an urban distribution area was chosen as trucks are stopping and starting regularly and therefore generating energy via braking.
The benefits of the electric truck fleet will extend to local communities through reduced vehicle noise and improved urban air quality. Additionally, our drivers will benefit from improved safety conditions through lower noise and vibrations and the general safety benefits of a new fleet with the latest technology, sensors and ergonomics.
The trial is part of Team Global Express’ ongoing plan to reduce emissions and environmental impacts relating to its intermodal fleet.


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CoreLogic: home prices get spring bump
Shadow inventory down 18 percent from January 2010 peak
Home prices got a seasonal bump for the second month in a row in May, and the “shadow inventory” of distressed properties was shrinking in April, according to two recent reports from loan data aggregator and analytics firm CoreLogic.
CoreLogic’s Home Price Index showed home prices increasing by a nonseasonally adjusted 0.8 percent from April to May, but were down 7.4 percent from a year ago.
Excluding distressed sales — short sales and real estate owned (REO) properties — the year-over-year price decline was a more modest 0.4 percent.
If distressed sales were included, nine out of 10 of the country’s largest metro areas saw year-over-year price declines, compared to only half if distressed sales were excluded.


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Smart sensors are the key to new mill technology
SOMETHING AS CHEAP AS A $50 SENSOR could well be the key to enabling sawmillers and wood processors to take advantage of new technologies that make their plants more productive.
The cost of sensors has tumbled considerably in recent years and they are now so affordable they are being included in almost every facet of manufacturing and supply chain management.
Sean Carter, Product Manager, Identification & Measurement for SICK Australia, a leading supplier of electronic sensors, told the WoodTECH 2018 conference in Rotorua last month that these simple devices are a key component in driving Industry 4.0 – the next industrial revolution.
But rather than just dumb sensors that only record things, we’ll see more use of smart sensors in mills in the years to come.
In their simplest form, he says a sensor mounted onto the rear of a log stacker could reduce or even eliminate collisions with structures or other equipment and is something that should be more widely adopted by the industry.
Sensors can also provide accurate measurement of log packets as they arrive at the mill, then deliver a full 3D measurement of the log before it enters the saw line and as the wood progresses, sensors will assist with accurate cutting and placement. And it can do all these tasks at speed.
New sensors are being introduced that inspect the quality of products and measure whether they are the right dimensions.
There’s even a sensor that can scan and measure the volume of bulk chip as it flows along a conveyor system.


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weGrow, a hydroponics superstore that openly marketed its products and services to medical marijuana growers and patients, needed assistance launching two new stores in Phoenix, Arizona and in Washington D.C. Given the extremely different laws and perceptions of medical cannabis on the West Coast vs. the East Coast, the messages for each opening had to be very different and had to fit each unique market in an effort to secure the most positive media coverage.
Serendipit managed the grand opening events at both weGrow locations and also handled the public relations efforts and press conferences around each store opening. Specific, and very different, messages were crafted around each opening to ensure the stores were positively received in each market.
The weGrow Phoenix store opening (June 2011) resulted in more than 250 news and feature stories across the world. Outlets included CNN, BBC, Reuters, NPR, Playboy Radio, and every news station, newspaper and talk radio station in Arizona. The weGrow Washington D.C. store opening (March 2012) resulted in more than 200 news and feature stores across the world. Outlets included U.S. News & World Report, Associated Press, CNN, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Jay Leno, MSNBC as well as every news station and many talk radio stations in the D.C. area.
- Award Submission
- Media Relations
- Media Training


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Chinese companies are doing more business and investing more in the United States than ever before.
But there is mounting concern that the secretive nature of Chinese companies operating in the United States and their close ties to the communist government provide unfair competitive advantages that threaten American corporations and national security.
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In one high-profile case, the fashion maker Gucci is seeking counterfeiters’ records held at the Chinese state-owned Bank of China, which is operating in the United States. A judge ordered the Bank of China to turn over the records, but it has refused, saying compliance would put it in violation of Chinese bank secrecy laws.
The Gucci case is just the tip of the iceberg. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in May warned that this practice of hiding behind the veil of Chinese law is becoming more widespread.
“Chinese financial institutions can effectively operate behind a firewall that keeps them largely immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts and regulatory agencies, leaving U.S. partners, competitors, and investors vulnerable,” it stated in a report.
Chinese firms have also been making inroads into other U.S. sectors like defense, real estate and technology.
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Chinese firms have also been making inroads into other U.S. sectors like defense, real estate and technology. The push is being spurred by a slowing economy at home and a Chinese government mandate to pursue growth opportunities abroad, resulting in a massive mergers and acquisitions spree by Chinese companies.
Seeking ways to dig themselves out of the most recent recession, many U.S. states have been receptive to Chinese investments to help create jobs and spur economic growth. The cumulative amount of foreign direct investment from China to the U.S. in the form of acquisitions and new projects grew from $3 billion in 2007 to $57 billion so far in 2015, according the Rhodium Group, which tracks foreign investment trends.
In 2013, Shuanghui acquired Virginia-based Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer, for $4.5 billion in the largest-ever Chinese purchase of a U.S. firm. Last year, another Chinese company purchased the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City for $2 billion, and several Chinese firms were in hot pursuit of Starwood Hotels this fall before it was bought earlier this month by Marriott for $12.2 billion.
The encroachment of Chinese state-backed firms into the technology and defense spheres raises particular national security implications, especially considering China’s record of cyber espionage and intellectual property and trade secrets theft.
In 2012, two major Chinese telecommunications companies, Huawei and ZTE, were effectively barred from contracting with the U.S. government after the House Intelligence Committee accused them of being conduits for collecting and relaying sensitive information to the Chinese government that could be used in a potential cyberattack.
Currently, Tsinghua Unigroup Ltd., another state-owned company, is seeking to acquire Micron Technology Inc., an Idaho-based manufacturer that supplies computer chips to the U.S. military.
Because most Chinese companies that set up shop in the U.S. are owned or subsidized by the Chinese government, there are concerns they possess an unfair competitive advantage.
Its initial bid of $23 billion was rejected this summer for fear that it would be blocked on national security grounds. But Tsinghua — armed with $1.6 billion in backing from the Chinese government and a mandate to build a global microchip and semiconductor empire — is reportedly back for another bite at the apple and going after Micron again.
Further, because most of the Chinese companies that set up shop in the United States are either owned or subsidized by the Chinese government, there are concerns they possess an unfair competitive advantage over U.S. firms in the U.S. market.
“The term ‘Chinese companies’ is very problematic because it implies that they are private-sector entities that are comparable to their U.S. counterparts,” said Alan Tonelson, an economist and author of the RealityChek blog. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Trying to overlay the Chinese “market Leninism” economic model on top of the U.S. free-market model, he said, is a recipe for disaster.
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“It represents an import into the U.S. of values and practices that we have long considered completely alien and totally undesirable,” he said. “I think we can all agree that we need less crony capitalism.”
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Still officially unannounced, but widely rumored and expected Apple’s next generation iPhone – or iPhone 5 as called by hi-tech enthusiasts – has gone into production in Shanghai, according to a report in DigiTimes magazine.
Citing industry sources in Taiwan, the website says contract manufacturer Pegatron has begun building the new smartphone in a factory in eastern China. Pegatron is one of several manufacturing giants that produce consumer electronics for Apple, along with Foxconn Technology. The company will also begin manufacturing a new version of the iPad, with shipments in the third quarter expected to reach a few million units.
Elsewhere, plugged-in KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shed some light on iPhone 5 specifications recently, says that the phone will launch in September followed closely by the release of “iPad mini.”
“iPhone 5 to debut in September,” he wrote in a note to clients. Ming-Chi’s adds also that a tweaked version of Apple’s current third-generation iPad will be released around the same time mirrors earlier reports, which claimed Apple is planning some internal redesigns that address heat issues and reduce Apple’s costs.
Meanwhile, a new study by 451 Research reveals an “unprecedented demand” for the unannounced iPhone 5.
“Overall smartphone sales should spike to an all-time high this fall — and of course Apple is going to be the number one beneficiary,” noted Dr. Paul Carton, 451’s vice president of research. The survey of over 4,500 North American buyers showed a strong uptick in consumers likely to buy Apple’s latest: 31 percent, as compared to 21 percent in October.
A number of reports also suggest Apple will move to a smaller dock connector on the base of the phone, meaning the ecosystem of gadgets that connect through it will no longer work.


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If you are thinking what might be the next big thing from Apple then it can’t be none other than fully advanced touch sensitive Macbook Touch having features similar to the revolutionary iPhone. Currently its only a rumor but the possibility is high as recently in its Quarterly earnings report Apple CEO Steve has promised new revolutionary products in the coming future, he also said that the products are in final finishing stages and iBook or iNotebook or iMacbook( ok you name it ) might be one of them. Then it is MacDailyNews who has reported this rumor previously they also leaked wireless iTunes a week before its official announcement.
This is what they are saying about the futuristic Macbook Touch:
Think MacBook screen, possibly a bit smaller, in glass with iPhone-like, but fuller-featured multi-touch. Gesture library. Full Mac OS X. This is why they bought P.A. Semi. Possibly with Immersion’s haptic tech. Slot-loading SuperDrive. Accelerometer. GPS. Pretty expensive to produce initially, but sold at “low” price that will reduce margins. Apple wants to move these babies. And move they will. This is some sick shit. App Store-compatible, able to run Mac apps, too. By October at the latest.
Any guess on what might be the other revolutionary products from Apple?
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AWS-3 Spectrum Auction: "A Smashing Success”
Scott Belcher, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association, says the AWS-3 auction was a “smashing success,” and congratulates those involved in generating $40 billion in revenue. Next on the FCC’s agenda is the broadband spectrum auction, expected to commence in 2016.
Cross Border Data Flows
The data center landscape is changing rapidly and so are the regulatory questions and concerns around how that data will be transferred from one country to another. Here to tell us more about the challenges and solutions for cross border data flows is Danielle Coffey, VP & General Counsel of Government Affairs at TIA.
DC Beat: Net Neutrality and Spectrum 2014
TIA’s Vice President & General Counsel, Government Affairs, Danielle Coffey talks to TIA NOW about the current "state of play” in the tech sector. Topics include: net neutrality, broadband reclassification, paid prioritization of broadband speeds, unlicensed vs licensed spectrum and spectrum bidding caps.
FCC’s New Equipment Authorization Rules
On July 13, the FCC updated its Equipment Authorization rules to provide flexibility to manufacturers to use electronic labeling in lieu of a physical label or nameplate, and took steps to streamline the certification process for telecommunications equipment and devices imported into the United States. Julius Knapp, Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering Technology…
FCC’s Title II Approval Not the End Game
Scott Belcher, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association, reacts to the FCC’s approval to regulate the Internet as a public utility.
Future of Video, Competition and Open Internet Roundtable
The FCC is currently considering proposed Net Neutrality rules intended to ensure the Internet remains open, focusing prominently on the Future of Video. Generating over a million comments to the FCC, few recent communications policy issues have generated such broad public scrutiny. Join TIA as we explore and clarify the issues at a Luncheon Roundtable.
How Does M2M Apply to my Business?
The M2M ecosystem is growing as industry stakeholders recognize the need to broaden their market segments to encourage new revenue streams. The telecommunications industry is on the cusp of exploring new opportunities in the M2M space to increase profitability, reduce OPEX and improve customer experience and service.
Net Neutrality Revisited
There are growing questions about where industry stands on net neutrality. TIA has a clear position on net neutrality and they answer important questions. Who dictates the rules of net neutrality? What is the significance of reclassifying the Internet under the FCC’s Telecom Act? How can industry benefit from the services offered by TIA’s Government…
Spectrum auctions are in the news headlines but we in the industry know that the reallocation of spectrum bands via spectrum auctions will not be enough to sustain the growth of bandwidth requirements over the next few years.
The Connected Car: The Next Steps
TIA’s Connected Vehicle Workshop invited the top technology and policy experts in the connected vehicle space. They discussed the policy, technology and business challenges for the connected car as providers, enterprises and consumers will see more IoT devices and services in their vehicles. Panelists included AT&T, Cisco, the State Dept. and the Association for Global…
TIA Cautions Against Title II
Scott Belcher, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, responds to President Obama’s statement endorsing the reclassification of the Internet as a Title II utility.
TIA’s 15th Annual Spring Policy Summit 2014
It’s time once again for TIA’s annual Spring Policy Summit in Cambridge, MD on April 11th-13th. The 15th annual SPS event will host industry and government to find solutions and create thought leadership. Topics will include trade, spectrum and the Internet of Things.


text: KLANG: Glove maker, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, which saw its first venture into Vietnam fall through in 2007, could make a second attempt to foray overseas as early as this year, said its managing director and CEO Datuk Lim Kuang Sia (pix). "We are very keen on expanding our glove operation in Vietnam. We want to buy a piece of land and put up a factory there," Lim told SunBiz in a recent interview. Lim has set his sights on a leasehold land, located in a large-scaled industrial park in Ho Chi Minh, equipped with a one-stop centre which is a convenient location for logistics and distribution. "I just went there and had a look at the land. I still haven't made up my mind. The land condition looks good, the area looks very nice, and the details of agreement is also fair, but we have not firmed up anything yet," said Lim. He did not give any definite timeline for the cross border expansion but said Kossan might be able to close the land purchasing deal by year end. "Frankly speaking, we did not set any timeframe yet. We will buy the land first, but if anything (capacity expansion) were to happen in Vietnam, it will be next year, not now," he added. To recap, Kossan had conducted preliminary studies on setting up a factory in Vietnam for glove production in 2007. The expansion plan eventually did not materialise, as the rubber glove maker was concerned over the business-unfriendly environment and unstable government policy in the Indochinese country. Additionally, high-inflation as well as the sharp depreciation of the Vietnamese dong, mainly due to the global financial crisis, halted Kossan's planned investment in Vietnam. However, things have changed. Seven years after the world financial crisis, the overall sentiment and market condition in Vietnam has turned positive. According to Lim, who is also the founder and substantial shareholder of Kossan, doing business in Vietnam today is relatively cheaper than in Malaysia. "In Vietnam, the energy and labour costs are lower, while the land cost is even much cheaper than here," he said. In addition, Vietnam, which enjoys Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) privileges, also provides tax incentive and pioneer status for companies seeking to invest in business expansion. "This is our plan for future. Looking at a longer term, Vietnam could be a good location for us to do business, at least for the next ten years," said Lim. In contrast, the operating environment at home has become more challenging. "There is no doubt that Malaysia has good infrastructure, but labour is a key problem, while the cost of recruiting mid-range management personnel is quite high in Malaysia, not to mention rising energy prices," said Lim, adding that the water rationing in Selangor has been causing serious problems to the local manufacturers. "While Malaysia is facing water crisis, Vietnam has tonnes of water," he said. Going forward, the rubber glove tycoon said Kossan will be looking into expanding its product range from the overseas operation, to produce more common items and more competitive items. As for Malaysia, he said it shall remain as Kossan's home base to produce more sophisticated products. Kossan has also allocated between RM70 to RM90 million as capital expenditure this year, mainly for purchasing plants and machinery, as well as to partly-finance its capacity expansion plan for its new plants. In total, Kossan is investing about RM100 million to build three new plants, which will bring its installed capacity to 22 billion pieces per year from 16 billion currently. Some RM30 million will also be allocated for the group in the next two years, to advance the degree of automation on the production floor aiming to reduce the reliance on low skilled labors and create greater productivity. For the next phase of business expansion and growth, Lim said Kossan has acquired a plot of freehold industrial land measuring about 56 acres in Batang Berjuntai, Selangor in February 2013. This strategically located land bank is sufficient to keep the group busy for the next three years from 2015 onward.


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The NADA Auto Show 2019 – 14th edition is happening from Bhadra 10 to 15, 2076 (August 27 to September 1, 2019) at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal is organizing this event. And according to the organizer, around 94 brands will be showcasing their two and four-wheeler auto during the event.
NADA’s Director, Shambhu Dahal said during the press conference at Kathmandu, “around 94 auto brands will showcase their two and four-wheeler auto and electric ones will also be included. And there will be around 160 small and big stalls and blocks for exhibitions.”
Moreover, in the exhibitions, there will be lubricants, tires, spares, and parts, etc. from international brands.
Likewise, around 23 brands will be showcasing their four-wheelers, 19 brands will showcase their two-wheelers, 12 brands will exhibit their lubricants. On top of that, 9 brands will showcase their tires, 5 brands will showcase their batteries. Also, there will be around 14 companies concerning spare parts and garage equipment and 13 financial institutions are also participating.
NADA expects around 75,000 visitors to attend this 6 days exhibition.
For entry, general people need to pay Rs. 200 while students need to pay Rs. 150.
There’s also parking facility for the visitors, where they will have to pay Rs. 10 for two-wheelers and Rs. 30 for four-wheelers.


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Nature Valley Granola Bars are always a pretty tasty snack that comes through in the clutch. But we've all seen the memes. Can't open one without it looking like Thanos snapped at it. But what if there was something binding it all together — something sweet, even?
Well that 'what if' is now a reality, thanks to Nature Valley's new Crunchy Dipped Granola Bars. The new product features no artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no high fructose corn-syrup. This seemingly sweet solution to less crumbs everywhere comes in three flavors: Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Salted Caramel.
The new Nature Valley Crunchy Dipped Granola Bars are now available at participating retailers nationwide.


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Banking on India’s talent pool to build AR-driven Metaverse: Mark Zuckerberg
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stressed that the company would heavily fall back on the talent pool in India, encompassing its entire start-up community, in its initiative towards building augmented reality-driven Metaverse experience for users.
“That is because India’s talent pool – the engineers, developers and creators and the whole vibrant startup ecosystem – is playing a huge role in shaping the future. India is on track to have the largest app developer base in the world by 2024. It already has one of the largest ‘Spark AR’ developer communities,” Zuckerberg was quoted as saying at the company’s ‘Fuel for India’ event on Wednesday (December 15).
Stressing that Metaverse would be the next big thing after the success of mobile internet, Zuckerberg said his company will continue investing in the online gaming segment, which has clicked quite well in India, while also assessing how “it’s going to take shape in Metaverse”.
The Facebook founder said that Meta is also investing in areas such as education and social commerce platforms like Unacademy and Meesho, which have shown a growth in the recent part, and promise to be a part of the future.
Zuckerberg lauded the entrepreneurial spirit of the country and said that it is this power that has kept the internet economy running in India.
“When we’re thinking about what the next generation is going to look like in terms of, you know, where all these creators and developers are going to come from, who are going to really build the foundation of the Metaverse, I think it’s just obvious that India is going to be a huge part of that,” he said.
Facebook has the largest number of users, around 340 million, in India, while WhatsApp has around 400 million Indian users.


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VIDEO: $3.50 gas for one day only
Published: Monday, July 28, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 28, 2008 at 7:12 p.m.
OCALA - The Qwik King food store on Southwest 27th Avenue in Ocala briefly sold gas for $3.50 a gallon Monday afternoon, drawing a long line of cars.
A store official said the business was emptying the old tanks so that new tanks could be installed beginning on Tuesday.
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Online clothing giant recruiting for new Wellingborough warehouse
and live on Freeview channel 276
A popular online fashion retailer is recruiting for its new distribution centre in Wellingborough
Earlier this year, Boohoo confirmed it was opening a new warehouse in April, promising that the site would create 1,000 jobs in the town.
Numerous jobs have already been advertised for the distribution centre, including team manager, shift manager and health and safety manager, but they are now advertising online for warehouse operatives.
The online job advert says: "As a warehouse operative for our new distribution centre in Wellingborough you will be part of the operational team and will report into a warehouse team manager.
"You will be a key team player, using a variety of warehouse control systems for all operations including; receipting of goods, picking, packing, despatch and shipping."
Boohoo first launched in 2006 selling women and men's fashion and now has more than 10 million followers on social media.
The Wellingborough distribution centre will be used for well-known brands including Nasty Gal, Karen Millen, Coast, Oasis and Warehouse.
For more details about the warehouse operative jobs up for grabs, click here.
To read more about Boohoo opening a distribution centre in Wellingborough, click here.
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Mercedes Reveals Its Hyperscreen Infotainment Display
When Mercedes-Benz’s electric flagship EQS arrives this spring, it will have as an option a new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) called MBUX Hyperscreen. Mercedes says the Hyperscreen is several steps ahead of what we’ve experienced so far in terms of technology and in fact the automaker calls it “both the brain and nervous system of the car.”
The Hyperscreen is not merely a floating screen above the center console like we’re used to with today’s MBUX systems. This baby is over 56 inches wide, stretching almost the entire width of the dash, pretty much from door to door. Sajjad Khan, member of the Mercedes Board of Management of and chief technology officer, says the Hyperscreen has learning-capable software and can continually get to know the customer better. He says the system “delivers a tailored, personalized infotainment and operating offering without the occupant needing to click or scroll anywhere.
“We analyzed the customer feedback of the first MBUX generation and asked ourselves: ‘What do people need and how do they interact in the car? Especially in an electric car?’ The goal was a concept without distraction of the driver or creating complicated operation,” Khan told us.
Mercedes says to help make road trips more entertaining the front-seat passenger also has their own display area with individualized content for up to seven profiles. If the passenger seat is not occupied the screen becomes what Benz calls a “digital decorative part,” or animated stars. Organic light-emitting diode technology (OLED) is used for the 17.7-inch central and 12.3 front passenger displays for a very high resolution image. OLED has individual image pixels that are self-luminous and the screen appears black when the car is switched off.
All the graphics are in a new blue/orange color scheme, and the classic cockpit display with two circular instruments has a new digital look.
Mercedes insists the MBUX Hyperscreen is intuitive and easy to operate, reducing operating steps thanks to artificial intelligence. The screen can even proactively display functions at the appropriate time for the user. Mercedes calls it “context-sensitive awareness,” and it is constantly optimized by changes in the surroundings and user behavior. Mercedes researched how customers have been using MBUX and learned navigation, radio/media and phone are used most often. So in the Hyperscreen, the navigation is always at the center of the screen. More than 20 more functions—from active massage to a birthday reminder—are automatically offered if they are relevant to the customer.
For example, if the EQS driver regularly uses the hot-stone massage function featured, the system learns this and automatically suggests the hot-stone massage function for the driver in colder temperatures. Khan also told us if you sell your EQS the next owner can reset the system to set up their own preferences.
Kahn said the Hyperscreen will be available in Benz’s other upcoming EVs announced a couple weeks ago. “Of course the software is going to continue to get more advanced and the Hyperscreen will continue to have more and more functionality,” he told us. He added that as the functionality advances the Hyperscreen will get over-the-air updates.
Mercedes revealed the Hyperscreen leading up to next week’s virtual Consumer Electronics Show. The company showed the first MBUX generation at CES in Las Vegas in January 2018.
What do you think of Benz’s ginormous screen?!? Let us know in the comments below
Source: Read Full Article


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There have been many criticisms leveled at Apple and their iPhone 7 smartphones. After all this would mark the first time that Apple has stuck to a similar-ish design for three-generations worth of iPhones, leading many to call them “boring”. However despite that, there is still a certain level of appeal to them, which is why we’re not surprised at Kantar’s latest report.
According to a report from Kantar Worldpanel, they have found that based on smartphones sales around the world that Apple’s iPhone 7, despite being called boring, is doing quite well and is actually the top-selling smartphone in markets like the US, Europe, and urban China, or so they claim.
Based on their numbers, Apple’s iOS market share actually grew in some of those markets. For example in the US, the market share of iOS is at 42% which actually represents a 2.9% increase from the previous year at the same time which was at 39.1%. In Europe iOS also saw an increase in market share from 20.3% to 22.7%.
As for China, Kantar was careful to specify that they meant urban China in which the iPhone 7 is doing well. This is because in tier 2 and tier 3 cities which are more rural, Apple’s market share is being ceded to the likes of Android, and as an overall, Apple lost 8.4% of their market share in China. That being said, we have to wonder with this year’s iPhone predicted to launch another super cycle for Apple, how will those numbers look like?


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New Delhi: Domestic lifestyle tech brand Noise has announced the launch of its first gaming TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones “Buds Combat”. Suitable for intensive gaming sessions, the new earbuds cost him Rs 1,499 and are available in Stealth Black, Covert He White and Shadow Gray on the company’s official website and online store, the company said. “With the launch of our first gaming TWS, Noise Combat, we are aiming to do just that. One of many firsts, the new TWS is designed to complement your gaming setup and It will be your ideal gaming companion,” said Noise, founder, in a statement.
The new gaming earbuds are equipped with quad-mic ENC in a trendy and modern design, supporting 36 hours of battery life for an uninterrupted gaming experience for users. Engineered with cutting-edge technology, the company’s first TWS ensures a crystal clear audio experience during gaming, calls, virtual meetings and seamless communication.
Additionally, the Buds Combat features a USB Type-C charging connector and IPX5 sweat and water resistance, making them safe to wear while working out or near water. Additionally, 13mm drivers combined with Bluetooth 5.3 make TWS ideal for everyday gamers and students. to the company.


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As consumers haveshifted to the webto order and pay for services like broadband and insurance, price comparison sites have become one of the main... ...https://www.techgig.com/tech-news/editors-pick/Financial-comparison-site-CompareEuropeGroup-scores-21M-from-Thiel-ACE-and-more-86014
From the Wires Jan. 10, 2017 01:31 PM Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Price Comparison Websites (PCW) Market:... ...http://in.sys-con.com/node/3984235
PRWeb 2016-12-15 Braefoot House - A new property investment venture consideration for the new year (PRWEB UK) 15 December 2016 Braefoot... ...http://www.bizwireexpress.com/showstoryPRWeb.php?storyid=568687
It really is hard to find an...
One in five properties are in...


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The 2019 CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) Conference has returned to Southampton this week and the three-day flagship event for 2019 has been the biggest to date.
The CLIA Conference is the largest travel agent conference in the UK and this year’s event attracted over 700 delegates.
After having a chance to explore Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Edge and MSC Preziosa, both currently in port at Southampton, it was time for the annual trade fair which was once again held at Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port.
On Wednesday 15 May, travel agents attended this year’s trade fair held inside the newly-refurbished Ocean Terminal. Over 60 exhibitors took part, showcasing their products and services. Amongst them was the team from ABParking, the only official cruise car parking provider for the Port of Southampton.
Alastair Welch ABP Southampton Director
“We were thrilled that CLIA has once again chosen to host their annual trade fair at the UK’s leading cruise port. Cruise is a strong and growing industry and travel agents play a huge part in this, so we are delighted to be part of the largest travel agent conference in the UK.”
Southampton typically welcomes around 2 million cruise passengers each year. Each visit to the port generates around £2 million for the economy.


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Third Publix Retail Restaurants Due In 70 Million West Brickell Center
By Sherri C. Ranta
miami-dade seeks to block state assistance for firm moving to broward third publix, retail, restaurants due in $70 million west brickell center prospects for one brickell square sale auspicious, say area brokers developer contracts $3.5 million site for rental east of brickell despite increasing terrorism at home, israeli trade mission heading to florida dollar incentives seen needed to refuel miami-dade’s film industry donald trump just one of many players in popularity of northern miami beach calendar of events fyi miami filming in miami front page about miami today put your message in miami today contact miami today job opportunities research our files the online archive order reprints third publix, retail, restaurants due in $70 million west brickell centerBy Sherri C. Ranta
A third Publix and four new restaurants will expand retail and dining options in Miami’s financial district when the $70 million Mary Brickell Village opens in 2003 along South Miami Avenue.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, The Redstone American Grill and Starbucks will join the grocery chain in the 192,000-square-foot residential-retail center, said George Giebel, senior vice president of Constructa, developers of Mary Brickell Village. The project is planned for 5.2 acres between Southwest Ninth and 10th streets.
"The concept of the project is a lifestyle center for the whole family and to focus on the needs of the community on Brickell," Mr. Giebel said, "not to create another mall."
Small specialty stores related to home life – furniture, home and garden accessories, books and clothing – are targeted for the two-level center, officials said. APCOA Standard Parking, one of the nation’s largest parking management companies, will run the 810-space parking deck.
Mary Brickell Village partners are Paris-based Constructa, an international full service real estate firm; Brasilinvest Group, one of the 100 largest privately owned corporations in Brazil, and retired racecar driver and businessman Emerson Fittipaldi.
Constructa is not new to Miami. The firm developed and manages CocoWalk in Coconut Grove and Ocean Steps, a 40,000-square-foot entertainment complex in Miami Beach.
In addition to the retail component of Mary Brickell Village, Mr. Giebel said, developers plan to build a 25-story residential tower, still in the planning stages.
"We’re considering a rental tower," he said. "The original idea three years ago was a hotel tower. But market dynamics change. Right now, market trends on Brickell favor multifamily."
Mr. Giebel said the area is ripe for retail. "Four or five years ago, if you talked to developers, Brickell was not ready for retail. I don’t think that is true anymore. The project has proven, by its sheer interest and commitments that we have in place, that there is a demand for commercial development in downtown Miami."
Construction is just days away, Constructa officials said last week, as they await permits from the City of Miami. Workers are completing prep work on the site that includes relocating and saving about 39 exotic trees. Some of the larger trees, a banyan and gumbo-limbo for example, are integral to the design, officials said.
The project will wrap around Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe and incorporate in its design the north side of Allen Morris Park.
Publix officials have said their new 30,000-square-foot store will be a flagship, Mr. Giebel said, where the Lakeland-based chain will try new food concepts. A 27,000-square-foot Publix at Brickell Village, 134 SW 13th St., opened in 1996. A second, Publix at Miami River, a 27,000-square foot-store proposed for Southwest Third Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, awaits city permits.
The 13th Street store does a tremendous volume, said Harvey Taylor, who built and sold it.
The new store, he said, "will take the load off the Coral Way Publix and traffic problems there. The store doesn’t just deal with the residents. It deals with the office workers on their way home and coming to work. I think it’s a welcome addition to the area."
Veteran Miami restaurateur Steven J. Perricone, owner of Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe, said the new competition would bring more people to the Brickell area.
"People always like to try new restaurants. I’m not afraid of new restaurants. The more choices people have, generally the more people come to the area."
Mr. Perricone opened his Italian specialty restaurant at 15 SE 10th St. six years ago.
"I think I was a little bit ahead of my time. They told me I’d do lunch but never do dinner or weekends." Now the business has a healthy lunch, dinner and weekend crowd, he said. "I do 300 to 400 dinners on Fridays and Saturdays."
Mr. Perricone is also a partner in the proposed residential-retail Flatiron Building on South Miami Avenue between Southeast 10th and 11th streets.
Of the new restaurants planned at Mary Brickell Village, two are new to Miami-Dade, officials said. Redstone American Grill, based in Wayzata, MN, is the brainchild of Dean Vlahos, founder of Champp’s, a sports bar concept of the 1980s.
The 8,000-square-foot Miami spot will be the company’s fourth restaurant and the only one in Florida, said Lori Frazier, director of training. She said the restaurant specializes in classic rotisserie chicken over an open fire and is known for its blazing bonfire at the entrance.
"We’re extraordinarily impressed with the market and the potential" in Miami, Ms. Frazier said.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Mary Brickell Village officials say, will be a retro supper club serving fresh seafood. The 8,500-square-foot design will resemble an ocean liner.
The project’s 1,500-square-foot Starbucks will be the fifth in the downtown Miami area, said Keith Schantz, real estate manager for Florida.
"We had been looking in the Brickell area for quite some time," he said. "They approached us at the same time as we were looking," he said.
Starbucks also plans to open an outlet this fall in the Barclays Financial Center on Brickell Avenue and has more than 20 stores in Miami-Dade County.
Scottsdale, AZ-based P.F. Chang’s China Bistro will open its third Miami-Dade restaurant in Mary Brickell Village, said Laura Cherry, company spokesperson. "We’ve been very well-received in Florida," she said. The company has locations in North Miami and in The Falls, a shopping complex off US 1.


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Suzuki is working on a new electric bike for IndiaJune 14, 2019
A couple of days ago, a new Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 was introduced in Ahmedabad, where the Indian division of the company also announced future plans for electric scooters.
Koichiro Hirao, head of Suzuki India, confirmed at the presentation that the company has very large electrical plans for India. According to him, the country will soon become the epicenter of the development of scooters and small electric motorcycles. The Indian Ministry of Highway and Transportation offered to electrify new three- and two-wheeled vehicles of less than 150 cm³ in volume by 2023–2025.
Suzuki plans to produce two-wheeled and three-wheeled electric vehicles are still under development, so no details have yet been given. They can enter scooters or motorcycles, or both. But it is worth noting that three-wheeled vehicles are in greatest demand in the Indian market.
Meanwhile, the brand-new Gixxer SF 250 has just debuted in India, where its main competitor is the KTM 250 Duke. The little Gixxer is priced at around £ 170,655, which is about $ 2,500. Can Suzuki release an even smaller model in the favorite style of Gixxer? In addition, how will this affect the models that Suzuki offers outside India for the global market? All this will become clear when the company more clearly tells about their projects.
- The roof of the Tesla Model X electric car collapses on the move
- Ford patented name for new SUV
- Ram Announces Anniversary Edition of 2021 2500 Power Wagon Pickup
- Scotland starts offering interest-free loans for used electric cars
- Jeep Wrangler will cheer up its owners with bright colors


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Britons’ most-wanted Halloween costumes for 2022 include Kanye West, Batman and Stranger Thingscharacters, according to a poll.
A survey of 2,000 adults also discovered Will Smith, Lady Gaga and Pete Davidson are among the ‘go-to’ looks.
Marvel character get-ups were popular, including Spiderman, Dr Strange and Black Widow.
Despite pop culture clearly being favoured this Halloween, a classic witch came in first place in the top 50 list.
More than one-fifth (21 per cent) said they felt 31 October was an opportunity for them to express the quirky side of their personality, while 18 per cent put a lot of time and thought into their spooky look.
When it came to duos, Stranger Things’ Eleven and Mike, Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy following the Wagatha Christie drama and loved-up Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker featured.
Pollsters also found that despite no longer being PM, Boris Johnson came in at number 12 in the list of people Britons planned to dress up as.
The research was commissioned by wine brand 19 Crimes.
Among the most influential TV shows and films for Halloween costumes, which will inspire the looks on offer at the 19 Crimes events, were Stranger Things, House of the Dragon and Top Gun: Maverick.
Ben Blake, a spokesperson for 19 Crimes, said: “It’s great to see how many people are planning to go all out for Halloween this year and express their quirkier sides through creative fancy dress.
“The results show it is clear pop-culture has had a big impact on outfit options, whether it’s politicians, fictional characters or celebrities.”
The survey found only 43 per cent of people planned to celebrate Halloween this year.
This included attending or hosting a house party (25 per cent), going on a night out (22 per cent) and taking younger relatives trick-or-treating (21 per cent).
Almost one-fifth said they thought outfits should be funny (19 per cent), while 33 per cent preferred a scary look.
Four in 10 adults claimed they were fans of fancy dress and typically spent £28.50 each on outfits and more than an hour – 62 minutes – perfecting their look for an event.
Almost half went on to share photos of their Halloween appearances on social media. One-third even preferred fancy dress as an adult, compared to 23 per cent who enjoyed it more as a child.
People typically looked at films (23 per cent), TV shows (21 per cent) and Instagram (18 per cent) for inspiration, with 27 per cent believing social media trends influenced looks today.
Other ways respondents thought fancy dress outfits had evolved over the years included off-the-shelf outfits being more available (29 per cent) and people being more creative (28 per cent).
Of those polled via OnePoll, 44 per cent tended to buy a ready-made outfit while 39 per cent typically made their own.
Halloween costume ideas favoured by Britons for 2022
1. A witch
2. Wednesday Addams
4. Kanye West
5. Spider-man – Marvel
6. The Joker
7. Dr Strange – Marvel
9. Carole Baskin
10. Thor – Marvel
11. A member of Hellfire Club – Stranger Things
12. Boris Johnson
13. Black Widow – Marvel
14. Will Smith
15. Beth Harmon – Queen’s Gambit
16. Spice Girls
17. Eleven – Stranger Things
18. Dali – Money Heist
19. Emily in Paris
20. Billie Eilish
21. A dinosaur
22. Lady Gaga
23. Cruella de Vil
24. Kim Kardashian
25. Buzz Lightyear
26. A clown
27. Donald Trump
28. Maverick – Top Gun
29. Johnny Depp
30. Daemon Targaryen – House of the Dragon
31. Harley Quinn – DC
32. A Handmaiden from The Handmaid’s Tale
33. Sandy – Grease
34. A Squid Game contestant
35. Lil Nas X
37. The Wordle grid
38. Britney Spears
39. An airhostess
40. Julia Fox
41. Tiger King (Joe Exotic)
43. Female footballer (Lionesses)
44. Vecna – Stranger Things
46. A Hogwarts student
47. Emma Raducanu
48. Cassie – Promising Young Woman
49. Pete Davidson
50. Miley Cyrus
#Batman #Stranger #Kanye #West #among #Britons #top #ideas
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Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) June 19, 2014
CapitalOne 360, an online savings account service that is offering consumers maximum convenience and minimal costs to open and maintain a savings account has caught the attention of Shane Michaels, prompting an investigative review.
“CapitalOne 360 has totally taken banking to the next level by slashing costs and fees by offering a banking service that is all online--not based in local brick and mortar branches,” reports Michaels. “What’s great about this service is that even though it’s all online, it still offers great customer service just like a typical local branch would.”
CapitalOne 360 offers banking services to any customer who has an internet connection with a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The online savings account offered by CapitalOne involves no setup or monthly fees, no account minimums, and no requirements to change banks in order set up the account. Up to six withdrawals are allowed from the online checking account per month, which can be transferred electronically to an account with a brick-and-mortar bank. Currently, CapitalOne 360 is also offering a $25 bonus to new online savings accounts that are opened with an initial deposit of at least $250. Customer support is available via email and by telephone from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST. CapitalOne 360 also currently offers online checking accounts that likewise have no fees, no minimums, and access to more than 40,000 ATMs. For new online checking accounts, customers can take advantage of a $50 bonus currently offered by CapitalOne 360.
“A savings account service that has no fees and no minimum balances is something you don’t see very often,” says Michaels. “Plus with the additional bonus that CapitalOne 360 is offering for new accounts, it’s a great way for people to set up an alternate savings account to manage their money more easily with the touch of a button.”
“CapitalOne is a highly trusted name in the banking industry and thousands of customers have already taken advantage of the bonus offer and great customer service that these new accounts offer.”
To access a comprehensive Capital One 360 online savings review, visit their official site here.