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Bharatbook.com added a new report on "World Rubber & Tire" which covers the worldwide Rubber and Tire market outlook, demand and its market environment.
Online PR News – 29-January-2010 – – World Rubber & Tire to 2013
World rubber consumption is forecast to rise 4.3 percent per year through 2013 to 27.9 million metric tons from a weak, recession-plagued 2008. A majority of rubber demand is accounted for by the motor vehicle sector, particularly via usage in tires. A healthy recovery in the motor vehicle industry in important producing nations such as the US, France and Canada will benefit rubber demand through 2013. China, the largest national rubber market, will account for half of all new rubber demand in the world through 2013, and account for almost one-third of the global market in 2013. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=130222&rt=World-Rubber-Tire.html )
Dominant Asia/Pacific market to post best growth
The Asia/Pacific region is by far the leading rubber consumer, accounting for 57 percent of global rubber demand in 2008. Moreover, the region will post the strongest growth in rubber demand through 2013, despite the fact that the important Japanese market is expected to see a decline through 2013 due to a fall in motor vehicle production levels after a surprisingly strong performance in 2008. North America and Western Europe will continue to see subpar gains relative to the global average through 2013, although both regions will see an improvement from the declines they experienced over the 2003-2008 period.
Non-tire rubber to outpace tire rubber demand
Non-tire rubber will outpace tire rubber demand through 2013. Demand for non-tire rubber products will benefit from rising industrialization levels in developing countries and solid opportunities in sectors such as automotive (belts, moldings, hoses, gaskets, cushioning), industrial (adhesives, padding, belting, vibration dampening, wire and cable sheathing, hoses), consumer (toys, cushions, door moldings) and construction (wire insulation, moldings, roofing, sealants and adhesives). Demand for synthetic rubber will register a slightly slower growth rate than demand for natural rubber through 2013.
To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit : http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=130222&rt=World-Rubber-Tire.html
Contact us at :
Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27578668
Fax: +91 22 27579131
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We are always excited to share our success with you.
Stay up to date on how we are relentlessy making Pay2Home even better for you!
Pay2Home Online Money Transfers Now Available in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, October 2011 Pay2Home has taken its successful online money transfer service in Singapore to Hong Kong, allowing its local customers to transact from the comfort of their home or office.
The site – www.Pay2Home.com – created to complement Pay2Home's retail offering, will now provide Hong Kong customers an additional channel to send money to 40 destinations.
Less than eight months after opening two Pay2Home retail stores in Hong Kong, Pay2Home Director, David Hulme, said they quickly recognised a need for its growing clientele to access an alternative payment method.
"By leveraging our cutting edge payments platform, our in-house technology team was able to easily extend this service to our Hong Kong clients."
"Our proprietary technology offers flexibility, allowing us to develop differentiated services for various market segments, with more innovative services to come," he said.
Customer service is a priority at Pay2Home. The online service will add value to a client's payment experience at no additional cost. Pay2Home's innovative technology is already creating payment efficiencies that saves remitters time and money.
Pay2Home Online is secure and easy to use, with the company applying the highest internet banking security standards of encryption and dual factor authentication.
The new service will support the company's plan to grow its expat, small business, international student and migrant worker market In Hong Kong and other markets.
- Wayne Salamonsen
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Griffin on Tech: The biggest fix of all
A day in politics is a very long time, as tech, space and AI fan Judith Collins found out this week.
No sooner had she issued the Opposition's Tech Issues Paper, she massively overshadowed it and less than 24 hours later, she was off. But what will happen to the tech focus?
Digital Identity in New Zealand: technical choices have human impacts
People need a chance to engage on the good, bad, and ugly of digital IDs.
IDC: Big jump in software spending this year
The pivot to working from home and strong uptake of cloud computing and artificial intelligence platforms led to a 20.4% jump in software spending this year.
Why has Meta delayed its end-to-end encryption plans?
A plan to add end-to-end encryption to Instagram and Facebook Messenger has been pushed out a year as Meta faces strong opposition from child safety advocates and law enforcement agencies.
Griffin on Tech: A win for the right-to-repair movement
Apple will give iPhone and Mac users the tools and parts to repair their own devices in the first big move among electronics makers to give consumers back some control.
Peter Griffin gives the lowd…
Encryption keys can be stolen from Intel processors
Intel is once again in the spotlight this week after announcing a security flaw in a number of their computer processors. Peter Membrey unpacks what it means.
Are our phones really designed to slow down over time? Experts look at the evidence
Do manufacturers really slow down our phones on purpose to nudge us towards shiny new ones, as has been claimed?
From crypto-jacking to doxing - the trouble with gaming
Video gamers are facing a wave of cyberattacks that is resulting in significant financial loss according to new research from Norton LifeLock.
Griffin on Tech: The Weta effect
The average Kiwi probably doesn't think of Weta Digital as a software company.
But it has developed a line-up of software animation tools that new owner Unity will take to the world.
Twitter goes blue, but will people pay?
New Zealand has become an early region to test Twitter users' appetite for a subscription service, with the social network launching Twitter Blue here.
Nasdaq-listed investment fund to focus on Aussie and Kiwi tech start-ups
Integral Acquisition Corporation 1 has raised US$115 million in a Nasdaq listing and is now on the hunt for a promising tech company to take to fast-track to the exchange.


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I noticed more companies have been doing this recently where usually when people by items through an app store such as the Apple App and Google Play store those platforms would get a transaction fee of sort which is how they make money. You can imagine how this can add up to millions of dollars in revenue for companies. Especially ones that sell credits for apps such as video games. So because of that a lot of companies are actually trying to get users to buy these credits directly through the company site instead. The incentive is the consumers will get credits for less money and the company gets to keep more of it.
There has been controversy with this of course such as the game Fortnite and the company going into a battle against Apple where they claim its against their terms of service to do such a thing. But while that is a big company that gets a lot of attention, there seems to be a lot of smaller businesses that are doing something similar while remaining under the radar.
I do wonder if it’s a good idea in that sense as I can imagine for a smaller company getting removed can pretty much be the end for them as they simply don’t have the resources to rebound from such a thing.


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Published on the 26/06/2019 | Written by Jonathan Cotton
Buy now, pay later company’s dramas reveals an industry in upheaval…
It’s impressive growth by anyone’s standards: 2.7 million active customers and 27,300 signed-on merchants across Australia and New Zealand – all within four years of launch. So Melbourne-based buy now, pay later platform AfterPay is doing okay in terms of generating customers.
Add to that some sealed deals with high profile brands like Levi’s, O’Neill and Raybans, not to mention a healthy AU$300 million capital raise, and you’ve got a company poised to do great things, right?
Maybe, but behind the scenes, AfterPay is finding itself staring down industry watchdogs and an uncertain regulatory environment.
Just one day after its $300 million raise on June 11 (during which co-founders Anthony Eisen and Nick Molnar announced they would sell off 2.05 million shares each), it was revealed that AfterPay had caught the attention of Austrac, the Australian Government’s financial intelligence agency, which would be conducting an audit of the fintech.
An industry wrangling with uncertain ethical obligations and still-forming regulatory frameworks.
“Austrac has ordered the appointment of an external auditor to Afterpay Pty Ltd to examine its compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006” the watchdog said in a statement.
Specifically, the regulator is set to examine ‘governance and oversight of decisions’ related to the company’s money laundering and counter terrorism framework, the identification and verification of customers, and suspicious matter reporting obligations.
“The audit will help identify if Afterpay has developed and implemented the systems and controls it needs to ensure it complies with its obligations,” says Austrac CEO, Nicole Rose.
It’s unfortunate timing for AfterPay (the company suffered a 20 percent share price dip following the announcement) but perhaps right on time for an industry wrangling with uncertain ethical obligations and still-forming regulatory frameworks.
The buy now, pay later sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years and AfterPay’s audit serves as a reminder to new financial services businesses that they have serious obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, Rose says.
“We will not hesitate to take action where an organisation is failing to appropriately protect itself and Australia’s financial system from criminal activity.”
The company is playing down the seriousness of the review, commenting in a statement to the ASX that the buy now, pay later format is a “new and maturing sector”, not only for the company’s customers, “but also for regulators”. It says it will “work closely with Austrac to develop a leading compliance regime specific to our business in a transparent and cooperative manner.”
In New Zealand the company’s submission to the Government’s Finance and Expenditure Select Committee (regarding amendments to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act) reveals a company wary of the uncertain Kiwi regulatory environment, which it claims could pose an existential threat to its New Zealand operation.
“Afterpay has concerns regarding the broad and uncertain regulatory ‘call in’ power currently proposed by the Bill, given the consequences for its New Zealand business, customers and merchants of being called into the CCCFA regime,” said the company in its submission. “Afterpay believes this power needs to be further constrained.
“If Afterpay was required to comply with the CCCFA, and was unable to change its business model (without undermining the innovative service currently provided to merchants and customers), this could (in the worst case) result in Afterpay having to cease trading in New Zealand.”


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The "Biggest Loser" reality show on NBC never shows the contestants heading off to McDonald's or Wendy's. And of course they never mention the cravings the people must get for food. In fact, the show barely mentions food at all. It's all about 10 hours a day of exercise.
But the NY Times reveals the contestants must make huge changes to their diets -- along with the unrealistic amount of exercise -- in order to lose weight. That's the real story the producers and trainers don't tell you. And that's the story all Americans can participate in. Very few of us can exercise with a dedicated trainer for 10 hours a day for eight weeks. But all of us can stop eating fast foods.
Some experts say it's nearly impossible to become morbidly obese eating home cooked food. But it's fairly easy to become obese stopping at Burger King several times a week, and even easier if you stop for breakfast and lunch.
Even if home cooking is of the fried-chicken-and-mashed-potatoes variety, it rarely produces extreme obesity, said Barry Popkin, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Almost any kind of cooking you can produce in a kitchen is healthier than fast food.” The decline of home cooking worldwide, he said, is an underlying cause of obesity.
“People are eating more, and more often,” Dr. Popkin said. “And the foods that they are consuming almost always replace meals cooked in a kitchen and eaten at a table.” It is difficult to quantify a decline in cooking skills, but many studies show that time in the kitchen has declined steeply since 1965, when American women spent a weekly average of 13 hours cooking. Last month the government of Britain, where obesity is spreading rapidly, passed a law requiring all secondary-school students to attend cooking classes.
“Twenty minutes in the kitchen will save you three hours on the StairMaster” said Devin Alexander, a chef in Los Angeles who developed the recipes for the cookbooks. “You can’t trust restaurant food to be low fat.”
There you have it. If you don't want to be the biggest loser, lose the fast food.


text: McLaren has recently taken the top off its incredible 570S to reveal the spider version of the coupé at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Accompanied by the coupé and GT, the 570S Spider is the range’s third incarnation – and one that is ideal for road-tripping along riviera streets in Europe’s balmy summer. This hand-assembled gem is also available in three brand-new colours: Curacao Blue, Sicilian Yellow and Vega Blue. Ready to put the pedal to the metal? Order now at over 80 McLaren retailers worldwide.


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PUBG Mobile has made $100 million in player purchases, Battlefield V won’t have battle royale mode until 2019, and a Battle Royale title announces that it will be shutting down. Find all of this and more below in this weeks’ Battle Royale Weekly news update.
Battlefield V Won’t Have Battle Royale Mode Until 2019
DICE has released the roadmap for the next few months of development on Battlefield V and it looks like the Battle Royale mode, called Firestorm is being put off until the March 2019 content release. Battlefield V will have phases that will introduce a new content patch every few months. In addition to Firestorm, the March release will include the Greece Theater a Combined Arms mission, and an unnamed multiplayer mode.
Battlerite Royale Brings Out Halloween Event
A Halloween event has been introduced in Battlerite Royale called Curse of the Night. Trick or Treat shrines have popped up all over Talon Island and there are all new in-game items and cosmetics for you to get your hands on.
Call of Duty: Black Ops IV Bans Battlefield V Designer, Then Unbans Him
A Battlefield V developer got his CoD Black Ops IV account banned temporarily shortly after he started playing. Florian ‘Drunkkz3’ Le Bihan took to Twitter to prove his innocence. Though he wasn’t told why his account was banned he operated under the assumption that he was banned because the system thought he was using an aimbot. So, he uploaded a video that proved his innocence. Shortly afterward his account was unbanned and he was able to go back to playing.
Crazy Justice Coming Soon
It looks like we’ll be able to play Crazy Justice soon now that the game is on Steam and can be added to Wishlists. It’s currently listed as Coming Soon and it will be in Early Access when it does go live but, this is very exciting news for anyone who has been following the game.egress
Egress Now in Closed Beta, Early Access Coming Soon
What does Early Access even mean anymore? Nobody knows! But, Egress is now in closed beta. A few thousand beta keys were sent out for this event but if you didn’t get one you still have a chance thanks to their giveaways on Discord. Or you can wait until November 8th when the game will be in Early Access. The choice is yours.
Fear the Wolves Gets a Massive Update
Fear the Wolves got a huge update that introduced new features, new weapons, and more. Now you’ll be able to find secret stashes of high tier loot scattered throughout the map. But, players will need to find treasure maps in the wilderness to unlock them. The wolves that need to be feared have also been given a bit of an update. Their behavior has been improved so keep an eye out for solo ninja (the writer’s words, not official) wolves who will sneak up on players. Packs also have more health and are more aggressive.
Fortnite Developers Opening Australia and New Zealand Office
Tony Reed has stepped down as the CEO of the Game Developers Association of Australia to help establish an Epic Games office in Australia and New Zealand. The details of what will happen in that office haven’t been disclosed yet, but, Reed says that there will be a lot of news about it coming in the near future. MMOGames will be keeping an eye out for this news when it comes.
Source: Games Industry
Fractured Lands Season 2 Coming in November
Season 2 will be coming to Fractured Lands on November 6th. With it comes semi trucks, a squad battle mode, and new customization options. New players will also be able to try it out for free during a weekend event November 8-11.
Islands of Nyne Sees Massive Surge in Negative Reviews
While checking through our list of all the Battle Royale games currently in development we found something rather odd. Islands of Nyne on Steam has seen a huge trend downwards as the recent reviews have been in Steam’s words, Overwhelmingly Negative. In fact, of 281 reviews in the last 30 days, only 6% have been positive. Many of the reviews state that the game has no players and that the developers have abandoned the game. According to Steamspy the average play time in the last two weeks is just 6 minutes. Meanwhile, Steamcharts shows that the last time the game had more than 100 concurrent players was at the end of September. Sadly, it looks like Islands of Nyne may be dead in the water. But, we will, of course, be watching it in the following weeks to see how it performs over the holidays.
PUBG Mobile Reaches $100 Million, But Only Half as Fast as Fortnite
Thanks to a new report from SensorTower we now know that PUBG Mobile has reached $100 million in revenue. It took 192 days for PUBG Mobile to reach that milestone, one that took Fortnite just 90 days. Knives Out, NetEase’s mobile Battle Royale game reached $100 million in player spending in 118 days. Why was PUBG so slow compared to the others? Well, part of that is down to the fact that in China the game isn’t monetized. China is PUBG Mobile’s biggest player base and without them contributing to the revenue it, of course, took longer for PUBG to reach $100 million.
SOS Shutting Down
SOS has announced that they will be shutting down on November 12th after struggling since they announced they would be following the Battle Royale trend and changing the original game. This move proved to be quite unpopular with players and the game never recovered. Players on Steam are now requesting refunds but so far those pleas have been ignored.
Totally Accurate Battlegrounds Shortens Match Wait Time
Totally Accurate Battlegrounds made a small update to their game to shorten the amount of time you have to wait for a match to start. If 3.5 minutes have passed and no additional players have joined the queue the match will begin. This will sometimes mean smaller matches, but at least you will be able to play.
The post Battle Royale Weekly: Battlefield V Won’t Have Battle Royale Mode Until 2019 appeared first on MMOGames.com.


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The Destiny 2 beta will feature a variety of activities including the opening story mission, Homecoming, and cooperative and competitive modes. The testing period will also include another PvE opportunity in The Inverted Spire Strike and a chance to tackle PvP with two Crucible modes.
Apple continues to use Qualcomm's technology while refusing to pay for it. "Qualcomm's inventions are at the heart of every iPhone and extend well beyond modem technologies or cellular standards", Rosenberg said. It adds that since these patents are not essential to a standard, it's not required to license them. QCOM is seeking untold damages as well as injunctive relief.
TSBSE known as the Telangana Board of Secondary Education is one of the reputed education boards in India. TS SSC advanced supplementary results 2017 with Marks Name Wise, Grades to be release at bse. This is an increase to the previous year pass percentage of female students. It is responsible for maintaining all the secondary education of the state.
It's clear that developer Monolith really wants to make every encounter feel far more personable so bringing over someone you have a long standing rivalry with is certainly one of the best ways to achieve this. The title is also seeing major discounts up to 80% off across Xbox One (ends 7/17), PlayStation 4 (ends 7/11), and Steam (ends 7/10). If you are a new player to the game, simply select the Nemesis Forge game mode at the main menu to begin this journey.
In the highly anticipated New Game+, you'll be able to replay Aloy's adventure without losing character progression and any of your inventory. NG+ also has added updated versions too existing weapons and outfits but they won't come cheap. First, the update fixes a lot of issues that players have had with progression in the game. Fixed an issue with "Cauldron Zeta" where for some players the quest log would disappear after completing the quest.
The resolution gives the screen a pixel density of 515 PPI. The phone comes with dual cameras at the back, a 4,000mAh battery , and 6GB of RAM . Both the sensors at the back are 12MP sensors out of which one is a monochrome sensor whereas the other one is an RGB sensor.
The smartphone would run the Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system. It is unclear as of now whether the device codenamed "Chiron" will come out in public as Redmi Note 3 or Mi MIX 2 , considering the rest of the specifications, which include 12-megapixel dual rear camera, 8-megapixel front-facing camera, Snapdragon 835 SoC, 6-inch display with a resolution of 2160x1080 pixels, and two RAM and storage variants - 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB.
Earlier his film Phantom was a flop at the box office. The film earned Rs 102.57 crore in its first week; and Rs 9 crore in four days in the second week. "People expected a different film". His financial liabilities regarding the film have been taken care of. Salman Khan Films loses nothing even if the film underperforms severely which it is likely to do.
Android has always been considered as open source software, but Google has slowly been adding key components into its Google Play Services software and associated agreements. It said such panels usually comprised three to four people who examined the EU's decision to ensure that it held up in the face of existing evidence.
Other features brought in by the update include improvements for voice calling. Right now, thebig news is that if you are on OnePlus's Open Beta stream for the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T, the new update should freshen up the look of your user interface.
Lindley Johnson, Nasa's planetary defense officer, said: "Dart would be Nasa's first mission to demonstrate what's known as the kinetic impactor technique - striking the asteroid to shift its orbit - to defend against a potential future asteroid impact".
Click on the video above to watch our FREE LIVE STREAM of the the SSN Lions Special, which is also being shown on Sky Sports News HQ . During last weekend's win in Wellington, Vunipola had been sent to the sin bin during the second half and also gave away a number of penalties.
At the culmination of Israel's diplomatic ongoing struggle since May, 10 countries supported the proposal, 3 opposed and 8 abstained. In May, UNESCO approved a resolution that called on Israel to rescind any "legislative and administrative measures and actions" it has taken to "alter the character and status" of Jerusalem and rejected the idea of a "basic law" in Jerusalem, based off of a 1980 Knesset law, which implies that the city is one unified whole and governed exclusively by Israel.
Modi also wrote of his plans to meet "with leading Indian and Israeli CEOs and start-ups to discuss our shared priority of expanding business and investment collaboration on the ground". We receive you with open arms. Both leaders made several references to terrorism, and talked about the "challenge" of dealing with forces that sought to undermine their countries, as well as "strategic threats to regional peace and stability".
Facebook/SpaceXSpaceX launch of Intelsat 35e was postponed until further notice. However, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk countered their statement by explaining that the Falcon 9 will be undergoing full evaluation before setting a launch date.
The tragic saga of one of China's most ambitious inventions continues with the " straddling bus " going from the "future of transportation" to the "scam of the century" in less than one year. Doubts about the bus - a 22m-long electric vehicle standing almost 5m high and 8m wide - began to emerge when all tests were halted shortly after the first test run.
But, as is nearly tradition with video games, there are those who wonder what platforms the game will be on. Cuphead will remain exclusive to Xbox One and PC, developer Studio MDHR has confirmed. Cuphead is set to launch on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC on September 29, however for those wondering whether this was one of those limited exclusive periods, we now have a definitive answer for you.
Not just that, this new race will be playable in the game. Mass Effect Andromeda may possibly skip out on single-player DLC, but it looks like it's adding batarians to the mix when it comes to multiplayer. While that in itself hasn't been confirmed or debunked by the developer, the inclusion of the batarians may have an interesting backstory to go with it.
Unlike many shooters, whose multiplayer avatars are soldiers without identity, Overwatch's heroes have backstories, personalities, and dialogue. Now in a new update, Blizzard have revealed that one of the former wielders of it has escaped from prison, with the probable help of Reaper.
SSP Group plc is an operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafes, food courts, lounges and stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other locations. The firm earned "Overweight" rating on Wednesday, July 29 by JP Morgan. On Friday, March 18 the stock rating was maintained by Nomura with "Neutral".


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Consumer Council for Water
Switching to a meter could help dilute impact of rising water bills in Wales
Switching to a water meter could help thousands of households in Wales pull the plug on rising water bills this April and ease the pressure on cash-strapped customers.
- Average water and sewerage bill set to rise for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy customers from April – but changes will vary depending on circumstances.
- Changes mark start of new 5-year package of prices and investment.
- Switching to a water meter could save some households in Wales more than £100 a year.
- 1 in 8 customers in Wales struggle to afford their bill but many could qualify for financial help.
That’s according to CCW – the voice for water consumers – which is urging people to stay one step of ahead of an increase in water and sewerage charges from 1 April.
The changes were confirmed by Water UK yesterday (Thursday) and will see the average water and sewerage bill for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water customers increase by just over 1 per cent to £451. Households supplied by Hafren Dyfrdwy will also see the average combined bill rise by a similar amount to about £300.
Bills will vary considerably across the country and what individual customers end up paying will look very different depending on their supplier and circumstances. In particular, some Hafren customers are likely to see an increase that is significantly higher than the average.
Any rise will only serve to increase the pressure on the 1 in 8 customers in Wales that are already struggling to afford their water bills.
CCW is urging households paying unmetered charges to consider trialing a water meter to see if they might be better off. People on a low-income might also be eligible for financial support through their water company’s social tariff scheme.
Rhodri Williams, Wales Chair for CCW, yesterday said:
“Water is often the forgotten utility when it comes to saving money but we know there are thousands of households that could still benefit by switching to a meter.”
“If you’re on a low-income now is the time to act and ask your water company whether you might be eligible for their social tariff or other forms of support that can shave precious pounds off your bills.”
Switching to a meter is often the simplest way to save and some customers find they can slash their water bills by more than £100 a year. Companies will usually give customers up to 2 years to trial a meter and switch back if they are worse off or unhappy.
CCW has a popular online water meter calculator where people can quickly check to see if they might be better off before taking the plunge. Not everyone will save but customers with more bedrooms than people living in their property are the most likely to benefit.
Customers can also take advantage of water-saving freebies offered by their water company, which can help them save money – as well as water – if they already pay metered charges.
Low-income households should also check to see if they’re eligible for Welsh Water’s HelpU social tariff or Hafren’s Here2Help scheme. Both can substantially cut customers’ bills and there is other assistance available too for people struggling to pay or in debt.
You can find out more by contacting your water company or visiting CCW’s website
For more information or to arrange an interview our Wales Chair Rhodri Williams please call the media team on 0121 345 1005.
Latest News from
Consumer Council for Water
Consider the financially vulnerable, CCW urges the CMA23/11/2020 09:10:00
Careful consideration should be given to the future affordability of water bills, the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has told the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Steve Hobbs, Senior Policy Manager, reflects on the latest hearing.
Lifting the lid on leaky loos20/11/2020 09:20:00
Our recent Water Makes It Possible campaign gave us the opportunity to appreciate just how amazing water is, and sadly how much we can all be guilty of taking it for granted.
Water retailers reminded to treat struggling business customers fairly13/11/2020 16:20:00
Making sure that business customers who have been impacted by Covid-19 are well supported by their water retailer has been a pressing priority for CCW since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Consumer watchdog pledges to help more households access water company support13/11/2020 13:25:00
A fresh bid to break down the barriers to households getting the support they need from their water company during Covid-19 and other periods of disruption has been launched by the industry’s consumer watchdog.
Sky’s the limit when it comes to valuing water06/11/2020 09:20:00
Whether it’s brushing our teeth and watering the garden or washing or hands to keep ourselves protected from COVID-19 – almost every aspect of our lives depend on water.
CCW supports Consumer Vulnerability and Debt Conference (1-3 Dec)30/10/2020 09:20:00
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is delighted to be supporting and taking part in the 2020 Utility Week Consumer Vulnerability and Debt Conference (1-3 December).
CMA plans could tip the balance for struggling households28/10/2020 09:20:00
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) yesterday called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to “think again” after voicing concerns over its provisional plans for four water companies’ future bills and service commitments.
Review targets stronger support for customers struggling to afford water bills22/10/2020 11:20:00
Stronger support for household customers who are struggling to afford their water bills has moved closer with the launch of a major review into existing assistance schemes.
CMA: is the customer voice being heard?20/10/2020 13:38:00
More customer engagement was carried out at PR19 than in any previous price review. But how has this translated into tangible outcomes for consumers, and is the CMA listening? CCW’s Mike Keil explores whether the customer voice is being heard as the appeal process continues.


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Tuesday Morning to close both Tucson locations
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Both Tuesday Morning locations in Tucson will close in the coming weeks, the company said.
The stores, located at 6228 East Broadway Boulevard and 6884 East Sunrise Drive, will close when they are able to sell off their inventory.
According to signs posted at the store on Sunrise, the company will have closeout sales.
The news comes after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in three years.
Around three years ago, the company boasted around 700 stores. By the end of the pandemic, it was down to around 500.
Copyright 2023 13 News. All rights reserved.


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E-commerce, as a segment, is growing in demand every year. It also witnessed a recent surge due to the coronavirus pandemic. With people staying indoors, ordering groceries or other stuff online is definitely easier and safer, with products being safely delivered to one’s doorstep. However, for businesses large or small, taking care of inventory, shipping and delivery can be a hassle. Making this task easier is UK-based startup Huboo, which has now secured Series A funding.
Huboo’s current funding details
The latest €15.29M series A funding for Huboo was led by Stride.VC, along with Hearst Ventures. In addition, several other investors such as Episode 1, Maersk Growth, Ada Ventures, and True Capital also pitched in. With the latest funding round, the total amount raised by the startup now stands at €19.69M.


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вЂњItвЂ™s so bad, we canвЂ™t https://personalbadcreditloans.net/reviews/checksmart-loans-review/ sleep the evening before, just thinking she said about it.
Since 2006, as incomes have actually stagnated while costs of gasoline, mortgages and food have actually risen, more Southern California payday loan providers have actually exposed in residential district areas, based on an occasions analysis of state documents.
Into the this past year, outlets have actually sprung up in Woodland Hills, Simi Valley, Lake Forest and Los Angeles Quinta, near Palm Springs.
With tidy lobbies that resemble bank branches, numerous outlets come in shopping malls anchored by Wal-Marts, food markets or other big merchants. Loan providers state their customers that are typical homemakers, firefighters and instructors, whoever constant jobs qualify them for loans.
In short supply of cash to fix her ailing BMW this year, Lunetta Blanks might have compensated the bill with synthetic. rather, the federal detective opted for a quick payday loan, ponying up $300 to repay a $255 loan through the Advance America branch inside her Silver Lake neighbor hood.
вЂњIвЂ™m trying to cover my credit card off, so IвЂ™d rather just spend them than use it the card,вЂќ Blanks said. вЂњItвЂ™s pretty high, but once you may need the cash, you will need the amount of money.вЂќ


text: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Star-Tribune reports that 3M Co. has told its workers that it is acquiring Standard Abrasives, Simi Valley, CA, a "significant rival in the metal-abrasives industry." 3M officials have confirmed the coming acquisition.   ; According to its Web site, Standard Abrasives designs and manufactures coated abrasive specialties and BriteRite non-woven abrasives for high-speed deburring, grinding, polishing, finishing and cleaning applications on metal surfaces.   ; 3M abrasives brands are Scotch-Brite, Cubitron, and Trizact.   ; Standard will join 3M's industrial and transportation division.


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China's leaders have said they will accept slower growth as they try to remake the economy.
Beijing: China`s annual consumer inflation unexpectedly slowed in November, easing market fears of any imminent policy tightening as authorities meet this week to outline their policy and reform priorities for 2014.
Rising money market rates and bond yields indicate the People`s Bank of China (PBOC) is tightening liquidity conditions, to reduce debt levels and contain credit growth, but there is little sign of a sharp turnaround in monetary policy.
Annual consumer inflation unexpectedly slowed to 3 percent in November from an eight-month high of 3.2 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday. Analysts had expected the inflation rate to hold steady at October`s level.
"Inflation will not be a big problem in the coming months and we expect monetary policy to stay neutral," said Luo Wenbo, an economist at Xiangcai Securities in Shanghai.
From a month earlier, consumer prices fell 0.1 percent, the first fall in six months and a touch weaker than market expectations they would be flat.
"While headline inflation could moderate further in December, due to a high base last year and the PBOC maintaining a tightening bias on liquidity, upward pressures on inflation remain," Jian Chang, China economist at Barclays Capital in Hong Kong, said in a research note.
Producer prices fell 1.4 percent in November from a year earlier - the 21st consecutive month of decline - versus a fall of 1.5 percent in the previous month, the bureau said. On a monthly basis, producer prices were unchanged.
Graphic - Inflation, food inflation http://link.reuters.com/waf95s
MAINTAIN GROWTH TARGET
A strong jump in exports and a run of surveys of factory and service sector activity indicate the world`s second-largest economy has regained some momentum since arresting a protracted slowdown in the middle of the year.
But data on factory output, fixed-asset investment and retail sales due on Tuesday is expected to show some moderation, consistent with expectations annual growth will slow slightly in the fourth quarter from the third.
A Reuters poll in October showed annual growth was forecast to slow to 7.5 percent in the final quarter of 2013 from 7.8 percent in the September quarter. Full-year growth was forecast at 7.6 percent - the weakest in 14 years, but just ahead of the government`s target of 7.5 percent.
China`s leaders have said they will accept slower growth as they try to remake the economy so it is not dependent on investment and exports and instead driven by consumption, services and innovation, which they consider more sustainable.
Top government think tanks, which make policy proposals for the leadership, are debating whether the growth target should be cut to 7 percent in 2014, but the official China Securities Journal said the government would probably keep it at 7.5 percent.
"Reform is more important than growth, but that does not mean that we will allow a `hard landing` in China`s economy. We need appropriate economic growth to help maintain employment and social stability," the paper said in a front-page commentary.
"Economic growth target for 2014 is more likely to be maintained at around 7.5 percent," it said.


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This was the horrific scene as one of two once beautiful stags lay butchered in a Co Donegal field yesterday.One of the stags was shot just a couple of hundred yards form a house in Laghey.The two animals were shot and abandoned by poachers in Laghey.People living nearby heard the shots and went to investigate. When they did they found vehicles in the area.The startled poachers jumped into their vehicles and managed to get away.However some vital information on the movement of the vehicles has now been passed onto Gardai and the wildlife services.The two stags were found dead in the same field.Hunting stags is now illegal after the season closed in December. However the season is still open in the North and the stags can easily be sold on there.A member of the public who came across the dead stags said “It was just a horrific sight. To see these two magnificent creatures just lying there dead for no reason just made me sick.“Only for the fact that people heard the gunshots and went to investigate, the stags would have been taken away and sold on.” SHOCK AS STAGS FOUND SHOT AND DUMPED IN DONEGAL COUNTRYSIDE was last modified: February 20th, 2014 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:donegalLagheypoachersshotstags
Why IoT Apps are Eating Device Interfaces Tags:#data security#Internet of Things#IoT#Microsoft#top Small Business Cybersecurity Threats and How to… Related Posts ReadWrite Sponsors Follow the Puck Internet of Things Makes it Easier to Steal You… As IoT becomes more pervasive across industries like retail, manufacturing, energy, security, and healthcare, many businesses are beginning to get a handle on the latest tools and platforms that help streamline the implementation of IoT into their business models and processes.Despite the excitement over IoT and what it can do, there are companies that still see a few challenges remaining. At the Microsoft IoT in Action event earlier this year, we asked partners and customers to give us their thoughts on where they encountered bumps on the road to turning their IoT ideas into reality, and share some suggestions how to overcome them.Here’s what they told us.#1: How to get startedThere are practical steps organizations can take to get started in IoT. Start with the devices that you already have and connect them, ensuring that you: 1) secure each component of your IoT infrastructure, 2) secure your data connection, and 3) use a secure cloud infrastructure that offers a great security posture from sensor to cloud. Be sure to focus on your niche and what you do well, connect with the right partners in your ecosystem, and provide value with the end customer in mind. #2: Connectivity between devicesAccording to IoT experts, the key things you need to keep in mind when you’re looking into connectivity are: 1) the ability to connect devices to the platform you’ve chosen, so they can they talk to one another, 2) harvesting and storing your data, and 3) using analytics to take action on all the data, so you can do something important with it.Highlights from the IoT in Action San Jose Event in March 2017#3: Have an ecosystem and collaborationThere’s power in partnership when it comes to IoT. The days of working in silos and trying to dominate the business landscape are dying. To start implementing and receiving the benefits, tap into an ecosystem. Without one, it can be tricky knowing where your product and services fit into the broad industry and use-case solutions. It’s important to determine where you are in the value chain and then figure out which partnerships make sense. Other things the experts think you should keep in mind? For starters, you could look for partnerships with other ecosystems partners that have expertise in common industries or use cases. “The biggest challenge I see now is the lack of recipes to solve business problems. All the companies that are part of the IoT ecosystem need to create known-good recipes that we can refer to clients and decision makers to help them go to market quicker.”Shawn Jack, Director of Sales & Embedded Ecosystems, Advantech#4: Think about securityWith more access points to information, comes the risk of data breaches. The question of cloud security still rears its head and with cyber-attacks in the daily news, it’s a valid concern. When you’re tapping into your ecosystem, look for a partner that addresses your security concerns right away (for customer and consumer scenarios) and offers solutions. Also, make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date, modern security patches and scenarios—from device to cloud.“Security is where I start a lot of conversations with companies. They need to have a security solution that’s not only device-driven, but the way to manage devices through cloud scenarios.”Rodney Clark, VP IoT Sales, Microsoft#5: How do you make money?When it comes to business models and how to generate revenue from your IoT investments, experts say that the key here is to find partners who provide flexibility and adapt to the environment of the customer—not the other way around. Most companies believe that having a few tools and a cloud partner are all they really need, but they still may not be sure how to implement those offerings. Partners that provide package solutions with tools that companies can quickly and easily use themselves, see a proof of concept quickly so they get management approval for the project, then go to production, will be the ones that make money. “The majority of IoT initiatives don’t really have a full plan, a plan that includes exactly what you are going to do, who you are going to address, what are the end deliverables, and how you are going to make money out of it. Companies need to remember that it has to be commercially viable.”Cameron Carr, Senior Marketing Channel Manager, Microsoft#6: The software aspects & data analysisSo, once companies have collected all this data, what will they do with it? One solution offered by experts is to make sure that as companies gather data and analytics back into their system, information is used to actually change the content dynamically. No one wants out-of-date data providing out-of-date results.“The biggest challenge is the volume, the velocity, and the variety of the data we are collecting. It’s great to capture all this information, but what do you want to do with it?”Joe Francica, Managing Director, Geospatial Industry Solutions at Pitney Bowes#7: Deployment of the products after they are completeThe problem doesn’t seem to be the development of products. There are lots of cloud, gateway, and touch panel solutions that are IoT ready. The problem is getting them to the right partner. That’s why connecting with like-minded partners will alleviate future IoT challenges, so customers, partners, and clients can reap the benefits. Given the success of the IoT in Action event we partnered with ReadWrite in March 2017, we are doing it all again on 10/30 in Boston.Register for IoT in Action with Microsoft in Boston and learn where else in the world you can connect with IoT ecosystem partners to take action on IoT.
3:40 Online 0 Our favorite Google Doodles through the years 49 Photos Behold Google 20th anniversary Doodle: Take a look back at popular searches since 1998.Google in 2018: Its workers found voice in protest this year. There will likely be more of that.First published Dec. 23 at 9:29 a.m. PT.Update Dec. 24 at 9:15 a.m. PT.: Adds Christmas Eve doodle and a preview of the Christmas Day doodle. In the hours leading up to Christmas on Sunday, elves loaded Santa’s sleigh with gifts. Google And then on the day of Christmas Eve, Monday, Santa dropped gifts down a chimney. Google Twas the doodle before Christmas and all through the ‘net, Google’s elves were a-stirring to get us all set.As gift-givers shifted from shopping to wrapping, the holiday turkey began to thaw, and advent calendars got down to their last unopened window, Sunday’s Google Doodle showed us the man of the hour getting ready for his annual mission around the world. The first of several lightly animated holiday doodles showed a trio of elves flinging presents into Santa’s sleigh as the reindeer awaited clearance for takeoff.That image reached many countries in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Greeting folks in the UK, Italy and sub-Saharan Africa was a static, non-Santa illustration, filled with items including tree branches and flowers, cook pot and teakettle, a lone reindeer and a brace of birds (apparently not turtle doves, though).On Monday, Christmas Eve, Google offered a day-two Santa-themed doodle with an illustration of Santa Claus dropping gifts down a chimney in a snowy suburban landscape. The second-day image for the southern hemisphere shows Santa dropping gifts but not through chimneys. And the image for the UK, Italy and sub-Saharan Africa was a new, non-Santa holiday illustration.Google is also ready with a Christmas Day doodle, for both hemispheres, featuring Santa and his team napping after their big night. Google has been decorating its homepage with near-daily doodles for 20 years, a tradition that started with a simple line drawing to mark an outing to the Burning Man festival by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Since then, the whimsical and sometimes interactive illustrations have celebrated everything from poets to Pac-Man and from Halloween to Bastille Day. Tags Share your voice Google Doodle Google Post a comment How Google made a Doodle game Now playing: Watch this:


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Part I. Referring to an article published in the Orange County Register on April 9, 2017, about LA FITNESS; Marty Potts, Senior Vice President of JLL Jones Lang LaSalle (the developer) Real estate consultant) was quoted: “Commercial properties and residential properties just don’t live together well” He also said “That’s why we always work to soften our footprint.”
Potts’ use of the word, “footprint” is stating it very mildly. “Footprint” really means about 1,000 LA Fitness gym members would be driving their cars in, parking, and I,000 leaving the area, every hour, every day, from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. causing car and voice noises, and forcing many vehicle drivers to find any other available parking space.
The situation in this designated area: LA Fitness, (a commercial gym corporation) is in the process of obtaining a permit to construct a 37,OOO square foot building on the “open space” extending from the rear of Sprouts Market across to the area where the apartments and condos are located. The mall owner has “allowed” the people who reside in the condo-apartment area to use the open space to park their vehicles.
Consequently, when the “condo residents” can no longer park in that space, they would need to park their cars in any other open parking space they can find. Most likely, it would be at the curb in front of the nearby houses where the homeowners currently park their cars at the curb in front of their homes, thereby upsetting those residents.
The process thus far is that the Seal Beach Planning Commission had approved the 37,000 square-foot LA Fitness in the previous year. The apartment and condo residents filed their appeal. In July, the S.B. City Council voted 3 to 2 for the condo residents.
Then, in August, real estate consultant and developer Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) cancelled its first application rather than subjecting the LA Fitness proposal application to a second vote that could uphold the condo appeal
A “suitability study” was completed. Was it fair? Is it fair when the studies of a situation are paid for by the same people (LA Fitness) who ordered the study?
The situation that the size and parking spaces created for an LA Fitness gym in no way comparable to the former, small, independently owned Rossmoor Athletic Club.
Part 2. SEAL BEACH: True, the City of Seal Beach obtained the Rossmoor Shopping Center via a legal vote (somewhat due to the timid reluctance of many Rossmoor residents to incorporate as a city) so now, all the retail establishments pay taxes to the City of Seal Beach.
Seal Beach residents (and potential shoppers) have many of their own traffic and parking problems. They should solve their own “downtown” traffic and parking problems. Many Seal Beach businesses are hurting. Potential sales revenue is lost daily, now! SB is losing potential tax revenue as probable shoppers become disgusted in losing time in finding suitable parking spaces. Too many likely customers are shopping elsewhere. Many people make numerous purchases via computer “e-commerce stores.” (Amazon, etc.)
Part 3. ROSSMOOR: Rossmoor is an unincorporated area of Orange County with about 10,000 residents in about 3,600 homes. Many residents are original owners. This family home area is surrounded by Katella Avenue on the north end; Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Boulevard on the east side and the 605-22 Freeways on their south side. Only the bridge over the freeways connects Seal Beach to Rossmoor and Los Alamitos.
Katella Avenue is now one of the busiest streets in Orange County and will worsen and be further hampered by additional vehicle traffic on Katella if and when the new shopping center is built near the Los Alamitos City Hall. Katella is already smothered by trucks, buses, and other types of vehicles traveling between the 605 Freeway and the Santa Ana Freeway.
Part 4. “PARK-IN PROTEST: On Saturday, March 18, 2017, several hundred Rossmoor residents and nearby community vehicle drivers formed an orderly “park-in” protest against the proposed LA Fitness gym. They parked their sedan vehicles, SUV’s, and minivans in this designated area.
Their purpose was to demonstrate what so many additional vehicles in this parking lot would be like if a huge 37,000 square foot commercial gym building was constructed in that area, also with their needed parking spaces.
Other residents from the close-by apartments and condominiums waved signs that stated their mission, “NO LA FITNESS!” These residents would have to park on the nearby streets and need to walk across Montecito Avenue, a very busy street. The house residents who normally park in front of their homes would have to park their vehicles elsewhere if their curb parking space was occupied.
School bus and vehicle drivers, bike riders, walkers and joggers, the elderly, the school kids who walk to and from school, the local residents who drive to and from work, outside visitors, the business shoppers, and the people who visit the library and all other people who need to use Montecito Avenue will feel the negative effects of congested traffic and lack of convenient parking.
Emergency vehicles may be slowed by a great amount of “new” traffic. Who knows how much crime may increase in household and retail store burglaries?
The additional traffic that would be caused by a very large gym membership would certainly bring many negative effects to the whole surrounding area, even affecting the traffic on Seal Beach Blvd, and the street entrances into and out of the Shops at Rossmoor area.
That’s part of our thorny situation. Do we have to live with it? Not if we vote against LA Fitness!
Editor’s note: Residents can not vote on this issue, but it will come before the Seal Beach Planning Commission at a future meeting and the council will vote on the project.


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We all know how amazing WhatsApp is, but with every good thing, there’s always a bad side and no matter how deep it’s hidden, it always comes out, at some point.
Apparently, there’s a new deadly virus that is posing itself as WhatsApp. Once it successfully does this, it proceeds to steal an extensive amount of data from your phone, be it your contacts, call history, text messages, location data or even the entire browsing history that is usually stored on these devices.
The app succeeds in disguising itself as not only WhatsApp, but it also takes the shape of other popular apps, including Pokemon Go, thus tricking unsuspecting users into downloading and installing it on their phones. Once it’s installed on your phone, it takes over the phone and creates a backdoor that enables the malicious hackers behind it to steal huge amounts of data from your phone.
Dubbed GhostCtrl, the malicious software has more abilities than you can think of, including the ability to tell the software version your phone is using, the battery level, Wi-Fi information and so on. It gets even worse knowing that this WhatsApp imposter can also take over your phone’s camera and microphone and secretly record videos without your knowledge.
The virus is reportedly affecting Android devices, the platform that has more than 2 billion users across the globe. Note that GhostCtrl doesn’t affect WhatsApp, rather, it simply impersonates the popular chat app and tricks users into downloading it thinking that it’s the real deal.
According to researchers at TrendMicro, a security company that discovered the GhostCtrl malware, WhatsApp users should be watchful of up to three variants of the virus, which are already doing multiple rounds online. Apparently, one of the variants can be used as a ransomware, something that has become a common happening in the online community, but mostly on Windows PCs.
The virus can successfully lock the screen of your phone, reset the password and even root the device. As noted earlier, this virus can also hijack the camera of your phone and once it does, the searchers say that it can schedule tasks of taking photos and recording videos, which are later uploaded to the command and control (C&C) server as MP4 files.
To avoid falling into the GhostCtrl trap, Android users are advised to always take care when installing apps on their phones. The Google Play Store is there for this purpose, so don’t be tricked into downloading apps from other untrusted or unknown platforms. Furthermore, TrendMicro adds that Android users should always keep their devices’ software – including apps like WhatsApp – up to date, something that most people have always overlooked.


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Pine nuts: The Chinese home-grown crop was smaller than forecast, and the expected supplemental supply from Russia has dried up. With globally warmer weather also apparently impacting on the yield itself, there has been an estimated 60% reduction in supply and prices are now trading at levels over 125% higher than previous highs.
Pumpkin seeds: The lack of any medium- to longer-term chance of availability "respite" is likely to keep pumpkin prices firm. Replacement prices, reflecting the poor supply and weak sterling, are now 150% higher than the normal prices we experienced before the short 2008/9 crop, and it appears China does not intend to reverse the decision to reduce the land dedicated to pumpkin production in favour of better-yielding crops.
Sunflower seeds: Prices continue to creep upwards. The twin assault of weak currency and strong demand has been accentuated by bakeries and manufacturers looking to take advantage of the discount sunflower seeds still offer, compared to the ludicrous pricing on pumpkin seeds and pine nuts.
l Based on information provided by ingredients suppler RM Curtis


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Maruti Suzuki's premium dealership NEXA has announced that booking for the new Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is now open. The vehicle can be booked for an amount of Rs 11,000 and can be done via the brand's NEXA dealership network and via the brand's online sales platform.
The all-new S-Cross models are powered by a 1.5-litre K-Series engine that features smart hybrid technology. The vehicle will also arrive with minor changes to the interiors that include a new touchscreen infotainment system.
Mr Shashank Srivastava, the Executive Director for Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, "S-Cross enjoys a special place in the NEXA portfolio as its flagship product and has been appreciated by over 1.25 lakh customers for its premium interiors, stylish and masculine design."
"We are delighted to announce the commencement of bookings for the S-Cross Petrol. With our relentless innovations, we are optimistic that the S-Cross Petrol will be yet another testament for our customer's confidence and trust," he added.
The brand also announced that the new S-Cross has been extensively tested for advanced safety proficiency. Tests including a frontal off-set crash, side impact and pedestrian safety were carried out at the manufacturer's research and development facility at Rohtak.
In MSIL related news, the brand recently announced that it's NEXA network has sold over 11 lakh vehicles since the brand was launched in 2015.
The brand says that most of its clientele are under 35, and are tech savvy. The NEXA network has been created and is being expanded to cater to these new age customers.
Maruti says that its NEXA dealership network is now the third largest network in the country, with 370 dealers across the country. The brand sells its Ignis, Baleno, Ciaz, S-Cross and XL6 models via the NEXA dealership. To know more, click here.
Thoughts About Bookings Being Open For The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross
Bookings being opened and vehicles being sold is a good sign for the auto industry and other economies that are dependent on it. More manufacturers launching new and updated products, and the want for personal mobility at an all time high, we think the industry will recover soon from the recession that the Covid-19 pandemic and the multiple lockdowns and restrictions have brought.


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Company Profile: Positive ID
A Chip Off the Old Block: Update on Implanted Microchips
A Delray Beach company retools technology - and marketing strategy - for human microchips
CEO Scott Silverman displays glass encapsulated chips, which are inserted under the skin, and the scanner, which reads a 16-digit identifying number transmitted by the chips.
The technology was even familiar — almost identical to the chip that millions of Americans have implanted in their pets for identification purposes. Like the pet chip, the VeriChip consists of a glass encapsulated radio frequency identification tag that’s injected under the skin. When exposed to a scanner at close range, it transmits a 16-digit identification number that can be linked to a secure patient database with information on everything from the patient’s drug allergies to pre-existing medical conditions.
The company thought it had a winner. But the chip got under the skin of some who worried that it could be used as a surveillance device. Pets were one thing, but most consumers were uncomfortable with the notion of having a RFID tag under their own epidermis. Scott Silverman, then CEO of VeriChip Corp., the Applied Digital Solutions subsidiary that marketed the chip, disclosed in a 2004 interview with Slate magazine that the company’s own research indicated that nine out of 10 people were uncomfortable with the technology’s use.
PositiveID envisions linking its chip to a database containing information on a patient’s drug allergies and pre-existing health conditions. Another possible use: Keeping track of Alzheimer’s patients. [Photo: Newscom]
Despite an aggressive marketing campaign, sales of the company’s VeriMed Health Link System — incorporating the RFID chip, a handheld scanner and an online health record — fell from $76,000 in 2007 to $43,000 in 2008. Another VeriChip subsidiary, Xmark, which sold wearable RFID products, continued to do well, accounting for the vast majority of VeriChip’s revenue.
After selling Xmark in 2008, Silverman decided to take a “few months hiatus” and stepped down as CEO — until his former colleagues at Applied Digital announced in July 2008 that they were planning to liquidate what remained of VeriChip to pay off debt.
At that point, Silverman stepped back in, bought their shares and became majority holder of VeriChip Corp. “I believed fully in the implantable chip technology that remained as an asset,” he says. “The company was still listed on Nasdaq, and a Nasdaq listing has significant value.”
Silverman says his company, which he renamed PositiveID Corp. last year, is no longer actively marketing the implantable chip for identification purposes but is instead working on using the technology for a variety of medical diagnostic purposes.
To that end, PositiveID has partnered with a Minnesota firm called Receptors to develop a microchip that can detect glucose levels in the body and transmit a blood sugar reading to a scanner. The Minnesota company recently received two patents for technologies that will serve as the basis for the device. PositiveID’s glucose sensor is years away from commercialization, Silverman says, but adds that, “In theory, way down the road, that same chip could contain a device to release insulin as well.”
Meanwhile, the company hopes to use similar technology to create a non-implantable test kit that could quickly identify various flu strains. Silverman says the company is already in phase 2 development. It hopes to complete the prototype before the next flu season.


text: The age-old complaint that 'there is nothing on the box' should finally become a thing of the past if even half the services discussed at last week's World Broadband Forum Asia event in Hong Kong materialise. As the content and movie industries get to grips with new broadband-based delivery opportunities, viewers should be tuning in to more programmes, more often and on more devices in the not-too-distant future. But under this deluge of content choice, telecoms operators face stiff competition to get viewers tuned into their fledgling TV services. The content owners' embrace of broadband represents a volte-face from as little as a year ago when they regarded the telecoms interlopers with deep suspicion, fearing their valuable programming would be sucked down fat broadband pipes and lost. Now they have a better handle on security issues, so talk is of a 'transformational opportunity' as content executives see the dollar signs more clearly. IPTV will soon arrive in premium high-definition format, mobile TV is going live across multiple platforms while digital content delivered over broadband offers more revenues and targeted advertising dollars. All of which is good for the content owners, but telecoms operators will need to be smart to ensure they are not left out of the loop. While broadband allows telecoms operators to provide television, the flip side is the same technology also breaks down barriers and allows internet-based companies to do the same. Content owners can now go directly to the customer. Disney has already put some of its top shows on iTunes. The BBC has been promoting its iMP media player with which it plans to sell its shows overseas, while MTV has just launched its 'Urge' music download service in conjunction with Microsoft's revamped Windows Media Player. One recurring message from the media industry is that the adage 'content is king' remains true. Telecoms operators, therefore, need to compete for content - preferably exclusive content - in the same way they compete for customers. The market has arguably never been more competitive with devices like iPods, Xboxes and laptops vying for consumers' entertainment budgets. The telecoms operators must also fight the misconception that new technology and faster broadband speeds will create demand by itself. As HBO Asia chief executive Jonathan Spinks noted last week: 'Why pay for fibre if there is nothing to watch?' Why then should telecoms operators build new networks or households buy a new 3G phone or set top box? Securing a return on investment is therefore the key challenge facing the operators, and arguably nowhere more so than in China. The telecoms industry is ready to invest billions of dollars in fixed and mobile broadband networks ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The spending could reach US$114 billion on 3G infrastructure alone, according to industry estimates. There is the risk that China could be left with a world class infrastructure but without the means to make it pay for itself. Getting people to pay for television content that is strictly controlled looks tricky at best. With foreign content barred outside foreign compounds and five star hotels, growing a Pay TV business will be difficult as it is traditionally this content that drives the industry - the local content is already freely available. The strict controls also contribute to the endemic piracy and signal theft. If you want to watch something new in China, a pirated DVD or satellite receiver makes more sense than an IPTV service. China has many trials of IPTV services taking place, although so far subscriber numbers are small. China Netcom said last week the commercial launch of its pay-TV service in Harbin had attracted just 50,000 subscribers - a figure that is unchanged since last year. 'Customers pay for the product, not the technology,' said Star TV chief executive Michelle Guthrie. 'Delivery can only enhance the product, not replace it.' But if China wants a lesson on how to make pay-TV work, it should look to Hong Kong's PCCW NOW TV service, which boasts the most IPTV viewers - 560,000 - worldwide. As a shareholder in PCCW, China Netcom already has a ringside seat of a service that is garnering significant global attention. Netcom and other operators should be able to replicate PCCW technology platform, clever security and marketing. The difficult part will be replicating its 110 channels of content, including exclusive Hollywood movies and flagship sports channels ESPN and Star Sports. But that is what is needed to ensure there is always something on the box - something that is worth watching, and worth paying for.


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Xbox has just announced that on September 15, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to stream more than 100 games from the cloud on their Android phone or tablet. The service will be tested in 22 markets to ensure stability ahead of a desired worldwide release.
Some of the most exciting games that will be playable on the go are Minecraft Dungeons, Destiny 2, Tell Me Why, Gears 5, Yakuza Kiwami 2. Xbox also confirmed that future Xbox Game Studios are part of Xbox Game Pass, which means that Game Pass subscribers can play those games on the day of launch.
As the world around us changes and entertainment is readily available no matter the device, it’s our vision to make games accessible in a variety of scenarios. All the experiences you expect on Xbox and your gaming profile travel with you on mobile, including your friends’ list, achievements, controller settings, and saved game progress. You can continue your Gears 5 campaign while traveling away from your home console, or if a sibling or roommate is using the TV you can still complete strikes with friends in Destiny 2.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a $14.99 monthly subscription service, new subscribers can subscribe now for $1 for the first month, which will grant the user access to several games playable on console and PC, other benefits include discounts, deals, perks, and Xbox Live Gold.
Xbox has confirmed that the service will be available on 22 markets at launch including Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Xbox also announced a partnership with Razer, PowerA, 8BitDo, and Nacon to create all-new accessories specifically designed for cloud gaming. The gaming accessories are a must for gaming on the go and there is already a vast selection of devices such as travel controllers that fit in any bag, and exclusive Xbox-branded controllers that split apart and attach to the side of your phone and regular controllers. Xbox also affirms that Xbox One and PlayStation’s DualShock 4 is supported via Bluetooth.
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Air Freight Rising Demand & Disruption
Much has been made about ocean freight and European road freight delays this year, but the air freight industry is also feeling the pressure of rising demand and supply disruption.
Air freight around the globe is struggling under the pressure of high demand, along with disruption from lower availability, over capacity warehouses, labour shortages and Covid related restrictions.
Major hubs throughout Europe, including London, Amsterdam, Brussels and Frankfurt, are suffering with congestion issues for a variety of reasons, and waiting times are protracted.
Significant delays are often being experienced at London Heathrow, which have at times brought about drastic measures. Some airline sheds are sending breakdown freight to Gatwick and back, meanwhile airlines have had to divert occasional flights to avoid disruption.
US airports have been impacted by issues resulting from the pandemic, and many of their trade lanes are desperately short of warehousing space.
The busy retail season has ensured that demand has been especially high of late, as we approach Black Friday and Christmas. However, the ‘boom’ is expected to continue long into 2022, or at least until passenger flights return to capacity and the ocean freight market settles down.
Atlantic Pacific are continuing to expand and enhance our air freight divisions and global services throughout our UK & Irish offices. For more information on our unique supply chain capabilties, then please do not hesitate to contact one of the team.


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Evangelist Victor Edet
Victor Edet, a controversial Nigerian evangelist has sounded a note of warning to ladies who wear trousers, tights and leggings.
Taking to his Facebook page, Victor Edet said that ladies in Europe wear leggings and trousers because of the cold weather but African women don’t have an excuse to wear such dresses.
See what he wrote below;
“THE Cold weather in Europe, America and Canada shouldn’t be an excuse why you should wear Trouser, Tight or Leggings. There are Women who wore skirts in Ancient Day’s in Europe, American and Canada before Satan Introduced Female Trouser.
If you are still wearing Trouser, Tights and Leggings as a Lady, your chance’s of getting to Heaven is Zero. Deuteronomy:22-5”


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The food industry is incredibly competitive these days, which is why it is no surprise that manufacturers have to continue creating exciting, interesting and tasty new products to keep customers buying from them.
That is why retail giant ASDA has launched its new bacon-flavoured chips in their stores, giving Brits the chance to enjoy two of the most popular tastes together.
These French fries have been seasoned with smoke flavouring and onion powder to create that bacon taste, and have ‘extra crunchy’ skin on the chips to make them particularly irresistible.
An additional selling point of these chips is that despite being bacon-flavoured, they are entirely vegetarian, meaning even those who cannot indulge in real bacon can enjoy these fries.
They are priced at £1.50 for a 500g pack of chips, which amounts to four portions, making it an affordable choice for customers.
The fries also only take 18 minutes to cook from frozen, so everyone can enjoy them – including those who want a quick, cheap meal.
What’s more, despite bacon-flavoured chips feeling like an indulgent side dish, Good To Know revealed that each portion is just 144 calories and only has half a gram of saturated fat. The potato skin also contains fibre, B vitamins, riboflavin, potassium, iron and calcium, which means consumers do not have feel too guilty when tucking into them.
This comes after Heinz launched its own ketchup caviar, containing tomatoes, vinegar, salt, sugar, celery, herbs and spices, making it a vegan alternative to traditional caviar, reported VegNews.
To use monopropylene glycol to create new flavours in your food products, get in touch with us today.


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Growing Popularity of Video Doorbells to Help Push Total Smart Home Cameras Sold in 2019 Past 56 Million
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strategy Analytics projects consumers globally will spend nearly $8 billion on smart home cameras in 2019, including video doorbells, and spending will grow at a 14% CAGR through 2023 to nearly $13 billion. Strategy Analytics’ report “2019 Smart Home Surveillance Camera Market Forecast and Analysis” predicts that by 2023 camera sales to consumers globally will surge to more than 111 million units, growing at a 19.8% CAGR and nearly tripling 2019’s total.
Strategy Analytics’ Smart Home Strategies (SHS) research service report analyzes how the growth rates of camera units and consumer spending will accelerate through 2023, aided by shrinking purchase prices and stronger demand for video doorbells. Additionally, entry-level and midrange cameras from Wyze, Xiaomi, Kasa Smart, Ring, EZVIZ, Zmodo, and dozens of Chinese brands will drive camera sales. Consumer spending growth for indoor and outdoor cameras will be driven by premium cameras priced at more than $100 offered by interactive security companies in the US such as Alarm.com, ADT, and Vivint, as well as consumer technology stalwarts Ring, Nest, and Arlo.
Strategy Analytics predicts growth in consumer spending on video doorbells from 2019 through 2023 will be the highest of any camera category. The list of video doorbell manufacturers has grown significantly over the last two years, with EZVIZ, Zmodo, Eufy, Remo+, and SimpliSafe entering the arena to compete with Ring, Skybell, Nest, and Vivint.
“Video doorbells are smart home camera market superstars,” said Jack Narcotta, Senior Industry Analyst, Smart Home Strategies. “Video doorbells will become an important segment in their own right. Additionally, smart home device companies will find video doorbells to be a key ingredient that helps bring consumers into their respective smart home ecosystems and helps spur purchases of additional cameras.”
“Smart home cameras are no doubt a central pillar for many smart home device companies,” said Bill Ablondi, Director, Smart Home Strategies. “Many companies have taken positive steps to prepare their portfolios for shifts in market and customer dynamics, and this will help accelerate adoption, boost demand, and improve a company’s chance for long-term success in the smart home market.”
About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include: industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in: smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at www.strategyanalytics.com
For more information about Strategy Analytics
Smart Home Strategies: Click here


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One month after we launched atmail mobile, we are pleased to announce that we have just released a new version on the app store.
On top of all the cool features that were already in the first version, this update brings many enhancements.
Atmail mobile 1.1 now support the latest version of iOS.
With this new version, the app now renders in high-resolution for all different iPhone screens.
Read, write and navigate your inbox faster.
Thanks to all the feedback we received we also corrected some bugs and brought many enhancements to make your email experience even better.
If you’re already an atmail mobile, update it today and if you’re not, give it a try!


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The U.S. Justice Department is intervening in Apple’s copyright lawsuit against cybersecurity firm Correllium– a move that Apple’s lawyers have opposed in court. Apple filed a lawsuit against Correllium in August 2019, alleging that the security company’s iOS virtualization software violated Apple’s intellectual property rights. In February, Apple even sent a letter to Santander and L3Harris Technologies to get information about users of Corellium software.
Now, the Justice Department appears to be asking Apple to delay subpoenaing Corellium co-founder Chirs Wade. The government has not specified the reasons for the delay, but said it wants to know what evidence Apple’s lawyers will present before questioning Wade, Forbes reported.
In documents filed Friday against the Justice Department’s motion, Apple’s lawyers wrote that the evidence included “photos obtained by Apple” that “revealed highly sensitive information about sources and methods related to Apple’s internal investigation.”
The tech giant said it was willing to hand over the evidence to the authorities, but wanted assurances that the information would be kept confidential. “Apple and the court still do not know whether the government has any real interest in this operation,” Apple’s lawyers wrote. The government has not provided any compelling reason, let alone evidence, that Apple is unfairly biased in preparing for a handling motion and trial. “
In Friday’s filing, lawyers released evidence showing emails between the Justice Department and Apple, suggesting that the Justice Department would like to see evidence from Apple so that they might “use the evidence to help assess (their) interests in the lawsuit.” “
Earlier, Corellium cited “national security issues” in Apple’s forensics, and a judge in the case questioned why the government did not come forward to discuss the issues. Forbes said the government’s interests could be linked to a criminal investigation that has no direct connection to Apple or Corellium.
Back in December, Corellium wrote that it was “deeply disappointed by Apple’s continued demonization of the jailbreak,” saying security researchers rely on jailbreak software to enhance the app’s defenses.


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One month free 3G for Kenya students
MOBILE| May 20, 2012, 9:11 a.m.
Orange has launched a month long 3G data offering for the youth in target universities and colleges.
The campaign, dubbed 3G Campus Offer, will see students from target universities enjoy one month’s free unlimited internet with the purchase of an Orange Internet Everywhere 3G Modem.
Orange says its mobile customers currently enjoy unlimited internet for as low as KSh 39 daily, KSh 249 weekly and KSh 990 monthly while the Orange Internet Everywhere 3G modem customers access unlimited internet for KSh 990 and KSh 2,990 on a weekly and monthly basis respectively.
The 3G Campus Offer also seeks to increase the adoption and use of Orange data services through the firm’s high speed 3G modems, as institutions of higher learning re-open for another semester this month.
According to the company’s CEO, Mickael Ghossein, the offer is open to campus and college students; part of the youthful market that Orange is targeting.
“Students can now enjoy reliable and affordable data bundles as well as fast speeds from Orange, as we seek to bring these much needed services to them, conscious of the value they will get as they head back to campus,” he said, adding that internet penetration among the youth is set to spur the uptake of e-learning as well as other ICT learning related tools.
Internet penetration has been on the increase especially among the youth.
Orange will be touring various universities and colleges over the next 30 days as it seeks to create awareness of the data offering through sporting events and other social activities on these campuses.
Students who will not be able to access these data devices at their campuses will be able to test and purchase them from select Orange shops. A student can purchase a maximum of two modems once they produce valid student identification.
The 3G modems are plug and play and are compatible with various operating systems to ensure simplicity of use as well as allowing the students to benefit from fast download and upload speeds
The offer that is also expected to enhance the students’ learning and research capabilities through the use of ICT tools and e-learning will run up until June 15, 2012, and will be applicable to dongles pre-loaded with the monthly unlimited internet bundle for KSh. 1,999.
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The latest graphene ink news:
Researchers from the University of Strasbourg & CNRS (France), in collaboration with Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland) and the University of Florence (Italy), have developed a new generation of pressure sensors based on graphene and molecular “springs”. The researchers say that thanks to their highest sensitivity, these devices are ideally suited for health monitoring and point-of-care testing.
The team reports that many electroactive materials have been employed for this purpose. Among these, graphene has been the most studied because of its excellent electrical conductivity, exceptional mechanical properties and large surface area. The researchers rely envision applications of graphene-based sensors in the form of tattoos.
Haydale has announced that through its Taiwanese operation, Haydale Technologies Taiwan, it has started to supply commercial quantities of its functionalized graphene ink to a major print house in Taiwan. The graphene ink is used to print test strips in the self-diagnostic biomedical sensor device market for diabetes monitoring. Haydale believes its graphene ink is the first of its kind being used in volume in this market.
Following over a year of market testing, evaluation and gaining regulatory approvals, including extensive production quantity in-line testing, HTW has now started to deliver its graphene screen printed inks as part of a recent 100kg order secured from a leading Taiwanese printer. Haydale's graphene ink is reportedly proving to be a high quality, more stable, and consistent product, replacing the established graphite and carbon inks used extensively in producing the test strips for this significant global market.
In February 2018, Haydale, the University of Swansea and Wheelsure entered a collaboration to develop intelligent systems for transport and industrial applications using Haydale's graphene ink sensor technology, in order to extend Wheelsure's product range. Now, Haydale has confirmed that The University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre ("GEIC") is set to join this collaboration.
The project aims to develop an intelligent new product pairing Haydale's functionalized graphene sensor technology with Wheelsure's failsafe locking solution. The sensor will be developed by applications engineers at the GEIC using Haydale's functionalised graphene. The project is expected to be showcased at the official opening of the GEIC in December 2018.
Haydale has announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement ("JDA") between Haydale Technologies (Thailand) Limited ("HTT") and Thailand's Star RFID ("Star"). The JDA is for the parties to quickly co-develop both graphene and silver-based inks for the printed Radio Frequency Identification market ("RFID"). The co-development is expected to lead to a supply and collaboration agreement in the coming months.
The parties have already commenced development of a dedicated silver ink for Star and have a small paid-for project to carry out this work. Star has first right of refusal for any products arising from the JDA.
In a recent study, researchers from the Stevens Institute of Technology in the U.S have come up with an original idea - they designed a bionic mushroom that uses graphene to produce electricity. More accurately, the researchers have generated mushrooms patterned with energy-producing bacteria and an electrode network.
Many examples of organisms that live closely together and interact with each other exist in nature. In some cases, this symbiotic relationship is mutually beneficial. The research team wanted to engineer an artificial symbiosis between button mushrooms and cyanobacteria. In their vision, the mushroom would provide shelter, moisture and nutrients, while bacteria 3D-printed on the mushroom's cap would supply energy by photosynthesis. Graphene nanoribbons printed alongside the bacteria could capture electrons released by the microbes during photosynthesis, producing bio-electricity.


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T-Mobile USA, announced its new Value plans, making it more affordable than ever to step up to data on America's Largest 4G Network.
Slated to be available beginning on July 24, the new plans build on T-Mobile's commitment of offering affordable, consumer-friendly plans in tune with the evolving needs of wireless customers on any of T-Mobile's phones and mobile broadband devices, including the latest 4G smartphones and tablets. Available with a two-year agreement for new and existing customers, the Value plans offer single-line and multiline options with a range of price points for talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB, 5 GB or 10 GB of high-speed data -- with no data overage charges. Customers can choose from a variety of monthly plans and only pay for the high-speed data they need.
Pricing for these plans has yet to be announced but T-Mobile claims that its customers can save "hundreds of dollars annually" under these new plans. If you go over the "high-speed" caps you can still get data from T-Mobile's phones and laptop sticks but at a lower speed. Exactly how much slower has also yet to be announced. T-Mobile did give one example of pricing under its Value plans stating that users can pay $49.99 a month per line for two lines and with a 2 GB "high speed" limit.
For example, T-Mobile's new Value family plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB of high-speed data is just $49.99 per line for two lines. Even with the addition of purchasing two smartphones, such as the T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide, on T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Plan, on T-Mobile's Equipment Installment Plan, customers may yield savings of more than $800 annually.
T-Mobile also will offer a robust lineup of mobile broadband service options under both the new Value and Classic plans. For instance, customers could add an overage-free mobile broadband Value plan to their voice service for $19.99 per month with 2 GB of high-speed data for products, including laptop sticks, tablets and the T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot, which allows a family to share their 4G mobile connection with up to five Wi-Fi devices using a single mobile broadband connection.
T-Mobile's new Value and Classic plans are expected to be available beginning July 24.
Full press release is embedded below:
[Source: T-Mobile Press Release]


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When buying an older, high-mileage car, it’s best if you have a bit of automotive savvy — or at least, a trusted mechanic. And a dollop of patience.
That’s the takeaway from Edmunds.com’s “Debt-Free Car” project, which I wrote about here on Bucks nearly a year ago.
Edmunds, an automotive site, set out to see if, say, a new college graduate who wanted to avoid adding a car loan to his or her student loan debt could do better by buying a reliable older vehicle and paying cash. (The other potential buyer was someone with poor credit who couldn’t qualify for a car loan.) The idea was to put the amount that would have been paid for a monthly car payment into a savings account to cover maintenance and possible repairs, and save anything left over. The staff ended up buying a 1996 Lexus ES300 with 135,000 miles for $3,800.
Over the course of the last year, the staff drove the car more than 18,000 miles — about 3,000 miles more than the typical driver would travel. The trips included a cross-country drive and a tour through Death Valley.
The result? The car came in about $100 a month under the repair and maintenance goal of $365. But it did leave drivers stranded in parking lots twice, when it wouldn’t start. The breakdowns didn’t put the driver in an unsafe situation — the car didn’t stop while on the road — but they were inconvenient. Read more…
The credit card site CardHub.com recently reviewed current zero-balance credit card transfer offers and found that many cards let consumers transfer all sorts of debt — not just credit card debt — onto the new cards.
The site’s founder, Odysseas Papadimitriou, writing about the findings for The Christian Science Monitor, said several major card issuers let you transfer car loans to their credit cards — in effect, letting you trade secured debt (the car is collateral for the loan) for unsecured debt. Some cards have introductory zero interest rate periods of up to 18 months. If you use such transfers strategically, he says, you can lower the rate on your car loan, saving as much as $1,000 in interest charges.
If you have just one to two years left on your auto loan, he says, that means the credit card pays off your car loan, getting you the title to the car sooner than expected, and “ensuring that payment difficulties won’t result in your car being repossessed.”
The catch, of course, is that you actually have to pay off the loan before the zero interest period expires. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying double-digit interest on the balance, negating any advantage from transferring the loan. Read more…


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The current crisis is very different from that of 2008, with panellists agreeing that once demand begins reappearing, trade will quickly recover. How different the industry will look after the crisis is another matter – with changes from an operational and technological perspective set to stick or further develop to transform the entire trade ecosystem.
Societal attitudes are also set to heavily impact the industry – including the possibilities of increased working-from-home practices or changes in childcare preferences. These will undoubtedly help boost technological adoption across the industry, such as digital signatures and electronic documents. These changes will not happen overnight, however, and it is likely that for some time the industry will work in a hybrid mode – “straight through the printer, rather than straight-through-processing,” concludes Schmand.
More fundamental changes to the way enterprises interact with their customers and supply base will also take place, Matthew Burton, EY EMEA Supply Chain Leader explains. “It is all very well keeping an eye on your own enterprise, but more companies and leaders are recognising early on that it won’t survive if their customers of supply base don’t as well.”
Deepening a company’s understanding of its supply chains and reassessing the geographic concentration of suppliers will become a major focus for many organisations post-Covid-19. “Complex global supply chains have largely been tuned for cost and speed. What the Covid-19 crisis revealed is how brittle they are,” says Burton. As a result, companies are having new conversations about how to balance cost efficiency and speed while improving resilience. This must be balanced with plans to keep existing business going and so will involve a three-step process for supply chains – protecting supply, restarting operations, and building resilience.
Visibility over the supplier base is the first priority in achieving this objective – supporting them through the crisis, not only for the benefit of the buyer, but the supplier as well. Next, operational decisions will need to be made as lockdowns lift. What production to restart first? How to implement new health and safety protocols as this ramps up? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the entire supply chain needs to be re-examined to increase resilience, assessing what changes might be needed in terms of footprint, integration and supplier networks.