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BARCELONA -- Telefónica today named the first countries in which it will launch Firefox OS, the new, open mobile operating system from Mozilla. The first commercial handsets featuring Firefox OS will go on sale in Brazil, Colombia, Spain and Venezuela in mid-2013. Further launches are planned in both Europe and Latin America in late 2013 and 2014.
The first Firefox OS handsets to launch in these initial markets will be manufactured by Alcatel One Touch, LG and ZTE, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon™ processor. Consumers will have a choice of competitively priced devices, backed by Telefónica’s richest data tariffs, enabling them to have a compelling and affordable internet experience. Telefónica is also in discussions with Huawei and other manufacturers to see how Firefox OS can be extended into even more devices.
Firefox OS marks a significant milestone for the mobile industry, enabling for the first time devices to be manufactured to totally open web standards. It provides an alternative to current, closed mobile ecosystems that lock consumers in.
Customers will benefit from everything they need from a smartphone out of the box, plus many added features including built-in cost controls, Facebook and Twitter integration, location-based services, the much-loved Firefox Web browser and a revolutionary new search capability. This delivers a deep and contextual search that allows customers to search both within apps and on the web at the same time. For example, search for a music artist and get results to buy songs, concert tickets or even listen to them instantly without the need to install any apps.
Technology industry veteran Martin Lund joins Metaswitch Networks this week as the company's new CEO. In this interview, Lund discusses his new role and the industry's progress with Light Reading CEO Steve Saunders. Lund believes that the industry disruption caused by SDN and NFV is creating opportunities for companies like Metaswitch – network software providers ...
Nominum CEO Gary Messiana talks about the challenges service providers face in competing for a much more sophisticated customer, a customer that has heightened expectations for more personalized and compelling digital experiences. Providers are focusing their efforts on delivering higher value subscriber services, retaining their existing customers and increasing ...
Equinix CTO Ihab Tarazi talks to Light Reading founder and CEO Steve Saunders about the dramatic changes in the data center, cloud and interconnect markets and discusses the impact of SDN and NFV in the coming years.
Andrew Coward discusses what the New IP means to end users or enterprise customers. He explains compelling reasons, including how every customer can get their own network, from the transformation to the New IP.
Mukund Srigopal provides an explanation of what network visibility is and how it is essential as service providers transition to the New IP. In addition, the importance of the network packet broker is discussed.
Ali Kafel from Stratus Technologies addresses high-availability concerns within the telco industry with a solution that enables telcos to provide high-availability and stateful fault-tolerance using a software-based approach.
Intel's Bev Crair and IBM's Eric Herzog discuss how IBM's V9000 Flash Storage System has helped customers around the world. Featuring real-time compression powered by Intel QuickAssist Technology, the V9000 is a next-gen flash storage solution.
Saran Phaloprakarn, Senior VP of Fixed Broadband Business Management of Thailand's AIS, was a keynote speaker at the first Asia-Pacific Ultra Broadband Summit in Bangkok. In this video, he talks to Heavy Reading about transforming into an FMC (FBB+MBB+Content) operator.
Technology industry veteran Martin Lund joins Metaswitch Networks this week as the company's new CEO. In this interview, Lund discusses his new role and the industry's progress with Light Reading CEO Steve Saunders. Lund believes that the industry disruption caused by SDN and NFV is creating opportunities for companies like Metaswitch – network software providers with the agility to embrace new technologies quickly and the ability to deliver on substantial projects for global network operators.


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An "under-used" text messaging service could be dropped in favour of a smartphone app as a way for drivers to pay for the London congestion charge, Transport for London (TfL) has revealed.
With the SMS payments service accounting for just 400 out of the 130,000 congestion charge payments made each day, TfL is pushing for an app which would allow drivers to pay up quickly and simply, as well as providing a convenient means of carrying out basic checks on charge balances and account expiry dates.
The authority is launching a six-week consultation on the matter ending on September 12, after which a report with go to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
TfL has also signalled its intention to stop accepting payments from unofficial sources such as copycat websites, some of which are known to have bumped up the charge by as much as £8 on top of the normal tariff.
Some motorists have complained about such services after finding out they had not actually paid the charge, and faced a penalty.
The transport authority is working with search engines such as Google to make sure that no misleading ads on congestion charge payments appear. They are also urging people to make sure they use the official TfL website to make payments.
Surface transport chief Garrett Emmerson said TfL is striving to protect customers from "unofficial third party websites", which charge rip-off prices for services which are never received.
The charge is £11.50 per day for a vehicle driving in the charging zone from 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday.
Copyright Press Association 2014

domain: news


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The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization says world food prices are the highest since July 2011, reflecting reduced wheat harvests and higher palm-oil prices
The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said international prices of its basket of food commodities rose by 3% in October, for a third straight month of increases.
Reduced harvests by big exporters like Canada, Russia and the United States helped drive up wheat prices by 5%, while the Vegetable Oil Price Index soared by 9.6% in October, hitting an all-time high. Migrant worker shortages in Malaysia were a factor in that increase, FAO said.
The agency’s Cereal Price Index rose by 3.2% from September to October.
FAO said global cereal inventories “are seen heading for a contraction in 2021/22,” according to the agency’s forecast. That forecast reflects cuts to the estimates of wheat production in Iran and Turkey as well as the U.S., it said.
Higher costs of energy and supply chain prices have also been cited for the rising food prices consumers are facing.


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text: By Staff Writer Tamendy Raymond. Just last week, Gucci pulled an eight hundred and ninety-dollar sweater off the shelves because of its racist backlash. Following the Gucci sweater incident, American pop star singer, Katy Perry is being criticized for blackface designed shoes. How could a shoe be racist you may ask? Look no further than the shoe itself: by definition, it is a black face. The 34-year-old singer’s career, which took off in 2008 with the hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has been punctuated with accusations of cultural appropriation−even as Perry sought to align herself with the Black Lives Matter movement and issues involving Black women, according to the Washington Post. While some have defended Perry’s $129 shoes, the uproar is a particularly apprehensive moment for the singer/pop star. Katy Perry and her global rand apologized for the shoes and said it was part of a collection that was “envisioned as a nod to modern art and surrealism.” At the same time, pictures of the shoes in question, including a pair of high heels and sandals that featured large red lips, triangular blue nose, were shared by many who called out Perry and roasted her for the “racist design.” Perry debuted her shoe collection partnership with Global Brand Group back in 2017. The shoes are available on the brand’s website. Both styles include the same obtrude eyes, nose and full red lips. “I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to painful images reminiscent of blackface,” her brand management team stated. “Our intention was never to inflict any pain. We have immediately removed them from Katy Perry Collections.” Is there a rule that any product, service or person that is not black will create, promote, or apply any combination, but if it is black with a face it is deemed racist? If Perry only created a white version of the shoe would it have raised or remotely create the same speculation or attention? Following the backlash, Perry and her Global Brand Group apologized for the controversial shoes and said that it was “part of a collection [that was] envisioned as nod to modern art and surrealism,” New York Times reported. However, many people were not convinced. Kieran Boyce tweeted and said “ignorance is never a fashion statement! Apology not accepted.” Of course, others on Twitter felt that the criticism was unnecessary. “Can’t believe Katy Perry has had to withdraw her range of shoes because they’re racist.” Others agree and say that the shoe design was not racist. They’re just shoes with a face, it’s also worth noting that she customized tan colored shoes with a face. Perry states she had “a hard conversation” with a friend, who told her about “the power in black women’s hair and how beautiful it is and the struggle.” She continues and says “I listened and heard and I didn’t know, I won’t ever understand some of those things because of who I am. I will never understand, but I can educate myself and that’s what I am trying to do along the way.” I can not argue with or blame Perry for her controversial shoe, she didn’t understand or see the reason behind the “racist” shoe. Adding a face to any design could be sketchy and create many questions. In my opinion, shoes shouldn’t have a face on them. It raises questions and speculations in various ways, that one might not intend it to be. Moral of the story, let’s stop putting faces on shoes.


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(IABRN) — Market prices took a dive, after Chinese officials announced intentions to halt all United States grain purchases. Grain markets, on Thursday, finally found the strength to pull themselves out of big lows.
Grain markets pushed higher during the Thursday, day session. Brian Grossman, market strategist with Zaner Ag Hedge, says large commercial buying helped give the final push upwards.
“It looks like we are finding commercial buying at this level. Calendar spreads have been trying to push higher over the last few sessions and today, it seems like we’re getting everybody on the same page,” Grossman said. “We have commercial buying and I would assume some speculative buying as well, in order to get November soybeans up 16-cents.”
Grossman advises producers to “be ready” and “take advantage of opportunities.
“I know a lot of people have this five-dollar target in their mind, and that’s possible. Nothing is impossible. From a risk management standpoint, there’s a lot of opportunity here. At the very least, get some kind of floor underneath you,” Grossman said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA will release its August World Agricultural Supply and Demand (WASDE) report Monday. Grossman reminds all, “Anything can happen once that report is out.”
“We have the big, looming WASDE report coming (out) Monday. The big question on that one, more so than any other year, is the resurveyed acreage,” Grossman said. “We’re going to get revised acreage numbers (and) a statistical yield number, but acres are going to be the big question – How much of a supply swing are we going to see here?”
Aside from acreage, traders will keep an eye on demand.
“Exports continue to struggle,” Grossman said. “Today’s export sales were not worth the paper they were printed on. This has been an ongoing issue, and with a stronger U.S. dollar and a higher priced corn market, there’s nothing keeping people from either holding back on purchases, or in some cases, going to South America.”


text: Valentino Balboni has been ripping around in Lamborghini’s since the late 1960’s. He’s driven every model there is and his input to the factory has helped make the raging bull what they are today. You see Balboni has the greatest job in history as he is Lamborghini’s top test pilot. Maybe thats why the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 is such an amazing automobile. Lamborghini went back to basics by offering only rear wheel drive as an option, a proper 6-speed manual and an engine that sounds like a symphony. This is something that the guys at Motortrend Magazine found out first hand when they had the chance to take this new bull for a spin.


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I missed the latest twist in Chrysler’s California dealer drama when I was traveling in Iowa last week, but because it’s such a significant story (and because Ford recently proved how expensive dealer drama can be), we’ll commit the cardinal rule of blogging and take a look at some week-old “news.” California’s DMV won’t report the findings of its investigation into Chrysler’s allegedly non-compliant “company store” until September 29, but the Detroit News has reported that “about 75 percent” of these dealer complaint cases end in settlement and that
Chrysler Group LLC may be on the verge of selling its company-owned flagship dealership in Los Angeles to a private retailer, which could appease angry franchise dealers in California.
So much for ChryCo leaving the state in an angry huff. In fact, angry is about the last thing CEO Sergio Marchionne sounds about the whole thing…
According to the DetN
Chrysler Group LLC CEO Sergio Marchionne said he is not worried about the fate of the prize dealership he hopes will jump-start sales in California, where Chrysler has 6 percent market share compared with almost 10 percent nationwide. In Los Angeles, Chrysler has about 2 percent.
“It is solvable,” Marchionne said this week. “It will all go away.”
Which is an interesting response given that the Motor Village situation seems to be just the tip of the iceberg. Chrysler is making a much wider effort to turn around its underperforming California retail network, and Motor Village is simply the most egregious case since Chrysler owns the entire dealership outright. That, in itself, won’t be hard to solve, as Troy, MI-based Suburban Collection will simply buy the store instead of operating it on a trial basis for a year first, as it had planned to. A Suburban exec says a decision will be made to sell to his firm or another “in the next few weeks,” calling the situation “a ticking time bomb relative to timing.”
But what of the “California Superstores” network, where Chrysler Real Estate is also buying prime location and offering low-cost rent to a favored operator? The California New Car Dealer Association had Motor Village dead to rights with a thoroughly convincing complaint, but California Superstores could be a tougher nut to crack. But if the CNCDA is motivated by a desire for “fair competition,” it’s probably just a matter of time before California Superstores gets attacked for its cozy low-rent deal with Chrysler Real Estate. Chrysler knows it’s lost the first battle, but it will fight back if its California dealers press home their advantage by going after the Superstores network. The war is only just beginning…


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Stephanie Lopes, 27, has reduced trips to the mall and weekend delivery orders. Fernanda Lima, 25, started picking up leaflets from supermarkets to monitor prices. Iago Madureira, 24, sees the dream of living alone increasingly distant.
In common, all of them were born after the Real Plan, of July 1994, which controlled the hyperinflation that punished the Brazilian economy — in June, on the eve of the implementation of the real, prices accumulated a high of 4,922% in 12 months.
Now, this young generation has to deal with the problem of a sharp rise in prices for the first time.
In the 12-month period up to April this year, the IPCA (Broad Consumer Price Index) increased by 12.13%, according to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
It is the highest inflation since October 2003 (13.98%), a period in which the generation born after 1994 had not yet reached 10 years of age.
At the age of 27, married and with a daughter, Stephanie is looking for strategies to save money, cutting back on routine household expenses in the north of São Paulo.
Using the washing machine less times a week is one of the measures taken to try to lower the electricity bill.
“I felt more the difference in the increase in expenses from the middle of last year to here”, says she, who has completed high school and works as a nanny, entertainer at children’s parties and personal organizer.
For Fernanda Lima, who lives in Rio de Janeiro with her boyfriend, what most impacts her day-to-day is the supermarket food inflation.
Due to the high prices, she decided to replace part of the products in the shopping basket. The consumption of beef and chicken decreased.
“Now it’s normal to pick up several leaflets from the supermarket and keep an eye on prices”, says Fernanda, who has a degree in human resources management and works in the IT (information technology) area.
Car parked in the garage and consumption postponed
In the case of Iago Madureira, what has been weighing the most is fuel inflation. Therefore, the young man has left the car parked longer in the garage.
With a liter of gasoline above R$7, he is making more daily commutes on the subway in the Federal District, where he lives with his mother.
“Before, the cost of fuel was around R$260, R$280, each time I filled the car’s tank. Nowadays I don’t have the luxury of filling it up. I’m even afraid of the value it can give.”
Visits to restaurants became scarcer. As a precaution, even the plan to live alone was postponed, according to the young man, who has a degree in foreign trade and studies international relations.
“I dream of living alone. But this is more difficult now. Electricity bills and other day-to-day expenses end up distancing this plan”, says Madureira, who was born in 1997 and works as an administrative assistant.
Luiz Antônio Lourenço, 25, also turned on the warning signal with prices. In recent months, the young man began to research more products in the supermarket before shopping.
In addition, she decided to postpone the exchange of her cell phone and furniture and utensils for the house, in the Minas Gerais municipality of Esmeraldas (60 km from Belo Horizonte), where she lives with her boyfriend.
Born in 1996, Lourenço has a degree in library science and works as an administrative assistant.
“Now, I don’t go out as much for leisure reasons. I end up planning more before doing something. You have to think about the long term”, he points out.
Scenario is “pretty bad”, says economist
According to analysts, the rise in inflation reflects a set of factors. The pandemic, on the one hand, has disrupted global production chains. As a result, it generated a shortage of inputs and impacted the prices of industrial goods at home and abroad.
Brazil has also seen dollar pressure amid recent political turmoil, as well as climate problems that made electricity and food bills more expensive.
In 2022, the inflationary scenario brings together an additional component: the Ukrainian War.
The conflict in Eastern Europe raised the prices of agricultural commodities and oil on the international market in the first quarter. The result was pressure on food and fuel in Brazil.
“The world was coming from a period of lower inflation before the pandemic. In the health crisis, there were measures to stimulate demand for goods and services, but supply did not follow this movement. There was a disconnect between supply and demand”, says the economist. Luca Mercadante, from Rio Bravo Investimentos.
“This year also has the effects of the war. Inflationary pressure, not only in Brazil, but in the whole world, is not fleeting. It has a greater persistence”, he adds.
Mercadante is also part of the generation that grew up after the implementation of the Real Plan. He was born in 1999.
For now, the financial market projects IPCA close to 8% in the 12-month period up to December 2022. The median of the estimates is 7.89%, according to the Focus bulletin, released by the BC (Central Bank).
Rio Bravo, in turn, forecasts inflation of 7.2%. However, the bias is high in the estimate, says Mercadante.
According to him, the inflationary scenario tends to continue “very bad”, even with the prospect of the IPCA decelerating until December, in relation to the current level.
“We continue with pressured production chains”, he says.
On a monthly basis, the IPCA rose 1.62% in March. It was the highest rise for the month since 1994 (42.75%), before the implementation of the real. That is, the advance was the most intense for March in 28 years. The rise slowed in April but remained high (1.06%) — the highest for the month since 1996.


text: Around two million home bound people will depart Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families, among which approximately 8 lac will travel to Chittagong division. After getting introduced advance ticket sales few days back, a known rush has been occurred in almost all bus counters in Dhaka for tickets. Under pressure of excessive ticket demand, many unfit buses came in front to sell tickets in advance though BRTC doesn’t want it to happen. Meanwhile, advance train tickets selling has been started from August 21 and will continue to sell till 25th August at Kamalpur and Chittagong railway stations. Crowds of people rush to buy advance train and bus tickets everywhere which resulted in endless sufferings so far. To avoid these rush, some people already left Dhaka for Eid. But most of the home bound people didn’t start journey to home yet. In next 1-2 days, waves of people will be noticeable in returning home.


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Note the plastic bag ban deadline
March 16 is ‘D-Day’ for a total ban on single-use plastic shopping bags nationwide.
This follows five months grace period given by the Conservation and Environment Authority (CEPA) to phase out their use.
There is some disagreement in the announcement and the time given to affect the new rule, with some suggesting not enough consultation was accorded.
Regardless, the new rule will be strictly enforced with penalties for those in breach, as guided by the Environment Act 2000.
CEPA is the lead agency working with partners and other stakeholders to ensure single-use shopping plastic bags are phased out in PNG.
Businesses have less than 20 days before a total ban on single use plastic shopping bags in Papua New Guinea comes into effect.
Factories, warehouses and retail shops were given an additional 45 days grace period, from an initial three months, to use up stock before a complete ban on the single use plastic shopping bags.
When the grace period ends, all users will be required by law to only use bio-degradable shopping bags.
Certain Supermarkets like Stop and Shop Rainbow, Gerehu and Boroko Food World, Gordon’s, have already started issuing bio-degradable bags, been sold at the check-out counters.
The popular plastic shopping bags, as we know it, with all its contribution to pollution and suffocating animals in the sea as well as on land, will be a thing of the past.
Mr Mori warned that any individual or entities found to continuing in the importing, manufacturing and retailing of the single use plastic shopping bags after the prescribed dates will be in breach of Environment Act 2000.
The announcement was made on Tuesday February 4, in an advertisement endorsed by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Climate Change Minister Wera Mori.
In November 2019 CEPA ceased issuing environment permits for non - biodegradable plastic shopping bags and gave industries and retailers a three month grace period to phase out plastic shopping bags before the planned ban in March.


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- Jul 25, 2018Chipotle has set Cardi B up for good.
- By David SaricMay 8, 2018The retail giant is doing its part to help combat the opioid crisis.
- By Devin ChFeb 19, 2018English KFC lovers are bound to riot with the news that their beloved chain is taking 900 outlets out of service.
- By Matt FJul 12, 2017Kanye West and Kim Kardashian want your kids to look good.


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KULAI: Oji Holdings Corp is optimistic about prospects and opportunities of the packaging-related industries in Malaysia and the region.
Melinda’s long journey away from Bill’s shadow is set to enter a new phase after the billionaire benefactors announced on May 3 that they would divorce after 27 years, saying in a court filing that “this marriage is irretrievably broken”.
Apple’s lucrative app store was alternately portrayed as a price-gouging monopoly and a hub of world-changing innovation during the preamble to a trial that may reshape the technological landscape.
HO CHI MINH CITY: Ho Chi Minh City reported a foreign direct investment (FDI) influx of US$1.14bil (RM4.68bil) in the first four months of 2021, a year-on-year decline of 12.92%.
(Bloomberg) -- Container shipping rates are heading higher again, driven to new heights by unrelenting consumer demand and company restocking from Europe to the U.S. that are exhausting the world economy’s capacity to move goods across oceans.
BERLIN (Vietnam News/ANN): Vietnam will soon lead Southeast Asia in renewable energy development, Germany’s Energiezukunft news outlet highlighted in a recent article, describing the country’s energy transition as very impressive.
HO CHI MINH CITY (Vietnam News/ANN): HCM City reported a foreign direct investment (FDI) influx of USD1.14 billion in the first four months of 2021, a year-on-year decline of 12.92 per cent.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Intel Corp said on Sunday it will invest another $600 million in Israel to expand its research and development (R&D) and confirmed it was spending $10 billion on a new chip plant.


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China has put an end to EV subsidies. It also ended the tax cuts, which were offered earlier to vehicle makers to improve sales. The demand for vehicles in the world’s largest market is weak. The lifting of the controls imposed during the pandemic failed to revive the demand for cars in China.
According to information gathered from the news website, automakers such as Volkswagen AG, BMW Group, and Ford are offering huge discounts on the listed prices of vehicles to lure buyers and enhance sales in the already slumping market. They are also offering promotional benefits to car buyers to revive the demand. The manufacturers of Citroen and General Motors are offering discounts on their gas-powered vehicles.
Retail car sales decline in early 2023
The retail sales of vehicles in China have declined by almost a fifth YoY in January and February 2023. Several consumers are staying on the sidelines and avoiding the purchase of expensive vehicles because of the bleak economic outlook. A drop in sales of gas-powered vehicles and stalled growth for several years in a row in China are creating a difficult situation for foreign automakers. They are also facing competition for electric vehicles from domestic automakers.
Ford reduces $6,000 from the list price of the Mustang Mach-E
The US automaker has slashed the price of its Mustang Mach-E by $6,000. The price reduction applies to the Mustang Mach-E until April 2023. It offers a battery-operated standard version of the SUV at $31,000. According to data gathered from the industry, only 84 cars were sold in February in China, a drop from 1,500 cars in December 2022. An increase in sales in December 2022 was due to offering a discount of 9% on the original price. A spokesman for Ford said it was a stock clearance sale.
The discount offers on cars vary at the automakers and dealers in China. It varies from one percent to half the usual price. The leaders in China lifted pandemic controls in December 2022 to improve consumption and revive the economy. However, the Chinese government has put an end to long-term electric vehicle subsidies and tax cuts that helped boost demand for cars in the last year.
Around 500,000 vehicles, including old models and gas-powered vehicles, are at dealers in China. Some of these models do not comply with emission standards, which came into effect in July 2022, according to an analyst, Kelvin Lau of Daiwa Capital Markets.
Volkswagen JV slashes vehicle prices for EVs and gas-powered vehicles
Volkswagen, which has a joint venture with the Shanghai government, announced on Thursday that it has reduced the prices of twenty electric and gas-powered vehicles until April 2023. The discounts vary from $2,200 to $7,300, depending on the type and model. According to the most recent news gathered from the websites, the JV has already offered a discount of $6,000 on the original price of the electric ID series. A spokesperson for Volkswagen said its promotional offers are temporary to lure reluctant car buyers. It also helps to overcome prices slashed by its peers and new emission standards.
The C6 gas-powered vehicle of Citroën Automobile Co. is available for $18,000, a discount of 40% on the original price. The company sold 100 vehicles in February 2023. This model is not moving faster in the market.


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Amid its testing times, resulting from sluggish sales of computers and declining prices, memory chip maker Micron Technology received yet another big blow on Friday, when its chairman and CEO Steve Appleton died in a plane crash at an airport in Boise, Idaho.
The sudden and tragic death of 51-year-old Appleton is a major loss for the Idaho-based Micron Technology; more so because it comes at a time when the company, as well as the semiconductor industry as a whole, is undergoing a phase of rapid change.
- Gentle Electrical Stimulation May Help in Improving Maths Skills
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- Research Finds Huge Increase in Type-2 Diabetes, Under-40 Hardest Hit
- Step Forward in IVF Treatment in 30 Can Mount up Baby Production Three-times
- David Cameron Blamed for ‘Scaremongering’ Over Health Tourism


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By Staff | 3Ders
3Doodler, the world's first 3D printing pen, is revealing its new accessories range of a 3Doodler stand, nozzle set, and foot pedal at IFA this year, as well as a brand new range of eight plastics.
WobbleWorks, the company behind 3Doodler, claims the 3D printing pen has hit 100,000 sales in the past 11 months, and "3Doodler is now the world's most popular 3D printing device".
3Doodler which was launched in 2013 allows you to literally draw in the air - whether freestyle 3D sketching or tracing shapes from templates to make larger architectural structures.
3Doodler will be exhibiting their new accessories at the German tradeshow, including the new 3Doodler "Pedal", DoodleStand and Nozzle Set.
The Pedal, revealed for the first time at IFA, is a foot pedal that you control to stop and start the extrusion of plastic. This means you can hold the pen from various angles to create and doodle without the restriction of holding the buttons near the tip, making 3D design easier than ever before.
The DoodleStand not only holds the 3Doodler but also moves, helping users doodle accurate and clean lines - especially useful for those with unsteady hands.
The Nozzle Set is a series of six interchangeable nozzles including ribbon-shaped, square and triangular nozzles, which allow users to extrude plastic in completely new shapes and sizes - the set even includes a handy tool for removing and storing your nozzles.
3Doodler now also expands the range of plastics for 3D printing pen, with a total of 46 colors across ABS and PLA. It has introduced eight new colors - including Radioactive Yellow, Cotton Candy Pink, Café au Lait, and two additions to the "Clearly" range, Clearly Yellow and Clearly Black.
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Langer Inc., a Deer Park, L.I., manufacturer of orthopedic products, has hired Manhattan investment back Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc. to help the company identify targets for acquisitions. Langer is looking to purchase businesses in the personal-care, skincare, or cosmetics lines.
Langer, which produces products like shoe inserts, recently moved into the skincare business, acquiring Silipos Inc., a division of the British firm SSL International, last year. Silipos manufactures the NouveaDerm line of skin care products, which promote healing and scar reduction.
Earlier this month, Langer raised more than $30 million in a public offering of 5 million shares of stock.


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Killzone Trilogy unveiled
Sony has revealed the existence of a new Killzone Trilogy bundle that will be released soon.
Unsurprisingly, the Killzone Trilogy will feature all three major Killzone games including all the multiplayer downloadable content for both PS3 games.
It appears that the original PS2 game, Killzone is receiving a high definition facelift for the trilogy pack and will appear as Killzone HD.
The Killzone Trilogy pack will be out very soon says Sony and they have given I the slightly odd RRP of 30.84 GBP.
- Microsoft doubles down for April's Games With Gold
- Every wondered what it would be like in James Bond and Joanna Dark met? Cara Ellison and Irene Koh have answered that question
- Dirty Bomb beta is back online
- Obsidian's saviour Pillars Of Eternity launches today, Watch it streamed live here later today
- Infinite Crisis launches fully today on Steam
- Here's what the new Hunters and the Behemoth for Evolve look like in action
- Blood and Burning and Celts Culture DLC Packs arrive for Total War: Attila
- F1 2015 coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox One this summer, first screenshots released
- Ubisoft introduces Alex Parizeau, the new head of Ubisoft Toronto


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One of India’s most promising companies is struggling.
Roughly one year ago Micromax secured itself as India’s go-to smartphone brand, even surpassing heavyweight Samsung. Fast forward to current times, though, and the company has slipped to a second place on the podium and is struggling to maintain itself as a leader.
The key to the company’s slow descent is a market which continues to boom and grow. While that may seem like main factors in success, the strong market has actually worked against Micromax.
As reported by Reuters, the smartphone market in India is the world’s fastest-growing with 103 million units shipped last year. That increase is a 29 percent jump, but also prompted more local companies to outsource Chinese manufacturers for production. Now, those same Chinese companies are creating their own brands specific to the Indian market.
More competition has created lower prices means homegrown companies have been forced to approach the business differently or see their own figures drop.
“What the Indian brands did to the global brands two years ago, Chinese phone makers are doing the same to Indian brands now, and over the next year we see tremendous competition for Micromax and other Indian smartphone makers,” said Tarun Pathak, analyst at Counterpoint Research in New Delhi.
Inner management struggles have also plagued Micromax with the company now seeking partnership to help expand into other markets – it is already a competitor in the Russian smartphone sector – and to expand its product line beyond smartphones.


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From Cabot Wealth Advisory 1/20/10 Sign up for free Cabot Waelth Advisory e-newsletter
The push to carbon trading, the promise of the U.S. to reduce emissions 17% from 2005 levels by 2020, the promise of China to reduce its “carbon intensity” by 45% by 2020, and the continuing program by Europe to slash overall emissions are buoying a whole swath of stocks.
As editor of Cabot Green Investor, I’ve already seen many of these rally sharply from the market bottom of the market hit last spring.
Many of the stocks we like best we only tell subscribers about, but I will tell you about one: Maxwell Technologies (MXWL), a company we first detailed to subscribers in March of last year when shares were at 5. They’re now at 19 and I think there remains a lot of upside to the company, both in near-term trading and the long haul.
Maxwell makes ultracapacitors, which store energy somewhat like batteries, but electrostatically. Their form allows them to store more energy while remaining much lighter than equivalent batteries then discharging energy more powerfully and quickly.
Maxwell mainly sold these as power packs for cell phone towers (so companies wouldn’t need to send workmen up the towers very often) but a few years ago, the company figured its ultracaps could work in regenerative braking processes, gathering energy from breaking and then discharging it on acceleration. It’s proving to be a great success.
Some 300 transit buses across the U.S. now use Maxwell ultracaps this way, powering up to 35 MPH without engaging the engine, cutting emissions by 75%—and cutting the amount of fuel needed too.
The big news now is that China is closely considering rolling out Maxwell’s technology across their multi-million unit bus fleet. Right now, there are early Chinese orders to supply 850 buses with the technology, which fetches $15,000 per bus for Maxwell.
Conservative projections based on standard replacement volumes of China’s massive public bus fleet and assuming only a percentage of those will be using ultracaps, the company estimates there could be orders to supply 10,000 buses a year, at $150 million annually, more than doubling Maxwell’s sales.
Beyond hybrid buses, Maxwell is also selling its ultracaps as storage mechanisms for energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines. A just-announced push into selling micro-sized ultracaps as back-up power systems for computers and handheld devices could be another breakthrough in a market hungry for lighter and more powerful solutions.
After consolidating during the last quarter of 2009, shares are again starting to show signs that buyers are in control, making now a good time to consider building a position.
Editor’s Note: Cabot Green Investor focuses on alternative energy, energy efficiency and Green lifestyle stocks. Cabot Green Investor subscribers have enjoyed double-digit gains on many companies ranging from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to Telvent, and Brendan expects great things for 2010. Click here to start profiting from the enormous opportunities in the Green sector today: Information on Cabot Green Investor
Brendan Coffey is a member of the Cabot investment team and editor of Cabot Green Investor. A veteran financial journalist, Brendan has spent more than a decade writing about investing for publications including Barron’s, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and a number of private-client brokerage newsletters.
By Brendan Coffey, Analyst and Editor of Cabot Green Investor
From Cabot Wealth Advisory, 7/16/09 Sign up for free Cabot Wealth Advisory e-newsletter
One Green stock I particularly like because it has a dominant position in a product that is used in solar and wind power systems as well as hybrid vehicles.
It’s Maxwell Technologies (MXWL), a San Diego company that has a long history of providing R&D services to the U.S. military and NASA.
The product is an ultracapacitor, a handy little electronic device that stores and releases electric energy. The difference between ultracapacitors and batteries is that batteries actually generate power through chemical reactions. Ultracapacitors simply store and release energy electrostatically and thus can be 10 times lighter than batteries and store and distribute energy 10 times more efficiently than batteries without the chemicals that present such as safety and disposal hazard with batteries.
Maxwell markets its ultracaps as Boostcaps, which are the fastest in the business thanks to the patented way they’re pieced together.
Ultracaps are ideal for two applications, one of which is wind. Because wind speed varies, turbines have trouble maintaining a steady voltage flow. Ultracapacitors store and discharge energy and help send out more level electrical flows.
Since 2004, Maxwell has sold over two million units to the wind industry, but almost all to one customer, a German turbine company called InterCon. Recently, however, Maxwell purchased a license to InterCon’s current-leveling patent so it can sell the ultracapacitors to other customers. Companies in the U.S. and China have since started using Maxwell’s licensed offering.
The other application is in hybrid vehicles. Maxwell’s Boostcaps are currently used in New York City, Chicago and Long Beach, California, on public buses, capturing energy from braking and then redistributing it to accelerate the buses up to 30 MPH without engaging the combustion engine. The end result is that buses have 90% fewer emissions and are 25% more fuel-efficient.
Companies in China and Germany are now starting to put Maxwell systems in their buses as well. In fact, on April 22, Maxwell received purchase orders from three of China’s leading bus producers for Boostcap ultracapacitor modules; by the end of 2009, nearly 1,000 buses should be using Boostcaps. Maxwell has also inked a deal with hybrid truck maker ISE to provide ultracaps for future vehicles and the company is now looking to get into Detroit’s next generation of electric and hybrid cars.
Boostcaps are powering Maxwell’s results and its stock. Subscribers to Cabot Green Investor learned about Maxwell first, and are enjoying a 40% profit on the position since we added it to our model portfolio in May. We believe there is still plenty of upside to Maxwell and its current price is a good entry point.
Editor’s Note: Each month in Cabot Green Investor we feature two promising stocks like Maxwell, along with commentary on the outlook for Green stocks in general and access to our Green-Timer, a technical indicator we’ve developed to help us gauge when to buy into the market. Subscribers also receive weekly updates, special updates when needed, periodic special reports and email access to me for questions and further thoughts on stock picks. I hope you’ll consider subscribing and learn to make a profit while improving our world. Click here for more information.


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New Times, Village Voice settle lawsuit
Alternative newsweekly chains NT Media and Village Voice Media have reached a tentative agreement with the Department of Justice that would settle charges that they violated antitrust laws when they agreed to close competing newspapers in Los Angeles and Cleveland.
As part of the settlement, the publishers agreed to sell the assets of their shuttered papers within 30 days to new owners, who would revive them. The sales would be monitored by the Justice Department.
In addition, the publishers each would pay $305,000 in civil penalties and $70,000 in legal fees that would be shared by the California attorney general and the Los Angeles County district attorney. Additional penalties would be paid to the Ohio attorney general. Village Voice Media of New York and NT Media of Phoenix, which also owns the SF Weekly and East Bay Express, did not admit guilt.
Federal, state and local prosecutors have been probing the two companies since October, when NT Media agreed to shut down the 6-year-old New Times Los Angeles newspaper in exchange for $11 million from Village Voice Media, which owns the rival L.A. Weekly.
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As part of the arrangement, New Times, which publishes the Cleveland Scene, paid $2 million to Village Voice Media in exchange for an agreement to close its Cleveland Free Times. NT came away with $9 million, according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday with the proposed settlement.


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If you think that Facebook is content with just lording it over the social media world, we all know that’s probably not true. Owner Mark Zuckerberg has been looking into the hardware game and although their record so far has been not great, reports are saying that they are planning to launch their first ever smartwatch in the summer of 2022. What will supposedly make it unique over all the other smartwatches in the market is that it will have two cameras that can be detached for taking pictures and videos.
According to the Verge, the goal of this Facebook smartwatch is for owners to use it like they would their smartphones. It will have a camera on the front of the display so you can use it for video calling. There is a 1080p auto-focus camera on the back that is also detachable from the stainless steel frame of the wearable. They are also tapping partners to create accessories that can be attached to the camera hub on things like backpacks, bags, etc.
They are also reportedly working with the top wireless carriers in the US so it can have LTE connectivity. This means there’s no need to connect it to a smartphone to get it working, The smartwatch will come in three colors: white, black, and gold. Facebook is also looking to the future versions of the device as it will someday be a key input device for another hardware that they’re planning to eventually release, which is augmented reality glasses.
This isn’t the first time that Facebook is dabbling into hardware of course but it is the first smartwatch that they’re releasing. There was that failed smartphone with HTC back in 2013 which didn’t really take off. Currently they have the Oculus VR headsets and the Portal video chat device but they have not really released numbers so we don’t know if they’re successful or not. They tried to look at acquiring Fitbit for a time to start developing wearables but Google beat them at that game.
While there’s no official confirmation about this supposed smartwatch, it won’t be a surprise when they do announce it. Sources say they’re aiming to release this in the summer of 2022 so we’ll know more in the next few months.


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The president of the Italian fashion system (SMI), Parla Marino Vago, has outlined the outlook for the sector and explained how innovations such as blockchain technology are meant to revolutionize this key asset of the Italian economy. The Blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) will help to improve the traceability of fashion products that are Made in Italy.
In the absence of clear European rules, SMI in collaboration with IBM are trying to develop a project that uses the blockchain and that could be a solution to overcome the immobility of the EU. On the eve of Milan Fashion Week, that will be held from September 17 - 23, Vago wants to make the true voice of the industrialists, the initiatives of the sector, a key asset of the Italian economy. The initiative has just been developed with the Ministry of Economic Development ( MiSE) and is expected to start soon.
However, the environmental issue is of global importance. Around 32 big names in the Fashion System, from Zegna to Armani, from Hermes to Prada, have signed a pact that commits them to do more in terms of attention to the environment. Because manufacturing clothes, fabrics, pollutes the environment. And the responsible authorities need to find effective solutions to reduce the impact of this industry in Italy.
According to Parla, by telling the client the history of the products, those who do not use good production practices would be penalized. Here, the problem of traceability becomes crucial. Especially for Italian fashion, an asset that is worth about €100 billion and weighs almost 4% of gross domestic product (GDP).
This turnover could grow much more if only the need to provide information on the origin of cottons and various raw materials was regulated, rather than on the processes and coloring of fabrics.
Italian companies would certainly be rewarded because for years they have focused on quality and eco-sustainability. Saving water and electricity was also a way to cut costs. And those who have not invested in this sense, failing to be competitive, are no longer there.
Attention to the environment, craftsmanship, quality raw materials, have already been the cards that have made Italy gain an important slice of the international luxury market. But not all operators in the fashion industry are focusing on this segment. And, in any case, in the absence of rules, there are those who use low-cost products in the knowledge that the consumer does not have many tools to realize it, if not, sometimes, after having purchased.
Above all, traceability will protect citizens. The theme was declined in the European proposal on the indication of origin, the so-called "made in" which, however, experienced alternate phases in Brussels. After the initial euphoria ended up outside the institutional agendas of the European Union due to the lack of those Northern European countries that profess themselves so much supporters of the environment.
The president has appealed to the 32 important names in world fashion who have signed the Fashion Agreement. Great groups like Kering are also putting pressure on their governments to get the situation in Europe unblocked and traceability regulated. Without this there can be no real sustainability.
Looking beyond producing and distribution, blockchain tech also has the ability to improve intellectual property fortification for designers and brand owners, something that is predominantly important given the continuous saturation of markets across the world with fakes, infringing goods, and goods which are otherwise abominable or have been interfered-with. When proprietary products can be tracked via distributed ledger technology, their genuineness can be easily demonstrable by brand owners, retailers and clients, possibly assisting to decrease accidental purchases of fake products.
Blockchain technology is also trying to unit Made in Italy fashion and other major sectors including agriculture, supply chain and tourism. The technology is doing a great job in protecting the fashion products manufactured in the country. Therefore, with the use of these innovative technologies including DLT, will help to significantly transform the Italian textile-fashion sector in the near future.
Source text: https://it.coinidol.com/blockchain-moda-italia/


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Marks and Spencer shoppers were impressed after spotting its "amazing" new cheese product online.
Established high street favourite M&S has a loyal fan base, thanks to its extensive lineup of on-trend homeware, fashion and accessories, as well as its popular food products.
The account is well known for keeping shoppers updated on all the newest snacks, sweet treats and food launches spotted in stores up and down the country.
To its 100k+ Facebook followers, Snack News & Reviews shared a photo of M&S' cheese profiteroles, which come in packs of 10. The savoury snack comprises choux buns filled with creamy cheddar cheese sauce topped with pecorino cheese.
Captioning the image, the food account simply penned: "New in Marks & Spencer! Would you try a cheese profiterole?"
The cheese treat proved popular on the hit social media platform, racking up hundreds of likes, comments and shares.
Shoppers shared their thoughts in the comments section.
Tracey said: "These are amazing".
Carole said: "Highly recommended they are very morish".
Wilma said: "Just had them they are lovely".
Wendy commented: "yummy they look tasty x".
Laura tagged a friend and said: "wow".
Lee told a friend: "these look amazing don't they".
Suzanne added: "need to try".
You can find your nearest Marks and Spencer store here.
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Latest Recommends Herbatint Stories
Prevention Magazine (Spanish edition) stated that Herbatint gives your hair shine and health without ammonia, alcohol, parabens and only 3% peroxide Ghent, NY (PRWEB) January 17, 2013 The December 2012 issue of the Spanish edition of the popular Prevention magazine stated “Haircolors contain many chemical ingredients and regular use of them can damage our scalp. Our hair gets incredible tones but can become dry. There does exist on the market a natural haircolor which enables you to...
- To talk saucily.
- Insolent, opprobrious language; impertinent abuse.


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Over 11500 Counterfeit HP Products Found In Malaysia
More than 11,500 counterfeit HP ink cartridges have been seized in Malaysia as part of a crackdown on the ink products.
Speaking to Mis Asia, HP global brand protection and anti-counterfeit manager Jeff Kwasny explained that more than 719 illegal ink cartridges were captured, along with 3,132 toner cartridges and 7,669 other components.
"Our commitment to our customers is the driving force behind the vigilance of our anti-counterfeit team, as we understand how the sale of counterfeit HP products negatively impacts our customers and the HP brand," Mr Kwasny explained.
He added that HP worked with local law enforcement to ensure that the action would be possible, explaining that HP vigorously defends its intellectual property.
The ink specialist is rolling out its products to numerous areas of the world, including Nigeria, where it has introduced its Ink Advantage printers.
The systems aim to decrease expenses for small and medium-sized businesses.
Posted by Barry Ashmore.


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Virgin Media has today announced that all of its mobile services will be moving over to Vodafone from EE as of late 2021, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
This includes 5G services, which will launch before the switchover date, in a new agreement that is due to last five years, with existing customers being switched over in the next two years.
Virgin Mobile has said that it will have control over the products and services it offers, so existing customers will not need to change their Sim cards as part of this agreement.
Virgin Media is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) - an operator that don't have any mobile phone masts and, instead, piggybacks off the signal provided by one of the four providers that do (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone).
Although motives for the move is unclear, both Virgin Mobile and Vodafone have been looking to grow in what is a very competitive mobile network market.
5G is also seen as a big area for Virgin Mobile, and with this new agreement it's able to offer 5G services even before 4G customers have been switched over to Vodafone.
Lutz Schuler, Virgin Media chief excutive, said: 'This agreement with Vodafone will bring a host of fantastic benefits and experiences to our customers, including 5G services in the near future.'
As Virgin Mobile will have control over its products and services, it has said that customers will not need to change their Sim cards as part of the agreement and most customers will not experience any changes until the switchover date in late 2021, which is yet to be confirmed.
Virgin Mobile has also said that further details on product offerings and network transition will be provided in due course.
If you live somewhere where Vodafone's signal is poor, it's currently unclear whether you can exit penalty-free, but as more details come, we'll be sure to update this story and let you know. Although, it's likely that current customers' contracts would run out before the deadline, so it's new customers who are most at risk from any issues.


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In line with its commitment towards giving to its surrounding communities, Red Star Express Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost logistics solutions providers, paid a visit to the Red Cross Orphanage and Motherless Babies Home in Yaba, Lagos, on Thursday 19th December, 2019.
The initiative was organised through the Red Star Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Red Star Express Plc. The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Red Star Foundation, Tonye Preghafi, explained that the visit was to felicitate with the children in the orphanage and make donations as well.
“We have an initiative called the ‘I-Care Project’. Every year, staff members in our organization make donations, of different kinds, towards a particular cause. Therefore, everything donated here is from company staff members, and not the company itself. Last year, we worked to provide clean water for various communities across the country. In 2017, we made donations to the Internally Displaced People’s camps in the North. We are committed to ensuring that more less-privileged are reached on a yearly basis.
Such is our desire and that is why we are here today,” he stated. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos Branch, Olakunle Lasisi, commended Red Star Express Plc for its support towards the orphanage. “We are delighted for this visit and these donations. It is moments like these that mean so much to the children. We are very grateful to Red Star Express Plc for this gesture and we look forward to many more gestures like this in the future,” he remarked.
Donations made to the orphanage included bags of rice and grains, condiments, toiletries and other materials. Red Star Express Plc is a Licensee of Federal Express (FedEx) Corporation, the world’s largest delivery solutions provider. The company has over 150 offices nationwide, with a network reach spanning over 1,500 communities in Nigeria and over 200 countries worldwide.
It is made up of 4 subsidiaries specializing in areas such as Express Delivery, Logistics, Freight, Outsourcing services, Supply Chain Management, e-Commerce Logistics Solutions, Printing and Packaging, e-Archiving, Business Enterprise Solutions, as well as Agro Logistics and Trade.


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Feb 28, 2014 Grocery chains look at the lack of neighborhood competition as a bad thing.
Nov 15, 2013 Costco, Nordstrom and BJ's Wholesale Club will stay closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Sep 12, 2013 Billionaire Ron Burkle just bought the Fresh and Easy chain from Tesco. Today's earnings report from Kroger affords a glimpse into the way these markets make money.
Jun 23, 2013 What to do when a negative customer service experience turns into a nightmare? LA Times consumer columnist David Lazarus discusses how to assert your consumer rights to achieve satisfaction.
Jun 21, 2013 Every once in a while we like to take a step back and look at the big picture. This week, the Sustainability desk did just that with "Consumed."
Jun 14, 2013 Can we afford the consumer economy? Yes, but there are costs. And not all of them have dollar signs attached. Let's talk about values.
Jun 14, 2013 Economists love to use the term "opportunity cost." In fact, you've probably heard it before. But what is it exactly? Senior producer and Whiteboard expert Paddy Hirsch explains.
P. J. O'Rourke
Jun 10, 2013 Most people remember the idea of the free market's "invisible hand," but it turns out, Adam Smith had a lot to say about consumers, too.
Jun 10, 2013 We all want our kids to get into the best colleges they can. Some families take extra measures and spend extra money in pursuit of an edge.


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by: Megan Hatch
Posted: Jan 25, 2023 / 07:33 AM EST
Updated: Jan 25, 2023 / 07:33 AM EST
Financial Adviser Rick Reagan looks at union participation and the effects on workers and their pay in today’s Money in Your Pocket Minute.
Whether you’re looking for books, toys, T-shirts or artwork, here are some of the best “Sesame Street” products available.
Since it is impossible to predict Phil’s forecast, it can be challenging to stock your wardrobe for the next couple of months.
If you’re stuck between a Dyson hair dryer and a Revlon hair dryer, it makes sense to examine each more carefully.


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Heartland Express will pay $525 million to acquire truckload and other assets from TFI International, a move CEO Mike Gerdin said “basically doubled the size of our company overnight.”
The deal, announced Monday, includes Contract Freighters' "non-dedicated U.S. dry van and temperature-controlled truckload business and CFI Logistica operations in Mexico.” CFI Logistica is a subsidiary of Joplin, Missouri, headquartered Contract Freighters, Inc., known as CFI.
The purchase would propel Heartland’s truckload business to the eighth largest in the industry with an estimated $1.3 billion in revenue, according to a company presentation. The company’s truckload business was the 13th largest as of 2021, with $607 million in revenue.
"I've been after this company for a long time," Gerdin said on the call, noting he “sat on the sidelines and watched it get bought” three times from different people.
The sale excludes CFI Dedicated and CFI Logistics' U.S. brokerage operations. The deal is expected to close by Sept. 1, Heartland Chief Financial Officer Chris Strain said Monday on an investor call.
The acquisition will include around 2,000 tractors, 7,800 trailers and 2,800 employees. It "operates primarily in the US-based Conventional TL operating segment of TFI’s Truckload segment and provides comprehensive truckload service offerings, including time definite dry-van truckload, long-haul and short-haul freight transportation, reefer transportation and Mexico-based non-asset logistics services," TFI said in a press release.
Gerdin, who is also the chairman and president of Heartland, said the carrier will also pick up six facilities, bringing the company’s owned facilities total to 30.
CFI began in Joplin in 1951 with one owner-operator and two trailers, according to its website. Under the new ownership, it will continue to be headquartered there under its existing brand, management and terminal locations, according to a news release on the deal.
Montreal-based TFI noted the sale will help drive cash flow and return on invested capital.
"[By] allowing TFI to concentrate its US operations on higher-return LTL, asset-light logistics, and specialized truckload, this transaction will reduce our capital intensity, with some of the proceeds used to pay down debt in the near term and over time redeployed with the objective of generating higher returns," Alain Bédard, chairman, president and CEO of TFI, said in a press release.
Gerdin said in a news release that the carrier seeks to minimize changes experienced by drivers and customers and will work with CFI's management to "optimize the consolidated freight networks across Heartland Express, Millis Transfer, Smith Transport and CFI.”
According to Gerdin, Heartland's goal is for its consolidated adjusted operating ratio to be 85% or below within three years after the closing. Heartland anticipates repaying all debt within four years after close, Chief Financial Officer Chris Strain said Monday on an investor call.


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One expert says the market’s doing just fine — it’s just in a period of transition. “You’re seeing brands realize the importance of placemaking, of making their store a destination, not just a place to shop.”
Operations such as the Mercedes me Store Markham are augmenting the evolution of the average car buyer
Shares of retailer Hudson’s Bay Co. (TSX:HBC) were down 1.56% in early afternoon trading on December 8. The stock has dropped 22% in 2017. Hudson’s Bay released its third quarter results on December 6
Where you can buy it, where you can smoke it and how many plants per household — a look at the rules in each region
Two-minute spot follows a typical Canadian family as they gather for holidays year after year
A University of British Columbia student's research paper has revealed that for some grocers, penny rounding can be lucrative.


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Is the supply chain becoming more resilient since the early days of the pandemic? What is the missing link? Do we need more workers? More technology? Better processes? Or something else altogether to fix the broken pieces of our supply chain?
Here at Connected World, we have looked at the inner workings of the supply chain for decades, in order to understand the impact of cyber threats, labor, geopolitical tension, climate change, rising material prices, transportation complexity, available capital, market changes, sustainability, and so much more.
The objective is always to understand the long-term cost such delays or breakdowns can have to move toward greater resilience. Technology can certainly help us get there. Gartner suggests by 2027 more than 75% of companies will have adopted some form of cyber-physical automation within their warehouse operations.
Other technologies to watch include AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning. Additionally, many technologies with “high” impact will also mature within the next few years, creating an accelerated market for increasingly capable smart, autonomous and mobile robots, and drones—although mobile robots will far outpace drones in the next three years, according to Gartner.
Technology certainly plays a huge role in building a stronger supply chain, but so, too, do people, and process. Gartner research suggests only 25% of the supply-chain workforce is fully engaged and only 16% is willing to go above and beyond in their roles. Turnover is high too, at 33% today, compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
The geopolitical risks are certainly ones that are weighing heavy on the minds of today’s supply-chain executives. As a result, reshoring—bringing a company operation back to the area it was originally located—and nearshoring—returning to an area that is nearby—are both gaining greater momentum today, but these efforts are only going to be compounded by the fact that there aren’t enough workers to do the work safely and securely. We will need the people to do these efforts successfully.
To address the structural risks from geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters on the supply chain, last year’s efforts to build redundancies into the supply chain will not be sufficient. A major makeover is required, as the sector needs to spread its industrial footprint across multiple geographies. What is it taking to nearshore and reshore? Let’s find out.
How would you describe the state of the supply chain today?
“The supply chain has always been a balancing act. Whether it is cost and efficiency, customer service vs. profitability, or in modern times resiliency vs. risk. And now, we are increasingly seeing sustainability move into the already crowded field. Supply chains are a huge part of the problem when it comes to emissions, circularity, and inequality, and are therefore a great area to focus on when looking for solutions. Businesses require end-to-end visibility and collaboration with trading partners, as well as a well-rounded understanding of their unique supply chain model. Employees, stakeholders, vendors, and decision-makers must understand how the supply chain performs, which suppliers and logistics providers contribute to a greener business model, and what changes can impact the rest of the business.” – Richard Howells, vice president of solution management, ERP, finance, and digital supply chain, SAP
“Supply chains are much more fluid today than during much of 2020-2022, but that is partially due to demand for goods being down. Pricing power in transportation markets shifted from carriers to shippers while freight demand and carrier capacity have rebalanced.
Since supply chains are operating with more fluidity and available transportation capacity, disruptions do not have an exaggerated impact on supply chains, as we saw in 2020-2021. In addition, sustainability is here! Shippers, suppliers, logistics providers, and every other stakeholder in the supply chain are now feeling the pressure to track, monitor and improve their carbon emissions, as well as set sustainability targets.” – Dave Tuttle, vice president, data intelligence, Breakthrough
How much progress have we made since it crumbled in 2020?
“Over the past three years, the risks and shortfalls in our global supply chains have been brought to the forefront across all industries. Supply chains are now recognized as central to business survival, success, and growth, rather than an opportunity to just reduce costs. One key to a resilient supply chain is digitalization. With a more digitalized supply chain, you can handle disruptions better, faster, and at a lower cost. By investing in supply chain technology to digitalize processes, such as AI (artificial intelligence) the (IoT) Internet of Things and robotics, companies have been able to improve visibility agility and resilience across the supply chain. By digitally linking all the trading partners your business relies on, you’re in a much better position to anticipate disruptions and take appropriate actions needed to keep serving your customers. The goal is to transform fragmented supply chains into agile, collaborative networks for supply, logistics, asset management, and service – all connected by dynamic workflows with real-time data to increase the pace of business.” – Richard Howells, vice president of solution management, ERP, finance, and digital supply chain, SAP
“Supply chains are becoming more resilient to disruption and in sync with each other. They have evolved to mitigate risks for a few key reasons. First, regionalization is increasing with businesses opening more supply chain facilities to be closer to end consumers. Secondly, is the demand for technology and innovative solutions. Technology has been elevated and there are more options for technology providers than ever before. Investment in supply chain technology continues to increase as well. Lastly, sustainability continues to rise in priority and is increasingly being examined by boards. Breakthrough’s recent in-house survey shows 59% of transportation leaders plan to add EVs to fleets by the end of 2023, and 42% say pressure for more sustainable transportation is coming from the C-suite.” – Dave Tuttle, vice president, data intelligence, Breakthrough
Are nearshoring and reshoring gaining traction? If so, in what way?
“Bringing manufacturing closer to home is a more attractive alternative to the offshoring business operation model. Although offshoring provides numerous benefits — including access to a more diverse range of skills, proximity to raw materials and low labor costs — numerous supply chain crises have combined to highlight the inherent risks in our global supply chains. Building a risk-resilient supply chain involves diversifying and establishing strong relationships with key suppliers, monitoring and analyzing supply chain data in real-time, and investing in technologies that can enhance supply chain visibility and agility. SAP works with its partners to provide efficient solutions to business operations. Nearshoring is one tool in building a risk-resilient supply chain and SAP recognizes the importance of taking cost, speed, profit, customer service, and risk into consideration. This can be accomplished by connecting every process, contextualizing every decision, and collaborating with partners without obstacles. However, nearshoring is not the end all be all to solving supply chain complexities, just one piece of the larger puzzle.” – Richard Howells, vice president of solution management, ERP, finance, and digital supply chain, SAP
“Nearshoring is gaining a lot of traction. Mexico and Canada are now the largest importers to the U.S., overtaking China’s position. Mexico is the largest importer at 15.7% and Canada closely follows at 15.4%.
The largest category that shifted towards Mexico is machinery and electronics. China’s share of total trade with the U.S. dropped to 10.9% percent, down from its peak of 16.3% in 2017. ‘Friend shoring’ is also gaining some traction and trade with the EU, UK, and other Asian nations (India, Thailand & Vietnam) increased as well. Shifting trade is driven by investment and increased capacity along the Gulf and East Coasts of the U.S. Shorter supply chains will remove some risks in importing from Asia. Additionally, we’ll see the continued utilization of established supply chains generating sub-components that may then become part of a shifted manufacturing or assembly process.” – Dave Tuttle, vice president, data intelligence, Breakthrough
Is what we are doing today going to be enough for the workforce of tomorrow?
“The future will bring a greater focus on companies using IOT, AI and other technologies within their factories, across the supply chain of smart assets, and into the hands of consumers and customers leveraging the smart products and devices it enables. Technology will also help alleviate worker shortages and improve retention by improving the retention, productivity and decision making of existing employees, and attracting new talent with state-of-the-art tools. And as the degree of automation increases, it frees up the workforce from repetitive tasks, and allows them to focus on more complex problems and decisions that require human interactions.
The worker of tomorrow is digitally connected and has access to information at their fingertips, 24/7 in their personal life and expects the same connectivity and access to information in their work environment.” – Richard Howells, vice president of solution management, ERP, finance, and digital supply chain, SAP
“The workforce of tomorrow will be supported if the level of investment committed to supply chains today is executed with their needs in mind. Ambitious sustainability goals, for example, should consider the effects of protectionism and possible barriers to trade on the ultimate cost of decreasing emissions. Longer-term planning requires honest risk assessment, particularly to ensure firms’ most valuable assets, their people, can reach their productive potential. Business leaders should utilize the change being driven within the supply chain to provide opportunities that are more appealing and sustainable for the workforce of tomorrow.” – Dave Tuttle, vice president, data intelligence, Breakthrough
What steps do we need to take next to create a more resilient, sustainable, and secure supply chain?
“As we look to the future, there are a few key emerging themes that leaders across industries should keep in mind as the supply chain remains top of mind.
- Sustainability should remain top of mind for all. Most companies’ goals or mission statements center around sustainability. In fact, many believe the global supply chain is a key contributor to the climate crisis. Therefore, emphasis on global supply chain offers businesses many opportunities to meet their sustainability goals. By prioritizing green business practices, companies will be able to contribute to the sustainability of the global supply chain directly. As ESG initiatives continue to be of importance across industries, companies will look to their supply chains for answers, and increase pressure on their partners to think green when it comes to factors like sourcing, manufacturing, and shipping.
- Supply chain resiliency is a must. To remedy the past 3 years of disruption and global unrest, companies need to identify risk mitigation strategies. They should revisit strategies for on-shore, near-shore, and off-shore to be closer to the actual demand. Look at alternate sourcing strategies for key materials to reduce supply chain risk by identifying alternate suppliers in different geographical locations to reduce dependencies on a single source of supply. And they should rethink inventory optimization strategies to identify decoupling points and postponement strategies, to better position the right materials, intermediates, and finished products across the supply chain. p Organizations will also need to improve collaboration and increase visibility with suppliers, logistics service providers, contract manufacturers and other key trading partners.
- Increased visibility within the global supply chain. To be more risk-resilient and sustainable you must start by knowing the current situation. How can leadership predict and respond to the supply chain without a clear line-of-sight into what’s happening across various business units and partners? To meet sustainability initiatives, companies must be able to pinpoint where emissions and waste are in the supply chain, or where slave labor and inequality is occurring across the business network and track it to translate the findings into actionable next steps.” – Richard Howells, vice president of solution management, ERP, finance, and digital supply chain, SAP
“True supply chain leadership lies in our ability to incentivize and enable circular supply chains, where a high value is placed on eliminating waste. It’s about optimizing every link in the chain, transcending silos and unlocking untapped capacity. Business leaders should get behind policies that remove obstacles hindering these transformative shifts in our supply chains.” – Dave Tuttle, vice president, data intelligence, Breakthrough
“We must strive to make Net Zero Freight “business as usual.” To achieve this mindset in daily practice, we must take the following steps:
- Create accurate and relevant data from current operations to enable one to measure, manage and achieve hard targets.
- Ensure the use of the most efficient assets from carriers to reduce emissions.
- Optimize routes and load efficiencies while tracking KPIs in more detail.
- Select alternative fuels and technologies to pilot and implement through collaboration.
- Neutralize any remaining emissions through valid offsets and/or insetting opportunities.
We know it will take time, and technology won’t solve everything, but we must start now and build upon best practices as good logisticians and operators.” – Peggy Murphy, PhD – vice president sustainability, PSA BDP


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Instagram is About to Rock Your Profile World – Big Changes are Coming!
We recently reported that Snapchat has announced a fresh new look that separates “social from media”. Instagram quickly took notice & jumped on the opportunity to launch groundbreaking new changes to their social media app’s profiles – you’re definitely going to want to read about this!
Many of the Internet-based photo-sharing company’s updates and changes have been centered around modifications relating to direct messaging, the camera, as well as the main feed. Today, the multibillion-dollar business has launched two drastic updates that will directly affect its user’s profile. This marks the most considerable development to the application since 2013!
The minor update of the two effects the “archive” feature. The tool was programmed back in June and is indicated by a clock icon in the upper righthand corner of its user’s profile. The app’s users were head over heels as they were able to create a designated area for their photos that they weren’t quite ready to part with just yet, without still appearing on their profile.
Today’s modernization will allow the photos to automatically save to the archive feature – allowing only you to view & sort through the items. That’s right- users will no longer have to worry about having to physically save the “stories” to their personal camera roll – freeing up precious storage space and allowing the opportunity to create crucial throwbacks. Thursday’s posts have never been made so easy!
The largest update of the two is entitled “highlights”. The goal is to essentially choose any stories from its user’s archive so that they can be admired over & over again! This tool will not only allow you to pick & choose from your photos, but also from your beloved boomerangs.
To utilize this feature, users will see a circular icon above their profile allowing them to scroll through – the same as they do with their feed and stories. The highlight option will allow its users to combine up to 100 video clips and photos; not to mention, create designated “highlights” under specific category names.
The user’s profile is supposed to be designed around personal interests – Instagram just stepped up their game by creating a unique area guaranteed to match what makes them original. We look forward to utilizing the application to its fullest potential and can’t wait to see what other updates are around the corner.


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Survey: Shops still selling knives to children
Shops still selling knives to children
LONDON (Reuters) - Children as young as 12 are still able to buy knives in British shops, despite months of publicity about fatal stabbings, a survey has found.
Children aged 12 to 14 were able to buy knives on 28 percent of attempts, according to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).
"Year after year we have highlighted the problem of under-age sales, particularly of dangerous items such as knives and alcohol," TSI Chief Executive Ron Gainsford said in a statement Tuesday.
"So it is extremely disturbing to find that so many traders are still prepared to sell knives to people who are under 16."
The TSI is backing calls for the legal age for knife purchases to be raised to 18 years.
Young volunteers taking part in the TSI survey bought knives on 53 out of 184 attempts.
A sting carried out in Romford, Essex, found that five knives were sold to under 16s by all five shops visited within just three hours -- with some of the purchases being six-inch blades.
In Northamptonshire, two 13-year-old boys were sold knives on five out of 10 attempts. These included long-bladed kitchen knives and a Stanley box-cutting knife.
In Slough, a boy aged 12 and girl aged 13 bought a 10-piece knife set, two carving knives and a 20 cm bread knife.
But illegal sales of knives to under 16s seem to be decreasing in the light of a Home Office knife amnesty and recent media coverage of knife crime, Gainsford said.
The TSI findings are based on test purchases carried out by 14 trading standards services across England and Wales.
Queen Vee, Super Rena, Krazy Kuzzie


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Written by Marc Albert
After decades of growing demand, drought and a far-away war are laying low local organic dairy farmers and processors. Without cash soon, it’s feared several local dairy operators may soon close up shop.
“We have a drought crisis that is extreme,” said Albert Straus, founder and CEO of Straus Family Creamery and something of the dean of sustainable animal agriculture. “Of the one hundred and six organic dairies in California, ten have gone out of business in the last few months, and there’s another ten that are expected to go out of business before the end of the year, or by spring at least,” he said.


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By Rich Leigh on Thursday, August 2, 2012
David Beckham’s H&M underwear campaign was projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover last night as part of the ongoing PR around his collection:
There’s little more to this than the image, but you know what they say about pictures…
Source: Vogue, via 360MediaUK’s Emily Wong
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London Dungeon announce ‘Holly & Phil’ queue jump pass.
Cycling brand peddles empowering message with ‘Fat C*nt’ campaign
Sleep company offers Brits chance to nod off by counting real-life sheep
This honest advertisement for violin lessons is not over-promising
Sainsbury’s launch ‘walk-in freezer’ concept store


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Atrum Coal has finalised definitive agreements with Atlantic Carbon Group PLC, with Atrum securing exclusive rights to market and sell Atlantic anthracite for export outside of the US.
Peter Doyle, VP Marketing and Business Development, commented: “We are very pleased to finalise the terms of the export sales joint venture, which will allow Atrum to meet our customers’ need at a time when seaborne anthracite is in very short supply. Atlantic has already started to move anthracite products into a segregated area at their mine, ready for our initial shipment, which we expect to make in 1Q17. We look forward to working with the team at Atlantic as we build an export presence for Pennsylvanian anthracite.”
Adam Wilson, Atlantic Carbon’s Chairman, commented: “We are pleased to enter into the joint venture for export sales of Atlantic Carbon’s anthracite products. Previously our focus has been on US domestic sales, but as we look to increase production significantly in 2017 from our mines. We are excited to have the partnership with Atrum to facilitate export sales. The export sales joint venture with Atrum allows us to leverage our combined skills and resources to meet the needs of potential customers around the world, including North Asia, Europe, South America and India.”
As previously announced, the export sales joint venture will be staffed by Atrum personnel and will have the rights to market 250 000 t of Atlantic anthracite up to 31 December 2017. These profits will be distributed to Atrum and Atlantic.
If Atrum achieves sales of 200 000 t by 31 December 2017, ACG will extend the export sales joint venture by four years, to 2021 with a 10% annual increase in volume offered by ACG to the joint venture.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/04012017/atrum-coal-and-atlantic-carbon-agree-terms-on-export-sales-jv/
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The US EIA has decreased its forecast for US coal exports following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the resulting closure of the Port of Baltimore.


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Happy New Year 2022! We are starting Veganuary by celebrating the impact VAF had in 2021. In less than a year, the Vegan Africa Fund has supported vegan efforts in 5 countries.
In the past few months, the Vegan Africa Fund has built a directory of over 300 businesses across Africa that are vegan and sustainable. We are open to investors until we reach our goal or until our round closes on 31 January 2022.
In November, we supported the Veg Fest Morocco, a weekend-long live-stream festival that featured international speakers and reached over 50,000 people.
The Vegan Africa Fund made our first investment in Vegan Basket, which has since doubled its kitchen and restaurant capacity, increased sales and production outputs by 30%, and conducted research and development into vegan protein alternatives with products sourced sustainably on the Kenya coast.
In Uganda, we supported vegan outreach programs through football tournaments by supporting the Vegan Society of Uganda. We also supported vegan outreach at live animal markets, and through youth programs through supporting the Podrska Foundation.
The Vegan Africa Fund also supported Chef Cola, founder of African Vegan on a Budget and new cookbook author. We supported a plant-based African cooking class in Cape Town, South Africa led by Zimbabwe-based Chef Cola.
2022 is going to be even more impactful. Our mission is to support the vegan future of Africa, and we are grateful to ALL who have supported us! If you're a vegan entrepreneur in Africa and want to join our network, reach out through the apply page. Follow our instagram and twitter to get involved, and if you want to help us support the pan-African vegan network, invest in the VAF crypto.


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Flavored tobacco products
Evanston, Illinois Bans Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
Evanston, Illinois bans sale of flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, sparking concerns among local retailers.
Stanton City Extends Temporary Tobacco Shop Ban for 10 Months
Stanton, California extends temporary ban on tobacco shops for 10+ months amid state crackdown on flavored products.
Vermont House Passes Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products
The Vermont House passes ban on flavored tobacco products aimed at curbing sales to addicted children, to be sent to Senate.
California Legislators Strengthen Enforcement of Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products
California lawmaker Jim Wood is taking action against flavored tobacco products with a new bill to strengthen enforcement.
Proposed Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products in Guam
A proposed ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products in Guam has garnered support and opposition.
Proposed US Senate Bill Authorizes Regulation of Flavored Tobacco Products
The US Senate has proposed a bill granting Colorado counties the authority to regulate and even ban the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products.
Ban on Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Withdrawn in Guam
Guam bill to ban flavored tobacco sales withdrawn after public hearing delay, but will be reintroduced for further modification.
Dutch E-cigarette Consumers Stock Up on Flavored Products
Dutch e-cigarette consumers are stockpiling flavored products ahead of a flavor ban effective January 1, 2024, according to Esigbond chairman Emil 't Hart.
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Latest SuperH Stories
Renesas Technology America, Inc.
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6ddc80/3264bit_microcon) has announced the addition of the "32/64-bit Microcontrollers, Embedded Microprocessors & DSPs" report to their offering.
Express Logic, Inc., the worldwide leader in royalty-free real-time operating systems (RTOS), and Renesas Technology America, Inc., a US subsidiary of the world's No.1 supplier of microcontrollers, Renesas Technology Corp., today announced availability of a comprehensive reference design platform for powerful, inexpensive media players.
The Processor Achieves High Performance at Low Cost, Providing a Tailored Set of On-Chip Functions, Including a 3D Graphics Engine Renesas Technology America, Inc. Akiko Ishiyama, 408-382-7407 email@example.com Renesas Technology America, Inc.
Renesas Technology America, Inc. today announced the SH77721 SoC (System-on-Chip) device.
Express Logic, Inc., the worldwide leader in royalty-free real-time operating systems (RTOS), will sponsor Renesas Technology's upcoming Developers' Conference, which will be held in San Diego, California from October 13-15, 2008.
OTTAWA, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- QNX Software Systems today announced that it is working with Renesas Technology Corp. to accelerate the adoption of multi-core technology for in-car infotainment and navigation systems.
Renesas Technology America, Inc. today announced an enhanced SH7786 dual-core 32-bit processor, a second-generation version fabricated with a 65-nm process for high-performance multimedia equipment such as car navigation systems.
Renesas Technology America, Inc. today introduced two series of high-performance SuperH(R) 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) with 1Mbyte of on-chip SRAM.
- The act of burning, scorching, or heating to dryness; the state or being thus heated or dried.
- In medicine, cauterization.


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Japan Display in talks with Apple to build iPhone screen plant: source
Japan Display Inc (6740.T) is considering building a plant to supply smartphone screens for Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and is negotiating with the U.S. company for investment in the project, a person familiar with the situation said on Friday.
The Japanese screen maker aims to be the primary supplier of high-tech screens for Apple's wildly popular iPhones, the person told Reuters. Global iPhone sales, notably in China, have surged to make Apple the most profitable company in history.
Japan Display wants Apple to shoulder much of the expected 200 billion yen ($1.7 billion) investment in the plant, which aims to be in operation next year, the source said on condition of anonymity as the talks remain confidential.
The Japanese company said in a statement that it was constantly pursuing opportunities to strengthen its competitiveness, including building a new plant. "No formal decision has been made regarding any matter that we need to disclose," it said.
The most likely site for the plant is in Ishikawa, central Japan, the source said. It would have a capacity greater than an existing facility in Mobara, southeast of Tokyo, which makes 50,000 of the 1.5 by 1.85 metre sheets a month for iPhone 6 screens and other uses, he said.
Japan Display Chief Executive Shuichi Otsuka said last year that the company needed a new plant as it was reaching capacity at Mobara.
The company, formed in a government-backed deal in 2012 from the ailing display units of Sony Corp (6758.T), Toshiba Corp (6502.T) and Hitachi Ltd (6501.T), has endured a rocky spell since its listing in Tokyo last year.
But Japan Display this month reported a rebound to profit from two quarters of losses, boosted by demand from Apple and Chinese smartphone makers, in stark contrast with Japanese competitor Sharp Corp's (6753.T) shrinking panel business.
Extra orders from Apple would boost Japan Display in its rivalry with Sharp.
Apple and Sharp both declined to comment on the reports.


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Facebook is suffering from a “trust deficit”, a leading company’s executive told the advertisers. The company has been trying to stop different brands that want to join boycott over the political content moderation policies.
On Tuesday, the popular social media group joined a conference call with many advertisers. In the call, a senior executive defended different posts of US President Donald Trump that are controversial, but still available on the platform of Facebook.
Neil Potts, Head of Trust and Safety Policy confirmed that Facebook heavily suffered from a “trust deficit”, but still here to listen to the queries and concerns of clients. The conference call was organized by Interactive Advertising Bureau trade body in Canada.
Neil Potts had been asked by Interactive Advertising Bureau “why as advertisers we should risk our brands’ reputation by staying on your platform”, and how the group was “reconciling the loss of faith in Facebook as a trustworthy source of information”. So Mr. Potts replied that the company is highly concerned to get rid of the deficit. Facebook’s director of stakeholder engagement around policy content, Mr. Peter Stern was also a participant in the conference call.


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COUNCILS have demanded chewing gum makers fork out to remove gum from pavements after it emerged two thirds of Britain’s streets are now splattered with it.
A total of 64% of all roads and pavements are now stained by chewed gum - as well as 99% of the nation’s main shopping streets, Keep Britain Tidy has found.
The annual bill for local authorities to clean it off has spiralled to £60 million.
Sweet firms must either switch to manufacturing biodegradable gum or agree to contribute to the clean up bill, the Local Government Association today demands.
While the average piece of gum is just 3p to buy, it costs already cash-strapped councils 50 times to remove it from pavements – £1.50 per square metre.
Once trodden in, specialised equipment is need to blast it off.
Branding the problem “a plague”, the LGA’s environment spokeswoman Judith Blake said: “At a time when councils face considerable ongoing funding pressures, this is a growing cost pressure they could do without.
“It is therefore reasonable to expect chewing gum manufacturers to help more.
“The industry needs to go a lot further, faster, in tackling this issue.”
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She added: “Councils have no legal obligation to clear up the gum.
“They do it for the benefit of their shoppers, town centre users, businesses and residents; to make the pavements more attractive and the environment better.”
Sutton Council recently circled with chalk 600 pieces of trodden-in chewing on the town high street to show shoppers the scale of the problem.
In the government’s Litter Strategy published last week, ministers insist they are still working with companies to tackle the problem.
The Department for Environment’s Chewing Gum Action Group, funded by makers, runs adverts to call on gum chewers to carry out “responsible disposal”.
It has also funded research into the best ways to remove gum from different surfaces.
But Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom has stopped short of asking firms to cough up for cleaning costs.


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The “Jarvis Project” Could Launch Late 2016
Yesterday, game developer Housemarque unveiled a brand new mood picture for their upcoming game, the “Jarvis Project“, by Jakub Rozalski.
Following the unveiling, we have reached out to Housemarque in hopes to learn a little more about the game’s release date. The developer revealed a 2016 launch back in February, but we wanted to see how it was progressing. Speaking with Housemarque Community Manager Tommaso De Benetti, we learned a little more about how things were going.
“Well, at this point Q4 of 2016 seems probable, but we need to see if all goes smooth in the first months of 2016,” said De Benetti. “So far we’re on track. We might end up adding more content or spending more time on some particular aspects of the game, so we don’t have a confirmed release date yet.”
This time around, many developers tend to release a complete game with support DLC that add content. For example, Rocket League. Although Rocket League is in theory a complete title, constant items and content are being added, most of which are free of charge if you have purchased the game. For “The Jarvis Project”, Housemarque has yet to decide how they will support their game and keep it growing.
“The core package will definitely be “a full game,” explained De Benetti. “We obviously want to support it over time, how has not been decided yet, there are a few options on the table. We’ll know more about this in the upcoming months.”
Earlier this year, the company announced that instead of innovating in the genre, they want to offer players a game with arcade spirit, a spirit I believe has lost its value over the year. As it turns out, “that’s very much what we’re sticking to,” confirmed the studio.
We will be keeping a close eye out for any updates on “The Jarvis Project” as its development continues.