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September 19, 2008
Posted: 12:13 PM ET
Hard, flat, tough, solid. These are all words that you could use to describe concrete. But green? That’s not usually an adjective many people would apply to cement – unless, of course, they knocked over a can of emerald paint on their driveway… But here’s a rundown of some new environmentally friendly products that are paving the way to greener, well, pavement.
Workers lay Filtercrete (left) and Flexi-Pave (right) instead of regular concrete. Source: CNN/KBI
Flexi-Pave: KB Industries’ flagship product Flexi-Pave adds one more green aspect to porous pavement. Used for ‘low-speed’ surfaces like sidewalks, trails, and parking lots, Flexi-Pave is made primarily of recycled tires. Considering they are used at a rate of one per person per year, there are a lot of worn-out rubber tires out there that could be diverted from landfills and recycled into pavement.
Because it’s made of rubber, Filterpave can expand with any freezing water that happens to be caught in the product’s pores, further reducing the chance of cracking. Also, the product can be outfitted with subsurface heated water pipes to help melt snow lying on the pavement’s surface. “[It] causes any snow to immediately turn to water and pass through the product,” says Chief Operating Officer Trey Wylie, “[Clients] have eliminated snow removal costs and no longer have to apply chemicals throughout the winter.”
Air-Purifying Concrete: It’s still in the research stage, but scientists at the University of Twente in the Netherlands are developing a form of concrete that could help clear nitrogen oxides from the air. Nitrogen oxides are those chemicals that cause problems like smog and acid rain, but this new concrete will contain a chemical – titanium dioxide – that converts nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrate salts.
The salts are rinsed off the surface and into drainage systems when it rains, and the concrete should continue to perform over time. “[Titanium dioxide] is a catalyst, so it is enabling the reaction, but not participating, not consumed, so it never wears out,” says researcher Jos Brouwers. He adds that the air-purifying concrete could potentially be combined with porous concrete products like those mentioned above or even used in decorative facades of buildings. Results on how effectively the concrete performs in field tests are expected in 2009.
So what do you think of these products? Where can green pavement go from here?
Julia Griffin, CNN Science & Technology
Filed under: Cars environment Materials recycling Tires
March 17, 2008
Tire piles not so high anymore
Posted: 10:49 AM ET
When you think about discarded tires, you probably think of huge mounds of unwanted rubber, serving as mosquito motels and home to never-ending tire fires.
Source: Getty Images
Well, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, that's not as much of a problem as it used to be.
As I was gathering information for our Powdered Tires story, I spoke with Mike Blumenthal, senior technical director for the Rubber Manufacturers Association. He told me that there's been a metamorphosis in tire re-use over the past 17 years, and that the industry is still evolving at a rapid pace. He said in 1990 more than ONE BILLION tires lay neglected in tire dumps, but today that number is down to fewer than 188 million. That's remarkable, especially considering that we manufacture more tires now than in 1990.
Entrepreneurs are striving to find all sorts of uses for discarded tires. Blumenthal said the most popular market is for fuel. Tires burn like coal, except cleaner and hotter. But the fastest-growing use is for making products like belts and hoses and for mulch and cover for playgrounds and sports fields. I recently tested out a playground covered with rubber chips. Wish they'd had that when I was a kid – would have saved me a lot of bumps and bruises.
If you want to do your part in reducing the number of tires being discarded, The Rubber Manufacturers Association recommends the following:
The RMA has a lot of other useful and interesting facts at http://rma.org/scrap_tires/scrap_tire_markets/facts_and_figures/
Got to go now – time to rotate my tires.
Senior Producer, CNN Science and Technology Unit
Filed under: environment recycling Tires
Are you a gadgethead? Do you spend hours a day online? Or are you just curious about how technology impacts your life? In this digital age, it's increasingly important to be fluent, or at least familiar, with the big tech trends. From gadgets to Google, smartphones to social media, this blog will help keep you informed.


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MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Common Council passed a measure to hire eight more police officers.
The money for the new officers was already included in the 2018 budget, which has been finalized. It won't cost as much as they thought, so about $170,000 will go into the contingent reserve fund.
The Common Council also passed a measure that lets stores sell beer and liquor online, so customers can pick up their items in the parking lot.
In other action, Taco Bell Cantina will not be able to sell alcohol after alders failed again to override Mayor Soglin's veto. Tuesday night's vote was 12 in favor of the override....14 votes were needed.

domain: news


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(FORTUNE) -- Ingvar Kamprad, whose boyhood business of selling pencils and seeds from his bicycle in Sweden eventually grew into the Ikea furniture chain, has died. He was 91.
“One of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century, Ingvar Kamprad, has peacefully passed away at his home in Smaland, Sweden, on Jan. 27,” Ikea said in an emailed statement on Sunday. The founder of Ikea, as well as a bank for its customers, Ikano, “was “surrounded by his loved ones,” and died “following a short illness.”
Kamprad had an estimated net worth of $58.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the world’s eighth-richest person. The wealth was accumulated by producing furniture for the masses that was affordable and easy to transport. The Ikea flat packs revolutionized the way in which tables, chairs and other items could be stored and shipped, before being assembled by the customer.
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Eight-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artist Rihanna, Selena Gomez and Grammy Award®-nominated “The Weeknd” will perform on THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW, to be broadcast Tuesday, Dec. 8 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Victoria’s Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge, as well as newest Angels Elsa Hosk, Jac Jagaciak, Jasmine Tookes, Kate Grigorieva, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell, Taylor Hill and Victoria’s Secret PINK model Rachel Hilbert, will be a part of the show that merges fashion, fantasy and entertainment into a runway spectacle. The show, seen in more than 180 countries, will include pink carpet interviews, model profiles, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world’s most celebrated fashion show and the multi-million dollar Fantasy Bra.
VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW is being produced by Done+Dusted, inc. Edward G. Razek, Monica Mitro, Ian Stewart and Hamish Hamilton are the executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is the director.


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Exchange Usa Clarifies Iphone 5c And 5s Availability
USA Counts On ‘Modern Family’ To Draw Wider Crowd
The phones are available for purchase through the online store or to those local to the Norfolk, VA area through their Hampton storefront. There has been some confusion among the Exchange USA clientele about what exactly is being offered here. Exchange USA would like to clarify that both the iPhone 5c and 5s are being included in the military loan program. That’s two different products, both available at great rates. The differences in the two iPhones are as follows: iPhone 5s: Dual-core CPU Quad-core GPU 12-megapixel camera with a dual-LED flash Choice of 3 colors including Gold and Silver Aluminum Body iOS 7 IGZO Screen technology Fingerprint Reader for added security iPhone 5c: Dual-core CPU Tri-core GPU 8-megapixel camera with LED Flash Choice of White or one of 6 Pastel Colors Plastic Body iOS 7 Retina display Offering the active duty military community fair financing terms on lifestyle purchases that may otherwise become a financial burden is an honor for Exchange USA. Providing those who defend our freedoms an opportunity to have a few of the finer things in life is one of the company’s highest priorities, and the goal at all times is to provide the best of the best in top name brand home electronics, home furnishings, car accessories and performance parts, rims, truck lift kits, jewelry, appliances, scooters, musical instruments, fitness equipment, and wireless devices. Terms are offered on US military loans, which are available to all active duty servicepersons regardless of rank, pay grade, or credit standing. Active duty personnel with good credit, bad credit, or no credit are all equally eligible to apply. If granted, there is no interest for the first 90 days, and the rates thereafter are kept low. Applications are always available online, and approval of up to $10,000 is instant in some cases. Exchange USA is located in the historic downtown Phoebus section of Hampton, Virginia.
Get Modern Family News and alerts free to your inbox Tune in to the NBCUniversal -owned cabler and chances are you might see something a little dark: a scene from the sometimes-morbid Law & Order: SVU or the determined pursuit of a national threat on NCIS. In days to come, the network is prepared to offer something different: laughter. On Sept. 24, USA begins to air 9 hours a week of Modern Family, the 20th Century Fox-produced comedy that has been a ratings and ad-sales bright spot at ABC. On USA, the genre has been in short supply: the last time the network showed an acquired comedy series was in the fall of 1993, when it aired repeats of CBS laffer Major Dad. By bringing a popular sitcom to USA, the network hopes to broaden the mix of people watching regularly, said ChrisMcCumber, USAs president, even as it seeks to add original comedies to a stable of dramas that includes Psych, Suits and Covert Affairs. Weve built a very loyal audience, but now its about making sure were bringing new people into the tent, said McCumber, who was granted sole oversight of USA just last week, after longtime corporate partner Jeff Wachtel was given a broader programming role at NBCUs cable operations. Thats what Modern Family can do for us. And more. With its spate of popular programs, USA is often viewed as NBCUs crown jewel. But there may be a call for this bauble to shine more brightly. The amount of money USA secures in fees from cable, satellite and telecom distributors is significantly less than some rivals, and NBCU CEO Steve Burke has made gaining parity a priority in days ahead. In 2013, USA secures 71 cents per subscriber per month, according to SNL Kagan, but rival TNT is able to get $1.24, while sports-oriented ESPN notches a whopping $5.54. The addition of Modern Family has the potential to make a broad-skewing network even wider in scope, McCumber suggested. USA executives see only an 8% overlap between the networks audience and viewers of Modern Family on ABC.
USA and Sub-Saharan Africa will see increased trade growth, says DHL
and were very pleased to see the U.S. governments willingness to break down trade barriers to achieve this. The IMFs Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report found that economic activity in the region is projected to expand by about 5% in 2012 and 2013, a similar pace to that observed in 201011. Key markets driving this growth are Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Mauritius and South Africa. The express company has seen a similar picture appearing between the US and various African trade lanes, with larger, more developed economies like South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and Angola boasting strong double digit growth on both inbound and outbound volumes. However, according to their shipment figures, it is the smaller, rising economies that are seeing a major boom, with Somalia, Mayotte, Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan seeing meteoric increases in imports from the U.S., and Comoros, Eritrea, South Sudan and Liberia enjoying significant demand for exports to the States. The USA and Africa have historically enjoyed favourable trade conditions based on the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) of 2000, says Ian Clough, CEO for DHL Express USA. We are confident that, when this legislation is reviewed , there will be further benefits for both U.S. and African businesses looking to build cross-border business opportunities. According to statistics released at the AGOA Forum in Addis Ababa last month, U.S. total trade with sub-Saharan Africa (exports plus imports) has grown more than 250 percent , to $72.3 billion in 2012 from $28.2 billion in 2001, the first full year of AGOA trade. There is no doubt that there is commitment to trade growth from the respective governments, and these figures will continue to rise, concludes Brewer. It is now the role of the private sector and the thousands of SMEs looking for opportunities to take advantage of this growth, and build success on this lucrative trade lane. Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.


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The first two episodes of season 2 of the popular fashion reality show “Making the Cut” are now available on the Prime Video platform. Bringing an innovative proposition, the program also allows the public to buy the looks presented in each chapter.
And our journalist and critic Rafa Gomes had the exclusive opportunity to interview the duo of producers and presenters, Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. Known around the world as two of the fashion industry’s biggest icons, they revealed details of the new season and commented on the challenges of creating a daring cycle, despite the limits of the pandemic.
The competition brings together “a diverse group of 10 talented entrepreneurs and designers from around the world who are poised to take their emerging brands to the next level and become the latest global phenomenon.”
It should be remembered that the clothes that won the weekly challenges of the reality show can be purchased from the official Making The Cut store on the Amazon website.
The full looks from the first two episodes are now available for purchase here!
Top model Winnie Harlow and Jeremy Scott, the creative director of Moschino, are the new judges of the current cycle.
Watch our interview:
Check out the trailer:
The winner will receive the prize of $ 1 million to invest in their business, the opportunity to build an Amazon Store collection, and mentorship with Amazon Fashion.
“I’m really excited to be in my hometown of Los Angeles with such a talented group of designers and judges for season two,” Klum said in a statement. “The past year has brought us a lot of unexpected challenges around the world, so I’m thankful we were able to film it safely as Tim and I continue our journey to find the next global fashion brand.”
The reality show is presented and produced by Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.
Make sure you watch:
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Mar. 7, 2011
Gas prices are on the rise, with dire predictions that Chicagoans could soon pay $4 or more per gallon. According to the American Auto Association, the average cost per gallon in Illinois is $3.62. In 2010, it was under $3 a gallon. That price can make owning a car an impractical option for many.


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AT&T Lines Up $9.2 Billion to Pay for Spectrum
AT&T has padded its balance sheet with cash as the AWS-3 spectrum auction winds down. The company has lined up loans and credit facilities totaling $9.2 billion. The company also made billions of dollars of bonds available to investors late last year. Verizon is weighing whether or not to sell some of its landline assets in select markets to help pay for the new spectrum, though it hasn't made a final determination. Bids for the AWS-3 auction have reached about $45 billion and AT&T and Verizon Wireless are likely leading the bids.
Coral Blue Galaxy S8 and S8+ Go On Sale In US July 21
Samsung today said the Coral Blue variant of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ handsets will become available to U.S. buyers starting July 21.
Apple Refreshes the Apple Watch with LTE
Apple today updated its smartwatch with several new features. Notably, the Apple Watch Series 3 gains an optional LTE radio for connections when phones aren't around or available.
Apple Watch Series 3 Supports Carriers' One Number Calling and Messaging
Apple this week announced the Apple Watch Series 3 with an optional cellular radio. The LTE radio makes it possible for the smartwatch to connect to cellular networks on its own, without a nearby iPhone.
Google Intros 'Zero-Touch' Android Enterprise Deployments
Google today made it easier for businesses to configure and deploy Android handsets to employees with a new tool called zero-touch enrollment. Google says zero-touch lets companies configure purchased devices and ship them directly to employees completely preconfigured with corporate policies and controls all in place.


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"DriversEd.com specifically and deliberately designed the app to prevent the creation of counterfeit identification," the company says. “By design, it would take more effort and expertise to modify the product of the DriversEd.com ‘Driver License’ app than to construct a counterfeit from scratch."
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) called out the electronics giant Friday for offering DriversEd.com's free "Driver's License" app in the iTunes store. With it, any user could create a driver's license for all 50 states.
Casey claimed the app could easily be exploited by underaged boozehounds and crooks looking to create a new identity or steal an unwitting consumer's. All they'd have to do is print the image of and have it laminated.
“I urged Apple to take the responsible step of removing this dangerous app, and I’m pleased that the app is no longer available in the store,” Casey said in a statement Monday. “
Here's an excerpt from Casey's finger-wagging letter to Apple:
"While identity fraud is not a new problem, the use of readily available technology to facilitate this crime is of particular concern. By assisting in the creation of counterfeit driver’s licenses, “License” threatens to ease deception by criminals and contribute to the rising problem of identity theft. Given these risks, I request that you remove this application from the App Store immediately, as well as any other available applications that allow users to create, steal or alter false identities."
Someone upstairs at Apple was listening, because the Consumerist reported Monday that it'd been yanked from the iTunes store.


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LONDON (AFP) ― Legendary British designer Terence Conran, whose products and retailing style transformed the interior design industry, on Tuesday launched a London exhibition charting his 60-year career.
Conran, 80, an artschool drop out, began making furniture in the 1940s and his modern and affordable home designs have been credited with bringing British homes out of post-war gloom.
He became a household name in Britain after he founded revolutionary retailer Habitat in 1964.
Habitat’s low-cost, stylish products and innovative store layout paved the way for mass-market retailers like Ikea and made Conran a household name.
The exhibition “The Way We Live Now” showcases Conran’s work dating back from Britain’s post-war years to his most recent collaboration with high street retailers.
“It is very exciting for me because it reminded me of things I had quite forgotten about,” Conran said.
“Recently I was 80 years old and it seems that being 80 is a moment when you have to look back on your life. So for that reason this exhibition seems quite relevant.”
Conran was first inspired by the practical products and unfussy shopping experiences he saw in France in the 1940s.
Exhibition curator and long-time friend Stafford Cliff said simplicity remains at the heart of Conran’s designs.
“He wants to do a great piece of furniture but it has to be comfortable and it has to be something that gives you joy and it can’t be 10,000 pounds ($15,900),” Cliff said.
No longer at the helm of Habitat, Conran is chairman of Conran group, a retail, design and restaurant group. The company owns more than 40 restaurants across the world and runs The Conran Shop, an international homewares retailer.
Despite diverse interests, Conran said he remains committed to promoting manufacturing and good product design ― and believes it could help boost the ailing British economy.
“For me, design is absolutely fundamental to a recovery in this country of a manufacturing base,” Conran said.
“It’s so important that we become a workshop again. We’re never going to be the workshop of the world but we can become a workshop that produces beautifully designed, innovative products.”


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How tuhao is Taiyuan? Apparently even its bus drivers drive Lamborghinis.
Photos have gone viral on the Chinese internet of a public bus driver in that fine city, who conceals his true tuhao identity during working hours. According to NetEase, the driver sees himself as just another ordinary citizen, simply one who drives a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo or a blue Audi R8 to work, rather than take the bus.
He is also a member of a luxury car club in the city, which we’ll just assume is the same one that stopped traffic earlier this month with its red carpet show featuring foreign models dressed as cops, or maybe it’s that other club that blocked a city sidewalk with 50 million RMB in luxury cars last year. It’s getting hard to keep track.
Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi province, it is a city built on an intoxicating mix of coal and corruption that often can seem like a relic from another age with Xi Jinping’s anti-austerity campaign cracking down on gaudy displays of wealth across the country — but not in Taiyuan with its toddler fashion shows and bikini kickboxing bars.
Still, even with that background, netizens admit they are blown away by this one:
“Those luxury cars cost millions of RMB, where is he getting all that money from?” one netizen wrote in.
“Give me two cars like that and I’ll drive a bus too,” another commented.
“This man should resign, jobs like this should be reserved for people who need it,” argued another web user.
“My other car is a Lamborghini.”
[Images via NetEase]


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With two days left before Christmas, one of the major drivers for last-minute shopping is Amazon. Thanks to the online retailer's same-day and even one-hour holiday shipping policies, procrastinating Prime members might just be able to get gifts under the tree in the nick of time.
It's this membership program (which ecompasses the speedy shipping perk) that's been fueling Amazon's accelerating gains, said Macquarie Capital analyst Ben Schachter.
"Prime is really the story for Amazon," Schachter told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Wednesday. "Right now, we can confidently state that about 25 percent of all U.S. homes are already Prime. If you grow that 30 percent in '16, 20 percent in '17, and 10 percent thereafter by 2020, you get to 50 percent of U.S. homes being Prime. We think that is a game changer."
Schachter explained that the main point isn't just about free shipping for Prime members, it's about the whole suite of perks. Amazon Prime members also get access to television shows, videos, apps and even curated content for children — both benefits and content that Schachter sees expanding in the future.
In fact, by the end of this year, Macquarie estimates that Amazon also will capture 51 percent of U.S. e-commerce growth and 24 percent of retail growth.
"It's pretty extraordinary that every other company in the U.S. is really only fighting for half of e-commerce and about 75 percent of retail," said Schachter. "Amazon is truly in a league of its own and just dominating what we think is going to be continued accelerating sales."
Schachter added that Amazon's strong growth in e-commerce means bad news for other online retail and shipping outlets.
A Wal-Mart spokesperson said it's not necessarily about whose infrastructure is winning online or in stores, it's a combination of multiple channels. According to the spokesperson, the retail giant is expanding upon and leveraging its existing infrastructure to build proprietary e-commerce software and fulfillment centers while its strictly online competitor works to build brick-and-mortar retail locations.
Google did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
"We're moving to the point where 'omnichannel retailing' is no longer going to be called 'omnichannel retailing,'" Kniffen said. "Things that aren't omnichannel retailing are going to be the oddballs."
Shares of Amazon are up more than 110 percent year to date, which Schachter said was attributable to more than just Amazon Prime.
"I think over the last year, a lot of it has been Amazon Web Services. That's really been one of the key drivers for most institutional investors," he said.
However, Schachter added, "Over the course of the year, the retail business remains underappreciated in terms of what Prime growth is going to be … we think 2016 will be more focused on the retail side."
Amazon stock was up modestly to $664.01 midafternoon Wednesday; Macquarie has a 12-month price target of $760 for the stock.
— CNBC's Fred Imbert contributed to this story.


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|Nissan recalling nearly 152,000 SUVs to fix brakes||| Print ||
|Written by Associated Press|
|Wednesday, 23 October 2013 08:39|
DETROIT (AP) — Nissan Motor Co. is recalling nearly 152,000 Nissan and Infiniti SUVs to fix faulty brake control software that could increase the risk of a crash.
The recall covers some Nissan Pathfinders from the 2013 and 2014 model years, as well as the 2013 Infiniti JX35 and its successor model, the 2014 QX60.
Nissan says that during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake software could cause longer-than-expected stopping distances.
Nissan will notify owners within 60 days, and dealers will reprogram the antilock brakes free of charge.
Owners can contact Nissan at (800) 647-7261.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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India’s exports go up 35.25 percent in FebruaryApril 1st, 2008 - 7:15 pm ICT by admin
New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) India’s exports registered a significant growth of 35.25 percent at $14,237.43 million in February, up from $10,526.67 million the same month last year. Imports surged to $18,466.45 million, a growth of 30.53 percent, in February against $14,146.83 million reported in the same month in 2007.
Oil imports during the period were estimated at $6,272.18 million, 39.52 percent more compared to oil imports worth $4,495.64 million in the corresponding period last year.
The country’s trade deficit was $72.47 billion in the first 11 months of the fiscal year beginning April 2007.


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THE increase in new and second-hand smartphone sales by members of the public is putting consumers at the risk of purchasing products that are potentially defective and not protected by warranty. With global smartphone sales expected to hit the one billion mark in 2013, driven by low-cost handsets and gains in markets like Zambia, consumers will be keen to purchase phones, sometimes from unlicensed suppliers.
Samsung Electronics Zambia Country Manager, James Chona says Samsung offers unique warranties and extras to customers who purchase genuine products from authorized dealers.
“We’re seeing a shift in the market where consumers are beginning to see the value of warranties for their smartphone purchases. The smartphone has gone from being a cutting-edge device to becoming an essential component in the everyday lives of consumers. Because of this, smartphones are prone to damage and consumers do not benefit from warranties when they purchase phones from individuals or unlicensed suppliers.” he said.
Chona adds that consumers purchasing a Genuine Samsung device enjoy the benefits of comprehensive device protection as registered devices are covered by a 24 month warranty. One such device is the Galaxy S4 which gives additional cover such as Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH). He advised consumers to ensure they are buying a genuine Samsung phone by registering for E. Warranty immediately they put a sim card in their handsets.
“ADH covers screen and liquid damage repairs to Samsung S4 devices that are damaged within the Samsung 24 month warranty period. Current sales of the S4 are priced in nearly the same range by licensed suppliers as they are with individuals but the benefit of buying genuine products is also to protect consumers from the risk of purchasing phones with a defective history,” he adds.
Samsung’s offer of ADH on its Galaxy S4 is a world first from the level of an original equipment manufacturer; the warranty includes two free repairs in the event of accidental damage to the screen of the device. The introduction of the warranty as a standard for the Galaxy S4, as part of Samsung’s commitment to providing its customers with innovative after-sales services.
Chona said Growth in smartphone sales is driven by different factors including internet banking. An example is the app recently introduced by FNB Zambia. Consumers want more than just a phone that makes calls but makes their lives easier with features that help them convert currencies, check for news updates, email or listen to radio to be careful to purchase gadgets that are backed by warranty in the event of accidental damage.
He said the ADH warranty is incorporated into the existing 24-month standard factory warranty on the Galaxy S4. Customers can register their devices through Samsung’s e-Warranty service from their phones within the first 30 days of purchase. In the event of damage, registered customers will be able to take their device to an authorized Samsung Service Centre for repairs.
He further said Service Centre will replace the screen or board free of charge. The warranty will cover only screen and liquid damages. Customers will be limited to two incidents requiring repairs within a 24-month period.


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Enriched formula milk could make your baby obese
Babies fed with enriched bottle milk are more likely to be obese by the age of five, a British study found.health and fitness Updated: Oct 03, 2010 14:11 IST
Babies fed with enriched bottle milk are more likely to be obese by the age of five, a British study found.
The study shows faster weight gain in infancy can put babies at risk from heart disease to diabetes in later life.
It found healthy babies given formula milk enriched with protein, vitamins and other nutrients had 22 per cent to 38 per cent more body fat than those fed standard bottle milk.
The researchers believe they took in more calories and experienced weight gain at a crucial stage in growth, reports the Daily Mail.
They said previous research suggested that 20 per cent of adult obesity may be caused by over-nutrition or other early excessive weight gain in infancy, reports the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Mothers were once advised to give enriched milk to underweight babies if they were not breastfeeding. But they are now told not to 'fatten up' their babies unless they are premature.
Study leader Atul Singhal, from the MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Centre at University College London, said: "This study supports the case in the general population for breastfeeding since it is harder to overfeed a breast-fed baby."
In the study, body fat mass in five to eight-year-olds was 22 percent to 38 percent greater in those given nutrient-enriched milk as babies than those who had standard formula.
The scientists said previous research suggested 20 percent of adult obesity may be caused by over-nutrition or other early excessive weight gain in infancy.
Breastfeeding is known to be associated with slower weight gain while infant formula increases the production of fat cells, fuelling weight gain throughout childhood.
First Published: Oct 03, 2010 14:08 IST


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Menu developers have become busy this year acting in response to the swinging habits of restaurant consumers and their growing need to have a more personal connection with their meals—this according to the speakers at this year’s Menu Trends and Directions conference.
It turned out that most of the delegates’ concerns during the conference were centered on how their food can stand out in a somewhat saturated restaurant market. “In 2010, 250 of the country’s biggest restaurant chains permanently added over 3,100 food items to their menus and featured almost 2,800 limited time offerings,” said Nancy Kruse, president of the conference’s organizer The Kruse Co., and a menu trend specialist. “While many of these additions were modifications of their comfort food, a lot of it was also centered on the adjustments that were made to decommoditize their restaurant –looking for ways to give the consumers a reason to be loyal to them by focusing on their unique attributes.” Or what they often call a restaurant’s authenticity.
Many tried to highlight how they prepare their dishes—fried, grilled, toasted, while others highlighted the origin of their products. Others puts emphasis on their usage of uncommon ingredients, such as farro, Alascan crab or heirloom tomatoes. All these to make their menu items become authentic, as authenticity was reported to be a great success driver for restaurant and café menus with elegant café menu covers.
But in the recent 2011 Multi-Unit Foodservice Operator conference, or the MUFSO, industry leaders advised restaurant operators to differentiate authenticity from innovation, and urged them to be careful in balancing the two. A balance between innovation authenticity means being able to continually move the company onwards, and at the same time keep sight of the attributes and elements that costumers expect from the restaurant. The chief executives present in the conference panel—Buffalo Wild Wings’ Sally Smith, Pizza Hut’s Scott Bergen, Noodles & Co.’s Kevin Reddy and Sizzler’s Kerry Kramp—all agreed that a restaurant’s authenticity is what catches the interest of today’s modern consumer.
“We are in an era of disruption, and the only way that restaurants can stand out from the rest is to be something special,” said the panel’s moderator, Bill Taylor. New innovations are continually disrupted by newer, fresher things, even consumers find it hard to keep up anymore. Their interests and attention span are very short—the only way to keep their interest is for restaurants to stand on something special. Diners today are quite sure of what they want, too, and they want their restaurant experiences to be real and authentic.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Sally Smith suggests that companies should make certain that any changes, new processes, or innovations should be analyzed and filtered, making sure that it will fit into the restaurant’s culture that its customers have grown to love. “As we plan on strategy and innovation, we need to make use of the funnel vision,” she said. “You can check out all those ideas from your diners and employees, but you should funnel these ideas through your brand strategy, just focusing on one or two.”


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© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Commuters navigate early morning traffic as they drive towards downtown in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 22, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo/File Photo
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Five automakers including Ford Motor (NYSE:) Co, Volkswagen AG (OTC:) and Honda Motor Co on Tuesday backed efforts by President Joe Biden’s administration to restore California’s ability to set its own strict tailpipe and zero-emission vehicle standards.
Joined by BMW AG and Volvo Cars, the automakers in a court filing backed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to restore the authority that was withdrawn under former President Donald Trump.
Last month, a group of 17 states filed a challenge to the EPA decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, while California and 19 other U.S. states and the District of Columbia have backed the waiver reinstatement.
In July 2019, Ford, Honda, VW and BMW struck a voluntary agreement with California on reducing vehicle emissions that was less stringent than rules previously adopted under former President Barack Obama but higher than Trump’s rollback. Volvo joined the deal in 2020.
Seventeen states have agreed to adopt California’s tailpipe emissions rules and 15 have backed its zero-emission vehicle requirements.
The EPA in March reinstated a waiver under the Clear Air Act awarded to California in 2013. The agency also rejected a Trump-era decision to bar other states from adopting Sacramento’s tailpipe emission standards.
Biden has set a goal of 50% of new-vehicle sales being electric or plug-in electric by 2030, but has not endorsed phasing out gasoline-vehicle sales by any specific date.
The EPA in December finalized new vehicle emissions rules restoring targets undone by Trump and requiring a 28.3% reduction in vehicle emissions through 2026.
In February 2021, Toyota Motor (NYSE:) Corp, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) and other major automakers joined General Motors (NYSE:) in abandoning support for Trump’s effort to bar California from setting its own zero emission vehicle rules.
Governor Gavin Newsom said last month California would “stand with the federal government in defending against these radical efforts to upend … California’s clean transportation future.”


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So much for Tesla’s renewed solar power efforts getting off to a good start. Walmart has sued Tesla after rooftop solar panels on seven of the retailer’s stores caught fire, allegedly due to poor safety practices. Tesla supposedly didn’t ground its electrical and solar systems properly, according to Walmart, and regularly sent inspectors who “lacked basic solar training and knowledge.” Walmart also asserted that Tesla’s panels were rife with visible defects.
The big-box chain formally accused Tesla of breach of contract, gross negligence and failure to meet industry standards. It wanted Tesla to not only pay damages related to the first, but to remove its panels from over 240 Walmart stores.
We’ve asked Tesla for comment.
There’s a good possibility Tesla will fight back, though. The company has been struggling to revive its solar business, which installed a modest 29MW of solar power capacity in the second quarter compared to more than 200MW at the division’s peak. The last thing it needs is to lose a major deployment and suffer the negative publicity that comes with that loss.


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La Crosse Gun Show wraps up the weekend
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) The La Crosse Gun Show is wrapping up its annual event at the La Crosse Center.
According to organizers, about 70 gun shops from all over the state came to the show.
With all the vendors in one spot, people don’t have to travel to different locations to buy guns.
Which is great for people who like to negotiate deals.
The event is held the first weekend in January each year and is hosted by Bob and Rocco’s Gun Shows.


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In 1980, John Goodenough invented the first lithium-ion battery in Oxford that required cobalt. Experiments have shown that cobalt has a very high energy density, which is especially suitable for small but high-energy batteries.
Cobalt is now used in most commercial lithium-ion batteries, but it is expensive, and for that, it spawned a black profit chain. Human rights violations, including the use of child labor in mining, have long existed in the Republic of Congo. Electronics and electric-car companies are reluctant to pay high prices for manufacturing and participate in local human rights abuses, so they began to use less cobalt in their batteries. Panasonic, Tesla's battery supplier, announced late last month that it is developing batteries that do not require cobalt and researchers such as Goodenough who has developed cobalt-free batteries are also helping Panasonic.
The battery has a positive electrode, usually graphite, and a negative electrode, a composite of lithium, cobalt, and oxygen. In the battery pack of an electric car, the negative part often contains more nickel than the electronic part, which has reduced cobalt use but has resulted in higher processing costs and a greater risk of fire on airplanes, such as the battery in the Samsung Note 7. In contrast, electrons in the outer orbital of cobalt atoms are paired, which means it is small, dense and easily layered.
But a new generation of battery researchers, including Goodenough, is turning to materials like manganese and iron. Unlike layered structures, these elements form a rocksalt structure. The negative electrode containing rocksalt has been used in some devices, but the rocksalt structure does not have the same high energy density as cobalt or nickel.
Apart from the layered and rocksalt batteries, researchers are developing solid-state batteries, which may require more lithium, but not necessarily cobalt, and are much safer than existing lithium-ion batteries. Car companies such as BMW, Toyota, and Honda are working on the batteries, but Olivetti, the energy research expert at MIT, doesn't think the technology will be ready for the market in 2025. Until then, the companies will try to reduce the use of cobalt batteries. Companies such as Apple and Samsung have joined the Responsible Cobalt Initiative, which promises to improve environmental pollution and adverse social impacts from Cobalt production. Recently, Apple has started buying cobalt directly from miners to ensure that cobalt suppliers meet industry safety requirements.


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It appears US private equity firm TPG’s takeover bid for Fairfax Media isn’t dead in the water, with Fairfax shareholders today suggesting they’d consider it if a further $1 billion was added to the offer.
Over the weekend TPG reportedly offered to buy Fairfax’s main mastheads and the lucrative real estate site Domain for $2.2 billion.
Yesterday, the deal appeared dead after shareholders widely rejected the offer as being too low and suggestions the deal “cherry picked” the best of Fairfax’s assets and left the rest. TPG apparently is not interested in Fairfax’s New Zealand operations, Macquarie Radio assets or SVOD Stan.
Now news out of the Fairfax camp is TPG’s takeover would be considered so long as the offer improved to $3.1 billion and included every part of the Fairfax business.
It’s believed splitting the company would doom the struggling parts of the business.
Fairfax’s own The Australian Financial Review (which TPG is keen to get its hands on) has today reported that TPG’s initial offer was probably low-ball and it never expected the board or shareholders to accept it.
“Most believe TPG’s opening bid, revealed by the Financial Review, is a low-ball offer and the Texas-based firm will come back with a renewed bid for the entire company should the Fairfax board reject the offer,” The AFR reported.
“While Fairfax’s board is still evaluating the offer, shareholders are understood to be unimpressed by the offer that leaves them holding all the less-valuable assets… They want private equity to take on the risk of those remaining assets and sell them off themselves.”
me&u, Australia’s first and leading mobile ordering and payment platform, has appointed Clementine Churchill as Head of Marketing as they continue to drive rapid growth and expansion in Australia and new international markets. A highly experienced marketing leader and recognised industry thought leader, Churchill joins me&u from My Muscle Chef, one of Australia’s top rated […]
MILO is on the search for Australia’s best made MILO, calling on fans to share their creations for the chance to win #TheMILOCup, via Ogilvy Sydney. This integrated campaign follows on from the success of last year’s ‘Hot v Cold’ campaign, which encouraged Aussies to settle the debate on whether MILO is best enjoyed hot […]
New research from Getty Images, a world leader in visual communications, has found that LGBTQ+ representation in ANZ remains low and stereotypical. It’s 2021 – this needs to change – especially in marketing and advertising. In partnership with GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ media advocacy organisation, Getty Images has launched a full-spectrum Guidebook in direct response to […]
Natural historian Sir David Attenborough is one of the most commanding and respected storytellers in the world and now the iconic series, David Attenborough Life Stories, is available on LiSTNR as part of SCA’s recently announced partnership with the BBC. David Attenborough Life Stories is a series of talks on the natural histories of creatures and […]
Menulog has doubled down on its marketing support for restaurant partners, with the promotion of Senior Marketing Manager, Rami Tamer, to a newly created role of ‘Head of Partner Marketing’, as well as the promotion of former-Blue 449 Performance Manager, Jaryd Buggins. In the new Head of Partner Marketing role, Rami will lead a team […]
ARN has announced Barry Drinkwater will be handing over his content director reins at 97.3FM and 4KQ to respected radio executive, Alisson Longhurst. Drinkwater has had a stellar career in radio spanning more than four decades, and was acknowledged as one of Australia’s Top 20 Content Directors by Radio Today in 2020. He began his radio career […]
Australia’s largest social enterprise is turning 25. On the anniversary of Australia’s first Big Issue magazine being sold on the steps of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station in June 1996, Town Square has created a campaign to mark the occasion. 25 Years Big is a celebratory statement of pride, rendered in the iconic Big Issue logo […]
The Australian commercial radio industry has joined a global working group of broadcasters, carmakers and tech experts collaborating on the innovation of radio in Android Automotive. Android Automotive is Google’s infotainment operating system which is being built into new connected cars. Industry body Commercial Radio Australia is part of the working group, led by the […]
For the third consecutive year, Triple M’s No Talk Day will return on Thursday July 1 to raise awareness around men’s mental health and encourage courageous conversations on Triple M’s 45 stations across the country with support from partner Beyond Blue. From 6:00am – 6:00pm on July 1, Triple M is encouraging listeners to clear […]
Consumer shifts in how and where people buy products evolved significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating new opportunities for retailers to use new channels, fulfilment strategies and payment options, according to the results of a new survey out today from BigCommerce and PayPal. While a majority of the 3,000 consumers surveyed from the United States, United Kingdom […]
Here is EVERYTHING you need to know about contextual advertising bar the curling wand and the hot pink leg warmers.
The brainchild of co-founders Gina Williams-Folau (main photo) and Greer Bland, the talent agency Liquorice was born out of a desire to make things easier for brand managers. Liquorice offers social talent for brands wanting to hit the sweet spot with Kiwi audiences. Launching with a roster of big names on board including Millie Elder-Holmes, Athena […]


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More than half of the maternity apparel retailer’s online traffic comes from mobile shoppers.
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Meanwhile, consumer electronics retailer Newegg.com, is starting its “Black November” deals early in the month, as it has for the past four years. The deals on the first four days of Black November cover every category of goods the retailer sells, including computers, electronics, automotive, sporting goods and jewelry. Throughout the month, Newegg will offer shoppers a new slate of deals each week, the retailer says.


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Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: AMD) issued financial results for the last quarter of 2023 that brought positive signs.
The company makes computer chips used in data centers, PCs and other electronics. Their report showed sales increased to a new record of $6.2 billion for the October-December period.
We’ll look at what did well for AMD in the last quarter of 2023 and what Adam O’Dell’s Green Zone Power Ratings system tells us about the stock.
Data and Chips Shine For AMD
Two parts of AMD’s business did exceedingly well.
First is data centers. These are large-scale complexes companies use to store information online. AMD creates customized processors, maximizing data center efficiency.
Companies are building more data centers lately, needing faster servers and chips. AMD met this demand, shipping more advanced data center chips last quarter.
This caused their data center revenue to jump 38% compared to last year.
Second is AMD’s personal computing chips. New 2023 product releases like the Ryzen 7000 laptop processor line also helped AMD sell way more PC chips.
Bringing updated features attracted computer makers to use the latest AMD silicon. So AMD’s PC chip sales expanded over 60% annually by selling more Ryzen products.
On the other hand, sections like gaming processors softened recently as customers worked through excess inventory amid shaky consumer budgets.
AMD’s Green Zone Ratings
Advanced Micro Devices’ stock earns a 53 out of 100 on Adam’s Green Zone Power Ratings system.
That means we are “Neutral” on the stock and expect it to perform in line with the rest of the market over the next 12 months.
AMD earns a 98 on Growth thanks to a 10.2% quarter-over-quarter sales growth rate.
Its 96 on Momentum is due in large part to a 107.5% up move over the last 52 weeks.
The company earns a 66 out of 100 on our Quality factor. Its returns on assets, equity, and investment are all higher than the industry average, along with its operating and net margins.
The stock scores a low 3 on our Value factor with a price-to-earnings ratio nearly 10 times higher than the semiconductor manufacturing industry average. Its price-to-sales and price-to-book value ratios are also notably higher than its sector peer averages.
Bottom line: Financials showed AMD’s effort transitioning to more corporate-focused products like data infrastructure paid off last quarter.
Less exposure to items like gaming console chips provides stability when shoppers pull back. Sustaining data center and PC momentum is critical if the global economic climate stays cloudy.
However, the recently achieved growth suggests AMD found the right formula for adapting during uncertainty.


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I’m not sure which is more strange:
1) That Phil Schiller would say anything the day before a big Samsung event.
2) That Phil Schiller would say anything, period.
3) That Schiller doesn’t mention Samsung, but mentions Android.
4) That WSJ sort of throws him under the bus with their headline (and rightfully so, in this case). It’s so rare for this type of interview; normally you only see one that is heavily teed-up to help Apple in some way. The very lede: “Apple Inc. is on the defensive.” — does not help Apple in any way, shape, or form. Good for WSJ.
5) That this article has two authors — Ian Sherr and Jessica E. Lessin — and it’s less than 300 words.
I guess you could argue that Apple is fighting up here, since Android is “winning” the market share battle. But I fail to see how this statement is a smart maneuver. It makes Apple look vulnerable. Weird.


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Decrypt’s Art, Fashion, and Entertainment Hub.
Are long, cumbersome cryptocurrency addresses holding the industry back from wider adoption?
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) thinks it might—and it’s taken another step on its mission to eventually make them obsolete.
Over the weekend, the Ethereum Name Service launched an auction for short .eth domain names on the OpenSea decentralized marketplace. All three to six-character-long domain names that were not among the 194 approved during the reservation period that closed in mid-August are now up for grabs, and can be bid upon using ETH cryptocurrency.
The idea, if it catches on, is to help facilitate greater consumer adoption by enabling the use of easily recognizable names—such as “satoshi.eth” (currently going for 1,500 ETH at auction)—to receive tokens and perform transactions on the Ethereum blockchain.
ENS is an open naming system that aims to make using blockchain simpler by implementing these more memorable, human-readable names as opposed to the robotic, 42-character-long crypto addresses. These domains are built on smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain instead of the old-fashioned DNS system for managing domains, and ENS is designed to be decentralized in its infrastructure and governance.
And, according to Brantly Millegan, head of Developer Relations and Communications for ENS, the future of Ethereum-based web domains looks bright: “ENS has progressed really well, especially in the last few months,” Millegan told Decrypt. That progress, he said, includes the successful launch of the permanent registrar, instant registrations for longer .ETH names, and enabling privacy-focused Tor .onion address support.
The blockchain-based web domains offered by ENS are very similar to those being built on the Zilliqa blockchain by San Francisco-based startup Unstoppable Domains. Like those sold by Unstoppable Domains, ENS domains are also censorship resistant, which means they can’t be seized by governments the same way traditional DNS web domains can.
It’s worth noting, however, that a blockchain domain could still be placed on a restricted address list similar to what has happened to accounts linked to terrorism or international drug trafficking. People could still send tokens to these addresses but would get in serious legal trouble if caught doing so.
Nevertheless, both Unstoppable Domains and the Ethereum Name Service share the mission of broader crypto adoption through simpler wallet addresses. Some of the applications and wallets that have already integrated ENS technology include MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, Opera browser, Bitfinex exchange, and Etherscan.
According to Millegan, the ENS auction for short .eth domains will run for approximately four to six weeks. After that, the company plans to add support for wallet addresses of other cryptocurrencies beyond just Ethereum.


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Amid fears of an imminent lockdown, panicked Hong Kong residents flocked to supermarkets on Monday to stock up on groceries, emptying shelves.
In scenes reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic, long lines formed at supermarkets across the city, while others went online to stockpile essential items, per the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The frenzy began after Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan said in a radio program on Monday that the government is considering the possibility of a city-wide lockdown, per the SCMP.
This comes after Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said last week that there would not be a lockdown when the city begins its universal testing scheme in March.
All 7.4 million residents will be required to undergo testing three times this month, officials previously announced.
Hong Kong has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, reporting a record 34,466 cases on Monday.
On Tuesday, several local media outlets reported that a lockdown will soon be implemented in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong newspaper Sing Tao Daily, citing unnamed sources, said mass testing will begin after March 17 and that a lockdown will be imposed "for maximum effectiveness."
South China Morning Post, citing a source familiar with the situation, reported that authorities are planning to shorten the testing period from the original proposed 15 or 21 days, down to nine days.
"We are still deliberating different scales of lockdown," the source told SCMP. "Exemptions will be granted for personnel responsible for maintaining essential services."
Goods such as eggs, fresh pork, vegetables, and bread were sold out at a busy store in Causeway Bay, SCMP reported.
Canned food, fruit and frozen dumplings were also in short supply, the outlet said.
Despite seeing news about the panic buying, marketing manager Queenie Leung, 37, told Insider she does not feel compelled to stock up on food herself.
"Reports say that even if there is a lockdown, we'll still be able to go out and buy food from the supermarket," she said.
The Hong Kong Economic Times reported that residents will still be allowed to leave their homes to buy food, citing unidentified people.
Meat was in especially short supply, after two local slaughterhouses were forced to shut over the weekend for disinfection when COVID cases were found at one of them, the SCMP reported.
A wet market butcher surnamed Lai told SCMP that he has not received any fresh pork since Friday, and had to sell tofu and other soy products instead.
"It's the worst I've ever seen in 20 years of business," the 42-year-old said.
Eva Lau, 42, who sells furniture online, told Insider she is most worried about the elderly and the poor in the event of a lockdown.
"There are many poor people who live in tiny spaces in Hong Kong. If there is a lockdown and they're cooped up, it'll be really terrible for them," she said.
Leung, the marketing manager, echoed the same fear.
"I hope that they let restaurants open for takeaways because some Hong Kong families don't even have proper kitchens to cook in," Leung said. "Many people live in tiny homes."
Property prices are extraordinarily high in the city, forcing some residents to live in "cage homes" and wood-partitioned cubicles.
Besides fresh produce, residents rushed to stock up on paracetamol and other medicines, reports said.
Panadol, a popular brand of the pain and fever reliever, was sold out at many local chain pharmacies, per Bloomberg.
Earlier this month, health expert Dr Yuen Kwok-yung recommended that COVID patients with mild symptoms to stay home and recover by "drinking more water and taking Panadol."
Meanwhile, flu medicines such as Mucinex, Fluimucil, and Fortune Coltalin were also out of stock, per Bloomberg.
"When other places in the world are lifting Covid restrictions, I can't believe we're going through this now," Lau told Insider.


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Alliance Data, a Plano-based provider of private label credit cards and loyalty programs, reported today a 18 percent increase in second-quarter profit on higher revenue.
Net income attributable to common shares was $137.4 million, or $2.19 per share, compared with $116.4 million, or $1.71 per share, in the same period last year.
Total revenue was $1.27 billion in the three months ending June 30, up from $1.03 billion in the second quarter of 2013.
The company’s LoyaltyOne business, in particular, was strong with a 62 percent jump in revenue to $355.6 million, from $220.1 million a year ago. LoyaltyOne owns the Air Miles Reward Program in Canada.
Alliance’ private label credit card business works with retailers such as J. Crew, HSN and New York & Co.
The company’s Epilson business provides online marketing services.
The company also revised its 2014 guidance for the second time this year. Alliance expects revenue between $5.25 billion to $5.3 billion and core earnings between $12.25 per share to $12.35 per share.
Shares fell 15 cents to close at $275.02.


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Professor Henrikki Tikkanen named holder of the A.I. Virtanen Professorship in consumer research
Professor Henrikki Tikkanen has been named the holder of the A.I. Virtanen Professorship in the Department of Marketing. A professor at the School of Business since 2004, Tikkanen’s research focuses on strategic leadership and marketing, as well as on the dynamics of top management in large companies.
‘A I Virtanen was a forerunner in the Finnish world of science and an early Nobelist, whose innovations led to remarkable business. I want to do my part in advancing the same kind of collaboration between research and business,’ says Tikkanen. ‘One example of this is a new Tekes funded research project focusing on artificial intelligence applications to boost B2B marketing.’
Long term collaboration with Valio
Aalto University established the A. I. Virtanen Professorship in 2015 in recognition of the support by Finland's biggest dairy company Valio to scientific research at the School of Business. The A. I. Virtanen Professorship symbolises the long-standing cooperation between Valio and Aalto University, as well as their common goals in the advancement of consumer research and education in Finland. Valio's research and product development is largely founded on the research tradition based on the work of A. I. Virtanen.
‘Long term collaboration between the Department of Marketing and Valio focuses, for example, on consumer research and real-life teaching cases,’ explains Tikkanen. ‘Aalto University professors have also been active experts in Valio’s advisory boards.’
A. I. Virtanen (1895-1973) was a professor at the Helsinki University of Technology and later at the University of Helsinki. He was a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, an Academician and the first director of the Academy of Finland. In addition, he was the director of the research at Valio for half a century. The work of Virtanen combined scientific success with practical applications and successful new products, out of which AIV fodder is the best known.
Henrikki Tikkanen, professor
Aalto University School of Business


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Digital TV News: YouTube
US: Netflix grabs the most attention, but its reign will be challenged
Dec 4, 2019 – Netflix and YouTube may be the video platforms US adults are watching most, but their days at the top may be numbered. New services such as Disney+, HBO Max and Apple TV+ will fragment digital video viewing time even further, according to eMarketer.
News categories: eMarketer, Ross Benes, Digital TV, Market Research, OTT, USA
14.5 million Australians now paying TV subscriptions
Dec 2, 2019 – Roy Morgan research shows that over 14.5 million Australians now have access to some form of Pay TV/Subscription TV, up 8.2% on a year ago. The combined audience for these services is almost 70% of the Australian population.
News categories: Roy Morgan, Michele Levine, Australia, Digital TV, Market Research
VIZIO SmartCast TVs to get Chromecast built-in update with Disney+ support
Nov 19, 2019 – VIZIO has announced a Chromecast built-in update, rolling out from December, that will allow users to cast Disney+ content to their VIZIO SmartCast TVs. Viewers can already watch content from the Disney+ app using Apple AirPlay 2.
News categories: VIZIO, Bill Baxter, Digital TV
Major U.S. pay-TV providers lost 1.74 million subscribers in 3Q 2019
Nov 13, 2019 – Leichtman Research Group (LRG) has found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 93% of the market – lost about 1,740,000 net video subscribers in 3Q 2019, compared to a pro forma net loss of about 975,000 subscribers in 3Q 2018.
News categories: Leichtman Research, Bruce Leichtman, Cable TV, Digital TV, IPTV, Market Research, OTT, Satellite, Subscribers, USA
U.S. Connected TV ad spending will grow nearly 40% in 2019
Nov 5, 2019 – Connected TV advertising is a small, but rapidly growing portion of digital advertising, and is competing directly with traditional TV advertising. eMarketer expects the channel to grow 37.6% this year to reach $6.94 billion.
News categories: eMarketer, Eric Haggstrom, Advertising, Digital TV, Market Research, OTT, USA
Streaming TV showing significant increase in viewership and quality
Nov 4, 2019 – Conviva has released its quarterly State of Streaming report for Q3 2019, revealing time spent streaming continues to climb – up 53% year over year – as consumers embrace on demand videos on their TVs, PCs and mobile devices.
News categories: Conviva, Bill Demas, Digital TV, Market Research, OTT, Worldwide
TCC chooses 3SS for Android TV+multiscreen service in Uruguay
Nov 1, 2019 – 3SS has been chosen by TCC to help develop a new TV service to launch in 2020. The service will be powered by 3READY Android TV + Multiscreen, 3SS’ front end and UI framework featuring an Android TV Custom Launcher STB.
News categories: 3SS, TCC, Kai-Christian Borchers, Android TV, Cable TV, Digital TV, Set Top Box, TV Everywhere, Uruguay, UX
Australian SVOD poised to break billion-dollar AU$ barrier
Oct 15, 2019 – Australia’s TV and video market is on track to achieve a second consecutive year of growth in 2019, with consumer spend set to grow by 4%, according to Futuresource Consulting. Despite the continuing upsurge, key components are experiencing wildly varying fortunes.
News categories: Futuresource Consulting, David Sidebottom, Australia, Digital TV, Market Research
Dish TV India launches range of 'Smart Connected Devices'
Oct 11, 2019 – Dish TV India has launched an Android-based HD Set Top Box and a Voice enabled Alexa Built-in smart kit. The smart kit dongle allows subscribers to access OTT Apps and Alexa skills on their existing set top boxes.
News categories: Dish TV India, Anil Dua, Apps, Digital TV, India, OTT, Satellite, Set Top Box, Smart Home
- Fincons Group joins Deutsche TV-Plattform
- Samba TV taps Oracle Moat to measure viewability of CTV ads
- Amazon Prime Video app added to TiVo devices at Atlantic Broadband
- TekSavvy TV launches Cloud PVR and advanced features
- CJ Hello deploys ATEME transcoding solution
- US: Netflix grabs the most attention, but its reign will be challenged
- AWS compute and storage available at the edge of 5G networks
- FOX selects AWS as its cloud and machine learning provider
- TiVo launches Prime Video App to its U.S. pay-TV operator customers
- KPN integrates Amazon Prime Video into the TV menu
- Vodafone UK offers Apple TV 4K with unlimited broadband and mobile data
- A1 Bulgaria launches advanced TV with Zappware
- Tru Optik and Anzu.io to bring targeting to in-game advertising
- 14.5 million Australians now paying TV subscriptions
- EE hosts 5G-powered multi-location augmented reality gig
- Four-fifths of broadcasters considering personalised ads
- 3Q 2019 TV shipments grow 16.8% QoQ owing to peak season
- Worldwide spending on AR/VR expected to reach $18.8bn in 2020
- 13.7 million EU citizens streaming unauthorised IPTV
- WIND-Hellas launching Cloud Recordings with Zappware


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More than 600 jobs will be created in regional Queensland after the Palaszczuk Government allocated more $3.14 million in Rural Economic Development grants to 15 rural businesses. Businesses from the Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Bundaberg, Cassowary Coast, Cairns, Mareeba and the Tablelands have received up to $250,000 in co-contribution grants to purchase innovative equipment and build new infrastructure to create jobs and expand agricultural supply chains.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the latest round of RED Grant funding would provide a timely economic boost and help to build industry, support rural communities and grow employment opportunities across the agricultural sector.
“Creating jobs is at the heart of Queensland’s $8 billion plan for economic recovery, and the job supported by these grants will be a real shot in the arm to these communities,” Mr Furner said.
“A wide range of fruit and vegetable processing and packaging facilities, a regional meatworks, nurseries and a bio manufacturing facility were among the successful businesses funded in this round. Some businesses will expand infrastructure to increase productivity, sustainability and energy efficiency, or improve post-harvest handling and new processing capability or develop new and more water efficient systems of farming in their industries. All the projects will create new jobs for regional Queensland. In total 251 direct full-time jobs will be created, another 90 during construction and 346 indirect full-time positions will need to be filled to make these projects come to life.”
Bratasha Farm at Applethorpe – 41 jobs
Bratasha Farm Director Raymond Bertinazzi said the funding would be used to expand their current protective growing facilities by two hectares.
“The funding we received will be used to construct an additional two-hectare high-tech, fully enclosed, climate-controlled cropping system, fitted with LED lighting to artificially extend the day length and circulation fans to improve ventilation,” he said.
Mr Bertinazzi said that protective farming was becoming increasingly popular among horticulture farmers to influence the environment conditions their crops grow under. “The protected cropping industry is the fastest growing food sector in Australia, with approximately 20 per cent of the value of total vegetable production in Australia now grown under protective structures,” he said.
“The results from this extensive research has confirmed there was a substantial increase in yield, noticeable improvement in product quality, reduction in chemical usage by up to 30 per cent, reduction in fertiliser by up to 15 per cent and a reduction in water consumption by nearly 30 per cent using protective copping methods.”
The shift from paddock to protective cropping has provided Bratasha Farms with a greater return per hectare of production and an increase in demand for products. Bratasha Farms will also use the RED Grant funding to construct a purpose-built greenhouse fabrication facility for other producers looking to build their own protective farming facilities.
“This will be the first of its kind in South East Queensland and will be an entirely new industry to the small rural community and will make the conversion to greenhouse production so much simpler for the other growers,” Mr Bertinazzi said. The project is expected to create up to 41 direct and indirect jobs during and post construction.
Wickham Farms at Killarney – 24 jobs
Demand for convenient vegetable products, specifically potatoes, has allowed a family farm on the Southern Downs to invest in new infrastructure which will create local jobs and supply the first potatoes of their kind in Australia.
Wickham Family Farms has been operating for 60 years with sites at Killarney, Warwick, Gatton and the Atherton Tablelands but changing consumer demand means Director Kerri-Ann Lamb has had to adapt their business to suit changing market trends.
A new project is designed to broaden the market for Queensland potatoes, delivering to wholesale, quick service restaurants and food manufacturing companies an easy option, by having pre-cooked and chilled potato products.
The Pasteurised Potato Line project will utilise the existing advanced production line allowing Wickham Farms to provide a versatile cooking application, developing new products that have consistent quality, easy preparation, longer shelf life, and more suitable for food service and also to be exported, both interstate and internationally.
Ms Lamb said the products would deliver consistent quality, with a desirable shelf life, without compromising freshness. “The end user will value the products versatility, reduced preparation time and waste,” Ms Lamb said. “The new product also aligns with domestic and international demand and trend for value added convenience products which reduce labour costs and waste, ultimately saving the end user.”
The project will create 16 agricultural jobs, another four during construction as well as supporting four indirect jobs. “Increasing opportunities for skilled labour in rural communities is rare, and this opportunity will create several new skilled roles,” Ms Lamb said. Wickham Farms supplies whole brushed potatoes to supermarkets and fresh cut vegetables to food manufacturers, quick service restaurants, wholesale and food service.
Finlay Farming at Texas – 10 jobs
Brothers Dougal, John and Greg Finlay and their families operate Finlay Farming on an aggregation of farms, Emu Plains, south of Texas including intensive irrigated crops with a rotation of Lucerne hay, cotton, peanuts, ryegrass haylage and various other legumes.
Plans to move into supplying butternut and jap pumpkins and broccoli, along with a shortage of local workforce accommodation, has allowed the company to invest in new infrastructure to support an increase in production. The funding will support an investment in extending the packing shed to a size that allows efficient processing of butternut and jap pumpkin and broccoli including washing, handling and storage. It will also involve staff accommodation to support local on-farm employment.
The project will also allow for flexibility for trial products in the future. Up to five new jobs will be created through the project, as well as three during construction and another two indirect roles. CEO Greg Finlay said the project would enable them to expand production of butternut pumpkin over an earlier and extended period into target markets and had also added broccoli to their winter production schedule. “We can also get more efficient at handling, washing, and grading with larger covered areas in the extended packing shed,” Mr Finlay said.
Mr Finlay said the project was dependent on local employment. “There is a large increase in inputs and turnover in these high value crops. The inputs are acquired locally, and the project is only made possible by the additional staff,” he said. “There is almost no accommodation available locally so living on farm is important to have the reliable staff available. These employees then become a part of the local community and spend locally for their needs and activities on an ongoing basis.”
Source: Government of Queensland.


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Aid agency CARE International UK has announced that daytime TV presenter Kate Garraway is to act as an ambassador of its new micro-lending website lendwithcare.org.
The website lets people lend from as little as £15 to entrepreneurs in the world’s poorest countries, to help get their business plans off the ground. The micro-lender’s contribution is then repaid at the end of the loan, or they can choose to re-invest in another would-be entrepreneur, or the can donate to CARE’s work.
Garraway said: “I was really drawn to this campaign because, having recently set up the discount website goodypass.com, I have become an entrepreneur myself and so I can appreciate how hard and frustrating it must be for those who are living in poverty and trying to set up a business, with no access to any financial services or other support.”
“The lendwithcare.org website gives people access to finance, as people like us invest in their business by sending them as little as £15. I want to encourage as many people as possible in the UK to lend their money to some of these people, to give them the opportunity of providing a better future for themselves and their families.”
The entrepreneur receives 100% of the loan that they requested; no administrative charges are deducted from the entrepreneur’s loan.
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The world’s largest cryptocurrency is winding down.
Mayweather will pay more than $600,000 in fines and penalties.
DOJ is investigating whether last year’s rally was fueled partly by manipulation.
A new study conducted by Edelman analyzes the
Fidelity’s move into cryptocurrencies is icing on the cake for the asset class.
The JPMorgan-led project has been growing since launching in 2017.
For months, Ripple executives have been teasing the launch of a platform that would allow banks and other institutions to speed up international transactions.
Cryptocurrency investors can rest easy knowing they can store their digital currency passwords using synthetic DNA.
Ambiguous regulatory environment cited as a hurdle in opening a cryptocurrency trading desk: Report.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said on Thursday it will review a decision by its staff to block nine bitcoin-based exchange-traded funds from coming to market.
Overstock is developing blockchain technology that is more important than the internet, CEO Patrick Byrne said.
Justin Blau, best known as “DJ 3LAU,” is set to spin into cryptocurrency by launching the first-ever blockchain-powered music festival.
The lawsuit accuses AT&T of gross negligence and seeks $200 million in punitive damages.
The broader crypto market has shed more than $600 billion in value since February.
The SEC said it will decide whether to allow the ETF to move forward by September 30.
The cryptocurrency is down more than 70% from its December 2017 peak.
The Federal Reserve can restore confidence in banks and boost the economy if it issued its own digital currency.
Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies continue to face pressure as regulators move in, while another hack was revealed.
Best known as the founder of McAfee antivirus software, the off-beat tech titan previously ran an unsuccessful bid for president in 2016.
Here’s how blockchain could revolutionize the energy industry.


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The need for disposable cleaning equipment is rising as more and more sectors and industries have fast-paced working conditions. However, how might disposable cleaning products help your company? In this article, we’ll examine how the use of disposable cleaning equipment could benefit your business! Here’s Why Switching to Disposable Cleaning Equipment Saves You More Financially […]
The Chinese province of Sichuan is currently experiencing a major heat wave and drought. Sichuan is a large hub of international manufacturing, so this is especially bad news for the global supply chain.
McDonald’s is piloting a new menu item – Chicken Big Mac! This menu item has seen great success in the U.K. during their launch this year and nearly sold out in 10 days.
With a less congested supply chain, we can receive our goods not only quicker but for a lower price as well.
With today’s technology, blockchain and artificial intelligence are some of the unique ways to achieve supply chain solutions.
According to a recent research report by Market Research Future, the frozen food market is expected to be worth $338.5 billion by the end of 2030. Additionally, the market is expected to grow over 5.93% CAGR during the timeframe.
The pandemic has changed the way that consumers will eat forever. Consumers no longer want to wait in a long line in a restaurant waiting for their order to be ready. Consumers want their food quickly, and they want to be able to order their food digitally.
In a world where takeout is so prevalent, it’s important to have good processes in place to ensure customer satisfaction
According to research from Morningstar, the ongoing supply chain issues are improving.
Restaurants having a social purpose is now more important than ever. In fact, 87% of Millennials and 94% of Gen Z are expecting companies to address social and environmental issues. In order to leverage this need, restaurants need to reconsider what their social purpose is, have a sustainable food system, empower their employees, and consider […]


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(Samsung Galaxy M20 review release date and specifications)
Samsung Galaxy M20:
Samsung smartphones are among the most popular in the world, but Koreans are experiencing problems in the budget phone segment. The reason for this is the intensified competition in the segment because Chinese manufacturers offer better performance for less money.
Therefore, it was decided to abandon the Galaxy J series and now the affordable Samsung will be released under the letter M. It is expected that it will include three models of the Samsung Galaxy M10, M20, and M30.
The mid-budget solution will be the M20 smartphone, about which a lot is already known.
Samsung Galaxy M20 release date:
It just so happens that the main market for budget Samsung is India. Sources of the BGR portal claim that the presentation of the Samsung Galaxy M20 will take place in this country.
The premiere should take place at the end of January 2019, and the device itself will go on sale in February-March.
Initial rumors estimated the smartphone at $ 300 (20 thousand rubles), which makes it not at all budget, especially against the background of Xiaomi and Huawei phones.
But the latest leaks say that the Galaxy M20 at the start will cost no more than $ 215 (14.4 thousand rubles). The Samsung Galaxy J6 (2018) cost about the same at the start of sales in Russia, which will be replaced by the M20.
Samsung Galaxy M20 M205M 32GB. Check Price
Samsung Galaxy M20 (SM-M205F) 32GB. Check Price
The new affordable smartphone from Samsung will receive a bezel-less Infinity-V display. The brand name hides a teardrop-shaped screen, similar displays are already installed in smartphones from other manufacturers. Interestingly, unlike direct competitors, Samsung decided to install a 6.13-inch SuperAMOLED-screen with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels in an inexpensive model, which means its color reproduction will be at the level of premium devices.
The processor of the novelty will be a single-chip chipset of Samsung’s own design – Exynos 7904. The RAM in the smartphone will be 4 GB, and a permanent one to choose from – 32 or 64 GB. Most likely, the Galaxy M20 will have a place for a microSD card slot.
The main camera will have two sensors – 13 and 5 megapixels. But the front-facing camera will surprise, but not with its 8-megapixel resolution, but with a ring LED strip around it, which will light up when unlocked in the face. It can be used as a flash for selfies.
There is little information about the supported interfaces, but it is known that the Samsung Galaxy M20 will receive a USB Type-C port. By the way, the battery, according to 91mobiles, will have a huge 5,000mAh capacity.
Samsung Galaxy M20 will run out of the box on Android 8.1 Oreo with Samsung’s proprietary shell. Perhaps it will be the new One UI skin, which was shown in November 2018.
Nokia 5.3 Review and specifications


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Flooding the country with fiat at a time when the Coronavirus-stricken economy has wreaked havoc might not be the best option. Last week, the Federal Reserve announced several new lending programs that involve infusion of an additional $2.3 trillion into the US economy.
Even the Bank of England reported that it would temporarily help government cash flows and provide a temporary short-term source of additional funding. While this gave rise to concerns about inflation, interestingly, it was Bitcoin and Gold that stood out.
Popular Bitcoin proponent and Researcher at OpenNode and Tantra Labs, Nik Bhatia, in a recent podcast, stated, that the credit money system is “unsustainable”. When there are huge debt bubbles, they begin to collapse and this is when, according to Bhatia, the Fed comes in and prevents the collapse of it and “just extends bad debt into infinity”.
Looking at the Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market, it can be seen that there has been rising institutional support after a sell-off the previous month, and the industry seems to be on the recovery path. As Bitcoin matures, could it be used as the base money in the future? Bhatia seems to be optimistic about this. He said,
“Bitcoin is just another asset where you can base a money system off. It is the new gold from that perspective. My vision for Bitcoin is as a base money for tomorrow as gold was a base money for yesterday.”
Bhatia, who also happens to be a USC Professor also went on to talk about the co-existence of asset-based monetary system as well as the credit money system and added,
“In an asset-based monetary system, which we had under gold standards, throughout history, it does not mean that you cannot have a credit money system under it, but you have an explicit disciplinary constraint on the issuance of money. And that’s how much gold is in your bowl. And it really is the best model for a Bitcoin monetary system going forward.”
Interestingly, in early 20th century, most countries in the world used the gold standard as a means of managing the value of national currencies. But this ended soon following the economic disruption stimulated by the WWI. After that, countries resorted to fiat money system. But asset-backed currencies have their own advantages.
For instance, its value cannot be manipulated by a central authority with their values set by the economic principles of supply and demand. One of the most controversial implementations of this type of system is Venezuela’s oil-backed currency, Petro. But Petro remains engulfed in controversies as the country’s economic woes remain very much intact.
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SYDNEY, N.S. — The proposed Centre for Discovery and Innovation will be the topic of a Nov. 12 discussion hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership and the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
University president David Dingwall will headline the luncheon and presentation that will offer details on the centre and ways residents and the business community can help to create a prosperous future for the island.
“This is not just a building,” Dingwall said in a press release on the event. “This is an anchor to assist the community in reaching its goal of growing the population of Cape Breton Island.”
The proposed ‘shovel-ready’ centre will be a modern research and instructional facility featuring cutting-edge design and clean technology. It will be home to state-of-the-art research and training and will facilitate industry partnerships that create local solutions for global problems.
The luncheon with Dingwall is a ticketed event and will take place at noon on Nov. 12 at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney.
Register online at https://ourislandourfuture.eventbrite.ca or phone the chamber at 902-564-6453. Ticket sales close on Nov. 10.


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Despite the fact that Samsung is the world’s largest smartphone vendor, the company’s is far from being the best when it comes to providing timely Android updates for its smartphones. With exception of the Galaxy S9 and S9, every import smartphone from Samsung released in the last year or so with Oreo, is yet to receive an update to Android 9.0 Pie.
As previously mentioned both the Galaxy S9 and S9+ started to receive the Pie update back in the last month, but not everyone got it yet. The same goes for the Galaxy Note 9, which reportedly started to receive the promised update a week ago. Unfortunately, the Note 9 owners who got a smile on their faces with the imminence of this update, will have to wait a bit longer.
Gizchina News of the week
Apparently, the rollout was nothing more than a test. Even though the update was tagged as a stable build, it’s only available in Germany. The South-Korean manufacturer initially stated that the update was set to be deployed on January 15, but it may have been delayed. Samsung’s Turkish Portal Guncelmiyiz has just updated its previous Galaxy Note 9 Pie update roadmap to February 1, two weeks later than previously announced.
The delay may be explained by the discovery of a new unseen bug on the firmware, so a two weeks delay probably won’t hurt Note 9 owners if this means that they will receive a final stable update on the new date. Of course, even though it comes on February 1, it will still take some weeks to arrive for all Galaxy Note 9 in the multiple regions where the device is available.


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Apple is popularly known for its reputation among its users. Brand loyalty is massive and it has grown every time a user chooses to buy an Apple product instead of a Samsung. Apple just does everything right for an average consumer and this is why the brand loyalty and fan following is enormous.
However, due to some unknown reason, only 20 people were seen lined up at Apple’s flagship London branch when it opened at 8 am, yesterday. We did not get to see the usual queues at Apple Stores when a new iPhone comes out, and it seemed odd. There is no way that people have suddenly lost all craze to use the latest technology or the latest iPhone. The iPhone 13 lineup that includes four models- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max have some significant upgrades than last year, it is not a flop show but still, only 20 people lined up to get their hands on the latest tech, what could possibly be wrong?
Well, first of all, let’s not forget about the pandemic, and secondly, online deliveries via Apple Stores and other retailers are way more in trend, and the new normal, of course, for the people to stand for hours in a queue. I believe, people have become more time-sensitive nowadays, and rather spend their time doing something productive than to simply wait in line for a new iPhone.
Anyhow, this does not mean that people have lost the craze for an Apple iPhone. Since, 2007 when iPhones hit the shops, people have been desperately lining up to get their hands on the latest iPhone, trying out the new design, the new camera, and the overall look and feel of their precious iPhones.
As mentioned in several reports, it was not just the London branch that was shunned by fans yesterday, even Bristol and Cambridge Apple Stores were unusually calm on the first day of a new iPhone’s launch.
e-commerce has taken the lead in this department, and it is super-feasible for anyone to just order an iPhone 13 online than to wait in line for hours. Also, as I said, people could be taking precautions because of this global pandemic situation which we all must respect.
There are more logical reasons for just 20 people to stand for the new iPhone than there are excuses. The latest flagship iPhone 13 line-up includes some major improvements in battery life and camera.
Let us know what color iPhone did you buy this year? My personal favorite is the new Sierra Blue.


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Mahindra is working on a new Thar facelift and news of it has been reported for months, Thar is a ferociously powerful off-road sport utility vehicle. Thar has been a successful vehicle in the market for years, and the arrival of a new facelift car is simply exciting. A hot topic of discussion is what to expect from the car, whether it will retain its conventional rugged SUV stature, or will Mahindra design the exteriors with a more contemporary look, also seen in the new generation Scorpio.
The prime selling feature of Thar is its ruggedness and shockingly impressive engine power, the present car is equipped with a fiery four cylinder 2,523cc engine that produces enormous 182.5Nm torque and 63bhp power energies. The forthcoming car is going to be even more potent and it will move on an efficient 2,498cc mill that will pump out 247Nm torque and 105bhp power.
The varied identity of the new Mahindra Thar is inscribed on minimal cosmetic changes, and the interiors too will have a new atmosphere. The décor is going to be richer than before and buyers can get prepared to be completely mesmerized. Mahindra will refurnish the centre console and dashboard, and it will look more professional than before, and it is just refreshing to the eye. To build an aesthetically impressive atmosphere, the company will construct a new in-car infotainment and air conditioning unit.
The company has not yet divulged the price of the upcoming facelift Thar; sources say it is likely to be parallel to the current model. Mahindra has for years been a pioneer of the sport utility vehicle market and emerged with best sellers such as XUV500, Scorpio, Xylo, Bolero and Quanto, and now there is a new Thar model to look forward to.
Mahindra has recently lost its esteemed position in the sport utility vehicle space, mainly because of the vast market share expansion in this segment, contributed by products from Renault and Ford with Duster and EcoSport respectively. The SUV market has become insanely competitive over the years, mainly caused by the effect of the constrained economy.
The supremacy of Mahindra gained over the years cannot be tarnished easily, and the new Thar facelift looks as stunning as ever. What to expect from it, the crowd will be attracted to the newness, engraved on the exterior cosmetic changes and abundantly rich interior décor, richer than the previous model by magnitudes and not to forget the more potent engine.
At the moment the forthcoming Thar facelift is in the development stage, and there are many more intriguing details to crack. It will be fun to drive the car, and dwell into a refreshed That atmosphere, where every element is more luxurious from the dashboard to center console to air conditioner. How exciting does it sound?
Expect nothing but grandness with the new Thar facelift, and for those who completely awe-inspired by the development of the car, will have to just patiently wait.