text:
The death-grip-gate drama surrounding the iPhone 4 and its mysterious signal dropping is coming to a head, with Apple hastily convening a press conference later tonight at its Cupertino campus. A quick recap if you’re just tuning in – after a number of users reported signal and call/data drops when their hands bridged the new iPhone 4 antenna, Apple issued a public statement stating it was a mere ‘formula error’ that led to users seeing more signal bars than they should in certain cases. It took independent body Consumer Reports, which tested three iPhone 4s in its radio frequency isolation room and issued a ‘not recommended’ status due to the significant reception problems (when holding the phone over its lower-left corner), for Apple to pull together an event to tackle this issue head-on.
Now, in typical Apple fashion, an invite to this event, even to the select few who do receive it, is short on detail, except that it will be around the company’s flagship smartphone. This is a first for Apple – as far back as I can remember, and aficionados out there can correct me if I am wrong, Apple has never called for a press conference for anything other than a new product announcement. Amidsts all the theories and expectations around what Apple should do at this event, here are our educated predictions about how it will go down come Friday 16th July, 10 AM Pacific time:
(image courtesy flickr user bonguri)
iPhones are selling very well, thank you: Signal issues notwithstanding, the iPhone 4 has sold very well, and you can expect Apple to come out all guns-blazing with this fact. Expect a big thank you to all 2 million plus customers who have put their faith (and their cash) in the iPhone 4.
Acknowledge the problem…almost!: Never one to accept mistakes too easily, expect Apple to first drive home the iPhone 4’s ability to hold onto calls in what previously used to be dead spots. They’re bound to follow that up with a reiteration of signal drops in all phones when they’re held in a certain way, paving the way to an acknowledgement that holding the iPhone 4 in a certain way affects its signal reception too. They’re sure to mention iOS 4.0.1, released just last night, which addresses the way signal bars are displayed in the iPhone, but since early reports suggest that this software update does not fix the issue, expect this only to serve as a reaffirmation that the company is quick to respond to consumer feedback.
Go Straight to the Solution: Apple knows one thing – any fix that it announces today has to solve the problem completely, or else class-action lawsuits will ensue. There is a theory that Apple factories in China have already developed a special non-conductive coating which when applied to the stainless steel ring would solve the problem, just like the bumper case does. If this is true, Apple should announce a free upgrade on all units, either via an in-store carry-in or via Apple sponsored mail-in. This works on multiple levels – you solve the problem first and foremost, and you do it without upsetting the form factor or its usability with docks etc. And yes, it keeps an eye on the cost as well, with Apple having to roll this out to its service centers in the US, UK and the handful of countries where the iPhone 4 has launched.
But more than the stock price, which has taken a slight beating already, the company will worry about its premium and ‘no-compromises’ image, and the battering its stock of goodwill has taken is far more important to reclaim. So we’re going out on a limb and predicting that in addition the free coating, Apple may even announce a 30-day return policy from the day you fix your iPhone 4 to return the phone if you’re still unsatisfied with the phone reception. But yes, we expect no recall to take place despite all the calls from various quarters to this effect, and knowing Apple, the free bumpers aint likely to come by either. The recall is just too damaging for the shareholder value, and the bumper just not elegant enough a solution to come out of Cupertino – not to forget the hordes of third-party cases and docks that wont work if you use a bumper case. And no, I don’t expect Apple to launch another product in the same event to take the heat off the iPhone 4 – that’s not the way we’ve seen them do business.
Will the black turtleneck be ruffled tonight? Somewhat, but if anything, I expect Apple to have done its due diligence and provide a fix which unquestionably solves the issue. What’s your take on what Apple should and will do? Let us know in the comments!
(image courtesy flickr user marcopako)


text:
Sorry, no Apple for you: Microsoft's bid fruitless
Published 10:00 pm, Wednesday, January 11, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- It's not every day that Microsoft Corp. asks to put a competitor's logo on one of its own products. And the kicker is, the answer was "No."
In a first for Microsoft's hardware group, the company is developing a keyboard designed just for the Mac. But regular Mac users will notice there's no Apple key.
To be clear, there is a key to the left of the space bar that will do everything the regular Apple key does. But the customary Apple icon is missing. Asked about the situation at the Macworld Expo this week, a Microsoft representative said Apple declined the company's request to use the iconic symbol on the wireless keyboard.
"Apple controls the licensing," explained Scott Erickson, director of product management and marketing in Microsoft's Mac Business Unit. "It's their trademark."
Considering the historic rivalry between the companies, it probably would have been even more surprising if an Apple icon had appeared on a Microsoft product. And Apple's decision doesn't appear to signal any type of rift between the companies in the areas where they do work together.
Just this week, for example, Apple and Microsoft announced a new agreement in which Microsoft committed to continue developing Microsoft Office programs for Mac for at least another five years, and Apple agreed to give Microsoft access to the key Mac-related technologies needed to keep making those programs.
- Young entrepreneur Blake Pyron heads to UN Fox4
- Lyft Testing Netflix-Like Subscription Packages for Riders Wibbitz
- Lexus Is Getting Into the Luxury Boat Business Fortune
- Start-Up Offering to Preserve & Upload Your Brain, But There's a Catch Buzz 60
- Amazon Unveils 'Spheres' Green Space In Seattle Associated Press
- Tariffs could affect Maine businesses WMTW
- Triad CEO provides tips on how women can maximize business potential, finances WXII
- Lending business changes policies in wake of Florida school shooting Fox5Atlanta
- The Booming Business of eSports Cheddar TV
- Inside essential oils marketing, a billion-dollar wellness business with plenty of critics Mic
- Millennials fell for scams more than grandparents last year Fox29
- International reaction to Trump's tariffs Euronews
- EXCLUSIVE: Facebook Takes on LinkedIn With New Jobs Tool Cheddar TV
- Amazon Acquires Smart Doorbell Maker 'Ring' for a Reported $1 Billion Wibbitz
- Apple Admits it Uses Google's Cloud for iCloud Wibbitz
- A look into the shipping container home business Fox29
- Airbnb Appeals To Luxury Market With 'Airbnb Plus' Buzz 60
- The Shocking Amount Americans Spend on Impulse Buys in Their Lifetime Buzz 60
- US Marijuana Job Growth Could More Than Double By 2021 Buzz 60
- Amazon Offering Cash Back to Customers Who Shop at Whole Foods Wibbitz
The wireless keyboard also will come with a mouse specially designed for the Mac. Slated to debut this summer, they will be sold for about $100. Prototypes are on display under glass at Microsoft's booth at Macworld this week.
Mac users can rest assured that the key on Microsoft's Mac keyboard will still work the same as the Apple key, Erickson said. But Microsoft knew better than to default to the Windows logo found on its other keyboards. Instead, it will simply use the traditional clover symbol that is next to the Apple logo on the key on official Mac keyboards.
Apple said a representative wasn't available Wednesday to discuss the issue. But the company appears to be applying to Microsoft the same standards as it does to some outside makers of Mac keyboards, which also don't have an Apple icon on their Apple key. (Editor's note: See related item in Todd Bishop's blog.)
In addition to using a very Mac-like silver color for the keyboard, Microsoft has adapted to Mac standards and layout in several ways, including using the word "return" instead of "enter." Behind the scenes, it has also written the keyboard's device drivers specifically for the Mac, Erickson said. Although a standard Microsoft wireless keyboard also can be used with Macs, not all of the functions work in those situations.

domain: news


text:
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a pharmacist, Orakwe Chibuike Celestine, pictured above, for allegedly engaging in the sales of illicit and controlled drugs on a popular e-commerce platform.
A statement released today August 17 by Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the anti-drug agency, says Orakwe who is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Abuja, registered his pharmaceutical company on 16th December 2014 with the certificate and support of a licensed pharmacist, who opted out of the deal in 2017.
”The suspect continued running the business and enrolled it on Jiji.ng platform in 2019. He however came under NDLEAs radar in October 2021 when he advertised many pharmaceutical products such as Tramadol, Ketamine Hydrochloride injection, Hypnox flunitrazepam tablets among others on the Jiji.ng online marketplace.
Between 26th October 2021 and 8th August 2022, the team of anti-narcotic officers assigned to investigate Orakwes drug business activities was able to establish the suspect was selling Tramadol 225mg and other illicit/controlled drugs through the e-commerce platform. As a result, the suspect was arrested with some quantities of Tramadol and Swiphnol brand of Rohypnol on Monday 8th August at a drink joint in Jabi area of Abuja where he had gone to make some supplies of orders made through his online channel on Jiji.ng.” the statement read
In his reaction to Orakwes arrest, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) said the painstaking investigation and process of arresting the businessman should send a strong message to those hiding behind the internet to engage in marketing and selling of illicit/controlled drugs that the Agency will definitely get them to face the consequences of their action.


text:
Samsung on Tuesday announced production has started for its new PM971-NVMe, a solid state drive that crams non-volatile memory express technology, onboard NAND flash memory, DRAM and an SSD controller into a package slightly larger than a postage stamp.
Designed for thin-and-light laptops and other space constrained applications, the PM971-NVMe incorporates 18 separate chips in a single ball grid array package with a volume that is about a hundredth of a standard 2.5-inch SSD card, and one-fifth the surface area. The package combines 16 48-layer 256-gigabit V-NAND flash chips, a 20-nanometer 4Gb LPDDR4 DRAM chip and an in-house controller.
"The introduction of this small-scale SSD will help global PC companies to make timely launches of slimmer, more stylish computing devices, while offering consumers a more satisfactory computing environment," said Jung-bae Lee, Samsung's senior vice president of Memory Product Planning and Application Engineering Team.
According to Samsung, the new SSD's NVMe interface surpasses transfer speeds supported by the current generation SATA 6GB/s protocol. Sequential read and write speeds reach up to a respective 1,500 megabytes per second and 900MB/s using Samsung's TurboWrite technology. As an example, the PM971-NVMe can transfer a 5GB movie file in about three seconds, or download it in six seconds.
The PM971-NVMe SSD will be produced in 512GB, 256GB and 128GB capacities, and is expected to ship out this month. Samsung did not specify OEMs that might be interested in purchasing the new SSD module, but Apple with its penchant for thin-and-light laptop designs is likely on the short list. Aside from iOS device components, Apple looks to Samsung for a variety of Mac parts, including current issue SSDs. For example, Apple quietly upgraded the original Toshiba SSD modules in its MacBook Air lineup to Samsung units in 2011, a switch that ultimately trickled down to other MacBook lines.
Recent rumors suggest Apple is planning to introduce thinner and lighter 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro models in late 2016, a product line lauded for its performance capabilities. While speculation points to parts crossover from the 12-inch Retina MacBook, like butterfly key mechanisms, it is possible that the company plans to include Samsung's speedy, and diminutive, storage chip in the new design.


text:
Dixons warns of 'uncertain times' on top of profit rise Get the full story: Dixons Carphone says it can thrive regardless Brexit His comments came as offers on black friday Dixons Carphone posted any pre tax profit of 144 million for the six months to 29 October, Assessed against 121m last time, And a tv deals black friday 5 per cent rise in like for like sales in great britan and Ireland.
Cultured Friday, Individuals fell after its first half, Was another record trading day for the group as shoppers snapped up gadgets such as smart fitness and wearable scientific advances, In adition to dash cams rogues capturing footage of car journeys. The group also unveiled a new love with Perth based utility group SSE, That most of the time owns Scottish Hydro, To formulate an online platform that will use Dixons Carphone's software to enable their joint ten million customers"To judge, Control as well as their 2015 black friday sale ads homes and appliances at the touch mouse button, Dixons Carphone added they are services brand, Secrets, Will support the partnership with its all-encompassing repair and maintenance system. Commercial, shopping black friday Whose main UK brands are Carphone manufacturing unit, PC industry and Currys, Reported develop all its main divisions, Trying a 23 per cent jump in sales in the Nordic countries, Where it rooked the weaker pound. James said as part of its planning less expected times the retailer had focused on reducing its fixed costbase and was preparing in 2017 for"All scenarios in the event.
Prev: black friday deals 2014
Next: black friday pc deals
|1||black friday online stores...||Day in eire is different from America Dow: Or dow jones: Properly S 500:HomeCul|
|2||meijer black friday...||Avoid purchasing Caught Empty Don't Get Caught Empty HandedThere's nothing can|
|3||which stores have black friday...||Desperate shoppers BRAWL in the aisles to buy bargain discounts Desperate barga|
|4||sneakers black friday...||Cyber saturday sting hits bogus sites Immigration law law and Customs Enforceme|
|5||what shops have black friday s...||Dodgeland's Seufzer comes title mean Mother suitableDISON Dodgeljr.Nd stole Jin|
|6||what stores have the best blac...||Donald Trump dives into election hacking downside to Putin Election first of hi|
|7||2014 black friday sales...||Cyber Monday Sales likely to simply Beat Black Friday Black Friday is not any b|
|8||black friday sales near me...||Online mon Tips Being successful on Cyber Monday is based on having a step-by-s|
|9||black friday hdtv deals...||Deli's town For Strictly Kosher Now I aren't need to take dates to the Jewish H|
|10||walmart black friday ad...||Designer bargains click with individuals Evening, Shelley Risk receives an e ma|


text:
What you need to know
- It looks like Google may have killed YouTube on the third-gen Apple TV.
- Hundreds of users have taken to both Apple and YouTube's support channels to express their discontent.
- Viewers are met with the message "An error occurred loading this content. Try again later."
A report suggests that Google may have killed YouTube on the third-generation Apple TV, prompting thousands of customers to take to support channels in protest.
As MacRumors reports:
According to a recent Reddit post:
The report suggests that Apple has told customers who got in touch that the problem is over on Google's end. Looks like this problem has been going on for a couple of weeks, however, there doesn't seem to be a fix in sight. Let us know if you too have been experiencing issues using YouTube on the third-generation Apple TV!
Master your iPhone in minutes
iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!
Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.
Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9


text:
A great deal for a great cause.
The infamous bar known for their cocktail concoctions, The Alchemist, has joined forces with vodka company Grey Goose and social enterprise Foodinate to gift customers a cocktail in exchange for food.
The ‘Swap Shop’ initiative taking place on Tuesday 13th October aims to raise awareness of rising food poverty and invites you to “swap a tin of food for a free cocktail”.
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in people relying on food banks across the country with 100,000 households using them for the very first time over lockdown, according to the Trussell Trust.
Foodbanks are expected to see a further increase in usage over the festive season. The Swap Shop initiative which is now in its second year will once again aim to raise awareness for rising national food poverty by encouraging guests to exchange a non-perishable food item in return for a cocktail.
Every guest donating a non-perishable food item will receive a much-loved colour changing cocktail, although larger donations are welcomed.
Tackling food poverty has been a long-term passion for The Alchemist, who offers all-day dining and a theatrical drinks menu. Last year’s Swap Shop initiative saw over 3,000 donations collected. The brand has been partnered with Foodinate since May 2018 and provides hot and nourishing meals for those in need in local communities when guests order any menu items marked with the Foodinate fork logo. To date, they have provided 65,000 meals for the social enterprise.
Hannah Plumb, Culture and Talent Director at The Alchemist says: “we love the work carried out by Foodinate. It’s a truly fantastic initiative tackling food poverty across the country which is an issue we’re passionate about at The Alchemist. The Swap Shop is a fun and engaging way to encourage customers to donate to their local food banks, who need our support now more than ever.”
This initiative will be taking place for one day only on Tuesday 13th October 2020. Only one cocktail exchange per person. The Alchemist will only accept unopened and in date; tinned dried and packaged foods.


text:
Credit Photo: ©Francis Dias/NEWSPIX INTERNATIONAL
Since joining the royal family, Meghan Markle has been conscious of the power of her fashion choices to make statements for the causes she supports, particularly British fashion makers and female-helmed brands, especially in her collaboration with Clare Waight-Keller to create her Givenchy wedding gown.
For her Australian tour, the Duchess made a concentrated effort to sports clothing that was made ethically and sustainably, including brands such as Stella McCartney, Reformation and Gabriela Hearst. And the “Meghan Effect” was felt – Outland Denim, a sustainable denim brand that Meghan was spotted wearing over 6 times, reported a sales increase of 640% within 48 hours of the Duchess wearing the design. We think that every celebrity who has a should make the best use of their public platform to support ethical fashion, especially those who support feminist issues since over 75% of the world’s 60 million plus garment workers are women. No?
Read more about Meghan’s Australian tour fashion choices here.


text:
Mobile Hotel Tech: The Latest Trends from Asia
By Mark Remijan Co-founder & CEO, HMP Master | December 2023
From my desk in Bangkok, I can see that the big mobile digital trends affecting North America and Europe are also in play in Asia.
On most metrics, the region tends to be third behind North America and Europe on adoption of mobile tech matters, but comfortably ahead of CIS (Greater Russia), the Middle East and Africa.
However, I've noticed that China, Korea and Southeast Asia are increasingly challenging US mobile tech dominance.
On the user side, a Google study in 2019 showed that Southeast Asians spent more time on mobile devices than anywhere else in the world: Thais over five hours a day; Malaysians, Filipinos, and Indonesians over four hours - compared to a global average of around three hours.
Five sectors account for most of that growth: online travel, online media (streaming entertainment and adverts), ride hailing, online shopping, and financial services, including banking.
Some 90% of Southeast Asians get online through mobile devices. Many of them passed over the desktop and laptop phases that characterized the West's digital evolution. Indeed, while Asia was late to the game, its consumers have made up for lost time by adopting the latest mobile devices.


text:
Porsche announced on Saturday (24 March), that it has decided to increase its stake in Volkswagen from 27.3 to 31%.
The maker of luxury sports cars and SUVs currently holds an option to purchase up to 3.7% of Volkswagen ordinary shares. This will take it over the 30% voting rights threshold and it will have to make a mandatory offer for Volkswagen.
However Porsche is not planning a full takeover at the moment. Porsche said that part of the background to the increase of the stake to over 30% is the expected fall of the so-called VW law which limits a shareholder obtaining more than 20% of voting rights in the company. By increasing its stake sooner, rather than later, Porsche wants to avoid a financial investor or hedge fund taking a significant stake in Volkswagen and gaining influence.
In a statement Porsche said that once it has made a mandatory offer, it will not have to make another offer, should it decide to increase its stake further at a later stage.
The state of
Experts expect that Porsche will eventually increase its stake to more than 75% to exclude the influence of another major shareholder, wrote the German press agency.
Porsche said that it will offer the minimum price prescribed by law as part of the mandatory offer. This is expected to amount to EUR100.92 per VW ordinary share. For the VW preference shares the price will be the minimum price which will be calculated by the federal agency for financial services supervision (BaFin).
Furthermore, the mandatory offer will not be conditional upon attainment of a minimum acceptance level (eg a majority interest in Volkswagen). Financing of the mandatory offer has been ensured via a credit facility arranged by ABN AMRO Bank, Barclays Capital, Merrill Lynch International, UBS and Commerzbank.
The Porsche board has, in this context, made it clear: Porsche will remain Porsche. Nothing will change with regard to the structure of the plants, the suppliers, the production and development partners, the dealers and the other partners. The existing business and legal relationships will remain unaffected by the transaction.
Management areas of responsibility will in future be divided between the holding activities on the one hand and the development, production and sale of premium sports vehicles on the other.
It is also proposed that the company, which will then be operating as a holding company, will be converted into a European stock corporation – ‘Societas Europaea’ (SE). An SE is a modern and internationally oriented corporate form which, enables the size of the supervisory board (12 members), which has proved its worth in the past, to be maintained for the future.
The operational company will continue to be based in
Porsche emphasised that it has traditionally had a close relationship with Volkswagen – the first ‘beetle’ was based on a development by the founder of Porsche.
Many joint projects, such as the 914, the 924 and the 944, and also a joint sales company operated between 1969 and 1974, were successful business decisions. Numerous Porsche developments are now standard in vehicles of the Wolfsburg-based group. The companies share the
In the meantime, further joint projects have been initiated: a hybrid engine due on sale this decade, a joint electronics platform, cooperation to build the body shell for the new four-door Porsche Panamera, and further projects aimed at optimising fuel consumption and safety technology.
Porsche said that it is firmly convinced that a closer bond with VW through an increase of the stake to more than 30% of the Volkswagen ordinary shares will produce benefits for both partners without diluting or endangering the identity of Porsche.
The managing board of the sports car manufacturer said it regards the proposed increase of the stake in VW group as a logical step to enable it to meet the global challenges in the highly competitive automobile market even better. It is firmly convinced that the technical and strategic collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen produces benefits for both partners.
This applies particulalrly in light of the pressure to rationalise and consolidate in the global automobile industry as a result of the increasing international competition, especially from the up-and-coming auto-making nations


text:
Some Analysts Still Eyeing Long-Term Concerns For Netflix Despite Its Impressive Q3
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) reported its Q3 results broadly ahead of expectations, driven by international upside. “Though upcoming new content and easier comps. in 2017 could drive further near-term momentum, growing competition and content costs remain long-term concerns,” Baird’s William V. Power commented in a report.
Analyst Power maintained a Neutral rating on the company, while raising the price target from $94 to $120.
US Solid, International Upside
Netflix reported US net adds of 370,000, ahead of Baird’s estimate of 300,000. US revenue came in at $1.3 billion, in-line with expectations, backed by marginally higher margins. The company reported 3.2 million international subscriber adds, significantly higher than Baird’s estimate of 2.0 million. International revenue and margin also beat expectations.
Netflix reported a FCF loss of $506.4 million, substantially higher than Baird’s projection of $238.1 million and the $254.1 million deficit recorded in Q2.
“The company expects a similar loss in Q4, implying a roughly $1.5 billion loss for 2016. NFLX plans to issue additional debt in the coming weeks to fund content, with 1,000 hours of original content planned in 2017 vs. 600 in 2016,” Power wrote.
The analyst also expressed concern regarding intensifying competition from direct competitors like Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Hulu, traditional cable and satellite video providers, and emerging initiatives like TV Everywhere.
“The international markets have lower broadband penetration rates, lower credit usage, and lower TV ARPUs, all of which could hamper Netflix’s growth in those markets. International expansion has also been a drag on overall cash flow and profitability,” Power added.
Do you have ideas for articles/interviews you'd like to see more of on Benzinga? Please email firstname.lastname@example.org with your best article ideas. One person will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon gift card!
Latest Ratings for NFLX
|Mar 2017||Deutsche Bank||Maintains||Hold|
|Mar 2017||Bernstein||Initiates Coverage On||Outperform|
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


text:
“If I got this for delivery, I’d be like, ‘Holy fuck!'” says Momofuku founder David Chang, lifting up a forkful of arctic char that has just arrived at the business office of Maple, a delivery-only restaurant in which he is an investor. “It’s the perfect temp. This is very hard. You just don’t see even a really good restaurant cook fish like this.”
It’s three weeks prior to Maple’s April 28 launch, and Chang is scooping up forkfuls of food from the first test delivery run. The service, at first, sounds like any of the dozen or so apps that already promise restaurant delivery in New York City or San Francisco: Press a button, food shows up. But while Seamless simply conveys your order to a restaurant, and startups like Postmates and DoorDash dispatch delivery people to pick it up, Maple controls the entire process. It cooked the food (three $12 options for lunch, three $15 options for dinner, including tax, tip, and delivery), built the app you use to place your order, and hired the delivery guy who brings it to you. It is, if you will, a “full-stack” restaurant. Or, as Chang puts it, “the future.”
The spread looks tasty. There are vegetarian green chili enchiladas, made with tortillas from a tortillaria in Queens and house-made enchilada sauce; slow-cooked baked arctic char with an olive relish; and pepper-crusted pork tenderloin with sautéed Tuscan kale. “Hopefully this doesn’t taste gross,” CEO Caleb Merkl worried as he pulled the boxes form delivery bags. “It’s the first day.” Maple’s executive chef, Soa Davies, in addition to writing two cookbooks and starting her own business, spent years as the head of menu research and development at three-Michelin-starred French seafood restaurant Le Bernardin. The food definitely does not taste gross.
But it’s not, Merkl decides, quite good enough yet. “It’s probably a little bit colder than it should be,” he says.
Delivered meals, according to the Restaurant Marketing and Delivery Association (RMDA), account for a 7% share of American food spending, with 26% of consumers ordering delivery or takeout at least once a week. The Internet, mobile phones, and an “on demand” expectation have helped feed the growing category. Seamless started taking online orders for delivery back in 1999, and its competitor GrubHub launched in 2004. The two companies merged in 2013 and together field about 200,000 orders in 800 cities every day. Delivery startups like Postmates, Wunwun, and DoorDash have further transformed the experience from a process that once involved a phone number and a paper menu to just a few taps of a smartphone. Sprig and SpoonRocket in San Francisco operate similarly to Maple.
But as much as ordering food for delivery has evolved over the last couple of decades, the restaurant itself has not, which might be one reason that many people–especially those outside dense urban areas–still associate delivery mostly with pizza and Chinese food. “When you order in the hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant, it’s the same experience sitting on the couch in your apartment or eating at the restaurant,” Chang says. “But would you order fish at any restaurant? It’s usually not done well. And you’re ordering from a place that is making it to be served on a plate.”
By only cooking for delivery, Maple can develop recipes specifically to withstand a Manhattan bike commute–and thus, significantly enhance the potential deliciousness of the meal that arrives on your doorstep or stoop. Fried food, in Maple’s early tests, failed to arrive crispy. Loose sauces migrated; tacos arrived looking more like burrito bowls. So it adjusted its offerings accordingly. Maple’s focus is on getting the food as quickly as possible from oven to your door, because delivery is not a side business, it’s the only business. Maple also avoids paying for expensive real estate, instead housing its inventory and most of its kitchen space in an old Pfizer factory in Williamsburg. It can serve more people with fewer staff, and the number of dishes it sells is not limited by a line that spills onto the sidewalk.
The tall order it has set for itself, in a city brimming with sub-par takeout and soggy noodles, is healthy, affordable, food that tastes good, delivered within 30 minutes. This is–as Fast Company discovered over the course of several weeks shadowing the company before its launch–no small undertaking.
Starting in July, Maple tested recipes, built apps, and hired a team that grew from 50 to about 70 in the weeks before launch, including programmers, branding experts, delivery guys, and kitchen staff. It built a 5,000-square-foot industrial kitchen in Brooklyn, complete with rapid cook technology ovens and blast coolers, where a chef de cuisine, two sous chefs, eight line cooks, and a porter will work to prepare all of the food. And it opened a distribution kitchen in the Financial District, where a team of about 30 will cook, assemble, and dispatch meals. For the three weeks prior to launch, it ran the entire operation, with real food, at full-scale, twice every day. A computer program placed fake orders for customers and requested delivery to randomly selected addresses from 30 nearby buildings in under a half an hour. “Anything longer that, and you’re like, Where is my food?” explains Maple’s cofounder, Akshay Navle.
Navle, Maple’s COO, scrutinized this entire production for cracks in the system—any one of which can cause the familiar annoyances of delivery (cold food, long waits, homely dishes). And there were plenty.
The problem that led to that lukewarm fish, for instance: Davies, who handled everything from writing and testing the 270 recipes Maple developed before launch, to stylizing the food for photographs, says the equipment in the new kitchen was, as expected, working differently than the equipment Maple used before the live tests, creating about an 8-degree difference from the previous test kitchen. A measly 8 degrees is enough to throw everything off.
“His expression is the exact same expression that is on the face of any GM [general manager] that is about to open a restaurant,” Chang says, pointing to Navle. “It says, Oh my god, this is happening.”
Eleven days before launch, Navle is leaning on the table, looking at his laptop’s on-screen agenda with the intensity of someone watching a tennis match. Maple’s management team has gathered early for a meeting in the Williamsburg kitchen where Maple prepares food before driving it to the smaller distribution kitchen. Its members grip coffee purchased from three different vendors as Navle begins running through a number of issues he’s discovered during the first week of tests.
Navle seems to always have a list like this one running in his head. He knows everybody’s name, everybody’s job, and everything that needs to be fixed.
Would deliveries be faster if Maple hired someone to “butler” bikes when delivery guys are running inside to collect orders, or if it asked them to lock the bikes up? Can there be a break to flip the kitchen between lunch and dinner? The sheets with instructions for how to pack food (13 steps for a bacon lettuce avocado sandwich, 10 steps for tacos) are “killing it,” but they really need to be “brain dead” simple. Delivery backpacks, ordered from Beirut, just got released from customs. There are four printers, but none of them work. “What about the tongs?” Navle asks the team. When they used them to box broccoli rabe, portion sizes were all over the place.
Merkl leans back in his chair, fiddling with a purple rubber band, and, as usual, wearing bright sneakers (“Caleb dresses in 95 layers of Nike,” Navle once noted, while wearing a matching pair of sneakers that Merkl gave him as a gift). Merkl’s concerns seem to be more on the scale of a city plan than a laundry list. He has the charisma of a high school class president and a fondness for comparing Maple to Chipotle. (Sprig’s CEO and a representative from Munchery both made similar comments, unprompted, when I called to ask about their businesses.) It’s a very flattering comparison, and one that the entire genre seems to be hanging its hopes on.
As sales at fast food restaurants like McDonald’s decline, Chipotle has led the trend toward better quality convenience restaurants. The chain’s sales grew 27.8% last year, with same-store sales increasing 16.8%. But Chipotle has almost 50 locations in Manhattan alone, and 1,783 stores worldwide–an expense that ate up about 5.6% of Chipotle’s revenue last year. “A company like Chipotle took years to build into a [billion-dollar business],” Merkl says. “Relative to that we’ll scale more quickly. Relative to another startup that is launching in 10 cities in one month, it’s going to be slow.”
For now, Maple is only comparable to Chipotle in the optimistic vision of its CEO. It is launching with a minuscule footprint, delivering within a five-minute bike ride of its distribution kitchen in the Financial District. But it is building around the vision of serving 100,000 meals per day in New York. To put that into perspective, Le Bernardin did about 400 meals on its very busiest day, according to Davies.
The kitchen that surrounds us is more commensurate with Maple’s potential than its launch reality: walk-in coolers, industrial chillers, fridge-sized programmable ovens with rolling racks. It’s all part of the plan. Sprig maintains its short delivery times by charging more during busy times, like Uber’s surge pricing. Munchery asks customers to finish cooking the meals themselves, which means it doesn’t have to keep them warm and can deliver more during one route. Maple’s strategy is to set up small local hubs like the one in Financial District in every neighborhood. But all the food will be prepared here, in this kitchen.
The question is whether good food can scale the way investors in startups like Maple, Sprig, SpoonRocket, and Munchery hope. Venture capital has taken interest in food before: think Starbucks, Blue Bottle, and Melt. But, says Semil Shah, who is an investor in Instacart and DoorDash, “The marginal cost of selling an extra piece of software is zero. The marginal cost of opening in a new city is a lot.” When I spoke to GrubHub Seamless CEO Matt Maloney recently, he was (unsurprisingly) skeptical about the ability of “full stack” restaurants to scale like tech companies. “You’ll see some of the better ideas become great local businesses,” he said in November. “But I think it will be challenging for most of these guys to operate at the scale we are now.”
In some sense, there is no need for Maple to rush to scale. “Everybody eats lunch,” as Chang puts it. “Whether it’s the CEO or the assistant to the CEO, most people would rather eat well and affordably.” It’s a big market, and just like there is room for both Panera Bread and Chipotle in the same city, there will be room for more than one app-restaurant.
Even so, this early in the game, none of the “full-stack” restaurants that have set out with dominance in mind have achieved it on more than a regional scale. SpoonRocket has $13.5 million in funding now, but for its first three months after it started in June 2013, it was just the two cofounders, cooking and delivering food themselves. Now it’s in San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle. Sprig, launched in November 2013 in San Francisco, has raised $57 million and served around 500,000 meals. It’s available in San Francisco and Palo Alto, with plans to open in Chicago soon. Munchery, which has raised $39.9 million since opening in April 2011, has opened in the Bay Area, Seattle, and New York, with plans to launch in Los Angeles and Brooklyn soon.
Maple has already raised $26 million from investors including Thrive Capital, Primary Venture Partners, and Greenoaks Capital (along with Chang himself), which allows it to launch at full speed. “Can this be a big business?” Navle remembers an early investor asking. “Then why beat the local Chinese restaurant? Why not beat Chipotle?”
Maple’s business office is technically an apartment, one that has been zoned for both live and work. There is still one room shoved full of the previous tenants’ bikes and furniture. But aside from this, the only remnants of the previous tenants’ occupation are two bookshelves that flank the entrance. “We will eventually pull down the books and put Maple history in there,” says Merkl. “Once we have Maple history.”
With the number of well-funded food delivery startups already in the mix, Maple’s strategy is to compete long-term on taste, brand, and story. Merkl’s focus on the brand comes through in the photos he stores on his camera roll: pictures of early photo shoots in Navle’s apartment, behind the scenes of a promotional video, and the many paint chips that the company collected when it was deciding on its logo color.
About those paint chips: Maple wanted the brand to be rooted more in the idea of culinary excellence than agriculture. Its brand team didn’t want to make everything green just because the food was fresh. They didn’t want to photograph everything in front of a barn just because they plan to source local foods. So could they still convey all of that while building a less stereotypical brand?
“The answer was yellow,” Merkl says. “It conveys a tastiness, a comfort, and also isn’t used by many people. If this business is successful, it’s important to be distinct.”
Getting to a specific shade of yellow, though, was a bit of a process.
“Have you read The Odyssey?” Greg Hathaway, Maple’s director of brand, asks. “Have you read it twice?” chimes in Zach Sniderman, Maple’s director of content strategy (disclosure: once upon a time, Sniderman and I worked together).
Other aspects went through similar levels of agony. What size should the packaging be? Should it have paper handles or fabric handles? What was the tone of the emails to be sent out? At one point, the brand team went through what it describes as 100 bell peppers shooting an accent video that will run within the app. When they finally nailed it, a chef informed them that they had used an improper cutting technique. So they shot it again.
Regardless of the brand or the logistics, like any restaurant, Maple won’t work without good food. And that’s where Chang, a superstar chef with a cult following, comes in. Maple’s main investor, Thrive Capital, introduced the team to Chang, who had already been thinking about food outside of the restaurant as the next frontier when he launched a boxed lunch program with coworking space WeWork, because, frankly, “real estate is just stupid right now.” Soon after, he was writing them a check (two checks, technically—both he and Momofuku are investors) and introducing them to his contacts in the restaurant industry, including Davies.
Maple’s food will be nothing like the pork-laden menu of Momofuku. It’s focusing on simple, healthy meals that you could eat every day (and it hopes you will) without shaving years off of your life. The consumer app includes photos of every ingredient in every meal, chefs only uses antibiotic-free and hormone-free meat, and they use locally and sustainably sourced ingredients when possible. Chang, by contrast, once held it a point of pride that there was only one vegetarian dish at Momofuku Noodle Bar. But even so, it’s hard to overstate Chang’s influence. The New Yorker called him the “one of the most celebrated chefs in the country” in 2008, even before he had expanded his restaurants beyond New York, opened a line of bakeries, or launched a Momofuku product line. Sprig and Munchery have similar promises to Maple, but they do not have Chang’s recognizable name and reputation for good food.
Maple doesn’t lean too heavily on Chang in its marketing—neither his name nor face are on the homepage—but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have him on board. “If we would have been like, Caleb and Akshay are launching a food company,” Merkl says, “nobody would have talked to us.”
The distribution kitchen is a nondescript, cramped, chaotic hole-in-the wall in the Financial District. Delivery guys wearing yellow vests filter in and out of its unmarked door like bees returning to a beehive.
Maple’s CTO, Dan Cowgill, originally built five apps to get food from Maple to the customer. When an order comes in, it is added to a cooks’ app displayed on tablets in the kitchen. Expediters take the food from the chefs, put lids on it, put it in a branded cardboard sleeve, and used a second app to check that the order was done. Packers refer to a third app that tells them, based on destination, which orders should be sent out in a bundle. They enter the bag’s ID and sets it down for a delivery person to pick up. When the delivery person grabs it, he enters the bag ID into a fourth app, and receives instructions for the optimal route to take when dropping off the orders. A fifth app, which the manager of the distribution kitchen uses, gives the overall view of all of this, to spot the gaps in the process and adjust. All of these apps talk to each other, and all of this action fits inside a space that feels like the size of a city bus.
Four days prior to launch, the system and apps have been tweaked and streamlined, and the kitchen has delivered 800 meals over two hours—a new record. “Let’s just say it’s been a long day,” Navle says, patting the back of the kitchen manager as he passes.
Merkl and Navle have agreed to let me follow a delivery guy on a route. His name is Ricky DeBushea, and he was the first hire on the delivery team, though the deliveries he’s doing today are for my benefit (he’s since been promoted to the kitchen). We walk through the angled streets of Tribeca, past people speaking in different languages, TV crews, and all the bustle of busy people out for lunch. We drop food at the Maple office, one of the only locations where it actually gets delivery during tests. When DeBushea takes out his tiny, company-supplied Android phone and opens the delivery app, we can see the delivery took nine minutes. He swipes “order completed.” Then we’re on to 99 John Street, where he takes a selfie within 19 minutes of the order (selfies are how the delivery teams “complete” a fake order during the tests). The last bag he takes to 2 Gold Street. He “drops it” at 22 minutes. On a bike (and without me tagging along, though he doesn’t say this) he says it would have only taken him nine minutes.
Today, the average delivery was 27 minutes, the median was 23 minutes, and the standard deviation was eight minutes. And that was with a bug in the delivery app that slowed the process down. So far the fastest that the kitchen has run is 500 meals per hour, which represents an unlikely number of customers for a startup on its first day. It’s four days to launch, and Maple is ready.
When I open Maple’s ordering app on the first day of delivery, I’m greeted by a video montage: Soa huddled with a group of chefs (or at least, people wearing chef attire), bright green asparagus apparently diving into boiling water, and a sizzling prong.
By 11:51, I’ve decided on Spicy Shrimp Stew.
Sixteen minutes later, I get a call to let me know it has arrived.
There’s a small crowd of deliverymen waiting in the lobby: one from Chop’t, another from some unknown, smiley-faced bag establishment. Uber announced earlier that day that it would begin delivering food from restaurants like Num Pang, Sweetgreen, and Scarpetta. Its competitor, Gett, announced a similar service. I spot my Maple delivery person by his recognizable yellow vest.
“Thanks for ordering,” he tells me, on script. “Cheers, have a good one.” He hands me a brown bag with cloth handles, like the kind you get at a fancy department store.
Inside are two plant-fiber boxes, tastefully wrapped in blind-debossed branded sleeves decorated with the perfect shade of yellow (106U at a 70% tint, FEE7EE if we’re talking Hex code).
It’s delicious. And still piping hot.


text:
EGT Digital in European Markets
EGT Digital continues to set new benchmarks, achieving unparalleled success in the European markets. The latest feather in their cap is a strategic partnership with the gaming giant Betsson Group. This collaboration has not only solidified EGT Digital’s position in the industry but has also opened up exciting avenues in the vibrant Croatian market.
The Milestone: EGT Digital and Betsson Group Join Forces
In a significant move, EGT Digital has inked a partnership deal with Betsson Group, a leader in the gaming and entertainment sector. This strategic collaboration has paved the way for EGT Digital’s jackpot bestsellers, including Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, and Single Progressive, to go live on the renowned Croatian online casino, rizk.hr.
A Proud Moment for EGT Digital
Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, expressed her pride in the milestone collaboration. “We are very proud of this deal,” she remarked. “The Croatian market has great potential for our slots, which are already well-known here. This collaboration will help us increase our popularity among the local gaming audience and establish ourselves as one of the preferred gaming software providers.”
Betsson Group's Expectations
Božo Matić, Country Manager at Betsson Croatia, echoed the sentiment, expressing high expectations regarding the partnership. “As a leading online casino, we must always keep up with the trends and offer the most innovative and attractive gaming content. EGT Digital’s titles immediately caught our customers’ attention and they are currently among the most played slots on our site.”
Expanding the Horizon: EGT Digital's Growth Trajectory
Exploring the Croatian Market
The Croatian market holds immense potential for gaming software providers, and EGT Digital is keen on leveraging this opportunity. With their slots already gaining popularity in the region, the collaboration with Betsson Group serves as a strategic move to further entrench themselves in the local gaming landscape.
Key Games Going Live
The inclusion of EGT Digital’s jackpot bestsellers—Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, and Single Progressive—on rizk.hr marks a significant expansion of gaming options for Croatian players. These games, known for their engaging gameplay and lucrative rewards, are expected to resonate well with the discerning audience of the Croatian online casino.
Since the integration of EGT Digital’s titles into the Betsson Group’s platform, there has been a notable surge in their popularity. The games have swiftly become favorites among the players, reflecting the successful fusion of innovation and entertainment that EGT Digital is renowned for.
Navigating the Partnership Landscape: EGT Digital and Betsson Group
The collaboration between EGT Digital and Betsson Group is not just a business alliance; it represents a synergy of expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to delivering top-notch gaming experiences. Both entities bring unique strengths to the table, creating a formidable partnership that is poised for continued success.
Betsson Group's Perspective
Betsson Group, as a leading player in the online casino industry, recognizes the importance of staying at the forefront of trends. The inclusion of EGT Digital’s titles aligns with their strategy of offering the most innovative and attractive gaming content to their discerning customer base.
EGT Digital's Perspective
For EGT Digital, this collaboration is a strategic move to expand their reach and solidify their presence in the European market. The partnership with Betsson Group provides a gateway to a broader audience, and the positive reception of their games on rizk.hr is a testament to the success of this venture.
The Impact: EGT Digital's Rising Star in Croatia
EGT Digital’s slots have already established a strong foothold in the Croatian market, and the collaboration with Betsson Group has propelled them to new heights of popularity. The localized appeal of their games resonates well with the gaming audience, contributing to the overall success of the partnership.
The games, namely Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, and Single Progressive, have garnered significant player engagement on rizk.hr. The immersive gameplay, coupled with the allure of jackpot winnings, has created a compelling gaming experience for Croatian players, further solidifying EGT Digital’s position as a preferred software provider.
The success of EGT Digital’s venture in Croatia has not gone unnoticed in the gaming industry. The positive reception of their titles on Betsson Group’s platform has garnered attention, positioning EGT Digital as a rising star in the Croatian online casino scene.
Looking Ahead: EGT Digital's Future Endeavors
Market Expansion Strategy
With the success of their partnership with Betsson Group, EGT Digital is poised to implement an aggressive market expansion strategy. The company is eyeing new collaborations and market entries, capitalizing on the momentum gained in Croatia to establish a stronger presence across Europe.
Innovation in Gaming
EGT Digital is committed to staying at the forefront of gaming innovation. The company is actively working on developing new and exciting titles that push the boundaries of gaming technology. The goal is to continually offer fresh and engaging content to their audience, ensuring they remain a frontrunner in the competitive gaming industry.
FAQ: Unveiling Insights about EGT Digital's Partnership
How did the collaboration between EGT Digital and Betsson Group come about?
The collaboration emerged as a strategic move to tap into the potential of the Croatian gaming market. Betsson Group recognized the appeal of EGT Digital’s titles and saw an opportunity to enhance their gaming content.
What games from EGT Digital are now available on rizk.hr?
EGT Digital’s jackpot bestsellers, including Bell Link, Clover Chance, High Cash, and Single Progressive, are now live on the popular Croatian online casino rizk.hr.
How has the local audience responded to EGT Digital’s games in Croatia?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. EGT Digital’s slots have gained popularity among the Croatian gaming audience, contributing to the success of the partnership.
What sets EGT Digital’s games apart in the competitive gaming industry?
EGT Digital’s games are known for their engaging gameplay, innovative features, and the allure of jackpot winnings. This unique combination sets them apart in the competitive landscape of the gaming industry.
How does the partnership benefit both EGT Digital and Betsson Group?
The partnership creates a synergistic relationship, benefiting both parties. EGT Digital gains access to a broader audience through Betsson Group’s platform, while Betsson Group enhances its gaming content with innovative titles.
What is the significance of the Croatian market for EGT Digital?
The Croatian market holds great potential for EGT Digital, and the collaboration with Betsson Group is a strategic move to capitalize on this potential. It allows EGT Digital to establish itself as a preferred gaming software provider in the region.
How have EGT Digital’s games performed on rizk.hr?
Since going live on rizk.hr, EGT Digital’s games have become some of the most played slots on the platform. The positive reception reflects the quality and appeal of their gaming content.
What future endeavors does EGT Digital have in mind after the success in Croatia?
EGT Digital is looking to implement an aggressive market expansion strategy. The success in Croatia serves as a springboard for new collaborations and market entries across Europe.
How does EGT Digital prioritize innovation in gaming?
Innovation is at the core of EGT Digital’s strategy. The company is actively developing new and exciting titles to push the boundaries of gaming technology, ensuring they remain a frontrunner in the industry.
What recognition has EGT Digital received in the gaming industry?
The success of EGT Digital’s venture in Croatia has garnered industry recognition, positioning them as a rising star in the Croatian online casino scene.
February 20, 2024
February 15, 2024
February 14, 2024


text:
BRUNSWICK, Ga. - Georgia-Pacific plans to build a $500,000 product development laboratory at its Brunswick pulp and paperboard mill, company officials confirmed.
The 2,300-square-foot lab will be used by the company to test a variety of potential products, said Jim Bryja, director of Georgia-Pacific's fluff pulp commercial services.
Fluff pulp is an absorbent material made out of soft wood fibers, and it is primarily used in diapers and feminine hygiene products.
Mr. Bryja said the lab also will be made available to Georgia-Pacific commercial customers who want to evaluate their products made from the company's pulp.
"Fiber requirements for the sanitary products industry are changing rapidly, and we are making this investment to assure Georgia-Pacific a leading role in the fluff pulp industry well beyond the year 2000."
The Brunswick mill is one of the country's largest producers of elemental chlorine-free bleached fluff and marker pulps and paperboards, company and industry officials said.
Last year, the mill produced more than 820,000 tons of pulp and paperboard products, company officials said.
Curtis H. Carter, a company spokesman, said the proposed laboratory already has brought a dozen new jobs into Brunswick. It is not known how many more might result from the project, Mr. Carter said.
"We're exploring options on staffing the laboratory and the marketing department as a result of the project," Mr. Carter said.
Mr. Carter said the laboratory, which will be a state-of-the-art facility, is scheduled to be completed in late April or early May.
Mr. Bryja said the company is transferring its entire fluff pulp marketing department from Atlanta to Brunswick to support its expanded product development capabilities.
"When the lab is completed, we will have on-site the best available talent in both research and development as well as marketing and sales," Mr. Bryja said. "Our staff is well-qualified, have a thorough understanding of international markets and they are dedicated to providing customer service.
Peter Abitz, a nationally known industry expert in developmental work with fluff pulp and absorbent products, will be the lab director, Mr. Bryja said.
Mr. Abitz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and holds a master's degree in paper science and engineering from State University of New York at Syracuse, Mr. Bryja said.
"We're very excited about the project," Mr. Carter said.
© 2018. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


text:
Roses are red, violets are blue, but where do they come from?... We haven't a clue!Read the full story ›
Simon's Blog - Valentine's DayRead the full story ›
A shop's dinosaur mascot - currently dressed up for Valentine's - is hoping to woo visitors and help put a seaside town on the tourist map, by promoting its prehistoric past. The statue of Dino, which stands guard outside Sussex Beds in Bexhill, East Sussex has sparked a plan for a dinosaur trail around the town.
The Wiltshire village of Lover has opened the doors of a pop-up post office so romantics can get Valentine's card stamped "Posted at Lover".Read the full story ›
Valentine's Day is coming soon. No doubt many of you will soon be rushing out to buy a bouquet of flowers.
This is the flower industry's busiest time of year. Flowers have long been associated with love and romance and, here in the UK, we'll be spending millions of pounds on them this weekend. Lauren Hall reports.
Now, it's that day of the year when many of us turn our thoughts to Love, or sometimes, our lack of it. And in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, one lonely suitor is urgently advertising for a mate. He's looking for a partner with a good sense of humour and all their own teeth. But no horns. Brian the goat is a little lonesome living the solo life at Coolings Green and Pleasant. So he's on the lookout for a little Valentine's Day loving. No funny business, though. He's been neutered. Andrea Thomas reports.
Anyone who can help with a companion, male or female, is asked to call Carol Cooling on 01959 534386
Crew on board Portsmouth based HMS Daring have shown their loved ones just how much they're missed by spelling out a heartfelt message on the flight deck of the ship.
The Type 45 destroyer is on its way home after 9 months away, with the 200 men and women on board helping out in the Philippines.
Some people's eyes meet across a crowded room, others are introduced on the internet - and for some a close friendship blossoms into love.
For Mr and Mrs Khullar from Chatham - their love story began on their wedding day, and after 57 years of marriage, it's still true love. Sarah Saunders went along to meet them.
ITV launches a new campaign, From the Heart, to raise awareness of organ donation and the NHS Organ Donor Register.Read the full story ›


text:
Your flights are likely to be more expensive next year as nearly 200 UK and Europe airports face closure
FLYING to Europe may get much more expensive for Brits, as nearly 200 airports across the UK and Europe face going bust.
The collapse in air travel has badly damaged the industry, with airports facing the brunt of it.
While airports remain open, their usual capacity has plummeted, following a disappointing summer season due to last minute travel restrictions and quarantine rules.
According to the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), who represent airport operators, 193 of the 740 airports in Europe are facing "insolvency in the coming months" unless passenger numbers increase again.
Fears that this is unlikely come as a second wave sweeps Europe, and may countries including France, Spain and Portugal remain off the list for Brits.
While ACI Europe haven't named the airports, they implied the smaller, regional airports are more at risk.
If there are fewer airports open for commercial flights, this means air carriers may be forced to end flight routes – and can bump fares prices much higher.
Destinations such as the Canary Islands remain cheap due to the number of airlines which fly there, such as Jet2, TUI, easyJet and Ryanair, whereas other destinations which are operated by one carrier are often pricier.
Director general of ACI Europe Olivier Jankovec told the Guardian that airports were "burning through cash" to try and stay open, but that quarantine rules instead of airport testing was putting their future at risk.
Nearly 900 jobs are to be axed at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, while London Gatwick is cutting 600 jobs, around 25 per cent of its workforce.
Heathrow is asking 2,500 workers to accept hefty pay cuts or half may lose jobs.
Airport testing is steadily being introduced – Heathrow Airport has started pre-flight tests for passengers heading to Hong Kong, costing £80.
Sofitel Heathrow hotel is also offering £179 packages which include a coronavirus test and an overnight stay.
There is some good news in the travel industry, however, with Thomas Cook relaunching last month, a year after going bust.
Flybe could start flying again from early next year after being bought out, despite going into administration in March.
Source: Read Full Article


text:
The queen of customer service Mary Portas is on a mission to create more vibrant High Streets all over the UK!
She’ll be looking specifically at the problem of empty shops and how to prevent the growth of "clone towns" dominated by chainstores over the next few weeks and months and in the Autumn she’ll present what she finds to all of us for her Channel 4 series, Secret Shopper.
David Cameron said high streets had to become more "vibrant and diverse" in an effort to survive and we believe it’s the local businesses in YOUR town that are making that happen!
At thebestof we’re completely behind local businesses. They are the lifeblood of our communities and just like the high street, they are at the heart of every community. Local businesses owners are the ones who bring people together, create jobs and reflect the towns they live in. If you feel the same, support our Buy Local campaign here and let a local business know that you think they’re great!
Mary Portas says "I am calling on businesses, local authorities and shoppers to contribute their ideas on how we can halt this decline in its tracks and create town centres that we can all be proud of."
Our Buy Local campaign is one way you can make your voice heard! Let’s get behind our local businesses! Wouldn’t it be great to see more of them thriving and able to take their place on the High Street?


text:
Lithium-air batteries are supposed to lead to lighter, longer-ranged electric cars thanks to their high power-to-weight output, but they have some showstopping flaws: they not only degrade rapidly, but waste a lot of energy input as heat. Neither is exactly ideal in a vehicle that's expected to last you several years and charge quickly. Scientists at MIT, Argonne National Laboratory and Peking University might have found a better way, though. They've engineered a lithium-oxygen battery that offers the light weight of lithium-air without its drawbacks.
Instead of pulling in oxygen from the air to trigger a chemical reaction, like a lithium-air battery would, this new design relies on nanoscale particles that hold both lithium and oxygen, keeping the oxygen inside as it changes states. This both dramatically reduces the energy loss (about five times less voltage) and prevents the rapid changes in volume that cut tend to shrink a battery's usable lifespan. The lithium-oxygen tech is also more friendlier to real-world conditions (lithium-air can't take carbon dioxide or moisture) and is inherently protected against overcharging -- it just shifts to a different reaction when there's too much power.
Right now, the battery exists solely as a proof of concept in a lab. However, there is a plan to create a prototype within a year. It's realistic, too, as it doesn't need expensive materials and could be used just like a run-of-the-mill lithium-ion battery. Should all go well, you could see electric cars that store twice as much energy at a given weight as lithium-ion cells. That, in turn, could lead to EVs that either end range anxiety or don't have to weigh so much to deliver the range you get today.


text:
Seeking a creative reboot, Angie's List has tapped Arnold Worldwide as its lead agency. An integrated branding campaign for the marketplace that offers local services and customer reviews launches in the coming months.
Arnold, a Boston-based unit of Havas, added the assignment following a formal competition led by Joanne Davis Consulting. Previously, the client worked with various agencies, such as independent Bradley and Montgomery, to craft its campaigns. Horizon Media handles most of the company's media buying chores.
Client co-founder Angie Hicks had long appeared in ads as the company's spokesperson. She also serves as CMO, and said Arnold was tapped based on its ability to create compelling work and "improve our marketing effectiveness." Of late, the agency's best-known efforts have included the evolving "Flo" series of ads for Progressive Insurance and an Instagram push for Jack Daniel's revolving around music legend Frank Sinatra.
Arnold's first work for Angie's List will target consumers "across demographics who are looking for services to help them manage their home lives," said Pam Hamlin, the shop's global president. Millennials represent a potent "growth opportunity" for the brand, and constitute a key audience for upcoming direct-response TV, digital outreach and experiential activations, she said.
Traditionally, ads for Angie's List have focused on the site's ability to provide "reviews you can trust." That won't necessarily change, Hamlin said, though the campaign will attempt to "add dimension to the brand beyond reviews," while continuing to highlight the company's fair-price and quality-service guarantees.
Angie's List has spent north of $80 million on ads in recent years, per Kantar Media. Its outlay in domestic media for the first nine months of 2015 totaled $60 million.
Despite that investment, Angie's List has struggled as competitors have turned up the heat. Recently, however, its fortunes have started to improve.
In October, the company reported the first profitable third quarter in its history, tallying a modest $82,000, compared to a loss of $5.2 million in Q3 2014. In fact, Angie's List narrowed its loss for the first nine months of last year to $3.9 million from $27 million during the same period in 2014. Last November, Angie's List rejected an unsolicited $512 million buyout bid from Barry Diller's IAC/Interactive Group, marking the second time it spurned the advances of that particular suitor.
The company now looks to build some momentum, which could make it a more attractive acquisition target—and one able to command a higher purchase price.
From Arnold's perspective, Angie's List represents a much-needed boost after a rocky stretch that's lasted a year. One of its largest clients, the University of Phoenix, launched a review in September, and the shop chose not to defend. What's more, the agency's new-business engine has slowed. Its last major score was the National Association of Realtors, which it won six months ago.
"There's no better way to kick off the year than by embarking on an exciting new client partnership," said Hamlin. "They have an incredibly strong leadership team that believes in the power of a great creative idea and marketing's impact on fueling brand and business growth."


text:
Record Christmas for M&S
Retailer Marks & Spencer is poised to unveil its best-ever Christmas trading figures on Tuesday in a further boost for investors after shares hit record highs last week.
Analysts believe sales in the High Street giant's clothing and non-food division could be up by as much as eight per cent, smashing forecasts.
The store's revitalised food division, which is thriving following an acclaimed advertising campaign, is expected to deliver sales growth of up to 5.5%.
Sales of party frocks also soared as shoppers raced to snap up the dresses worn by Dame Shirley Bassey and models Twiggy, Erin O'Connor, Noemie Lenoir and Laura Bailey in its festive TV advert.
'There is a good chance that 2006 was a record Christmas for M&S in terms of cash taken,' said Tony Shiret, retail analyst at Credit Suisse. The two weeks before Christmas were very strong.'
The company's expected stellar Christmas performance, which helped shares touch an all-time high of 750p last week, before closing on Friday at 734p, is likely to prompt a rash of full-year profits upgrades close to £1bn.
That is near to the record £1.15bn the company enjoyed in 1998 under Sir Richard Greenbury. The buoyant statement will be seen as a further endorsement of chief executive Stuart Rose's recovery plan.
Rose, appointed in May 2004 to defend the group against a 400p-a-share offer from billionaire Bhs owner Philip Green, is sitting on a paper profit close to £4 million on his shares.
When he joined, he was awarded 979,825 shares at 347p. He pledged to give any profits between 347p and the 400p bid from Green to charity - a step he has already taken.
Meanwhile, 12,000 M&S employees are set to share a £56m windfall through the company's share-save schemes. The employees, mainly store staff, will pocket gains ranging from £1,000 to £45,000.
• John Lewis is also in line to report record Christmas trading tomorrow. Department store sales are likely to be ahead by more than 10%.
Most watched Money videos
- Take a look at clutter-free EV chargers trialled in London
- Morgan's Plus Four CX-T is a mad £204k off-road sports car
- Taking a look at the E10 fuel hoping to help the UK go net zero
- Cinematic video of Lamborghini Countach with a top speed of 221mph
- £2M 1980s Lamborghini Countach is back with a top speed of 221mph
- Taking a look at the Jaguar XJ220 from all angles on a test drive
- A 'mortgage-free' way for first-time buyers to own their home
- Futuristic zero-emissions electric Ioniq 5 from Hyundai
- The Mini Moke: The cute utility vehicle without windows or doors
- Disruption is speeding up: BG US Growth Trust manager
- Dacia unveil the Jogger: the UK's least expensive seven-seat car
- Britain's Garage of the Year 2021 nominee's incredible construction


text:
The long-awaited dual GPU Graphics Core Next architecture Radeon HD 7990 has missed its original Computex reveal and will likely miss the July release suggested by previous rumors. Interestingly, VR-Zone China reportedly has some updated information on specifications and release date.
The 7970. Expect the 7990 to have a much larger PCB and heatsink!
The dual GPU 7990 will allegedly not be released until at least late August 2012. Further, it will be powered by four six-pin PCI-E power connectors, and will have 6GB of GDDR5 memory (total, 3GB per GPU). Connecting the two 7970 Tahiti XT GPU cores in CrossFire will be a PLX chip – similar to that found in the dual GPU NVIDIA GTX 690 graphics card. As far as video outputs, you can expect four mini-DisplayPorts and two dual-link DVI connectors.
Additionally, previous rumors suggested that the GPU cores would be clocked at 850 MHz, but that may not be the case now that AMD is seeing much better binning with its GHz Edition chips. Also unclear is whether or not the Radeon HD 7990 will have any sort of Powertune with Turbo boost technology like the 7970 GHz Edition. Being based on two 7970 GPU cores, you can look forward to 4,096 stream processors, 64 ROP units, and a dual slot design with three fans providing cooling for the heatsink.
Right now, AMD does not have an answer to the NVIDIA GTX 690 which has been on the market for a while. At this point, you may be better off getting two 7970 GHz Edition graphics cards and putting them in CrossFire. Granted, they are going to take up more space in your case but you can get them today, they will have GPU boost, and will likely cost less to boot. With that said, I do understand the allure of a dual GPU AMD card based on GCN and hope to see it soon.
Stay tuned for more Radeon 7990 coverage as it arrives.


text:
Triaminic and Theraflu products recalled due to risk of poisoning
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for 24 different types of Triaminic® Syrups and Theraflu Warming Relief® Syrups for coughs, colds and fevers. They were sold between May 2010 and December 2011.
CPSC is warning consumers that the child-resistant caps are failing to function properly and allowing children to unscrew the locked caps. Reports of 12 children unscrewing caps, and some consuming products have been received by the CPSC. One child has required medical attention.
Consumers should check the lot numbers on any of these products they may have and stop using them immediately. Refunds will be issued on return of products.
A complete list of products, lot numbers and National Drug Codes (NDC) can be found at www.novartisOTC.com. Lot numbers are located on the bottom panel of the box and on the left side of the label on the bottle. The NDC number is located on the upper right corner of the front panel of the Triaminic Syrups box and the upper left corner of the Theraflu Warming Relief Syrups bottle.
FoodState is also recalling MegaFood One Daily Supplements due to lack of child-resistant packaging that can cause serious injury or death to children.
If you need to report an incident involving either of these recalls or would like more information visit the CPSC website.
See wrong or incorrect information in a story. Tell us here
Location, ST | website.com
National News Videos
- Jury can’t reach verdict in Detroit cop’s trial (737)
- PAT CAPUTO: Detroit Lions can make the NFL playoffs - if the following occurs WITH VIDEO (202)
- Gordie Howe awarded $3 million for destroyed sports memorabilia (173)
- DEAR ABBY June 19: Grandma on the sidelines would like to join the game (148)
- Search for Hoffa's remains continues in Oakland County field (135)
- POLICE BLOTTER JUNE 19: Suspect in several burglaries arrested; Boy falls from second-story window (129)
- Hoffa mystery wrapped up in Detroit mafia lore (128)
- New backcourt leads Lathrup over Dragons (20)
- Mob underboss says Jimmy Hoffa was "buried alive" at dig site in Oakland Township (10)
- Jury rules in favor of Gordie Howe in $3 million lawsuit involving destroyed memorabilia (6)
- ‘Anyone can be a father, but few are truly dads’; Oakland Press readers honor their dads this Father’s Day (6)
- Macomb coroner accused of running ‘tyrannical’ regime at morgue (5)
- Appeal filed to split up former Pistons owner Bill Davidson's charitable foundation (5)
Recent Activity on Facebook
Stephen Frye has covered the police beat and courts for The Oakland Press and now serves as online editor for www.theoaklandpress.com.
Informs on and discusses current matters of legal interest to readers of The Oakland Press and to consumers of legal services in the community.
Caren Gittleman likes talking cats. She'll discuss everything about them. Share your stories and ask her questions about your favorite feline.
Roger Beukema shares news from Lansing that impacts sportsmen (this means ladies as well) and talks about things he finds when he goes overseas to visit his children, and adding your comments into the mix.
Join Jonathan Schechter as he shares thoughts on our natural world in Oakland County and beyond.


text:
Is it too risky to buy Asana stock amid decelerating sales growth?
- Asana shares on Friday plummeted more than 26%.
- The company announced its most recent quarterly results before markets opened, beating analyst estimates.
- However, its sales and billings showed decorating growth.
Follow Invezz on Telegram, Twitter, and Google News for instant updates >
On Friday, Asana Inc. (NYSE:ASAN) shares plunged by more than 26% after reporting its fiscal third-quarter results. The company announced its most recent quarterly revenue and earnings before markets opened, beating the consensus for analyst expectations. However, its revenue and billings showed decelerating growth, sparking the decline.
Asana posted FQ3 non-GAAP earnings per share of -$0.23, beating the average for analyst expectations of -$0.27. On the other hand, its GAAP EPS of -$0.37 outperformed the expectation of -$0.40, while revenue for the quarter increased by 70.3% from the same quarter a year ago to $100.34 million, surpassing Street expectations by 6.44 million.
Asana’s revenue posted a Y/Y growth of 72% in FQ2, while billings grew 81% compared to FQ3’s rise of 56%.
Is it safe to buy Asana stock?
From an investment perspective, Asana shares trade at a steep P/S ratio of 41.92, making the stock too expensive for value investors.
In addition, analysts expect its earnings per share to plunge by more than 70% this year before rising marginally by 1% next year.
Therefore, growth investors could also opt for alternatives in the market.
Technically, the stock seems to be trading within a sharply descending channel formation in the intraday chart. As a result, shares have plummeted into the oversold conditions of the 14-day RSI.
Therefore, investors could target potential technical rebound profits at about $73.10, or higher at $79.45. On the other hand, if the decline continues amid increased bearish pressure, Asana shares could find support at $61.35, or lower at $54.52.
Copy expert traders easily with eToro. Invest in stocks like Tesla & Apple. Instantly trade ETFs like FTSE 100 & S&P 500. Sign-up in minutes.
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money.


text:
Monthly Archives: July 2014
As an aside, the winemakers seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude since the ultimate proof of the harm - or not - of the ongoing drought will be in the quality of the wines.
Early adopters claim metaphysical powers of the egg, while others say that their customers like looking at them because they're cool.
My Pentax DSLR's meeting the concrete a little too up close and personal last year was, let's just say, not good for its picture-taking health.
Thanks to Tim for hooking me up about information on The Daily Meal’s list of 101 top wineries in the United States. Wow! While it’s no surprise that California took the lion’s share of the top ten wines, there are many that appear on the list that are completely unexpected. Wine...
12Page 1 of 2


text:
Addis Ababa, 17th September, 2019, Hub of Africa Addis Fashion Week is pleased to announce its 9th annual international fashion event to be held at Hyatt Regency Hotel from October 9-12th 2019.
Fashion is a multi-billion Dollar industry of which Africa only has a minute share. HAFW seeks to remedy this and has worked diligently towards this growth. Since 2010 its events are one of the most important platforms in developing the African fashion industry for designers, models and all stakeholders.
Over the years, more than 100 African designers have participated and graced the HAFW stage. The event has been featured on CNN, Vogue Italia, Fashion TV, BBC, and many other regional and international media outlets. Opportunities that designers have gained include showing during New York African Fashion Week, Berlin Fashion Week, connecting with international buyers and media, and growing their brands to the global market.
Waridi Schrobsdorff Founder/Ceo of FA254 will be hosting a workshop and presenting up and coming designers. Sponsored by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), who has supported HAFW in the past.
Fashion Africa 254 (FA254) has been collaborating with Hub of Africa Fashion Week for the past 4 years in curating and developing African designers with their “African Designers for Tomorrow” initiative. As a result, many Ethiopian designers have gotten a chance to showcase at Berlin Fashion Week and connecting them with potential buyers. Our collaboration with FA254 is eminent in developing the African fashion industry and we will continue to work together to elevate the industry.
In addition, The British Council will serve as the facilitator of a “Made in Ethiopia” event which will feature producers of textile, leather, manufacturing and other stakeholders of the industry.
Our continued collaboration with Italian Trade Agency and Italian Embassy will bring us one of the most renowned designers in Rome Mison Gattinoni. Gattinoni is an Italian fashion house founded in 1944 by Fernanda Gattinoni. In addition, they will be supporting in bringing in Vogue Italia, Camera Nationale Della Moda Italiana (a non-profit organization, whose purpose is the promotion, coordination of the Italian fashion industry and the training of young Italian designers). Also invited are Milano Unica, Rinasente (Collection of high-end stores with Italian and International brands in fashion)
We will be showcasing various Jewelry designers in the growing gemstone industry, which has the potential to play a major role in the local and global fashion market.
Participating at HAFW 2019 will include designers from countries such as:
- South Africa
We are happy to announce Hyatt Regency as our hotel partner and will host most of HAFW 2019 programs, including the runway shows, exhibition and our pop-op marketplace. Additionally, this year’s event is being supported by:
Silver Sponsors: Heineken & Ciroc, Tecno
Production Partner: We Décor
Hair & Makeup Partners: Soreti Wellness & Spa, Terry Style
Other Sponsors Include: Cactus Communications, Prologue, Papaya Production, Castel Winery, Kategna, RIDE, JORKA, and Blue Space.
Strategic Partners are: FA254 (Fashion Africa 254), GIZ, British Council, Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and Italian Embassy.
As with previous years, international and local media coverage is an integral part of our event. HAFW is not only a platform for designers and models but a name by which Ethiopia can cement itself on the international fashion scene. We look forward for your organization to attend this year’s event.
Please contact HAFW to register and facilitate your press accreditation:
Mobile no. +251 921 378 378 / +251 912 48 12 07
For full list of programs please visit HAFW website at www.hubfashionweekafrica.com


text:
WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the government has no "business to be in business", possibly signalling a shift in his views... ...http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pms-us-visit-narendra-modi-promises-action-to-improve-ease-of-doing-business-invites-us-investors-to-invest-in-india/articleshow/44029454.cms
WASHINGTON: "I am business-minded and I know that no businessman is a donor, he's not here for charity. A businessman has to make profits on his... ...http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chai-garam-Tea-seller-Modi-turns-on-the-sales-pitch-in-US/articleshow/44040057.cms
Seeing the TV news channels who's who anchors — Arnab Goswami (with the biggest reporting team in New York), Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardesai,... ...http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/just-like-a-promo/
While the state government is rolling out the red carpet to industries and gearing up to announce its new industrial policy soon to attract... ...http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/15-lakh-acres-marked-for-industries-in-Telangana/articleshow/44027908.cms
The backwards cap, once considered a trademark symbol of 90s fashion — think Mark Wahlberg in his Marky Mark days — is back in an edgier... ...http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/Wear-that-cap-backwards/articleshow/43981193.cms
Although the amazing red carpet...
Yes... the stylish red carpet topped...


text:
CIBC to Celebrate 10th Birthday of the First Mobile Banking App in Canada
CIBC says it ready to celebrate the 10th birthday of its mobile banking app.
CIBC Mobile App Can Now Replace Lost or Stolen Credit Cards, Use Instantly in Apple Pay
CIBC has announced new features for lost or stolen credit cards through its mobile app.
CIBC Mobile Banking iOS App Offers Free SPC Membership for Students
If you're a student, CIBC Mobile Banking for iOS is offering up a free SPC membership.
CIBC Named Top Mobile Banking App in Canada for 2019
A new report says the CIBC Mobile Banking app is the top rated in Canada.
CIBC Business Accounts Can Now Send Money Overseas Without Transfer Fees on Mobile
CIBC has eliminated transfer fees for business accounts to send money overseas.
CIBC Rewards Cyber Monday Deal: 50% Off Redemptions, Includes iPhone XS, HomePod and More
If you collect CIBC Rewards points, there's a redemption sale on Apple products and more.
CIBC Launches New Credit and Debit Card Features, Plus Cash Back Rewards with Paymi
Clients can now get money back on top of any existing card rewards.
New CIBC Premium Aventura Credit Card Perk Covers a Lost, Stolen or Damaged iPhone [u]
CIBC has announced new travel benefits are coming to their Aventura credit card line.
Air Canada-Led Group Seeks to Buy Aeroplan for $2.25 Billion
An Air Canada-led group has unveiled their bid to buy back Aeroplan in a deal set to be valued at $2.25 billion.
BMO and CIBC’s Simplii Financial Hacked, 40,000+ Customers See Account Info Accessed
Two of Canada's biggest banks have admitted customer financial data may have been compromised.
CIBC Confirms Face ID Support for iPhone X Coming Soon
If you're waiting for Face ID support from CIBC, it's coming.
Simplii Financial for iOS Now Available as Online Banking Operations Launch [u]
Simplii Financial has launched today in Canada, while also making both iOS and Android apps available.


text:
Just 15 percent of Americans have ever redeemed points to pay for part or all of a trip, according to a new survey of 1,012 adults from the American Institute of CPAs.
In all, consumers are holding on to 195.4 billion unredeemed loyalty points in hotel, airline, retail and other loyalty programs — about 70 percent of all points earned or available since the start of the year, per new data from reward platform Switchfly.com.
"There are a lot of people who don't actually use their points," said Eric Engleman, general manager of product for Switchfly.
At least some of that outstanding-points balance is from consumers who sign up for loyalty programs opportunistically, with no intent of using the program frequently enough to earn a reward, he said. For example, joining to get the free Wi-Fi offered to hotel loyalty members or getting in on a restaurant's program just for the teaser free-appetizer coupon. The average household has 29 different reward memberships but uses just 12, according to the 2015 Colloquy Loyalty Census.


text:
Qantas’ budget carrier will give its customers a fresh option to top-up their carry-on allowance.
Jetstar customers can now bring twice as much carry-on baggage on board flights, with the launch of a new “top-up option”.
For $19, passengers can now double their allowance for carry-on from seven to 14 kilograms on all Jetstar domestic and international flights, with the weight required to be spread across two bags – with neither allowed to weigh more than 10 kilograms, the airline advised.
Jetstar members currently receive seven kilograms of carry-on baggage as part of any Starter Fare.
In a statement on the announcement, Jetstar said the launch “will help more customers speed up their travel by skipping checking in baggage and then having to collect it at the arrivals carousel”. The new option is also subject to availability.
The airline advised that carry-on bag dimensions remain the same, with passengers’ main carry-on bag required to fit in overhead lockers and be no bigger than 56 centimetres (height) by 36 centimetres (width) by 23 centimetres (depth).
Smaller items should be placed under the seat in front, Jetstar explained.
And if you are a Club Jetstar member, there’s even better news: loyalty members will also receive a 20 per cent discount when they purchase the top-up as part of their flight booking.
Jetstar introduced its first paid carry-on option in 2018, which allowed travellers to boost their carry-on allowance by three kilograms. The airline advised that the new seven-kilogram top-up option replaces the earlier iteration.
Customers can also purchase a checked baggage allowance starting at 15 kilograms, up to 40 kilograms.


text:
Hospitality businesses outpaced the rest of the British isles financial state for the initially time in far more than nine years through September, in accordance to the latest Lloyds Bank British isles Recovery Tracker.
Tourism and recreation (62.2) – which consists of pubs, accommodations, dining places, leisure services and travel agents – was the speediest rising United kingdom sector monitored by the Tracker for the initially time considering the fact that January 2012.
A reading previously mentioned 50 indicators output is growing, while a studying under 50 implies contraction.
The sector benefitted from solid consumer demand from customers for large-scale activities, such as concerts and new music festivals, and the easing and simplification of international vacation guidelines in England – which led to a rise in people booking holidays overseas and more holidaymakers visiting the Uk.
Transport operators also benefited from a loosening of vacation limitations and far more men and women commuting, causing the sector’s output to rebound sharply thirty day period-on-month (55.9 in September against 42.9 in August).
In addition, tourism and recreation grew to become the only companies sector to record the strongest every month output advancement given that right before the pandemic.
A complete of ten of the 14 United kingdom sectors monitored by the tracker saw output increase through September, up from 9 in August.
Jeavon Lolay, head of economics and market perception, Lloyds Lender Commercial Banking, claimed: “While the number of sectors in development manner increased very last thirty day period, we are now firmly in an economic phase of restoration in which massive leaps in activity won’t happen each and every thirty day period.
“Tourism and recreation outpaced other sectors in September simply because it proceeds to profit from relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions and resurgent client demand.
“As the United kingdom financial state carries on to inch in direction of its pre-pandemic peak, logistical issues, greater energy selling prices and uncertainty relating to the route of the virus as we head into winter season are crucial pitfalls.”


text:
Over 200 new emojis will be coming to your smartphone in the next year, including a diverse collection of skin tones and LGBTQ+ icons.
Unicode’s latest announcement has unveiled 217 brand new emoji sequences for your mobile device. Of these new additions, 210 are much needed skin tone variants which will give icons a little more diversity.
These new range of diverse skin colours are most notably for multi-person icons which will include couples featuring hearts or kissing. This update will include same-sex couples in its feature.
The new 13.1 update will also include seven original new emojis which have been described as “heart on fire”, “mending heart”, “woman with beard”, and a gender-neutral “person with beard”.
Earlier this year, it was also announced two emojis will be added in support of transgender identity. These new emojis will include the trans flag and trans symbol.
OH MY GOD!!!
After, I don’t know how many years, petitioning, putting teams together, pitching and campaigning for a trans flag emoji…. IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING!!!@unicode has announced the trans flag emoji will be released in 2020! 🎉🎊💕
*waves trans flag in celebration* pic.twitter.com/ZleAJWNT0s
— Helen🏳⚧💙 (@mimmymum) January 29, 2020
The release of this new wave of emojis was expected to arrive this year but, due to the pandemic, Unicode pushed3 back the arrival of the version 14 update.
You can find the full list of new emoji coming in 2021 on the Unicode Consortium’s website.


text:
New Delhi: Reliance Retail is studying the opportunity to cash in on the novelty of traditional foods in their non-traditional markets – for instance idli in Punjab or bhujias in Kerala.
The Reliance Industries unit is inspired by snacks and sweets sellers such as Hyderabad-based Karachi Bakery, Chennai’s Shri Laxmi Sweets, Bikaji of Bikaner and Jaipur’s Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, which have launched outlets at their respective airports and are selling products at a 15-20% premium. Adopting standards like best-in-class hygiene, presentation and packaging - brought to India by international food chains - is helping these traditional food sellers entice travelers to buy products that they may not be familiar with.
“I call this phenomenon, ‘Thank you McDonald’s, welcome Idli Factory,” says Damodar Mall, chief executive of Reliance Retail’s supermarket and hypermarket division.
According to Mall, the market opportunity in India is higher in the traditional foods segment than foreign cuisines. “What is traditional food in Gujarat is modern food for the Bengalis. Similarly, appam is modernity for North Indians while in Trivandrum it is a tradition.”
That means, the opportunity to sell idli batter in north India is way higher than in the south, where it is a traditional breakfast. “Accordingly, the opportunity to sell paneer, nutella, and readymade chapattis or parathas is higher in South India. So the trend prevailing in India is that ‘what is tradition for one customer geography is modernity for the other’,” he says.
Reliance Fresh, the grocery segment of Reliance Retail, has launched a programme that aims to promote traditional Indian cuisines in geographies other than their native ones even as it tests the market for such products. Every Wednesday, it offers a 15% off on North Indian foods in its stores located in Southern India and. A consumer buying a southern item, for instance idli batter, in northern India would get a similar discount, too.
Reliance Fresh has also opened what is called shop-in-shops at some of its stores where the regional or local food sellers are retailing their products. “It is the value that these operators add which is more important for us than the revenue contribution,” Mall said. Hyderabad’s Karachi Bakery is one of the suppliers to Reliance Fresh stores.
Reliance Retail’s interest in this business shows its thrust on value formats, such as Reliance Fresh, which are driving its performance. The company overtook the Future Group as India’s largest retailer with sales of nearly Rs 4,000 crore in the April-June quarter. end


text:
[P.R.] Intel to spread awareness of the importance of PC in every household
Intel to spread awareness of the importance of PC in every household
Driving domestic adoption of technology across the country
PAKISTAN, Lahore, March 12, 2014 – Intel Pakistan has embarked on a nationwide initiative to increase awareness of personal computing devices and drive domestic adoption of technology in Pakistan by targeting consumers with the message of how a PC can change their life.
This campaign will reach out to consumers in a targeted manner across Pakistan through awareness sessions. In addition to this, through its on-ground activities and retail marketing programs, Intel will continue to educate consumers on why a PC is a transformational device.
The main premise of this campaign is that in today’s day and age, users want more than just a personal computer. Today personal computing devices are an extension of the users themselves with the internet and compelling content being the center point of the user’s experience. Intel’s strength lies in its ability to mobilize the IT ecosystem.
“Intel holds a firm belief in the transformative capability of technology which is indispensible in ending the digital divide in Pakistan and driving personal growth, be it in developing job skills or providing easy access to quality education, healthcare and critical government services. Our efforts through this campaign are one step in this direction.” said Naveed Siraj, Country Manager, Intel Pakistan.
“Intel appreciates the ways in which technology can help accentuate the quality of life for a user by enhancing an individual’s skills and employability, foster growth and nurture creativity; essentially catalyzing a nationwide change. In our quest to bring about nationwide awareness for digital literacy, we will urge consumers to pursue their passions and creativity with an Intel processor powered computer.” concluded Naveed Siraj.