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Linden Small Business creating jobs
─ Small Business Bureau assisting business venture start-ups
─ Min. of Business visits several small businesses in Linden
─ SBB grants and loans beneficial to entrepreneurs
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Several Linden small business owners who benefitted from grants and loans through the Small Business Bureau (SBB) are creating more employment opportunities for members of their communities.
These businesses were recently visited by the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.
One such enterprise, 104.3 Power Guyana FM, has been in operation since 2013 and is owned and operated by Haslyn Graham and his team.
Graham spoke to the Department of Public Information (DPI) about the benefits the loan has afforded him. “The process with the Small Business Bureau has been very, very helpful… and what they [the Small Business Bureau] do is much needed in our community. Also, they are instrumental in helping to bridge businesses with the Government and other lending agencies for our success,” Graham said.
As the only Marketing and Broadcasting Radio Station serving Region 10, the small company is looking to expand its services as far as Georgetown.
Graham added, “They literally help guide you through the entire process and my business has really benefitted. I am also looking to expand to Georgetown and other areas and this loan really helped me out with that.”
Another flourishing small business in operation for over 10 years in the Linden community is Hyacinth’s Bed and Breakfast, which offers employment opportunities to other small business and self-employed persons in Region 1o.
The proprietor, Samuel Wright told DPI that “… the Small Business Bureau is really good because they help to develop small businesses by assisting them to market themselves better and learn how to predict future trends so they can have a better sense of what can happen when operating their ventures.”
The Small Business Bureau, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Business, has been customising loans and services for small business throughout Guyana.
Images: Giovanni Gajie.


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by Susan Marquez
There’s always excitement when a new restaurant opens, and that held true for Elvie’s, which held its soft opening on January 31 of this year.
“That date was significant,” says co-owner/chef Hunter Evans. “The restaurant was named after my grandmother, Elvaretta May Good. The anniversary of her death is January 31. It was my way of honoring her.”
While the restaurant got off to a strong start, Evans and co-owner Cody McCain had no idea that they would face a worldwide pandemic a couple of months into the restaurant’s opening.
Elvie’s is a new-build, located at 809 Manship Street, in the new Belhaven Town Center. The restaurant is the brainchild of Evans.
“I went to culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. I had already been cooking in restaurants, but at CIA, I learned technique,” he said.
Evans and McCain met three years ago.
“I was working for my dad at Buffalo Peak Outfitters,” McCain says, “and I wanted to do something on my own. I met Hunter, and although I had never thought of getting into the restaurant business, everything seemed to click into place with us.”
Evans grew up visiting his grandmother in New Orleans. In her kitchen, which was central to the home, Evans recalls shrimp in the sink about to be peeled, stuffed artichokes in the oven and spinach Madeline casseroles.
“Food in New Orleans is fun, flavorful, nurturing and communal,” says Evans. “I got a front-row seat to that at my grandmother’s. That’s what I wanted to create for Elvie’s. Food has a story that includes the people who produce it and their culture. Elvie’s was inspired by those stories.”
The menu items offered at Elvie’s are seasonal, dictated by what’s available and fresh. The food highlights Southern farmers, including fishers and oyster farmers in the Gulf, farmers growing organic produce and sustainably-raised animals. The emphasis is on finding the highest quality, ethically-sourced and best-tasting ingredients possible.
“We have a long list of farmers we partner with such as Two Dog Farms in Flora, Home Place Pastures in Como and French Hermit Oyster Company in Biloxi,” says Evans.
“I love working with urban farmers such as Dr. Cindy Ayers of Footprint Farms and Fertile Ground, both located within Jackson’s city limits. Our breads are baked by Robert Raymond of Sunflower Oven, and we use products from Cathead Distilleries in our bar.”
While the restaurant is similar to French cafes, the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed Evans to spread his culinary wings a bit, offering a themed menu weekly for a few months. “We did a potluck takeout service of sorts, featuring Indian, Mexican, Chinese and even New York deli food.”
McCain says the restaurant received strong support from the neighborhood and from their friends. “They kept us going.”
McCain says that Elvie’s provided 1,000 meals to kids in Jackson the first couple of weeks the restaurant was shut down, and they served a hog roast for local health care workers. “We wanted to support our local farmers, so we teamed up with a hog producer and roasted two pigs. We served up 800 barbeque sandwiches for workers in area hospitals.”
As restrictions have eased a bit, the restaurant still exercises precautions. “We have a limited seating capacity,” explains Evans. “We are offering a six-course tasting menu, along with dinner snacks from our opening menu. Each dish on the tasting menu is inspired by the culinary and agricultural history of Mississippi. The tasting menu has been very popular. Reservations are required, and we are so grateful that we been selling every seat.”
For more information, visit elviesrestaurant.com.

domain: news


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Interactive TV specialist Strategy & Technologys RedKey 2 MHEG engine is powering the text and interactive services of the new Humax Freeview HD set-top box, the company has revealed.
HumaxÂs HD-FOX T2 is the first DVB-T2-capable Freeview HD receiver to go on sale in the UK. S&TÂs MHEG engine will help broadcasters deliver red-button services as well as possible new interactive content to be delivered over broadband.
German smart TV sales up 14% says @gfk digitaltveurope.com/2020/10/23/ger…
23 October 2020 @ 09:29:38 UTC


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(NEXSTAR) – Get ready to sleep like Rosemary’s baby in your very own horror-themed bungalows.
A couple in California are ready to sell a pair of creepy retro cabins that most horror fans “can only dream of living in”, according to one of the owners.
The property, located in Big Bear Lake, actually consists of two separate units — one that’s currently inspired by the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” and the other that’s adorned with horror merchandise and memorabilia. Some of the more “Stranger Things” cabin-inspired touches include a recreation of Joyce’s living room and a mini arcade, while the horror-themed cabin features a life-size statue of Michael Myers from the “Halloween” franchise. and a bedroom mural depicting “The Creature from the Black Lagoon”.
“I have to say my favorite room is the ‘Creature From the Black Lagoon’ room in the Horror Cabin,” co-owner Jade Valore told Nexstar. “When you turn off the lights and turn on the neon, the room is completely green.”
Valore says she and her husband originally intended to use the chalets for vacation rentals, but local regulations limited them to renting out one unit at a time.
“It was created as a destination that people can enjoy and if the city can’t let us see our vision, we’d rather part ways,” she said of their decision to sell.
However, the stateroom listing price does not currently include most decorations. But Valore told Nexstar it’s ready to sell the spooky furniture and decor, if someone makes the right offer.
Judging by the social media reaction to the property, there might be a few interested buyers who prefer the decor to stay where it is.
“It wouldn’t change anything,” one Instagram user wrote, commenting on a @ZillowGoneWild post showcasing the property.
“It will be the only time I will say this. Let’s move on to California,” another user said.
“It’s like the 80s threw up,” someone else joked.
Valore, though sad to give up the cabins, said she hopes to find a buyer who appreciates the property as much as she does.
“These cabins would be something I would personally live in, and I think that’s what a lot of people can only dream of living in,” she said. “The redecor, that’s what these cabins are.
The house is currently listed at $450,000, but Valore didn’t say how much she wanted for keepsakes and decorations.
“For the right price, I wouldn’t say no,” she said.


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August 18 - The Payments Security Task Force (PST) has provided an update on its discussions and activities since its inception. The task force, which represents a diverse group of U.S.... >>more
August 18 - SmartMetric, Inc., SmartMetric has added a powerful Cortex processor to its biometric controlled credit, debit and identity cards allowing for faster fingerprint processing as well as... >>more
August 12 - UL has announced plans to help educate the industry on what is required to successfully migrate from magstripe to EMV technology in the U.S.
Seeing as EMV reduces face-to-face ... >>more
July 22 - Oberthur Technologies (OT), a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space, has announced that it has developed the first debit card certified by... >>more
July 22 - The SHAZAM Network announced an agreement to make the MasterCard EMV debit solution available to all of its participants.
EMV chip card adoption will decrease card fraud and increase... >>more


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Mobile developer programmes launches at SAP for B2B and B2C apps
SAP has announced a free mobile developer license, a new SAP Mobile Apps Partner programme and additional support for integrating the software development frameworks from Adobe, Appcelerator Titanium and Sencha with the SAP mobile platform.
The company is inviting the mobile developer community to work with the company to create diverse mobile apps for all B2B and B2C environments.
Mobile developer offerings from SAP are designed to be simple and accessible, with an open platform that integrates easily with third party tools and supports industry standards without the need for upfront investment. Throughout the process, developers have access to support through the developer centre on SAP Community Network and the developer community, a one stop shop to learn about and develop applications using SAP platforms.
The company is offering a flexible, tiered engagement model including a free 30 day trial for developers looking to evaluate mobile offerings from SAP, a free developer license on Amazon Web Services offering access to a hosted developer environment through Amazon Web Services and a software developer kit local download, and the SAP Mobile Apps Partner programme, which offers comprehensive technical and commercialisation support, including the option to list packaged apps on SAP's apps marketplace that will allow developers to monetise apps on the SAP Store.
'Mobile technology has become the touch point that unites the workforce across any organisation, no matter the size,' said Sanjay Poonen, president, mobile division, SAP. 'We recognise that this presents valuable opportunity for the millions of mobile developers looking for ways to monetise and scale. For that reason, SAP has created an end to end support system that helps ensure that mobile developers around the world have easy access to SAP resources, from our developer centre and partner programme to the extensive options offered by partner solutions like Adobe, Appcelerator and Sencha. In doing so, we've created the easiest path for B2B and B2C mobile apps to flourish from inception to market.'


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Global Positioning System (GPS) provides unequaled accuracy and flexibility of positioning for navigation, surveying and geographic information system (GIS) data capture. Its growing use in automotive and consumer applications is propelling the market for mobile location technologies. Although standalone products are quite popular, the most common applications are built around Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), mobile phones, or car navigation systems. Moreover, the technology is fast gaining acceptance worldwide, as it is penetrating into previously untapped areas.
GPS companies, both local and international, are competing to grab a piece of this market, especially in logistics for tracking cargo and trucks across India. Lately, the GPS market has started picking up in the country and competition between GPS device providers such as Garmin and inbuilt GPS provider in phone like Nokia has begun. Along with this, we already have maps and static navigation systems available for free or at cheap rates.
Globally, the GPS market is expected to exceed $30 billion in this financial year, as the market is being flooded by a number of affordable GPS components and receivers. As far as the Indian market is concerned, a relatively large number of players have entered the navigation market, which in turn depicts that the potential for development in the market is significant and that the industry will surge in years to come.


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The bag, created by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, comes equipped with a sensor connected to a microcontroller calibrated to detect small traces of alcohol on a person's breath.
The rollout of new chips and salsa products isn't inherently dramatic. Nobody waits in line for hours as they would for, say, a new iPhone. But that doesn't mean you can't create drama, which is exactly what Tostitos and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners are doing.
Brand tweets can seem unnecessary, even annoying, on many holidays. But 4/20? Seeing them get creative with cannabis references? Well, that's actually kind of fun. We've rounded up some of the better brand tweets so far.Check them out below:
Tostitos would like you to know that Chip Kelly, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, is not the official chip of the NFL—because Tostitos is.Goodby, Silverstein & Partners is out with a new series of 10 pre-roll ads, 15 seconds each, riffing on the pun. Chip Kelly, the story goes, is not happy about the lack of respect.Overall, they're pretty cheesy, which is appropriate, because who doesn't love nachos? But the highlights are probably Kelly getting kicked out of a shopping cart, an Eagles player following calls from a bag of Tostitos, and a security guard strong-arming the campaign's announcer.
With just hours to go before No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Alabama clash in the BCS National Championship Game, researchers are already eyeing the inherent value in sponsoring the new NCAA Div. I football title game.
Here's the frontrunner for 2012's most inane election-themed ad brought to you by a brand that has nothing to do with politics. If Democrats and Republicans would just share a bag of tortilla chips, then everybody would get along. Nothing makes us hungrier for an actual concept than a half-baked pun slathered in canned cheese.
From check-in apps to social TV campaigns, companies and brands love handing out badges as a back-pat for user engagement. But do users even care for a digital version of the gold stars they’d earn in kindergarten?
Remember that time you were high at a friend's house and had a conversation with a bag of tortilla chips? Odds are they were Tostitos, suggests a new campaign.


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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES:^DJI) was up 59 points, to 17,110, at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday as tensions in Eastern Europe took a back seat to positive inflation data from the Labor Department and some major earnings wins for U.S. corporations.
Positive signs for the U.S. economic recovery
The Labor Department reported today that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in June, a deceleration from the trend so far this year. Core CPI, which excludes more volatile items such as food and energy, rose just 0.1%.
The markets welcomed this news, as lower inflation gives the Federal Reserve more leeway to hold interest rates lower for longer. As an explicit component of the Fed's dual mandate on monetary policy, inflation is a primary driver in the central bank's decision-making process. With inflation in check, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen and her colleagues can continue to focus on the labor market and promoting broader economic growth.
The National Association of Realtors also said today that existing home sales rose 2.6% in June on an annualized basis. The 5.04 million homes sold is the largest monthly total since October of last year, but still represents a year-over-year sales decline.
The report painted an optimistic picture, citing improving inventory levels and stable price appreciation as factors that should support continued improvement in the real estate markets.
Strong earnings and a fickle market
The broad markets were driven higher by the macro news today, while several individual stocks bucked the trend for specific reasons. Take Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), for example.
Last night after the closing bell, the video streaming and DVD rental company reported strong second-quarter results. Netflix surpassed the 50-million subscriber level for the first time as viewers binge-watched hits including House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black.
Netflix added 570,000 new U.S. subscribers in the quarter, alongside a very impressive 1.1 million additional subscribers in foreign markets. Both growth areas outpaced even management's expectations.
The company reported net income of $71 million for the quarter, more than doubling last year's second-quarter mark of $29 million.
But the stock dropped 5.6% by early Tuesday afternoon in spite of the positive earnings report. Investors sold shares on anticipation that further growth into the European market would erode margins. Other investors claimed that the company's growth upside was already priced into the stock's price.
Even with today's decline, the stock is up about 17% year to date, far outpacing the Dow's 3.3% gain over the same period.
The news also wasn't positive for Dow component Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO), which traded down 3%. Coke reported second-quarter results today, and the market largely did not like what it saw.
The beverage giant beat earnings estimates by a paltry $0.01 per share, and investors turned their focus to a big decline in top-line sales.
Analysts had expected $12.83 billion in quarterly sales. Instead, Coca-Cola reported $12.57 billion, a 1% decline from the year-ago quarter.
The miss was primarily driven by stagnant sales in North America, the company's largest market. This release marks the second consecutive quarter in which Coke has struggled for any growth in this key region. Strong growth in the Asia-Pacific and Eurasia/Middle East regions failed to overcome the North American weakness.


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Coinbase, the biggest cryptocurrency exchange in America, has amassed about $4B worth in cash as a reservoir to prepare for shrunk retail crypto trading volumes as well as the heavier operating costs caused by regulatory hurdles. The organization reportedly anticipates using the cash to meet the costs triggered by several factors, such as adopting the latest regulations imposed by the legislature of the United States. Alesia Haas, the CEO of Coinbase, informed Wall Street Journal that the firm had not been triggered by any danger to itself or the industry. Rather, it was doing this to get prepared for the catastrophe being in the good times.
Alesia stated that the company intends to ensure that it maintains the collected cash reserves to keep a continuation in the investments and product growth services to undergo the crypto winter. Crypto winter denotes a long-lasting bear market. The reason behind this situation is the regulatory tempest to shortly inflict the crypto industry as a result of the infrastructure-based bill passed by the Senate of the United States during the last week being slackly worded to take validators, miners, and the platforms of decentralized finance in the definition of broker for imposing a tax on them.
The regulatory framework may require the previously mentioned entities to report IRS about their user activity. Many representatives of the crypto world are lobbying to bring change in the severe regulations. Although the bill is expected to get amended by the house yet, the crypto community is afraid that a comprehensive amount of the trading volume of the cryptocurrency could get dried up as a consequence if that bill is sanctioned into law without any amendment.
Binance, one of the prominent competitors of Coinbase, also started collecting a similar crisis managing fund named SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users); however, its purpose is to compensate the customers regarding security breaches as well as other issues concerning cybersecurity.
Another expenditure that can be tackled by the fund of Coinbase is the roll-outs of the latest products. Currently, they are heavily dealt with by the transaction fees, which may cost in a loss of stock. To cope with this condition, the firm may target its attention toward introducing the latest financial services that would expectedly diversify the means of revenue for the company.


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Famitsu has published a recent article containing a plethora of new screenshots, and a few new character renders for the upcoming Atlus developed Soul Hackers 2. You can view each of the newly revealed screenshots and renders via Famitsu’s official coverage and our gallery below:
For those unaware, Soul Hackers is a Shin Megami Tensei offshoot that last released for the 3DS, under Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers. Initially, Soul Hackers was considered an entry in the Devil Summoner subseries of Shin Megami Tensei games. However, with Soul Hackers 2, it is now its own series while still retaining some ties to the subfranchise.
Atlus West has announced that the game will have the option to choose between English and Japanese audio, with English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitle options also being selectable, providing greater audience accessibility.
Soul Hackers 2 will release on August 26, 2022, on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. View the official website for more information.
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate Noisy Pixel earns from qualifying purchases.


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Artificial intelligence systems help us write essays, produce album art and translate languages. But the bigger impact from these technologies could be a shakeup of the entire software ecosystem, as a developers start to build their products around AI platforms instead of operating systems.
Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Microsoft Corp. are among those joining startup OpenAI in the rush to stake out territory in the nascent market for generative AI — systems that create content that mimics what a human may produce. So far, their attention seems to be on search, which finds and delivers information. Yet those companies, plus Apple Inc., need to look out for replacements to the more crucial platforms upon which much of their businesses are built.
At its most basic level, an operating system is merely a tool for managing various components of a computer, such as the processor, memory, storage, inputs (keyboard, mouse), and outputs (monitor, speakers). Handing off the administrative task of juggling system resources to the OS allows software such as an internet browser, social media app or photo editor to be simpler but also more stable.
The icons we see on the screen are merely the visible tip of the iceberg: Early operating systems such as those developed by Microsoft were simple text-based iterations with the grunt work happening behind the scenes. Today, Windows and Apple’s iOS offer standard frameworks for interacting with their platforms, allowing external developers to create software more easily. And they do a lot more, from managing battery levels and switching between apps to securely storing passwords.
Apple and Google have built so much functionality directly into iOS and Android that it’s sometimes hard to see where the OS ends and an app begins. The line has been blurred for decades. In the 1990s, Microsoft argued in defense of antitrust allegations that its Internet Explorer browser wasn’t a separate product but merely a feature of its Windows OS.
A quarter-century later, developments in AI systems like OpenAI’s GPT-4 again offer a host of underlying technologies. Chatbot ChatGPT is one example, as are image creator DALL-E and voice-to-text transcription product Whisper. Each has an underlying AI model — in this case developed using neural networks — with the consumer-facing apps plugging into that.
As a result, we need to think of AI systems not as software, but as operating systems upon which applications will be built. Since releasing GPT-4 in March, dozens of companies have integrated Open AI’s model into existing services or built new ones on top. Language-learning app Duolingo, for example, uses it to offer role-playing scenarios to students. Morgan Stanley leverages it to collate investment information that then outputs answers via a chatbot.
Over time, third-party software developers will create products not for an operating system but for the specific AI model that best suits their needs. This is likely to establish a flywheel effect: As more software is created for an AI platform, the more that ecosystem expands — which in turn entices other application providers to join the party. A larger software catalog feeds larger reams of data back to the underlying model, making it even more powerful.
AI platform developers, such as OpenAI, Google and Microsoft, are now rushing to get their products out in order to capture the market, or at least not miss the boat. Amazon.com Inc. is also joining the fray. This week, it launched a suite of products for Amazon Web Services called Bedrock, allowing cloud customers to use tools developed through its partnerships with other AI firms, including Israeli text-generation startup A21 Labs, and British image generation player Stable Diffusion. Amazon’s position as one of the biggest cloud providers gives it a unique advantage in tying together generative AI services into an OS-style platform that clients can plug into.
Critical mass for each of these companies seeking to sell AI services will be both crucial and lucrative. Unlike current operating systems, which are static and don’t change with increased usage, AI-based operating systems could be dynamic and constantly learning.
What makes this approach likely very profitable is that these platforms can charge based on usage, not a flat fee. Over the past decade, software developers — especially those creating for mobile devices — have been shunted toward subscription-based pricing instead of one-time purchases. This is a replica of the software-as-a-service model long deployed for enterprise products. AI platforms taking on the role of operating systems could then give rise to OS as a service. Such an OSaaS model, with dynamic operating systems instead of the current static approach, would be harder to switch away from. This is akin to how clients swap between cloud services like AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, but often don’t because the time and cost is too prohibitive.
Viewed through this lens, the AI companies that grow the biggest won’t necessarily be those with the best chatbots, but those that ensure their models are easiest to plug into and with the widest array of use cases. In time, the industry will learn that products like GPT-4 are far more important than cute and chatty search engines.
More From Bloomberg Opinion:
- Maybe AI Needs to Write Its Own Dictionary: Tim Culpan
- ChatGPT’s ‘IPhone Moment’ Is Real Threat to Google: Parmy Olson
- ChatGPT’s Knock Knock Knockin’ on Spotify’s Door: Lionel Laurent
With assistance from Parmy Olson.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Bloomberg


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Window watching during New York Fashion Week isn’t a bad sideshow to the runways.
The windows display current spring lines, while fashion week is for next fall, and the installations this time of year may not quite be as spectacular as at Christmas. But some retailers take them just as seriously to impress all the designers, journalists and buyers from around the world in town, as well as shoppers.
Hermès is launching a Laundromat pop-up shop in NYC - dubbed Hermèsmatic - where customers can bring their old scarves to be dip-dyed by an expert. Get all the details on WWD.com. #wwdnews (📷: @donstahl)


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ST Haiyuan said in a financial statement that the project would be built in in two phases, with the initial phase investment of around RMB 6 billion (US$916 million). Image: ST Haiyuan
A small automation and composites manufacturer, Fujian Haiyuan Composite Material Technology Co (ST Haiyuan) has entered into a framework agreement with Jiangsu Gaoyou Economic Development Zone in Gaoyou City, Jiangsu province China to build a 10GW high-efficiency solar cell and module assembly plant at cost of around US$1.6 billion.
ST Haiyuan said in a financial statement that the project would be built in in two phases, with the initial phase investment of around RMB 6 billion (US$916 million).
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed and put into trial production before the end of June 2022, according to the company.
ST Haiyuan had annual revenue of approximately US$33.26 million in 2019 and R&D expenditure of around US$4.0 million.
The company said the move to enter the PV Manufacturing sector was in line with the company’s future strategic development needs.
The company has yet to ratify the project agreement with its Board members and provide any details about raising the capital required.
Mar 09 - Mar 11, 2021
Understand fully the technical and logistical supply chains that determine the production and performance of solar modules, including all related factors impacting quality, reliability & bankability. This event will be run online with streamed content and online networking.


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If you’re a Comcast customer, there’s a good chance they’ve treated you sometimes in a way that’s frustrating, costly, or just plain unfair.
Since Radvocate helps you take on Comcast and get compensated, we've seen customers mistreated in all kinds of ways.
Based on the latest news from across the web, we’ve put together a list of the 8 biggest scams Comcast may be pulling. Read more below, or you can start your own claim right now:
• • •
Radvocate specializes in helping customers get paid back. We’ll take your basic information and submit your documents.
It’s free to file*, and it gets Comcast to listen!
• • •
Here are some of the scams we’re seeing:
Fraudulent repair plan: Comcast is being sued by the state of Washington under charges that its “Service Protection Plan” was improperly added to customer accounts without their permission, and didn’t cover necessary repairs!
"Stuffing" bills with unneeded services: Comcast has been fined over $2 million dollars by the federal government for charging customers for products and services they never requested.
Hidden fees and deceptive advertising: California consumers are claiming Comcast engaged in a “massive illegal scheme” by adding billions in “content” fees to cable bills that weren’t disclosed on sign-up.
Improper credit checks: An action in Illinois claims that Comcast has been running credit checks on some new customers, potentially impacting their credit scores, even after they paid a deposit specifically to avoid a credit check!
Crazy cancellation fees: One small business owner tells the two-year saga of trying to get an $1800 cancellation fee refunded—money Comcast took from his bank by falsely claiming he was still in contract.
Reps who won’t let you cancel: A few years ago, this call went viral of a subscriber’s head banging interactions with a Comcast telemarketer who wouldn’t cancel his account. (Pro tip: We’ve heard it helps if you tell them you’re moving out of the country).
Lying about internet speeds: According to the advertising agency’s internal watchdog, Comcast’s advertisements lied when claiming to have “the fastest internet”; they were asked to stop the ads because the claim was misleading customers.
Plans to create an internet “slow lane”: In opposition to “net neutrality” protests, a Comcast lobbyist was quoted saying that “something might come along” that supported some internet traffic reaching you faster than others. (Maybe based on who cut the biggest check to Comcast!?)
Have you been a victim of these scams? Or a different Comcast issue? We want to hear from you!
*Radvocate claims a commission on successful claims. Some customers may choose to pay a flat fee up front.
(Image credit: Allan Rotgers)


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Sales remain down for Volvo and JLG
FRANKLIN COUNTY - The parent companies of local factories that make construction equipment are reporting declining sales in their most recent quarterly reports.
Oshkosh Corp., the parent of JLG Industries in McConnellsburg, on Thursday reported a 23 percent decrease in sales of access equipment during the quarter.
Volvo Group, the parent of Volvo Construction Equipment in Shippensburg, reported last week that sales of construction equipment were down slightly.
Menno Haven announces $120 million project
Manitowoc Cranes, parent of Grove U.S. in Shady Grove, is to announce its quarterly earnings on Wednesday. The company in mid-March had announced unspecified “headcount reductions” at Grove to help increase operating efficiencies.
Together the three original equipment manufacturers employ thousands of people directly and hundreds of others indirectly at local shops supplying them.
“The industry is cyclical,” said L. Michael Ross, president of the Franklin County Area Development Corp. “We’re hoping it’s bottomed out and will not go any deeper, and we’ll start to recover.”
Franklin County’s unemployment rate remains around a 7-year low. Its manufacturing sector has recovered since the recession in 2009, but in the past year manufacturers have cut 200 jobs.
About 990 people in Franklin County will exhaust their unemployment benefits during April, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Nearly a third of them had worked in manufacturing. The average manufacturing wage for 2014 in the county was $53,475, a wage higher than paid in the warehousing or health care and social assistance sectors.
Volvo, JLG and Grove manufacture for a complex global market.
The construction equipment industry continued during the most recent quarter to decline in the Middle East and Latin America, according to Volvo. Sales in Brazil and Russia remained weak. Sales in China gained some momentum ahead of new emissions rules set for April 1. The European market was up by 6 percent compared to the same period last year. The North American market remained stable.
Poultry ranch offers 190 jobs near Mercersburg
Oshkosh's decline in sales for access equipment was due primarily to the slowdown in North America where companies ordered fewer replacements and smaller shipments of telehandlers, which are made locally. The company’s production of Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles and international Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles to the military helped offset the losses. The military vehicles are not made locally.
The Oshkosh access equipment results, as bad as they were for the quarter, were better than the company expected.
“We believe a generally more positive view on the U.S. economy, a solid construction outlook and a relatively mild winter in the U.S. led some rental companies to make access equipment purchase decisions earlier in the year than they may have previously planned, leading to higher than expected sales in the access equipment segment,” Wilson R. Jones, Oshkosh president and chief executive officer.
Volvo too is looking ahead to better times.
“We launched several new products at Bauma (in Munich,) the leading trade fair in the construction industry,” said Martin Lundstedt, Volvo president and CEO. “Most attention was focused on our new articulated hauler and our new excavator, both with load capacity increases that will generate significant productivity gains for customers and mean entry into new segments.”
Ross said the hope is that construction companies, starting transportation projects later this year and next year, will start spending money on new equipment.
Jim Hook 717-262-4759


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Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 | 11 p.m.
DETROIT — The UFC announced Thursday the release of its “UFC Undisputed” videogame on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
The game is manufactured by THQ Inc. and available now on the App Store.
Similar to the version on the Xbox and Playstation platforms, “UFC Undisputed” allows gamers to control one of 25 fighters from one of the UFC’s current five weight classes.
It also features access to real-time UFC news.
“The ‘UFC Undisputed’ franchise is a huge hit with videogame and fight fans around the world,” said UFC president Dana White in a released statement. “’UFC Undisputed 2010’ for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad are yet another way for fans to experience all the action inside the octagon.”
The application is listed at a current price of $6.99.


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It’s the summer of weird giveaways and deals! Earlier this week, we found out that ketchup popsicles are being given out for free across Canada. And today, we just got word that AriZona Hard is bringing back its super popular 99¢ bikes next month. And of course, we’re here to let you know how to get your hands on one.
Originally released last year, the 99¢ bikes from AriZona feature the classic green tea branding of their original 90s design. The bike itself is a pretty straightforward cruiser, making it perfect for a quick trip to the farmers market on the weekend or something.
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While details are slim for this year, the release last year was only available to residents in BC, AB, MB, SK and ON. What they did let us know is how quickly the release sold out- their entire stock last year was literally gone in 60 seconds (shoutout Nic Cage).
For this year, the release will be happening on July 5th, with the exact time to be revealed in the coming. Mark your calendars, following the brand on Instagram, and get ready to snag one of the cheapest new bikes you’ll ever see!


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While Google has already released the Android Lollipop update for the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 5 devices, the update is now available for the Nexus 4 as well.
Google has started rolling out the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the Nexus 4 smartphone. The update, which is being pushed Over-the-Air (OTA), has apparently reached users in India. While the rollout is still a bit slow, the update is expected to take a while to reach all the Nexus 4 users but can be manually installed.
To check if the Nexus 4 has received the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, users need to go to Settings > About device > System updates > Check Now. However, if the phone has been flashed recently, it may not show the update. The OTA update is also available for download and can be side loaded manually.


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Fuchs Petrolub, known for manufacturing a such oil-based products as Fuchs WSP 783-L, recently announced its purchase of Statoil Fuel & Retail (SFR) Lubricants.
It purchased the firm from Couche-Tard Luxembourg S.A.R.L., which is an indirect subsidy of Alimentation-Couche Tard inc.
Statoil Fuel & Retail Lubricants is among Scandinavia’s premier lubricant providers, but is also a well-known industry name in many countries, including Russia, Poland and the Baltic nations.
The company primarily manufactures lubricants for the industrial and automotive industries, and focuses on the production of specialist lubricants.
Fuchs’ latest acquisition will go a long way to strengthen the company’s visibility in Scandinavia, where it is striving to establish itself among the leading manufacturers of lubricants in the region.
Fuchs has been exerting its efforts on expanding its position in the lubricants market, and is currently focusing on bolstering its standing in Baltic Europe.
The acquisition of SFR lubricant products will complement Fuchs Petrolub’s current portfolio, but the company is still keeping a keen eye on the market for other opportunities that may help it to further expand into new markets and territories, outside of its current strongholds.
According to the company’s chief executive Stefan Fuchs, who spoke about his company’s ambitions in a recent interview with German magazine Euro am Sonntag, the company has a plan to boost organic growth by spending more on new facilities and further research and development, of which this recent acquisition was just a small part.


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Thailand’s second-largest bank by assets, Kasikornbank, gets into crypto with a majority investment in the local crypto business, Satang. One of the biggest Thai banks – Kasikornbank, has decided to buy a controlling share of Satang, a local crypto company.
As announced yesterday by SET, Kasikorbnak – also known as KBank – took a 97% stake in the operator of Thai’s Satang Crypto exchange. As stated by Kasikornbank, the acquisition is around btt3.7 billion or equivalent to USD103 million.
K-Bank’s subsidiary, “Unita Capital,” which specializes in investing in the digital assets business line, is carrying out the transaction, as per the official announcement.
Satang Corporation intends to rename it into Orbix Trade Company after a takeover bid occurs. Kasikornbank envisions using three businesses, Orbis Custodian, Orbix Invest, and Orbix Technology, for its crypto business.
Satang Corporation holds a key position on the Thai scene of crypto exchange and digital assets in general. Poramin Insom, who launched Firo (FIRO), ex-Zcoin, is a founder of Satang.
Kasikornbank Confirms Insom Takeover
On Oct. 30, Insom confirmed its takeover was by Kasikornbank via Facebook. “I’ve been at Satang since 2017 until now, six years have passed,” Insom said, adding:
The headline of the news reads: “Satang is out! Wait for official notification.
In addition, he informed us of the other organizations under Satang’s umbrella, like Satang Technology – a blockchain service platform – and Satang Space.
“It does not affect me, and hence, I have reported here. Just in the eventuality that Satang’s corporate customers may get shocked if they experience what the future holds,” asserted Satang’s Chief Executive officer.
This announcement followed closely after KBank launched a $100 million fund on Web3, fintech, and artificial intelligence in September 2023. This is said to be one of the largest lenders in Thailand after Bangkok Bank.
Thai NVDR Company Limited is the largest shareholder of KBank, as documented by the Sources of Information and Tables (SET). NVDR has 99.9% of its share value owned by The Stock Exchange of Thailand.


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Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, the local unit of Heineken NV has reported a 10.02 percent drop in its second quarter profit as the company continues to grapple with the economic doldrums that is causing unease for consumer goods firms in Africa largest economy.
Profit was N21.47 billion in the first six months through June 2015, from N23.87 billion the previous year. Sales increased 7.19 percent to N151.67 billion as the company enjoyed patronage of its wide portfolio product.
Net margin, an economic measure of profitability and efficiency reduced to 14.15 percent, from 16.87 percent last year. This reflects the rising cost margins caused by harsh economic environment.
Nigeria breweries and other consumer names have been lurching as weak consumer spending, rising inflation and insurgency in the north part of the country that makes it difficult for firms to shift goods to the crisis region crimp sales.
Nigerian consumer inflation rose to 9.2 percent year-on-year in June, in line with expectations but above the central bank’s target upper limit, from 9.0 percent in May, marking the highest rate since February 2013, according to data from the national statistics office.
The disruption in the fuel distribution fueled by rift between the Petroleum oil marketers and government over unpaid subsidy monies culminated in hike in transport fares that squeezed consumer wallets hence causing a sharp decline in beer volume.
NB’s rising costs also reflects the pains of manufacturers as a lot have to rely on diesel oil, an expensive energy source to run generators for factories as electricity from the grid is inconsistent and unreliable.
This invariably spirals production costs and shrinks profit margins.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its growth forecast for Nigeria in 2015 to 4.8 per cent, up from 7.3 per cent it forecast in October on the back of drop in oil price.
Analysts are calling …Read More
Source:: New Mail


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Since dinosaurs ruled the earth, Procter & Gamble has focused its advertising almost exclusively on the product proposition – regarding this as the sole route to a brand’s bottom line, unencumbered by deviations such as humor or subtlety.
Few could deny the effectiveness of this credo – or its ennui. But smoke signals recently emerging from Cincinnati suggest this doctrine may no longer be advertising's equivalent of Mount Rushmore.
It was revealed Thursday that P&G has booked twenty – yes twenty – of its senior marketers into that annual saturnalia of narcissism, the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. Heading the P&G delegation is global marketing officer James R Stengel, no less – further evidence, believe industry observers, that the globe’s largest advertiser may be lightening-up.
Stengel, appointed the company’s senior marketing executive in August 2001, believes P&G’s ‘better than Brand X’ approach has passed its sell-by date. In a gesture of humility hitherto unknown at the event, he rejected an invitation to address the weeklong gathering. “We’re going to Cannes to learn,” he averred, “not to lecture to agencies about how to make good ads”.
Since Stengel took office there have been cracks in P&G’s ossified ad approach. One ad by Grey Global Group for Lacoste fragrance features a reclining male nude; Leo Burnett’s US Pampers ads focus not on staying dry but how kids view the world at different ages; while in the UK the same agency hucksters Daz washing powder with a touch of racy humor centring around Mom’s reaction to the discovery of her son’s girlfriend’s discarded (and none-too-white) bra.
All would have been anathema pre-Stengel. But the globe hasn’t shifted in its orbit and P&G is still P&G. So business, not fun, tops its Cannes agenda. “No sunbathing!” says Stengel – with the merest flicker of a smile.
Each delegate is required to keep a personal journal in which he or she will record observations and ‘action steps’ to recommend to divisions back at the corporate ranch. They also have to view every ad selected as a category finalist!
The journals and their conclusions will form the basis of a future ‘Stengel Marketing Hour,’ a quarterly webcast to the company's 3,500 marketing executives worldwide.
Data sourced from: The Wall Street Journal Online; additional content by WARC staff


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Hope is what all the animals at Shelter of Hope Santa Clarita have; hope that one day, they find a loving forever home.
Shelter of Hope Pet Shop Santa Clarita is a non-profit volunteer based shelter that opened in 2015.
“We’re trying to replace all the puppy mill pet shops in all of our malls across the nation,” said Danielle Caouette, Shelter Hope Pet Shop Owner.
According to shelterhopepetshop.org, their hope is, “to abolish all puppy mill pet shops, help find homes for the countless pets in our shelters that face euthanasia, and educate the public on how we can all help reduce future shelter population.”
“We wanted to set out to change the way the people think about a pet shop,” Caouette said. “We decided if you can’t beat them, we’ll join them, and show people we can have a full blown pet shop, with all of our shelter pets.”
Since opening in April 2015, the Santa Clarita location has had 840 adoptions and is still counting.
From day to day care, to vet visits, people in the community are volunteering and fostering animals that are in need of loving homes.
“We could rescue and save a lot more animals if we had more fosters to take them home,” said Cindy Josten, a volunteer who works with rescue cats.
Volunteers and fosters are always needed, and donations are always welcome.
“I love my volunteers and I love my fosters. I couldn’t do it without their help,” Caouette said.
Animals range from dogs and cats of all ages to even bunnies. Each animal with a different story of how they came to Shelter of Hope.
“We get them from everywhere,” Josten said. “They need homes their rescues.”
The shop is more that just a shelter, they have art, clothes and more for sale. All the proceeds go back to help save more animals.
“Everything you buy here goes to rescue, to feed our animals, and to get them a good home,” said Josten.
Santa Clarita is one of three locations throughout California. Other locations include Sacramento and Thousand Oaks.
If you would like to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate go to shelterhopepetshop.org for more information.


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The 2015 AM100 by numbers
Four - The number of new entrants in this year’s table
The four companies making their entry to the AM100, either for the first time or returning, are Steven Eagell at number 99 (turnover £119 million); Marsh Wall at 94 (£131m); Cotswold Motor Group at 90 (£145m) and Eden Motor Group.
Eden’s leap to number 67 was aided by chief executive Graeme Potts’ decision to take over the Hyundai representation in Reading from West London Motor Group in May. Its resulting turnover is £195 million.
The entry point for the AM100 this year is Ford solus dealer Foray Motor Group’s £115m. This is a £2m increase on 2014, and £11m
Previous years’ new entrant totals:- 2014: Three, 2013: Five, 2012: 10
£13,834 - The top 20 groups’ average profit per employee
The average figure for the top 20 performers at £13,834 is 10% better than last year and 30% better than two years ago. For the second year running, CEM Day achieves the highest figure with its 531 staff at £23,316 – an increase of 7% on 2014. At number 20, Glyn Hopkin made £11,798 profit per staff member. The total number of staff in the AM100 is at 105,091, up 6% on 2014.
Previous years’ results:- 2014: £12,496, 2013: £9,548, 2012: £8,144
2.5% - The average return on sale (RoS) for the 20 best groups
Last year, we acknowledged CEM Day’s success in being the only AM100 group to exceed 3% return on sale, a feat it achieved three years running. Now the Ford, Peugeot and Fiat retailer, at number 58 in the AM100, has gone one better. It has broken the 4% mark, the only dealer to have done so this year. CEM Day’s RoS figure is 4.04%. No other dealer has achieved this in the past five years.
Arnold Clark comes second in our top 20 countdown, recording 3.29%, and Hatfields comes close to the 3% mark at 2.9%. New entrant Eden Motor Group is also in the top 20 for RoS with a figure of 2.47%.
Overall, the average RoS figure is up a little at 2.5%, compared with 2.22% last year.
Previous years’ RoS top 20 averages:- 2014: 2.22%, 2013: 2.3%, 2012: 2.1%
£42.5m - Average profit before tax of the 10 biggest profit earners
For the 10 highest achievers, profit before tax has increased 31% year-on-year and is up 69% in a two-year period. The top 10 group continues to be dominated by plcs (Pendragon, Vertu, Sytner, Lookers and, from this year, Marshall Motors), but it is the privately owned Arnold Clark that tops the table for the second year running with £107m PBT, up 26% year-on-year. For three years, it has been competing for the top spot with Sytner and this year beats the Leicestershire-based company’s result by nearly 20%.
Lookers’ and Pendragon’s PBT total is around the £60m mark, well ahead of Jardine (£24.8m), Vertu (£21m), JCT600 (£18.6m) and Listers, Helston and Marshall Motors around the £13m-14m mark. Helston is the lowest-placed group in the AM100 to feature here, at number 23, with a turnover of £471m.
Previous years’ PBT top 10 average:- 2014: £32.4m, 2013: £25.2m, 2012: £23.1m
£627,513 - Average profit per outlet
The number of outlets operated by the AM100 continues to grow and earnings per site continue to strengthen, with an average figure up 15% year-on-year.
CEM Day tops the ranking again, with a figure of £1,125,545 profit per outlet from its 11 sites. Exceeding six figures is a first for the group, but not for the AM100. Spire Automotive achieved the milestone in 2011 with a figure of £1,016,250.
Thompson Motor Company is at number two for the second year running, with a total of £889,333, an 18% increase. It is also the lowest-placed group in the AM100 to figure in this top 20, at number 86. Harwoods, Sytner, Currie Motors, SG Smith, Dick Lovett and Porsche Retail Group also exceed the average figure.
Previous years’ performance:- 2014: £545,918, 2013: £380,035, 2012: £318,470
2,779 - Total number of outlets or franchised dealerships
The AM100’s proportion of the UK franchised network has grown this year, but by less than 1%. According to figures from AM’s franchised dealer data site AMi (www.am-online.com/ami), the AM100 operates less than 60% of the UK’s total franchised outlets – the exact figure is about 57%.
Previous years’ outlet totals:- 2014: 2,757, 2013: 2,700, 2012: 2,521
The 2014 AM100 by numbers
£32.4m The average profit before tax of the 10 biggest profit earners
Compared to £25.2m last year, the latest average profit before tax figure for the top 10 groups has risen 29% – a little over 40% over a two-year period (2011: £22.8m). Year after year, plcs Lookers and Pendragon lead the AM100 for profitability alongside Sytner and Arnold Clark Automobiles. This year the Scots are at number one with a PBT figure of £85.2m, a 41% increase in its year-on-year profitability from £60.5m. Sytner is at number two with £71m (6% up year-onyear), Lookers follows with £46.6m (28% up YoY) and then Pendragon with a more modest PBT increase of 3% to £37.6m.
Previous years’ PBT top 10 average: 2013: £25.2m (up 9%), 2012: £23.1m (up 1.3%), 2011: £22.8m
£545,918 Average profit per outlet
The number of outlets operated by the AM100 has increased slightly (2,758 v 2,700) and yet this has far from diluted earnings with 2014’s research seeing a 44% year-on-year increase in performance per franchised outlet. CEM Day, with 11 outlets, has the highest at £984,545, a leap in its own leading position in 2013 of 72%. Close as it may be to the £1m mark, it is not as impressive as Spire Audi in 2011 when it achieved £1.02m. CEM Day, Harwoods, Dick Lovett, Sytner, Currie Motors, TC Harrison, Peter Vardy and Thompson Motor Company all exceed the average figure.
Previous years’ performance: 2013: £380,035 (up 19%), 2012: £318,470 (down 33% year-on-year), 2011: £477,587
£12,496 The top 20 group’s average profit per employee
The number of people employed by the AM100 is up from 2013, but they are working harder, helped by the boost to the new car sales market. The average profit per employee in our top 20 is £12,496, 31% higher than last year. For four years Spire Automotive had the highest return per staff member, but it has dropped to number eight with £12,459. For the first time a group has broken the £20,000 barrier. RoS champion CEM Day achieves £21,660 profit per staff member, making it the top performer by this measure. Toomeys makes its first appearance in the top 20 at number two, with £15,144. These two groups, plus Helston Garage, exceed the £15,000 figure. The last company to match this was Spire Automotive in 2012, with £15,319.
Previous years’ results: 2013: £9,548 (17% increase), 2012: £8,144 (down 27%), 2011: £11,113
2,757 Total number of outlets...
or franchised dealerships – representing an increase of 57 or 2% from the 2013 total of 2,700. According to figures from AM’s franchised dealer data site AMi (www.am-online.com/ami), the AM100 operates more than 60% of the UK’s total franchised outlets.
Previous year’s outlet totals: 2013: 2,700 (up 7%), 2012: 2,521 (up 1%), 2011: 2,495 (up 0.3%)
3 The number of new entrants
A fall of two year-on-year. Blue Bell had been an AM100 backmarker for several years with a turnover a little over £100m. But it was divided up and sold to two groups this year. The boost in turnover of £50m for Knights Group when it bought Blue Bell Crewe in April sees its turnover grow 73% on the previous year, the biggest increase in the AM100. The remaining new entries are Essex Auto Group and Wessex Garages, each with turnover of £121m and at number 94 in the AM100. Last year’s entry point for the AM100 was £104m. This year it is £113m, reflecting the across-the-board boost in turnover in our countdown.
Previous years: 2013: 5, 2012: 10, 2011: 4
2.22% The average return on sale (RoS) for the 20 best groups
CEM Day’s figure of 3.6% sees it repeat its success of last year, being the only group in the AM100 to exceed the 3% mark and topping our RoS ranking. It is also the third year running this Ford, Peugeot and Fiat retailer has hit 3% or more. Below CEM Day are Arnold Clark with 2.9% (2013: 2.4%), Westover Group and Helston Garages with 2.8% (2.9% and 2.5%). At number 20 in our ranking is Beadles Group with 1.7%.
Previous years’ RoS top 20 averages: 2013: 2.26%, 2012: 2.1%, 2011: 2.7%


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Heads up fellow geeks! It’s only a few more days before Free Comic Book Day and fans here in Singapore can look forward to several exciting events at our local shops.
Perhaps the number one local comic book shop to check out is GnB Comics at Rochor Centre. This is one little comic book store that has done a lot for local fans here. Over the last few years, GnB Comics has had autograph signings by some of the biggest names like Brian Bolland and Joe Staton. Their previous FCBD events have seen long queues snaking round the corner store and this year shouldn’t be any different.
This year’s FCBD actually starts a day earlier on Friday night with a special Avengers 3D movie get-together with members and guest artists Nicola Scott (Earth 2) and Ardian Syaf (Batgirl).
On FCBD Saturday 5 May from 10am onwards, there’ll be autograph sessions with Nicola Scott and Ardian Syaf as well as a chance to win a Batgirl art page by Syaf if you are wearing a GnB or FCBD t-shirt.
There’ll even be a graphic novel sale till 4pm with US$1 for S$1 on cover price. Check instore for more details. Sounds like a deal you won’t want to miss. And of course, this year’s selection of free comics from DC and Marvel are also preludes to major storylines coming up later in the year. That’s another reason to make sure you get your hands on them.
At 5pm till 8pm, GnB will take the fun and excitement to The Cathay Main Atrium for more art demo, sale of sketches and autograph signings.


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Inge Goglia grew frustrated at the itty-bitty buttons on her cell phone and complexity of trying to text message her daughter.
"So I got this Doro cell phone that has huge buttons, lights up in the dark with big letters and is much simpler," said the 70-year-old Bradenton retiree.
Yes, the cell phone craze has finally found the senior market.
The top-selling big-number cell phone in Europe — until now sold primarily by mail order in the United States — Doro is now being sold by Consumer Cellular Services at 800 Sears stores. The phone competes for seniors' favor from the likes of Samsung, Motorola and Pantech. And more sophisticated (and costly) features include iPhones with a magnified screen for the vision impaired, voice recognition systems that dial numbers and even reminders to take pills.
"The industry now offers a variety of handsets designed for the seniors market," said AT&T Wireless spokeswoman Sue Sperry. "It's important in Florida, because after a hurricane, texting will be the best way for families to communicate."
Doro's handlers hope U.S. sales of fewer than 1 million over the past three years will zoom tenfold now that more seniors can try one at Sears.
"Unlike Europe, cell phones have been sold in the U.S. by wireless service carriers that bundle in more and more features geared for young people that generate far more revenue for them," said Christopher Lundstrom, director of North America for Swedish Doro. "For seniors, we kept our phone very simple."
There's no contract. The clamshell phone costs $59.99 including activation with service plans starting at $10 a month through the Consumer Cellular network. The network has a royalty deal endorsement with AARP and buys and resells its minutes en masse from AT&T. Doro stuck with big buttons, easier to press for frail seniors who have trouble developing the feel for touch screen keypads.
"I have it mainly for emergencies," Goglia said, "So $20 a month for 300 minutes is plenty."
Now in five states from Nashville to Key West, Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets is moving into Knoxville, Tenn. The first store opens next year. It's about 100 miles northeast of the closest Publix, in Chattanooga, one of 30 Publix stores in Tennessee.
Narrowing the Gap
Still trying to find its place in a changing fashion world, the nation's second-biggest apparel specialty chain is shrinking. The Gap Inc. plans to close 200 of its Gap stores in the United States in the next two years, leaving about 900. It's part of a larger plan for the company, which operates 3,200 stores under several brands worldwide, to stop losing market share to J. Crew, Forever 21, Zara and H&M by shifting emphasis to outlet malls and its healthier discount brand Old Navy. Old Navys are being shrunk into smaller spaces, already completed in Tampa's WestShore Plaza. Expect to see fewer Gap stores in second-tier malls.
The total 2 percent cut in 38 million square feet of retail space follows a similar trim in the past two years.
Chief executive Glenn Murphy foresaw no change in the footprint of Gap's Banana Republic.
Mark Albright can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org or (727) 893-8252.


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Electric car subscription company elmo has surveyed over 2,000 UK motorists to determine the UK’s attitudes and perceptions towards EVs.
The survey featured respondents who do not drive electric vehicles, to understand their attitudes towards EVs, focusing on the attractiveness, charging points and timings, and the potential monetary gains of owning an electric car.
It found that those in the Gen Z age-range (between 16–24-year-olds) were the most likely to switch to EV, with 35% in this category confirming their intentions to go electric.
However, those aged between 25-54 years old were the most undecided, with 50% saying they were unsure whether or not their next car would be electric.
Those aged over 55 years old are the least likely to make the switch, with 38% revealing they had no intention to buy an electric car.
Overall, the study revealed that 27% of respondents would not choose an electric vehicle for their next car, whereas 22% said they would. Almost half (49%) said they are undecided.
When looking at gender, men are more likely than women to go fully electric with their next car, with 31% of men ready to switch compared to just 18% of women. Women are more undecided on whether to go fully electric with their next car, with 54% unsure whether to switch or not.
The report also found that a third of UK drivers are put off buying an EV due to the high purchase price. However, of those surveyed over half (58%) of respondents did not know the potential cost savings from switching to an electric car.
Around six in ten respondents (61%) said they don’t know where their nearest public charging point is, and over a fifth of drivers estimated that the average range of EVs is between 151- 200 miles, However the real world average range is around 203 miles.
Olly Jones, co-founder at elmo, said: “It is really interesting to see the UK’s attitudes towards electric vehicles, and how the costs of purchasing an EV is putting off UK residents from taking the step towards ownership.
“Many people in the UK are not informed on where their nearest chargers are, how much they could save by having an electric vehicle or the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle. That is why pieces of informational research like this are so important for consumers’ decisions.
“It is fantastic to be able to offer electric vehicle subscriptions to UK drivers, which is a great alternative to purchasing and making that longer-term commitment to an electric vehicle and is a great way to test the waters to see if they want to make that bigger commitment if they are able.”


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CHICAGO, Ill. (August 13, 2015) – More than 3,200 Ball Park Park’s Finest™ frankfurters later, a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title was set for the Longest barbecue marathon by a team as the Ball Park® brand grill team, led by Food Network celebrity chef Tyler Florence and two consumer contest winners, grilled for 34 hours and 35 minutes straight, shattering the existing 30 hour record. The non-stop “Finest Grillathon” unfolded in New York City’s Gansevoort Plaza, where consumers tuned in via livestream on www.BallParkBrand.com or the social media app Meerkat to watch Florence and team go the distance. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS officials chronicled the Ball Park brand challenge, a history-making maneuver that was previously set by a bunch of British blokes earlier this year.
“Dogged determination got us to the finish line,” said Tyler Florence, who kept the grillers and crowd energized throughout the event. “GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS was clear that to set a new record we had to man the grills the entire time with at least five different food items, hot dogs of course. Nobody slept but we definitely ate.”
Throughout the event, the Ball Park brand grill team and Tyler Florence entertained the audience, both in-person and online, with a steady stream of grilling tutorials, tips and unique hot dog mashups. Passersby were treated to Ball Park Park’s Finest frankfurters fresh from the grill – the brand’s premium line of hot dogs made with 100 percent beef and no artificial preservatives, flavors, colors or fillers, and no nitrates or nitrites added*. Additional grilled fare was donated to City Harvest, the world’s first food rescue organization which today is dedicated to helping feed the nearly 1.4 million New Yorkers facing hunger.
“This was crazy fun,” said Tamara Elliott, Ball Park brand senior brand manager, who helped distribute grilled Ball Park Park’s Finest frankfurters to passersby. “Grilling as a sport is an interesting concept. Lots of grilling enthusiasts will be in training for Labor Day, which is one of the top three grilling holidays in terms of hot dog sales.”
The Ball Park brand grill team, comprised of Andrew Battistelli of Clinton, TN and Susan Bulloch of Lehi, UT, were selected to participate in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS challenge based on videos they submitted to The Finest Grillathon contest hosted by Ball Park brand and Food Network showcasing their all-star grill skills.
About Ball Park Brand
The Ball Park brand was launched in 1957 in response to a request from the owner of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. The Ball Park frank was such a success, it was expanded nationally. Today, Ball Park products can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores and a variety of sports venues - including Detroit's Comerica Park. For more information, visit www.ballparkbrand.com.
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world’s largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
*Except those naturally occurring in celery juice
Contact: Ashley La Croix, Tyson Foods, Inc., +1.312.614.8732
Amanda Ruppelli, MWW, +1.201.806.3139
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Apple Arcade simply added two new video games to its library, each of that are noteworthy. Subscribers can now obtain Dandara: Trials of Worry+ and Oddmar+ through the App Retailer.
Each of Apple’s new video games are hidden gems in their very own proper. Dandara: Trials of Worry+ is an expanded model of Dandara, a standout Metroidvania-style recreation from 2018. Initially launched on consoles, Dandara is a recreation the place gamers traverse by sticking to surfaces. The sport is predicated on Brazilian historical past, drawing inspiration from the real-world Dandara, a girl who fought in opposition to slavery throughout Brazil’s colonial interval.
Oddmar, one other 2018 recreation, is a Viking platformer initially launched on cell units. It options gameplay just like the Rayman sequence. Whereas the sport normally prices $5 on the App Retailer, Apple Arcade subscribers will be capable to obtain it at no extra cost.
Each video games really feel completely fitted to Apple’s rising subscription service and its current suite of units. Oddmar’s swipe-controlled platforming is as clean as butter and the colourful visuals nonetheless stand out amongst cell video games (it’s particularly vibrant on an iPhone 13 Professional). Dandara is very value trying out for individuals who missed it in 2018. I performed it on a Nintendo Change initially, nevertheless it’s a superb match for cell. On a brand new iPad Mini, it’s simpler than ever to leap from floor to floor with the flick of a thumb.
Apple Arcade has gone via a significant growth in 2021, retooling the service. Along with including standout video games like Fantasian, it’s additionally introduced notable cell classics to the platform. That features cellphone staples like Solitaire and shocking ports like Monster Hunter Tales.


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What was supposed to be a planned launch last March, took a turn to an online-release-for-a-cause. Rising singer-songwriter Denice Lao, was one of the artists who had major plans for 2020. From shooting a music video, to partnering with eco-sustainable clothing brand Re Clothing for a shirt collection, Denice was all set to go. That is, before the COVID-19 pandemic that has struck the world like a storm.
Many musicians are doing their best right now to use their talents to help the country amidst the crisis which includes Denice who have been doing online gigs to raise awareness for various institutions helping our frontliners and affected Filipinos like PGH Medical Foundation, Virlanie Foundation, Trail Adventours and Bayanihan Musikahan. After a two-month postponement, the singer-songwriter is now releasing her music video and shirt collection collab with Re Clothing. The shirt collection which is priced at Php 550.00 each are all designed by Denice and all proceeds from the collection will be donated to help prepare meals for our frontliners.
Here’s the music video of the song that talks about the insecurities of one-sided love! Bonus is that it’s shot in a beautiful garden in Rizal.


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Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Nina looks effortlessly beautiful in these new photos uploaded to mark Nigeria’s independence day celebration.
The Imo State University graduate wore a white cloth with Nigeria crested on it. The pictures have been admired by several of her Instagram followers.
She has also been modeling for some clothing brands in Nigeria.
See more images:
via: INFORMATION NIGERIA


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Tosu Premium Outlets near Fukuoka expanded
Mitsubishi Estate-Simon has expanded its premier outlet mall, Tosu Premium Outlets.
The shopping destination near the city of Fukuoka opened 19 new stores on November 7, making the Kyushu region’s largest outlet mall even larger with 164 stores.
The new stores mainly feature popular overseas brands, with two of them (Kate Spade New York Kids and fashion accessories brand Nojess) making their outlet-mall debut in Japan.
A winter lighting display was turned on on November 7.


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Toyota says it will start selling hydrogen-powered car in less than a year
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/26/2014 (3 years ago)
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
Fuel cell cars will be here sooner than you think. Toyota Motor Corp. says that they have stepped up plans to introduce its first hydrogen-powered car. Officials say that it will arrive in less than a year and retail at about $70,000.
Called FCV, Toyota displayed a concept version of its fuel-cell vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The car company previously said it would roll out the car "around 2015" at a price of up to $100,000. Toyota then said that they would begin sales in Japan by March of 2015. The Japanese government seeks to boost the economy through the development of hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
Other car makers are said to be developing fuel-cell cars. However, Toyota has been one of the chief advocates of the technology as a way to reduce harmful greenhouse-gas emissions.
Fuel celled automobiles, unlike battery-powered electric vehicles can be refueled in minutes . assuming drivers can find one of the handful of hydrogen stations that are currently in operation. Electric cars require a lengthy recharges.
Honda has said it plans to begin selling a fuel-cell car next year. Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea began limited sales of a hydrogen-powered sport-utility vehicle in California this month.
Toyota executives admit that significant hurdles need to be overcome before fuel-cell vehicles become a viable option for mass-market consumers.
There are currently only a handful of refueling stations in places such as Japan and California. Toyota, the world's largest auto maker by volume, hopes that by making a strong statement of support for the fledgling technology it can help stimulate development.
Toyota, as well as other makers of gasoline-powered vehicles also are under pressure to meet regulatory demands in California and other markets to sell zero-emission cars, Battery-electric cars have had minimal sales. Fuel-cell vehicles will help Toyota earn credits under California and U.S. regulations that will allow the company to sell fuel-hungry sport-utility vehicles and large cars without penalties.
"We want to demonstrate how serious we are," Mitsuhisa Kato, a Toyota executive vice president said at a news conference.
Called FCV, Toyota displayed a concept version of its fuel-cell vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The bright blue car sported two large front grilles, which let in air that reacts with the hydrogen in the fuel cell to produce water and energy to power the car.
Copyright 2017 - Distributed by THE CALIFORNIA NETWORK
Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for JULY 2017
Lapsed Christians. That our brothers and sisters who have strayed from the faith, through our prayer and witness to the Gospel, may rediscover the merciful closeness of the Lord and the beauty of the Christian life.
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The ATDW is Australia’s national tourism marketing platform representing over 50,000 small and medium-sized tourism businesses and destinations. Their main goal is to support Australian tourism businesses to make the most of their digital marketing efforts, expand their reach, promote their offerings, and attract more online traffic.
The Commonwealth and South Australian Governments have announced a new jointly-funded package to provide further financial support for small and medium tourism and hospitality businesses impacted by ongoing trading restrictions and border closures.
The South Australian Productivity Commission (SAPC), with support from TiCSA, is undertaking a review into South Australia’s tourism regulation, focusing on nature-based and agriculture-based tourism sectors. The focus of the review is on state government legislation and regulatory schemes that involve local government. As part of the initial consultation, the Commission is seeking feedback from […]
Victor Harbor is officially a 2021 SA Top Tourism Town finalist! This new program, delivered by Tourism Industry Council of South Australia (TICSA), is designed to recognise both well-established and emerging towns in SA that deliver amazing visitor experiences and are committed to growing visitation.
Plans have been announced for the 2017 Victor Harbor Business Week functions. Business Week will be held from Monday, August 28 through to Thursday, August 31. Business Week is being jointly sponsored by the City of Victor Harbor and Business Victor Harbor. Business Victor Harbor members will enjoy a 50% discount on the training workshops […]


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Ceta Walters was a Chicago-based fashion and travel blogger who runs the blog Clark and Stone.
She shares outfits, travel guides and personal insights on her blog and Instagram account, Chicago Parent reported.
Additionally, Walters is also a mother and has shared her experiences of parenting during the pandemic.
She has been an influencer for two years.
Walters has collaborated with fashion brands such as Veronica Beard, DVF, Rebecca Minkoff and J.Crew.
He has also gained popularity through her personal experiences, such as surviving cancer and sharing her challenges as a mother during the pandemic.
Walters’ relatable content and engaging personality have helped her gain a following and become a popular blogger.
Did Ceta Walters have cancer?
Yes, Walters had cancer.
According to an update made on Twitter on November 19, 2022, the blogger was diagnosed with cancer a few months after filing for divorce.
Walters was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mom of two Ceta Walters was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few months after filing for divorce and during a global pandemic. Stay tuned to learn more about Ceta, and donate to support @BCRFcure: https://t.co/MHCN8urz1h pic.twitter.com/LBsZsjr1gH
— LOFT (@LOFT) October 19, 2022
Ceta Walters cause of death
The popular Chicago fashion and travel blogger, passed away on August 29, 2023, at an early age, multiple news sources reported.
While her family has not made any official statement about her cause of death, it appears that cancer was the root cause of her death.
Walters’ death has been mourned by many people in the Illinois community, who bid farewell to a beloved member.
Ceta Walters obituary
Walters obituary has been posted by various obituary-sharing sites on the web although the official statement from the family has not been released yet.
It was recently confirmed that Walters took her last breath with her friends and close ones sharing photos on Facebook and paid tribute to the late soul.
At the time of publishing this article, details of Walters’ funeral and memorial services have not been shared.
People eager to know more and more updates may get updated soon.
View this post on Instagram


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Copyright © 2016
Adobe latest PostScript printer driver, AdobePS 8.7, for PostScript Level 1, 2 or 3 compatible printers offers support for USB-equipped PostScript printers, OpenType fonts using ATM v4.6 (which has not been released yet), and support for a Transverse option for printers that support custom page sizes. (Other International versions are available on this page; note that the driver will overwrite older versions and will only run on Power Macs.)
Bryan Christianson\'s excellent freeware Internet connection utility, WhatRoute 1.0b6, now supports Netgeo, the new domain to location database at netgeo.caida.org, a new world map, and a verbose logging option to NetGeo queries.
Blizzard Entertainment announced the Mac version of Diablo II will be released in the third quarter, following the PC release in the first half of the year.
Group Logic\'sExtremeZIP 1.1.2 is an update to the program that enables Macintosh workstations to access files on a Window NT server. The update, available now, features enhancements to the software that streamline workflow and speed file transfer across a network and increased support for shared databases. There is an optional feature for better access to files across firewalls. List price for the Windows NT Server version running on Intel processors is $1,400 for unlimited Macintosh client log-ons and $1,000 for 10 Mac log-ons. The Alpha processor version is priced at $2,700 for unlimited Mac log-ons and $2,000 for 10 Mac log-ons.
Kjell Stenberg noticed that Freei.net has posted a fourth beta of its ISP service software for the Macintosh. "You\'ve got a banner bar with ads, but it\'s reasonably fast and I never get the busy signal or have connection problems now with their new 2b4 release (v1.3, the current one sucks bigtime, but this new beta is holding up extremely well on my 604e 210Mhz Mac running OS 9.0.4). You can ... use IE or Netscape [and] use the Software Update Control Panel (that used to crash the computer w/ Freei.net)."
We have a report on the Microsoft break-up proposal offered today by the federal government and 19 states, asking that the software giant Microsoft be split into two companies and be barred from reuniting the company for ten years.
Apple today announced that it is now offering its consumer-level iMovie 1.0.2 software as a free download for PowerBook G3 and PowerMac G4 users. The 19 MB download does not include the tutorial, which is included with the CD and can be purchased for $20. There had previously been some controversy surrounding the fact that users of these high-end, FireWire-equipped Macs had to purchase expensive software solutions in order to gain the movie-making abilities that the company advertises. [updated] [Bob Gore] "I can happily report that Apple\'s iMovie download works successfully with my Wallstreet PowerBook G3 + Ratoc FireWire card and my 7500, retro-fitted with a G3 CPU and FireWire PCI card. Both running the latest OS & FireWire versions. I\'m pleased (and not a small bit surprised) that Apple has graciously accommodated even its older units in this fashion." [Phil Dokas] "I was a little upset that Apple decided not to make iMovie available for the PowerMac G3, seeing as how it\'s got FireWire too, so I decided to download it, just to try. Lo and behold it worked. It installed, launched and runs without a hitch on my B&W PowerMac G3/400. However, since I don\'t have a DV camera I can\'t try importing anything, but I doubt there\'s any problems there. I\'ve imported images, and made audio tracks, the whole works without a hitch."
Yesterday we featured a special report on Office 2001 for Macintosh, Earthlink\'s
Panic has posted a new page of faces for Audion, a tool for playing audio that includes a CD player, an MP3 player and a network-audio player.
Vicomsoft has posted SoftRouter 6.6.2 and Internet Gateway 6.6.2, which can now ping IP addresses before allocation from the inbuilt DHCP server. The Web caching server module now supports a host exclusion list for upstream proxy servers. Vicomsoft SurfDoubler 6.6.2 also provides improved DNS name resolution and improve reliability for large file transfers. Updates are free to 6.6 users.
Karsten Wolf noticed that SAS Institute has announced JMP 4, \"probably the best statistics package on the Mac.\" The update provides a totally rewritten package in C++ and a new data table and is due to ship in May.
Frank Martin has posted a preview of FUNDimensions 3.1, an update to the fundraising software that adds new graphs for analysis of individual donor interests and better handling of memorial and in-the-name-of gifts. The update is free for version 3.0 users.
The California Public Employeesí Retirement System is honoring Apple for "positive and courageous contributions in corporate governance" with its CalPERS Corporate Governance Award of Courage. Other winners were the board of directors at Texas Instruments, Tim Warner\'s chairman and CEO Gerald M. Levin and retiring General Motor\'s director John G. Smale.
Apple France has launched a new Apple Store for Education. The store offers discounts of roughly 5% off hardware to students and teachers.
Infowave yesterday announced StyleScript 5.0, a new version of the company\'s $100 PostScript 3 upgrade for inkjet printers, which will ship in May. The software enables non-PostScript printers to print PostScript graphics and fonts crisply and clearly at any size or orientation. The new version adds support for Espon\'s Stylus Color 740, 760, 860, 900, and 1160 printers, as well as the HP 1120c. ColorSync profiles are included for accurate RGB to CMYK color matching.
Hitachi Koki Imaging Solutions is previewing Everest, an Internet-powered controller technology for digital copiers and printers, at the Business Technology Association\'s show in Las Vegas. The 200 MHz PowerPC-based Everest controller is being used in the company\'s i-copier and i-printer. In addition to accessing the printers and copiers remotely, users can also troubleshoot remotely via the Internet. Everest also includes 128 MB of memory standard; a 9 GB hard disk;10/100 Base-T Ethernet; and support for Adobe PostScript 3, PCL 5e and PCL 6. The controller supports multiplatform networks, including Mac OS, Windows NT, Novell and UNIX.
Digimarc and Creativepro.com have partnered to launch MarcStation, a free digital watermarking e-Service for Creativepro.com members. Users embed their digital images with their unique Digimarc ID that links to information, such as copyright ownership, usage restrictions and licensing instructions. The watermark stays with the image wherever it travels.
In today\'s Forums area, readers have questions about using Photo Mode on a camcorder, live DV Web casts, Sony ICD-R100 connection options, DSL speeds, whether AirPort can be disconnected by a network command and receipt notification in Outlook Express; and problems with Flash animation playback in QuickTime, Outlook Express error log window, ColorSync not recognizing profiles, Spaceward Ho! slowdowns, a Hotline server setup, an iBook that won\'t recognize burned CDs and an HP 970 that doesn\'t work.
Optigold ISP 2.1.4 is an update to the cross-platform software package that can run all business aspects of an internet service provider, from billing to server management. The update removes support for legacy \'Livingston Usage\' files, and allows domains and emails to be viewed via tech web interface
The special $130 pricing on Adobe\'s unreleased LiveMotion that FlashKiller was featuring is no longer available. The site instead has details on purchasing a copy for $270, still a significant discount from the product\'s $400 suggested retail price tag.
Castlewood has posted ORB Tools 1.4.2b1, a new, beta version of the company\'s utility that contains drivers and formatting software for its 2.2 GB removable storage drive.
Patrick Kelleher reports that FreeAmp.org has updated the status on the port of a Mac version of FreeAmp 3.0. The main page now reports that Mac users can \"expect a demo version soon.\"
Dr. Bott is now shipping extended USB keyboards in all six iMac colors. The Macsense keyboards feature a two-tone design, built-in USB ports on each end, 5\' USB cable, and carry a $50 price tag.
Now AAPL Stock: 93.99 ( + 0.29 )
Apple to open R&D center in India
A new report says that Apple will be opening a new technology center in Hyderabad, India, helping to boost the city's growing reputation as a tech center. The facility would operate within the WaveRock facility, and create 4,500 new jobs at a cost of around $25 million. In 2015, India surpassed the $1 billion in yearly sales milestone, and Apple has recently received permission to open retail stores in the country under its own control, an exception to rules that usually block foreign ownership. http://zd.net/1SMBVu4
Google killing Picasa starting May 1
Google Photos head Anil Sabharwal confirmed in a blog post today that the search engine giant will be shutting down acquisition Picasa. Support and downloads for the desktop application will terminate on March 15 with the application continuing to work for the time being. The transition to Google Photos truly commences on May 1, with deprecation of some Picasa API calls happening shortly thereafter. Users that have Google Photos access will find their photos already migrated. A mass-download tool for users not wishing to use Google Photos will be available sometime after May 1. http://bit.ly/1SmV2KH
Rogue Amoeba Piezo updated, departing App Store
In order to continue working on audio capture tool Piezo, developer Rogue Amoeba has simultaneously updated the app to version 1.5, and announced that it will pull version 1.2.6 from the Mac App Store. Customers who own the Mac App Store version have a one-time migration process to the Rogue Amoeba-served version. The company notes that the sandboxing restriction placed on Mac App Store versions "effectively stopped our ability to upgrade Piezo in any meaningful way." [8.80MB] http://bit.ly/1PIjz7l
FCC spectrum auction will happen without Google
After throwing its hat in earlier, Google (and associated companies) has declared that it is not participating in this year's FCC spectrum auction. A company spokeswoman said of the auction that "like all those interested in improved connectivity and equitable access, we'll be following the upcoming spectrum auction closely. That said, we have not filed to participate." http://on.recode.net/1oy5LWk
iPad Air 3, iPhone 5se sold Friday after launch?
Reverting the way products are actually released by Apple after an announcement to the way it was a decade ago, reports are circulating that new products revealed at a March announcement will go on sale the Friday immediately following the unveil. Slated to appear at a conjectural Tuesday, March 15 event are a new Apple four-inch phone with more up to date internals currently referred to as the iPhone 5se, and a new iPad Air 3 model with Smart Connector and other enhancements. http://bit.ly/1o7mqiY
Lexmark prevails in toner import appeal
Printer manufacturer Lexmark has won an appeal on the third-party US resale of its printer cartridges originally destined for markets outside North America. The appeals court ruled in a 10-2 vote in favor of Lexmark's demand to stop the sale and against Impression Products, both on the toner cartridge resale matter, as well as a related matter regarding overturning the reseller's refilling one-use cartridges and selling those in the US market. The ruling has ramifications in the tech industry, as well as the pharmaceutical and medical technology markets. Impression Products promises an appeal before the supreme court. http://reut.rs/1SLVmmG
AT&T expands BOGO promo to iPhone 6s
Beginning today, new and existing AT&T customers can purchase a new iPhone 6s and get another one free when adding a second line. Over the weekend, customers must purchase two phones through AT&T Next (one can be an existing number), and add both phones to a qualified plan. AT&T notes that "after three bill cycles or less" the account will start to receive up to $650 spread out over 30 monthly bill credits to offset the cost of the installment plan for the phone. Taxes are due at time of sale. http://soc.att.com/1SLUP4k