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The existing car assemblers may not get similar tax benefits that the government wants to offer to new investors for attracting a European brand after tax authorities have again opposed the move due to poor performance.
The resistance to give preferential treatment to the existing car assemblers grows as they are blamed for selling low-quality vehicles to consumers at high prices.
A meeting to discuss the tax incentives, which would be extended under the new automobile policy, was held on Tuesday with Finance and Revenue Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair. Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail and Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Nisar Muhammad also attended the meeting.
Auto sales accelerate 66% in first six months
The definition of new investor and the duty structure came under discussion.
The Ministry of Industries has already forwarded a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) after the Khawaja Asif committee ended its deliberations. However, the FBR opposed more incentives to the existing players.
Dar called the meeting of stakeholders to know about the FBR’s position amid reports that the existing investors may get almost similar incentives that the government wants to give to the new players.
“The purpose of introducing a European brand in Pakistan will be achieved,” said an official who attended the meeting. The government desires that Fiat, Volkswagen or Audi should establish its footprints in Pakistan, as the country has a huge market but the consumers are served only by the existing players for almost three decades.
Without getting preferential treatment, no new foreign manufacturer can establish its plant in Pakistan due to a strong network of the existing assemblers.
The Ministry of Industries and Production tabled a revised automotive development policy for approval of the ECC in the last meeting, but Dar deferred a decision until the next meeting.
The summary of automobile policy revealed that the government had again offered similar tax incentives to the existing assemblers in a deceptive manner.
During deliberations, the Khawaja Asif committee proposed to delete the Category C that offered the same tax benefits to the existing players.
Used car sales to fall, state revenues may take a hit
The committee also agreed that definition of the Category A that offers incentives to the new manufacturers should be slightly amended and the word “new brand” should be added to make sure that the existing players did not get the tax benefits.
However, contrary to the understanding reached, the Ministry of Industry’s summary also offered tax concessions to the existing players. Its revised definition of Greenfield investment reads, “Greenfield is defined as the construction of new and independent automotive assembly and manufacturing facilities by an investor for the production of vehicles, not already being manufactured/assembled in Pakistan.”
It has now been decided that words “new make” will be inserted in the definition to deny tax benefits to the existing players. However, the words “new brand” and “new investor” are again missing.
Against the proposal of applying single tax rates to the localised and non-localised car parts, the FBR wants two separate rates for both the categories. It also opposes any additional benefit to the existing players.
Car sales continue to accelerate
The FBR did not agree to the proposal of reducing the tax rate to 25% for non-localised parts of completely knocked down (CKD) units from 32.5% and 35% for localised parts of CKD units from 50%. Instead, it has proposed a gradual reduction that will still be higher than the rates proposed by the Engineering Development Board.
For completely built units (CBUs), the tax rates are proposed to be kept unchanged.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2016.
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Qualcomm alleges Apple gave swiped chip secrets to Intel
Qualcomm escalated a legal war with Apple, accusing the iPhone maker of stealing secrets and sharing them with mobile chip rival Intel, according to court documents.
The California mobile chipmaker on Monday added the sizzling accusation in an amendment to a lawsuit filed against Apple last year in California state court in Qualcomm's home city of San Diego.
The modified filing contends that Apple "engaged in a years-long campaign of false promises, stealth, and subterfuge designed to steal Qualcomm's confidential information and trade secrets" in order to help Intel and other rivals field competing mobile chips,
Apple's goal was to buy mobile chips from Intel instead of depending on Qualcomm, the dominant maker of mobile phone processors, the court document claimed.
Qualcomm general counsel Don Rosenberg said in response to an AFP inquiry that the latest filing showed that "Apple has flouted its contractual commitments and misappropriated Qualcomm's property rights in an effort to improve its performance and increase its profits."
In response to a request for comment, Apple directed AFP to a comment the Silicon Valley company made in June of last year regarding its clash with Qualcomm.
"Qualcomm's illegal business practices are harming Apple and the entire industry," Apple said.
"They supply us with a single connectivity component, but for years have been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products—effectively taxing Apple's innovation."
Apple's ongoing legal battle with Qualcomm includes accusations that the chipmaker has been charging for invalid patents. Apple had long relied on Qualcomm for chips for iPhones, but turned to Intel after the onset of legal wrangling.
Early last year the iPhone maker filed a lawsuit complaining that Qualcomm—which produces chips widely used in smartphones and tablets around the world—abused its market power to demand unfair royalties, and demanded billions of dollars in compensation.
Apple filed similar complaints against Qualcomm in China.
Qualcomm countersued, claiming that Apple breached agreements and encouraged regulatory attacks worldwide on the chip firm.
Last month, Qualcomm settled a long-running antitrust investigation in Taiwan for around $90 million.
Qualcomm still faces huge fines linked to similar probes in South Korea, the European Union and the United States, while it is also involved in a long-running licensing dispute with tech titan Apple.
Qualcomm in 2015 agreed to pay $975 million to settle antitrust charges in China.
© 2018 AFP

domain: news


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Best way to search for word definitions, synonyms, ..., translations online. Concise design, fast response time, multilingual, mobile friendly.
This week we experienced even more growth, the daily average is >300 users a day according to analytics, with >400 clicks according to Google Search Console.
The growth was driven by significant increase in number of search indexed pages.
Look at metrics:
In other news:
This week we experienced a significant growth in daily active users. The main driver behind this was increased coverage from Google and Yandex.
Google analytics: https://screenbud.com/shot/05b8d9e5-4dda-4413-885d-8661088d16fb
Google search console performance: https://screenbud.com/shot/de0b3b06-b5bd-4348-9cd0-59de058ae5e2
Google search console coverage: https://screenbud.com/shot/de0b3b06-b5bd-4348-9cd0-59de058ae5e2


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Shopping behaviour is changing. A recent report published by Raconteur highlighted that, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, 39% of consumers had purchased products online that they had not considered before, and 77% expected they would continue to purchase more online after lockdown restrictions eased.
The pandemic has accelerated the shift to ecommerce, with consumer demand for online shopping rising substantially. As retail brands continue to adapt their business models to beat competitors and survive, it is important they understand what today’s increasingly digitally savvy shoppers need.
A recent webinar, hosted by InternetRetailing and presented by Laurel Wolfe, Klarna and Deepak Anand, BigCommerce, looked at how brands can turn shoppers from browsers to buyers and brand advocates in 2020 and beyond.
Key discussion points included:
Research from Klarna and BigCommerce finds that 46% of consumers are more likely to shop online with brands they trust. By ensuring their retail site is easy to use, has limited steps in the checkout process, and provides an overall frictionless experience, retailers can build trust in their digital customer service.
This is particularly crucial as 75% of consumers will likely abandon their shopping cart if they do not trust a website’s security. Retailers must invest in security technology to ensure their brand has security vetted certifications that can monitor for fraud and offer buyer protection. The retailers that can provide this level of reassurance will ultimately build consumer trust.
To stand out from competitors post Covid-19, brands must engage with potential customers, as well as listen to post-purchase feedback. This interactivity is crucial in ensuring retail brands understand customers’ pain-points, and as Laurel Wolfe highlighted in the webinar, the ‘passion-points’ of their shoppers. It is only by gaining this understanding that brands can provide truly personalised engagements for customers.
For instance, Klarna identified beauty and wellness as the top performing category during lockdown, and introduced a D2C social campaign in response to this. By interacting with consumers directly, the brand could engage consumers via social platforms with competitions, deals and influencer content. This tailored marketing campaign demonstrates how brands can respond to consumer needs in real-time, and pivot their strategy accordingly.
While shipping delays were accepted a few months ago, research shows around 90% of consumers are now expecting businesses to get back to normal, so meeting customer needs and providing great experiences is crucial.
Consumers’ expectations of brands are rising again and retail brands must respond to this. With 28% of consumers more likely to recommend brands and retailers that offer a good online experience, brands must invest in omnichannel services and technology to provide shoppers with a seamless experience across all touchpoints. This is what will turn shoppers from browsers to buyers, and even brand advocates.
The brands that pivot their business strategy in line with customer needs will navigate the rapidly changing retail climate successfully. Visit our Retail HOTLine for more.


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Cifas, the UK’s fraud prevention service, has painted an alarming picture of fraud in the UK with the release of Fraudscape, the annual publication of the organisation’s data that identifies and analyses the country’s fraud trends based on 323,660 cases of fraudulent conduct recorded in 2018. The data, which emanates from over 470 organisations and includes major UK brands from across the sectors, is one of the most comprehensive pictures of fraud and fraudulent attempts in the UK.
With an overall increase of 6% in cases recorded by Cifas members, the new figures show significant areas of concern. Identity fraud has reached record highs with plastic cards taking the brunt of the fraud. Identity fraud significantly increased in 2018, with 189,108 cases recorded. That’s an 8% increase on 2017’s figures. Plastic cards were hit the hardest with 82,608 reports of fraud, up 41% from 2017. More fraud also means more victims – 19 out of 20 frauds involved a victim being left to pick up the pieces.
Cifas reports increases in identity fraud across all age groups, but particularly so the young and old. The number of victims aged 21 and under rose 26%, while the over-60s saw an alarming 34% increase on the previous year. As older people are more likely to be approved for credit and their online presence grows, fraudsters are increasingly targeting them online. In 2018, more than 33,000 over-60s were the victim of identity fraud.
Cases which are indicative of money mule activity are up across the board with a 26% increase from 2017. Cifas has seen a steep incline in those aged 40 to 60 becoming involved in such activity, with the numbers here increasing by 35%. This illustrates that being drawn into such criminality is not a problem limited to younger generations.
Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, explained: “Fraud in the UK continues to rise and fraudsters are constantly finding new methods of committing fraud. From identity theft through to the use of the young and the naïve as money mules to launder money, the economic and social harm to the nation is growing. The only way to fight the threat is to combine communication and collaboration, working together to present a united front against the perpetrators. As no-one can expect to deliver an effective defence against ever-present threats without the full picture, Fraudscape remains a crucial weapon in the area of fraud prevention, allowing us to see where the current attacks are coming from and where future dangers lie.”
Brett Beranek, vice-president and general manager of the security and biometrics business at Nuance Communications, added: “Fraud is a huge issue today, both for people’s personal privacy and security, and also in terms of its impact on the economy. Fraud costs the UK’s economy over £100 billion per annum, demonstrating how much work still needs to be done to minimise the threat.”
Beranek continued: “By deploying technology such as biometrics, companies have prevented over £1 billion worth of customers’ money from falling into the wrong hands. When firms store knowledge credentials such as passwords in a centralised database, massive security breaches, whereby millions of accounts may be compromised, are then more likely. Biometrics offers a way out of this security vulnerability by storing biometric characteristics rather than the credential itself, eliminating the possibility of a massive security breach. We could eliminate these massive hacks entirely. It’s high-time that organisations address this issue once and for all.”


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Technically Incorrect: In Russia, scientists say they've found enough bones to now identify something we might want to call the Sibirosaurus. And it's a doozy.
With Google's mix-and-match Project Ara handsets, the time is ripe for wacky add-ons to truly customize your phone.
Six episodes of the conspiracy-busting classic will go into production this summer.
Budget specs? Yep. Killer deal anyway? Yep.
CNET editor Dong Ngo explains the USB standard and the significance of the latest USB Type-C.
We're on the cusp of a revolution in TV color. Whether via DCI P3 or Rec. 2020, richer, more lifelike colors are coming soon to content and TV screens near you. Here's what you need to know.
So you bought a new 4K TV and you're wondering what's on. The answer right now is: not much. But the list is growing. Here's a look at what you can watch now in 4K, and what's coming down the pike in the near future.
Ruth Porat, a Silicon Valley native, will head west from the marquee Wall Street firm, where she had a hand in a number of technology ventures.
The spacious Tylt Energi+ pack doubles as a mobile charging station. Open it up and you'll find more prizes, including an iPhone 6 case from Speck and a Belkin headphone splitter.
Apple's reliance on a single, more powerful version of the USB port in its new MacBook might alienate customers today, but analysts say the company is leading the way to future PC design.


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In 2017, Hilton achieved record-setting growth, unveiled industry-leading innovations, and introduced new benefits for guests and team members.
The past 12 months marked a year of industry “firsts,” including the launch of Five Feet To Fitness, Hilton Honors loyalty program partnership... more ›
Austrian tourism officials say it's easy for tourists to have a ball in Vienna.
And that's particularly true for those there during January and February, the height of the season when Viennese like to dress in an elegant manner and take to dance floors.
A city that is often synonymous... more ›
As Insight Prepares To Celebrate Its 40th Anniversary
Ahead of a milestone year for Insight Vacations — April marks the brand’s 40th anniversary — Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold’s new global CEO Ulla Hefel Böhler was in Toronto yesterday (Jan. 30) for a welcome luncheon.
“To be precise, 13th of April 1978 was when Insight... more ›
Air Canada reports that its current seasonal non-stop Vancouver-Delhi flights will become year-round starting June 8.
“Customer response to our nonstop Vancouver-Delhi seasonal flights initially launched in 2016 has been extremely positive, and we are very pleased to extend the only... more ›
After an extensive search, Donovan White has been selected to fill the position of director of tourism of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
His appointment was announced by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.
White, a Jamaican national whose term as head of the country’s tourism... more ›
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is advising agents and their clients that it will offer increased winter lift on select destinations on board Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.
Air Canada Rouge will offer another flight option from Montreal to Cancun on Wednesdays, Fridays and... more ›
Sandals Resorts has introduced “Fore the Love of Golf,” a new promotion for golf enthusiasts at any of its three properties in Saint Lucia.
When clients book a minimum stay of six nights or more at Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc, they will... more ›
WestJet is adding daily direct flights between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London, U.K.
All flights will be operated on the airline's newest Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. One-way intro fares from Halifax... more ›
The Tourism Authority of Thailand introduced a new campaign and slogan that has been designed to promote tourism to secondary destinations in the country, reports Press Today's western editor, Ted Davis.
The tagline “Open to the New Shades” was unveiled during the 2018 ASEAN Tourism... more ›
With the goal of rewarding hard working agents, adventure tour operator Exodus Travels has launched “Bucket List Bingo,” offering agents the opportunity to cross items off their own bucket list.
From Feb. 1 to June 30, agents can cross of tiles on Exodus Travels' Bingo card,... more ›


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On Friday, the Obama administration took a major step in the long anticipated process of making it easier for commercial aquaculture firms to operate in federal waters. Currently there isn’t any fish farming — the cultivation of everything from bivalves like oysters and mussels to predators like salmon — in federal waters. Only states allow aquaculture within a three-mile band.
The major fishery that could be affected by this regulatory step will be the Gulf of Mexico.
Aquaculture now accounts for more than half of fish consumed globally and while governments and environmental groups agree that wild fish stocks are unsustainable in the face of global population set to hit nine billion , there’s very little consensus on how to create environmentally sustainable standards for the expansion of global fish farming.
One thing that is for sure, is that global aquaculture is primed for growth, given the increase in demand for fish protein across the US and from the emerging middle classes in China, India and Brazil.
The move by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service (NOAA) has myriad political, economic and environmental roots. From a socio-economic position, the US has long sought to expand its domestic aquaculture market, which now represents just 1.9% of global farmed fish output. Currently the US has a $9 billion seafood trade deficit with 84% of the fish imported coming from cultivated (e.g., NOT wild) sources.
Many operators have applied to invest in federal waters, but no applications have been approved creating a backlog of transactions in a moment where the US government’s own Department of Agriculture has recommended that Americans eat twice as much fish to support a healthier diet.
Clearly, something has to give. And with the Obama administration desperate to demonstrate a higher level of commitment to job creation before next November, this move has a whisper of politics, but also an impetus of thoughtful pragmatism.
Expanding aquaculture in the US is probably a sage move. If we have more commercial skin in the game, then we can have far greater influence in spreading more robust environmental standards globally. In addition, if the US can differentiate US farm-raised fish by vetting the industry using a more credible environmental standard, there’s an opportunity to grow global market share, protect the environment and improve the health of the American consumer.
Aspirational? Yes of course. Foolhardy? Let’s hope not.
Image credit by IvanWalsh via Flickr under a CC license


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Oshkosh Truck Corp. said Thursday its second-quarter net income rose slightly, helped by stronger sales of construction equipment that offset weaker sales for its defense segment.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of 64 cents a share, with sales predicted at about $1.66 billion.
The Oshkosh, Wis., manufacturer of trucks and aerial work platforms said sales in the three months ended March 31 nearly doubled to $1.66 billion from $844.8 million. Oshkosh's acquisition of JLG Industries Inc. added $707.9 million to second quarter sales.
The rise reflected strong demand in Europe and in North America for aerial work platforms, though Oshkosh's North American traditional telehandler business was softer.
The company's defense unit revenue fell 8.4% to $306 million because of slower parts and service sales.
Oshkosh affirmed its 2007 earnings outlook of $3.15 a share to $3.25 a share. The average analyst estimate is for $3.41 a share.
The shares fell 2.3% early Thursday.


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The Business Excellence Awards is back for its 25th year, hosted by the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce.
The award ceremony was last held in 2019, but was put on hold until this year due to covid.
“We’re bringing the community together to celebrate small businesses, and their achievements.” says Jason Ryll, Executive Director with the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce.
“Small businesses have gone through the ringer, they’ve had their knocks in the last couple of years, so we wanted to bring back this event to really celebrate small businesses in our area.”
Ryll added that they want to recognize the hard work, innovation, and adaptation that businesses have faced. Different hurdles he pointed out were supply chain disruptions, inflation, and a global pandemic.
The event will have dinner, entertainment, with the award ceremony to close it off.
Some of the categories for the awards include not for profit, service excellence, and business of the year.
As for when the Business Excellence awards are taking place, It will be at Thompson Rivers University (Williams Lake campus) on November 12th.
For more information on the Business Excellence Awards, you can visit the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce website here.


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The current cryptocurrency market momentum is turning from bearish to worse in quick succession. For all of the top currencies, as well as most smaller-cap coins, things are not looking too great. Bitcoin Cash is one of the bigger “losers’ in the top five, as its value has been pushed below $450 for the first time in a while.
Bitcoin Cash Price Momentum Sours
It is not uncommon for cryptocurrencies to lose value when Bitcoin is having a rough time. It remains unclear where this latest decline stems from initially, yet it is evident all top currencies will be dragged along with it in quick succession. Bitcoin Cash is no exception in this regard, as its current price momentum does not look overly promising by any means either.
Over the past 24 hours, the Bitcoin Cash value has dipped below $450 again. Albeit it is not the first time this happens throughout the past few months, it appears the current would remain above this level after the most recent uptrend. That is not the case after all, primarily because the altcoin loses 7.5% against Bitcoin, which is down by nearly 5% as well.
Despite the current price battle, a lot of things are still coming together nicely for Bitcoin Cash. One particular prospect is how there is a chance Bitcoin Cash could get its own smart contract and provide the necessary scaling to support major dApps in the process. It is unclear if this will ever be implemented, but the prospect itself is something to look forward to regardless.
— Elliot (@sashandiggers) October 11, 2018
Secondly, there is the recent ViaBTC initial coin offering. ICOs Are nothing new in the cryptocurrency by any means, yet this particular project was a bit different. The company raised $30m in 2.2 hours by using the Bitcoin Cash chain combined with the Wormhole protocol. A sign of things to come for other companies, or perhaps a one-off deal? Only time will tell if this concept will get more people excited.
💰 @blockchain firm and mining pool #Viabtc finished the first high-value ICO using the Wormhole protocol and Bitcoin Cash chain, capturing a total of $30 million in 2.2 hours. #bch #bitcoincash #ICO #crypto #cryptocurrency #exchange #mining #wallet #Bitforx
— Bitforx (@Bitforx) October 11, 2018
In terms of overall BCH adoption, the biggest news of the week comes in the form of CoinText‘s expansion. This service allows anyone in the world to send Bitcoin Cash to a mobile phone number. This functionality is now expanded to Hong Kong as Israel, with more countries to be added as more time progresses. It is a very interesting project to keep an eye on, albeit gaining traction in unbanked and underbanked regions may prove difficult.
CoinText connects Asia and the Middle East via Hong Kong and Israel!
Better #money is here!
More countries coming! pic.twitter.com/OwWTprJ5or
— CoinText (@CoinText) October 9, 2018
As is always the case in the cryptocurrency world, steep declines can be met with a swift recovery. All markets have gone through a major battering this year, yet most of them have bounced back in some way or another. It shouldn’t take long for BCH to reclaim the $450 level, especially with all of the positive developments taking place behind the scenes.


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Emerald buyers converge in Zambia's capital Lusaka where the first high grade auction of emeralds - organised Gemfields, one the world's biggest gemstone mining companies, is expected to protect revenue from the industry.
SHOWS: LUSAKA, ZAMBIA (JULY 17, 2013) (REUTERS) - Precious stones miner, Gemfields Plc - owner of the Fabergé luxury jewellery brand, is hosting an auction of high grade emeralds in Zambia, in line with a government decision to ban foreign sales of the gemstone.
The five-day auction, which ends on Friday (July 19) was initially planned to take place in Singapore in June.
But the Zambian Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development issued a directive in April that all auctioning of emeralds mined in the country be held inZambia as their sale in foreign markets contributes to capital flight.
"We need to grow, Kagem is not the only emerald miner, there are many other emerald miners and emeralds is not the only gemstone of Zambia, there are many other gemstones as we build this global awareness. So I think what's important and its not a misconception, but the idea is that what we need to do is we are fining the rules, we are building the policy, so having auctions only outside the country might not be the best idea, having auctions only in Zambia might not be the best idea, the best idea is to what? Is to find something that continues to build the industry, build the profitability, build the presence of Zambia and continue to grow and developZambia as a country," he said while at the auction.
Output from Kagem has been sold solely outside the country since 2009, generating 160 million US dollars of revenue from 11 auctions abroad.
Officials from Gemfields, which has American actress Mila Kunis as its brand ambassador insists that it needs to hold the auctions in places that will attract the highest interest in order to compete with other major emerald exporters likeColombia and Brazil.
Landlocked Zambia's economy is seen growing steadily to expand at 7.1 percent this year.
Increased investment in mining is expected to spill over into the construction sector as it benefits from the development of new mines and more government projects to create jobs through infrastructure spending.
However, like many mineral rich economies in Africa, ordinary Zambians say they have not seen the benefits from emeralds.
There is large scale support for the ban on foreign sales of the gemstones, with hopes that it can translate into more accessible business opportunities in the sector.
"Zambians are not benefiting from the minerals that are mined here in Zambia in the sense that we do the mining and then they are sent out of this country for processing and when they come back here, they are very expensive for an ordinary Zambian to afford, so I think they [minerals] need to be processed right here in our country and then they will be cheaper for every Zambians to buy," said Mwaba Kasese, a Lusaka resident.
However, the hefty profits from the gemstone industry are unlikely directly benefit the majority of Zambians.
Established companies like Jewel of Africa, a jewellery store with seven outlets in upmarket locations around Lusaka, selling pieces for as much as 10,000 US dollars, say the auctions are too expensive.
Raj Sharma, managing director at Jewel of Africa, says the government although the initiative to protect the revenue from gemstones is a step in the right direction, there needs to be increased incentives for local entrepreneurs who want to enter the industry.
"I think our challenge is not that we want discounts and stuff because I think that will be unfair for Gemfields, but what we do want is local help. Help from local banks, local financing institutions will be fantastic. We have got the market, we have got the stores in Zambia, we export, but we need to guarantee the supply as well," said
It is not clear exactly how much revenue the gemstone business contributes toZambia's economy, but Gemfields alone through its Kagem mine poured 4 million US dollars in royalties and 9 million US dollars to Zambia's Revenue Authority in 2012.


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Apple's upcoming addition to its iPad line-up had been rumoured to include two new models; a 10.8-inch iPad that will launch before the end of 2020, and an 8.5-inch model set for release in the first half of 2021.
We still don't know whether 2020's 10.8-inch iPad will be a refresh of the current 10.2-inch iPad or the 10.5-inch iPad Air, but leaked design schematics for this year's tablet have given us a clue as to what the answer may be, as well as revealing a handful of new features.
- Breaking! PS5 event leaks – mark this date on your calendar
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Shared by 91mobiles, the schematics come from a "trusted source" and show off a 10.84-inch display on a device that is said to be "slightly smaller" than the first-gen iPad Pro.
The documents reveal the presence of Face ID in place of Touch ID, a single rear camera and front-facing camera, dual speakers, four microphones, and a USB-C port. These features line up with leaked images of the iPad Air 4, with the only real difference being that the device is said to sport an 11-inch display. The only issue with this is that it doesn't match up with the size of either of the rumoured devices set for release, which we've been hearing about for the past few months.
The tablet also has a smart connector for use with Apple's Magic Keyboard – usually reserved for the iPad Pro, indicating that Apple may be drawing less of a distinction between its iPad Air and iPad Pro devices going forward.
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- The PS5 just got absolutely SMOKED by this 1000fps gaming PC 💣
It seems feasible that the 11-inch iPad Air 4 rumours and the 10.8-inch iPad leaks could be referencing the same device; after all, when they first began circulating, we were expecting a new iPad to launch in 2020, and a smaller one to follow next year.
At this stage, it's unlikely that a third device has entered the fray, that will also be making its debut this year, but we should be hearing the official word from Apple soon enough at it's upcoming event this October where we'll also see the unveiling of the iPhone 12.


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In September, the government of Puerto Rico released its five-year plan that would work to reduce the huge debt of the island and revive the economy. But, that plan seems to be too optimistic and on Monday, top economic officials of Puerto Rico said they had been too confident about the plan and is revising the plan to face the worse.
In the recent past years China has been the growth engine for the global economy. But the cooling in economic activities noted of late has brought in worries that conditions in the second-largest economy of the world may be deteriorating fast.
Worries are mounting as the oil prices were once again pulled down on Monday to below $28 a barrel in anticipation that lifting of sanctions against Iran will flood the oil market that's already facing a glut.
In a new revelation, the study that claimed diet versions of soft drinks are better than water for weight loss, was actually funded by an industry body that included Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The study was led by Peter Rogers, professor of biological psychology at Bristol University and was published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Has the virtual currency bitcoin reached a crossroad where it's still uncertain whether it will succeed or turn out to be a complete failure?
One of the leading bitcoin developer Mike Hearn last week labeled the bitcoin as a failed currency and said he was selling off all his bitcoins and moving away from the currency altogether.
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- Slow Down in Housing Market Could be a Drag on Canada’s Economy
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- Oil Futures Scale on Hopes of Reduced Supply as Russia Plans to Talk to OPEC Members
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A new grade of fuel, Ultimax, was launched by Oman Oil with a higher Octane rating (M98) in Muscat, even as the company is preparing for an era of electric vehicles in the country. The fuel is priced at 266 baisa per litre. Speaking to the Observer, David Kalife, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company, said: “There has been a demand for a higher quality fuel. Ultimax, a new-generation product with Octane 98, is expected to give more power, fuel efficiency and help the engine last longer due to better combustion, thereby helping save fuel.” The product will initially be launched at Mazoon Street, Bausher, Halban Expressway and Ghala Expressway service stations and extended to more fuel stations depending on the demand.
On the need for a high-cost fuel amid reports of an electric car revolution, Kalife said: “According to our projections, by 2025, electric vehicles will represent 10-15 per cent of the total number of cars in the market. It means 85 per cent of vehicles will still be running on conventional fuel.” Oman Oil, he said, is studying the demand for electric cars in Oman. “We find the market is still not ready for it. We will have electric charging stations as when there is a demand.” Kalife said the product will be sourced from Orpic and it can used in all types of vehicles. “We aim to continuously surpass the expectations of our consumers by providing the latest products. We have catered to all segments by offering diesel, M91, M95 and now the Ultimax fuel.
“The introduction of this high-Octane rating fuel will allow motorists to drive greater distances with cleaner fuel and help them maintain the health of their cars,” said the company’s statement. For two months, every customer purchasing Ultimax worth RO 10 will be eligible to take part in a raffle draw every 30 days and get a chance to win 90 fuel cards of RO 25 each. Additional giveaways include smartphones and gym memberships. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Oil and Gas, told Oman Arabic, sister publication of the Observer in a telephone call that, unlike the two other types of fuel, Octane (98) won’t be subject to monthly review by the committee tasked with determining the prices of fuel, adding that it is dispensable and won’t be on high demand.
Pictures by Khalfan al Toobi


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Steam Greenlight will allow the community to vote on Steam distribution this August.
Steam Greenlight, a service that will allow community members to vote on games for Steam distribution and provide developers with feedback, will launch in late August, Valve announced today.
Valve hopes to facilitate the release of games on Steam with the service, which asks the community to review information posted by developers and lend their support to titles that pique interest.
"The community should be deciding what gets released," reads the announcement on Steam's official website. "After all, it's the community that will ultimately be the ones deciding which release they spend their money on."
The current model for Greenlight does not require a specific number of votes for a submission to be accepted for distribution, but states that Valve will reach out to developers whose games have gained significant traction. The company urges developers to post game information "as early in the development process as you are comfortable with" so long as any posted materials "are far enough along" that community members can provide quality feedback.
Greenlight will join Steam Workshop in Valve's goal to "increase the volume and quality of creative submissions." Workshop was started in October 2011 as a way to create a more active community through customer ratings and feedback.


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Aussie winemakers win big at major competition
AUSTRALIAN winemakers emerged the big winners at one of the biggest wine competitions of the year, scooping up the most awards of any country.
Australia hauled six international trophies out of 32 categories for its wines at the 10th annual Decanter World Wine Awards in London last week, in categories such as best chardonnay, best riesling and best red blend all over £15 (S$30).
Meanwhile, the biggest loser was France, which this year scored only three international trophies, half of what the country took home last year.
Spain, South Africa and Chile tied with four winners each.
The international winners beat out a whopping 14,362 wines from 61 regions to snag the coveted trophies across 32 categories.
Decanter World Wine Awards chairman Steven Spurrier explained that to award the coveted "Oscar" of the wine world, critics are looking for wines with distinction and character.
"What we look for is intrinsic character...," he said in a video. "It has to speak of where it's from and we don't know where it's from but it has to speak to us."
Hungary also surprised the wine world by taking home a trophy for best red Bordeaux varietal over £15 for the 2009 Sauska Cuvee 5.
Croatia won big by taking the title of best sweet wine for more than £15, while Canada's Mission Hill Family Estate brand claimed the best pinot noir for under £15 with its 2010 Martin's Lane in British Columbia.
Other winners include:
(bullet) Red Bordeaux varietal under £15: Aromo Barrel Selection 2010, Chile;
(bullet) Sauvignon blanc under £15: Lawson's Dry Hill Mount Vernon Sauvignon Blanc 2012;
(bullet) Red blend over £15: Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2010, South Australia;
(bullet) Best chardonnay over £15: Josef Chromy Chardonnay 2011.
THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK


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Soulframe is the newest project of Digital Extremes. You may not know what games Digital Extremes has worked on, but many players will be surprised by the answer. Digital Extreme is the studio responsible for Warframe, the acclaimed free-to-play title that, after almost ten years on the market, has managed to retain a meaningful player base that keeps growing after every update.
Soulframe was announced on Tennocon a couple of days ago, and Warframe fans have been excited ever since. Digital Extremes had trademarked Soulframe for a while, but no one knew what that meant. Well, turns out that, Soulframe is the new project that Steve Sinclair and the older generation of the Warframe team will be leading. This title is not going to be Warframe’s sequel, but a title that will coexist within the same universe.
Two days ago, The Washington Post published an article sharing some details regarding Soulframe. According to the article, Soulframe will have some differences that will separate it from Warframe. Besides the setting and aesthetics of the game, the developers talked about how different will the combat and movement be. Soulframe’s combat will be melee-focused, and its movement will be slow and heavy. This is different when compared to Warframe’s gameplay. Soulframe will still focus on cooperative player versus environment, so it will share Warframe’s focus.
Soulframe‘s trailer leaves a lot to the imagination, even though this is a CGI trailer with an enticing narration and aesthetic. Knowing the team’s work put some trust in it. The trailer has some Dark Souls vibes, the narration sounds like something out of Elden Ring, and the medieval aesthetic makes it feel even more like it.
The developers explained that the Souls part of the title did not mean the game was going to be similar to the Dark Souls series, so Warframe fans should not expect Digital Extremes’ version of Dark Souls. The developers are excited about this new blank canvas in which they are going to put all their ideas, although they state that leaving Warframe feels like leaving your home for the first time. This is more than understandable; Steve Sinclair has been working on Warframe for ten years, so leaving Warframe feels bittersweet.
The developers are planning to share the game’s progress the same way they did with Warframe, so players will be able to watch how the game evolves.
Soulframe does not have a release date yet.


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Ministry of Culture to participate as a potential buyer in an art auction (Romania)
The summer edition of ARTMARKs art auction event which will take place on June 25th at JW Marriott in Bucharest is likely to attract not only weathy collectors and wealthy art lovers but also a state authority, the Ministry of Culture. The ministry is seeking to buy back a famous painting which is part of Romanias cultural patrimony. The works that will go on auction are signed by famous Romanian painters Grigorescu, Tonitza, Iancu, Ghiata, Baba and the starting prices range from EUR 100 to EUR 1 million. Bidders can participate in person or by phone and pre-established order.
This is the third major auction event organized by ARTMARK, the first being in Fall 2008. We believe such glamorous events will be an attraction for art lovers but also status seeking wealthy people. Although still in its early days, the Romanian art mark will likely flourish in close connection with luxury consumers.


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Cadbury's, Be a part of someone else's happiness campaign is a compilation of this year's happiest moments.
Social media function on algorithms that are conducive to popular content. The algorithms are designed to show us only the happy content of the popular, leading to a lot of good content going unnoticed.
To bring attention to joyful content on social media, Cadbury Dairy Milk created a new algorithm that mined content with happy hashtags such as #FamJam #Reunion #HappyMoments, and more and curated them in the Instagram guide on the brand’s profile.
There are millions of happy and joyful videos shared every day on social media - be it videos of family get-togethers or catching up with old friends or spending time with their pets. By liking, sharing, and commenting on these, the users become a part of each other's happiness.
The brand used the Instagram Guide section to curate such content and give everyone an opportunity to share each other’s happiness. The algorithm created by Cadbury searched for happy content that is ignored by social media platforms.
Further, Cadbury released a video on its YouTube page that talks about this latest campaign. The brand also released QR code ads, which redirected the users to the Instagram Guide section, once they scanned it.
As a part of the campaign, Cadbury took over Times Of India’s jacket ad. Through the print campaign, the brand took heartwarming news from across regional dailies and presented it on the front page of the National Edition, for everyone to read and be a part of each and everyone’s happiness. The print ad was scannable, which would take the readers to Cadbury’s collection of happy videos.
Influencer, Zakir Khan too joined in the campaign and encouraged everyone to be a part of the Let’s #HeartTheHappiness movement. He posted a video on his profile talking about how 'Algorithm koi bhi ho – Insaaniyat se jeet nahi payega. Doosron Ki Khusiyon mein jab hum shamil honge toh unka Dinn ban jayega.'
The campaign is an extension of the brand’s generosity dimension of ‘Kuch achaa ho jaye kuch meetha ho jaye.’ From the Thank You bars released in 2020 to celebrate the unsung heroes of the pandemic to recognizing the contribution of cricket ground staff members who are more often than not ignored.


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Hitachi Plans Restructuring
Hitachi on Friday forecasted an annual loss of $7.8 billion, and announced plans to restructure. According to Reuters, the figure is the largest yearly loss by a manufacturing company in Japanese history.
The company plans to exit unspecified unprofitable businesses by 2010.
Another Japanese electronics companies, including Sony and Toshiba, have also announced huge losses in recent weeks.


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The only game in town gives up
The future for LDV is looking very bleak indeed. Hundreds of jobs are at risk, perhaps thousands at suppliers.
Ministers refer to the bid from the mysterious Malaysian company Weststar as “the only game in town” and that’s why they advanced a controversial £5m “bridging loan”.
Well, in the event Weststar availed themselves of just a third of that, £1.4m, before bailing out of takeover talks. Weststar could not raise money from three different companies in Malaysia: a pension fund, a bank, and an auto company.
At that point Weststar is believed to have re-approached the government for around £45m worth of guarantees. The government said no, unswayed by the current fashion amongst former free-marketeers for state capitalism in the auto industry.
What are we left with? The only game in town has given up. The government has said “no”, pointing to LDV’s prolonged lossmaking. And LDV’s current owner, which does have the necessary cash, has had its head turned by the bigger prize of GM Europe/Opel.
In the absence of a viable business plan it’s all in the hands of the administrators. A lift and shift of the production line to the east, and a knockdown sell-off seem highly likely. It would be a sad end to a long history of van making that stretches back to Morris Commercial Vans.
But for the car industry, unlike the banks, the government seems to want to adhere to the strict principles of Anglo-Saxon economics, even as they are abandoned elsewhere.


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Sep 30, 2021
QUALICO BUILDING MATERIALS SUPPLIES & SERVICES BUSINESS UNITS TEAM UP TO ASSIST WITH NEW RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE PROJECT
Three Qualico business units are coming together to help support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Manitoba’s initiative to build a new Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg for sick/injured children and their families.
Aug 31, 2021
In the next few weeks, Star Ready to Move (RTM) Homes will begin constructing a new RTM building that Qualico is donating to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
Jul 28, 2021
As demand for more eco-friendly, carbon-neutral building materials grows, Building Products and Concrete Supply (BP Concrete) is rising to meet the challenge with each project it takes on.
Jun 1, 2021
We sat down with GDI Vice-Presidents Greg Davenport and Paul Perron to learn about the history of drywall – with the added challenge that we get people interested and excited about their industry.
Jan 4, 2021
Edmonton, AB – In November, after much anticipation, Star Mechanical Edmonton proudly opened the doors to its brand new 20,663-sq. ft. building. Qualico Commercial developed the facility, providing a unique opportunity for the builder to collaborate and consult with the tenant during the design and construction of the facility.
Dec 22, 2020
Calgary, AB - Over the last 60 years, Star Building Materials Calgary has been a major supplier of building materials to both small independent contractors and large construction corporations. Throughout 2020, the supplier has made some exciting changes to its service offerings, resulting in significant growth despite the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dec 10, 2020
Winnipeg, MB - Star Ready to Move Homes Winnipeg (Star RTM) has been building custom ready-to-move homes for the last 30 years, and with government restrictions and travel bans in place, the homebuilder has seen a strong trend towards the purchase of family cottages.
Nov 30, 2020
Winnipeg, MB - For the last 60 years, Star Building Materials Winnipeg has primarily served commercial contractors, offering a huge selection of lumber, building materials, finishing products, hardware, paint, tools, plumbing and electrical materials. On September 30, 2020, the team officially opened its brand new retail store, expanding its footprint and product assortment, offering more of a selection for anyone who wants to ‘buy where the builders buy.’
Oct 9, 2020
RIDE THROUGH THE ROCKIES IN SUPPORT OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SMASHES ITS FUNDRAISING GOAL DESPITE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Calgary, AB - Since 2014, Star Building Materials Calgary has coordinated and sponsored Ride Through the Rockies, an impressive fundraising cycling event in support of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. To date, the event has raised over $700,000, and with a collective attitude of “the show must go on,” the 2020 event was successful as a virtual ride, amidst COVID-19 restrictions.
Sep 2, 2020
Edmonton, AB – Buying a new home is an exciting endeavour and it is now easier than ever for Edmonton homebuyers to incorporate a designer’s touchinto their new home. designQ Edmonton has launched a new and innovative e-commerce site for homebuyers, allowing them to shop for the furniture and décor they’ve seen displayed in showhomes of Qualico’s homebuilders.
Aug 19, 2020
Edmonton & Calgary, AB – Empire Drywall is experiencing a significant year of growth in 2020, despite the challenges the industry has been facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Company-wide sales since the end of June are up 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2019, and residential job starts in Edmonton are up about 35 per cent to date (from 390 to 535 compared to the same period, January - June, 2019). In addition, the company has hired for various new positions and has completed two of its largest projects to date.
Aug 13, 2020
BUILDING PRODUCTS & CONCRETE SUPPLY LEVERAGES LARGE PROJECTS, NEW EQUIPMENT TO CONTINUE ITS SUCCESS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Winnipeg, MB – In a year that has so far presented some unique challenges for the building construction industry, Building Products & Concrete Supply (BP Concrete) has been working hard to ensure it sees continued business growth, while also celebrating its 100th anniversary.
- Single-Family Homes
- Multi-Family Homes
- Building Materials and Services


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You are hereHome >
About Arizona PIRG
Our team of researchers uncover the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates are bringing the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.
An Independent Voice For Consumers
Arizona PIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security or our right to fully participate in our democratic society.
We’ve stood up for consumers, countering the influence of big banks, insurers, the oil industry, and other powerful special interests.
The good news: Illegal robocalls seem to be declining a bit. The bad news: They'll probably never go away completely. Consumers need to remain vigilant to protect their personal information and their money.
Scam robocalls have declined by 29 percent since June. But most of us still get too many. And the industry overall isn't doing enough.
The No Surprises Act establishes arbitration to settle payment disputes. Regulators must design the dispute resolution system well so it won't add costs to the system.
A looming deadline should finally force all U.S. phone companies to take stopping robocalls seriously. However, according to a new report by the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, Make the Ringing Stop: The FCC is Finally Fighting Back Against Robocalls, only one-third of the largest mobile and home phone providers nationwide have installed caller ID verification aimed at squashing illegal robocalls, even though many of those businesses were required to do so by June. The stakes get higher Sept. 28 when phone providers are required to block calls from companies that haven’t at least reported their status to the Federal Communications Commission.
When the Arizona Corporation Commission established Arizona’s Energy Efficiency Standard, it was touted as one of the strongest efficiency policies in the nation. And the praise was well-founded. From 2010-2019, every $1 of ratepayer money invested in energy efficiency by Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power returned ~$4.00 in benefits to ratepayers.
Arizona can steer away from traffic jams and car accidents and drive towards a future with less cost for consumers and reduced air pollution and adverse public health impacts from vehicles on our roads.
To help protect consumers from surprise medical bills, we've launched a campaign to educate consumers on their rights to push back if they receive a surprise medical bill.
Your donation supports Arizona PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.


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Showing Results for Trader Darwin's
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ConsumerLab.com Explains How to Take Melatonin and Reveals Its Top Supplement Picks
White Plains, New York, September 26, 2017 — Melatonin is now one of the most popular supplements, largely due to its proven ability to trigger sleep.
ConsumerLab Finds Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic Contamination in Greens and Whole Foods Supplements
White Plains, New York, August 9, 2016 — Powders, pills and drinks made from ingredients like wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, chlorella, leafy vegetables and fruits are a popular choice for people looking to increase their intake of vitamins, minerals and other plant-based nutrients.
ConsumerLab.com Warns of Problems with Multivitamins and Vitamin Water -- Defects Found in Over 30% of Supplements Selected for Testing; Several Popular Children's Multis Exceed Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MARCH 31, 2009 — Over 30% of multivitamins recently selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com were found to contain significantly more or less ingredient than claimed or were contaminated with lead.
ConsumerLab.com reports deficiencies in some supplements containing calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin K -- Focus on bone health supplements and new uses for vitamins D and K
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MARCH 10, 2009 — In a large review of supplements relating to bone health, ConsumerLab.com reported today that tests showed five products to provide only 52.5% to 89% of the listed amounts of calcium or vitamin K. ConsumerLab.
Tests show many milk thistle supplements low in key component — Seven products fail ConsumerLab.com testing of herb used in diabetes and liver diseases
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — June 12, 2007 — Tests by ConsumerLab.com of nine milk thistle supplements that it selected showed that only two contained the expected amounts of silymarin compounds, believed to be the active constituent of milk thistle.
ConsumerLab.com tests potassium supplements — Report now online for sixteen products
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 16, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released a new report on the quality of potassium supplements. Potassium is used to treat or prevent potassium deficiency caused by diuretic drugs ("water pills"), prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or laxative abuse.


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Mass layoffs throughout the pandemic turned many individuals into “solopreneurs” and HoneyBook desires to assist them handle their companies.
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The San Francisco-based firm raised $155 million in Collection D funding to proceed growing its consumer expertise and monetary administration platform for service-based small companies and freelancers.
Oz Alon and his spouse, Naama Alon, co-founded the corporate with CTO Dror Shimoni after being small enterprise house owners. HoneyBook, which is accessible for a month-to-month subscription of $40, combines billing, contracts and consumer communication instruments to allow enterprise house owners to remain organized, CEO Oz Alon advised Crunchbase Information.
“We beloved what we have been doing, however not the enterprise half, which concerned responding rapidly to billing, funds and different issues when what we needed to do was run our companies,” he stated. “We began HoneyBook to unravel the group piece for small companies to allow them to put their greatest foot ahead and keep organized.”
Durable Capital Partners led the spherical and was joined by Tiger Global Management, Battery Ventures, Zeev Ventures and 01 Advisors, in addition to current traders Norwest Venture Partners and Citi Ventures. The brand new funding offers HoneyBook a complete of $248 million in venture-backed funding for the reason that firm was based in 2013, in addition to a greater than $1 billion valuation, in keeping with Alon.
“We consider the accelerated developments of self-employed enterprise development and small enterprise digitization will proceed because the financial restoration builds,” stated Henry Ellenbogen, managing associate and chief funding officer of Sturdy Capital Companions, through e mail. “With its visionary management and confirmed capability to innovate and supply distinctive options for the service-based small enterprise sector, we consider HoneyBook will drive employment, scale its enterprise and outline its business within the years forward.”
HoneyBook went after the Collection D so it might spend money on product improvement, new hires and increasing into new verticals. Alon would additionally like so as to add monetary companies instruments that prospects are asking for, reminiscent of the power to simply accept funds, entry to capital to spend money on their companies, extra management round bills, and to allow sooner/extra customized responses to prospects.
“Prior to now, companies attempt to reply inside 24 hours, however in the present day, if you happen to don’t reply in 24 minutes, you might lose a contract,” he added.
Prior to now yr, Alon acknowledged the pattern of small companies growing within the U.S. Individuals have an entrepreneurial spirit, so when folks misplaced jobs, they created a job, he stated.
All of that job creation led to the corporate experiencing a tripling in annual recurring income and a greater than doubling of latest subscribers within the U.S. and Canada up to now yr. On the similar time, members have booked greater than $1 billion in enterprise on the platform up to now 9 months, Alon stated.
“Reaching a $1 billion valuation is a testomony to how traders are wanting on the group and the potential of our enterprise,” Alon stated. “Traders noticed these companies by way of the previous yr and the way resilient they have been. We’re amazed by the expansion up to now yr. We’re nonetheless seeing developments happening and consider we are going to double once more subsequent yr.”
Function picture of HoneyBook co-founders Dror Shimoni, Naama Alon and Oz Alon, and inset screenshot courtesy of firm.
Blogroll illustration: Li-Anne Dias
Keep updated with latest funding rounds, acquisitions, and extra with the
Crunchbase Every day.
— to news.crunchbase.com


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Google's Night Sight feature is now available in all Pixel phones
New Delhi : Google has finally come up with its new 'Night Sight feature' designed exclusively for Pixel, Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 phones. The series of pixel phones will deliver exceptional photography as the new feature will enable users to capture low light photos which will be visibly brighter with more details and accuracy.
It must be noted that Google had announced the feature at its Made by Google event when it showcased the Pixel 3 phones. By November, the feature wil be available in Pixel phones.
At the event, Google showed off an ‘extreme’ low-light photo shot on Apple iPhone XS and an identical shot on the Pixel 3. The latter exhibited a brighter image compared to one shot on iPhone XS.
About Night Sight feature:
The new Night Sight feature is a combination of machine learning, algorithms and nearly four seconds of exposure to create a bright low-light shot. Experts say that the feature will work both on the rear and front-facing cameras and the user will not require a flash or a tripod to shoot photos in low light condition.
Now, to access Night Sight feature user will have to open the camera app and select the “More” tab on the mode slider. Alternately, if the camera detects a low light scene, it will prompt to turn on the Night Sight feature. While pressing the shutter button it will send the “most recent” 9 to 15 frames to Pixel 3’s Super Res Zoom software and generate better results for night time scenario. Further, a learning-based AWB (Auto White Balance) algorithm has been developed, which will suggest how to shift colours in a poorly white balanced image and make it appear more natural.
It is said that the engineers at Google has employed some of the DSLR tricks on the Night Sight mode by partly adding an “S-curve” for tone mapping of scenes that are too dark for the naked eye.
Let's wait for the upgradation and see how well it works.


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Featured Restaurant News
Arguably the area’s biggest “foodie” event, TerraVita, announced this week the dates for this year’s festival - Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. The Chapel Hill-based festival, now in its seventh year, offers exceptional dinners, tasting events, after parties, chef demos as well as the “Sustainable Classroom” - educational experiences featuring renowned chefs, authors & national media. TerraVita concludes with a Grand Tasting on the Green featuring over 65 chefs, artisans and beverage producers for tastings, live chef demonstrations and cookbook signings. TerraVita’s ticket launch and full schedule will be released in mid-June.
Wake County restaurant news
According to New Raleigh, Brewerks Cafe and Bakery is moving into the former Quality Grocery spot at 701 E. Lane St. in Oakwood in downtown Raleigh.
Pieology will officially open Monday (April 25) on Raleigh's Hillsborough Street, but on April 23, free pizza will be offered to all those that donate to Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Pieology is located in the Stanhope Center at 3001 Hillsborough St.
Also on Hillsborough Street, I saw on James Borden's Development Beat blog - Raleigh Public Record - that Pho Vietnam will be opening a new location on the ground floor of the 2811 Hillsborough apartment building. I have to think this is related to the Pho Vietnam on Buck Jones Road, but not sure if this is a new location or a second location. Will keep an eye on it (or if you know, let me know).
Got word from Mario Longo that Vic’s, with their original location in downtown Raleigh’s City Market, has opened their second location in the Market Place at Lake Boone shopping center (think Buffalo Brothers, WhichWich, Guasaca).
Cary Magazine reported this week that the Cary version of Chuy’s is now open in the Parkside Town Commons. Chuy’s is a Texas-founded establishment that has been around since 1982.
Also over in Cary, Sassool will hold the grand opening celebration of its second location on Mother’s Day, May 8 from 1-4 p.m. Sassool’s second location, which opened in December, is located at 1347 Kildaire Farm Road in the Shoppes of Kildaire (Trader Joe’s).
Out in Brier Creek, saw on a Yelp posting that Brier Creek Beer Garden is very close to opening, possibly next week. Their Facebook page notes that they will have more than 50 beers on draft (mostly NC) and more than 100 bottles.
Also in Brier Creek, according to their website Positalia Italian Eatery, a concept out of Wilmington, has opened in the same building as Rack Room Shoes. Apparently they opened this past Tuesday.
Durham, Orange & Chatham county restaurant news
The News & Observer gave us an update this week on what Durham chef Matt Kelly, who owns Mateo Tapas and Vin Rouge, has been up to. They indicated that he will open his next two concepts next to Mateo Tapas in downtown Durham by the end of May. Mothers & Sons Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that Kelly is opening with chef Josh DeCarolis; and Lucky’s Deli with Drew Brown, former co-owner of Piedmont restaurant and staff chef at Firsthand Foods. Kelly’s trio of restaurants will all be on 100 block of West Chapel Hill Street.
Also in downtown Durham, the News & Observer informed us that Durham cocktail bar Alley Twenty Six has ambitious plans to nearly double in size into the space next door, adding a full-size kitchen to expand their menu to include more small plates and pairings. Check them out here.
Happy + Hale has successfully opened their second location, which is in Durham at 703 Ninth St., and will hold their grand opening on April 30.
Beyu Caffe, located in the heart of downtown Durham, will be closing for one week next week to move to its larger quarters at 341 W. Main Street, just two doors down!
Counter Culture Coffee has moved to downtown Durham, 812 Mallard Avenue to be exact, and they will be holding a grand opening event on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. and everyone is invited! Take a tour, taste (both coffee and tasty treats provided by local chefs) and visit their pop-up store. RSVP and get all the details here.
And speaking of Counter Culture Coffee, congrats to Lem Butler, head of wholesale customer support at the Durham coffee roaster, who was recognized as the top barista in the nation at the U.S. Barista Championship competition in Atlanta. Next stop, the World Barista Championships in Dublin, Ireland in June. Congrats Lem and good luck!
Also moving to downtown Durham, the good folks at Big Bundts and More Bakery have moved into their new digs at 721 Broad St., occupying the street-level space in the ADF building.
And finally, thankfully the damage was minimal at the legendary Bullock’s BBQ in Durham. A fire broke out this past Wednesday, but most of it was contained to the hood and ventilation system. Durham’s oldest restaurant should re-open shortly. Thanks to the Durham Fire Department for their quick response!
None to report. Keep eating local, folks!
TABLE will hold its 4th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on April 30 from 3-7 p.m. at Chapel Hill's Orange United Methodist Church on MLK Boulevard. The event is to benefit one of TABLE's program, called the Weekend Backpack Program, a year-round hunger relief program that provides food to hungry kids when school is not in session.
With the warm weather returning, it also means the return of the Food Truck Thursdays in Knightdale. Every Thursday from April through June, the town will host a new truck at Knightdale Station Park for lunch and dinner. Just look for it from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. near the amphitheater (rain or shine - shelters are covered).
The Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo has announced its dates for this year: May 1, June 12, Aug. 7 and Oct. 9. VIP early admission wristbands, which let you get in to buy food before the general public, are on sale now. Get all the details here.
For a listing of ALL food truck events, head over to Art’s page, The Wandering Sheppard, on all things food truck related here.
If you are into craft beer you don't want to miss Brewgaloo Friday and Saturday (April 22 & 23) in downtown Raleigh. In celebration of their 5th anniversary, they've added a Friday night block party in addition to the regular events on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be 85 breweries and more than 50 food trucks to enjoy. Avoid the line and order your drink tickets online.
Tickets to one of my favorite annual events, Farm to Fork, have gone on sale. The event this year will be held on the weekend of June 3 through June 5. Get all the details and tickets here.
The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Weaver Street Market will host the 21st Annual Piedmont Farm Tour on Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, from 2-6 pm on both days. This year’s tour features 38 sustainable working farms in Orange, Chatham, Alamance, and Person counties.
The 2nd Annual Shuck ‘n Cluck will take place on Thursday, April 28 at the Lynnwood Brewing Concern at 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road from 6-10 p.m. The event will feature fresh oysters, chicken, beer, wine and live music. All proceeds benefit Rebuilding Together of the Triangle.
The annual Hook + Vine seafood and wine festival is scheduled for April 24 from 12 - 4 p.m. in downtown Raleigh at The Wine Feed, and co-hosted by Locals Seafood. The third annual festival will focus on pairing fresh seafood with high-quality wines found from around the world. Featured restaurants include Centro, Capital Club 16, Provenance, Plates Neighborhood Kitchen and Boiler Room Oyster Bar. Purchase tickets and get all the details here.
The folks over at Snap Pea Underground are holding two weekend’s of a Thai street food pop-up dinners at Midway Community Kitchen in Chapel Hill April 28 through May 1 and again May 5 through May 8th. Ticket prices vary and will go on sale today (April 1) at noon. These events will sell out, so act quickly.
Chef John Childers over at Midtowne Grill is hosting a beer dinner with the folks over at Compass Rose Brewery on Thursday, April 28. Tickets are $65 and it begins at 6:30 p.m.
Felicia Perry-Trujillo sent over a note to remind me that this year's edition of the Raleigh Food & Wine Festival, a four day event, will be held May 19-22.
Ok, this is a bit of a stretch to include, but it's too fun/funny not to include. It is the 2016 Doughman event being held in Durham on May 28. What is it? It is a "foodie" event that combines the elements of a triathlon with competitive eating. 4-member teams basically down a delicious treat from a Durham establishment which is then followed by a bike, run or "water activity" challenge of varying distances.
Food Bank Corner
Help "Feed the Need" in our communities! Donate at the register of your local Harris Teeter from April 1-23 or come on out for a special "Feed the Need Day" drive-through food drive on Saturday, April 23 at select stores. Get more information and store locations or you can donate online.
Sean Lennard covers food news on his blog, Triangle Food Blog.


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10 October 2014 | News | By BioSpectrum Bureau
Impax to acquire two pharma companies
Impax believes that the acquisition will boost earnings by 90 cents for every diluted share
Singapore: Impax Laboratories announced that it has agreed to buy private pharmaceutical companies Tower Holdings Inc and Lineage Therapeutics Inc for $700 million in cash.
The acquisition will also include operating subsidiaries CorePharma LLC and Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC, and Lineage Therapeutics. The acquired companies are privately-held and specialize in commercialization of branded generic products.
The transaction will provide Impax with a highly-profitable and growing commercialized portfolio of products that are expected to generate revenues of $215 million to $225 million by 2015.
Mr Fred Wilkinson, CEO, Impax, said, "Through strategic acquisitions we plan to drive growth and expansion. The acquisition will help in enhancing our brand division and enable us to utilize our brand commercial infrastructure more efficiently."
Mr Wilkinson further added that this strategic acquisition will further strengthen our dual business model in an effort to create value for our shareholders. Assuming that the deal closes within the next six months, Impax said that the acquisition is expected to boost its 2015 full-year earnings by about 90 cents a share.


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Economic boost for Powys
18 December 2018
Increased spend by Powys County Council helped boost the local economy by £51m during that the last financial year - nearly £10m more than the previous year.
New figures released by the council showed that total spending by the council increased from £153m in 2016-17 to £188m in 2017-18 thanks largely to major school construction projects with the proportion spent with Powys-based companies increasing to £51m.
Earlier this year the council launched a new initiative called the 'Powys Pound' which set out increase the proportion of the council's spend with county-based companies increase from its current 27p in every pound.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Martin Weale said; "As the county's biggest employer and major investor through its construction projects, we know we play a vital role in the economic well-being of Powys.
"That is why we launched the Powys Pound in March as a key part of the new cabinet's Vision 2025 to boost local jobs and companies. We know that for every additional percent we spend in Powys an extra £1.4 will be spent with local companies.
"Our overall spend increased in 2017-18 because of our huge investment in education and the many new school projects, so the value to the Powys economy is already increasing. The challenge ahead is to improve the proportion of spend with Powys-based companies and the signs are already very positive.
"During the first six months of the financial year we are projected to increase the proportion of our local spend from 27p in every pound to 30p in every pound, that's an extra £4.2m to local companies without any additional pressure on council taxpayers.
"Like all authorities we have to work within procurement regulations but it is not just about getting the lowest price, it is about the getting the best value and doing what you can to boost the local economy," he added.


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This article is by Chip Cutter.
Remember the off-site meeting? For some companies, those traditional company gatherings at hotels, spas and other exotic locations are pointing the way to a new, innovative model for getting employees back to working in person.
Nearly two years after the pandemic sent many white-collar professionals home, bosses are eager to reconvene employees, hoping that in-person interactions will spark new ideas and help to lessen feelings of isolation and Zoom fatigue as Covid-19 drags on. The challenge is ﬁguring out where and how to gather. Some companies ditched offices in recent months, or loosened policies to allow staffers to move away from company locations.
That has many executives rethinking the notion of the annual corporate gathering. For years, off-sites were largely a way to get entire companies or teams together to mark milestones such as a sales kickoff, an end-of-year celebration or a product-strategy summit. But as more companies embrace hybrid work models and fully remote teams, increasingly the concept of the off-site—gathering employees periodically—is looking like a way to strengthen company culture and foster connections among colleagues.
The fear of losing such connections and the beneﬁts that in-person work can bring is spurring companies to look at nontraditional ways to make this happen. In the nascent stages of using off-sites as the new on-site, some companies are considering short gatherings in which staffers meet at hotels, restaurants, Airbnb mansions—or even in the office—collaborating on work while also reconnecting socially. They are feeling out how often to meet: Many executives say it may be enough for remote employees to now come together in person once a month, and quarterly in the future.


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India is adopting digital payments like never before with the number of transactions increasing by more than three times under the current government, according to the above image shared on social media.
BOOM will look into the numbers and see whether they add up. Stay tuned.
Here’s what else is making news across India.
Thursday, March 30th, 2017
Here’s a roundup of what’s making it to the front pages of newspapers on Thursday.
BOOM has not verified the accuracy of any of the following stories.
All GST bills passed in Lok Sabha for uniform taxation across India
India is on the verge of creating history. With the Lok Sabha signing off on the last batch of bills on the goods and services tax (GST), India is just a step away from rolling out an indirect tax regime that will for the first time economically unify the country, Mint reported. Click here.
BS III ban: Auto makers race against time to clear inventory
Indian automobile makers are in a race against time to clear inventory. That’s because the Supreme Court on Wednesday banned the sale of vehicles not compliant with Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) emission standards from 1 April, leaving them with just three days in which to dispose of hundreds of thousands of BS III vehicles, Mint reported. Click here.
Wife complains to minister after Dhoni’s Aadhaar form leaked
A Twitter post on cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Aadhaar application by an excited enrolment centre official led to an online kerfuffle that also trended on Twitter on Wednesday, the Times of India reported. Click here.


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Oil & Gas UK turns the spotlight towards the UK oil&gas supply chain in November with two major events specifically designed to help strengthen the long-term future of this hugely important part of the sector.
Up to 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the 10th PILOT Share Fair as well as the first Oil & Gas UK conference dedicated to supply-chain issues on November 11-12 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Over the two days, delegates will find out about new business opportunities, best supply-chain practice and the compelling case for a long-term sustainable supply chain in the UK.
Traditionally, in economic terms, attention has tended to focus more on the sector’s production activities, overlooking to some extent the massive contribution made by the industry’s extensive supply chain, which production companies rely on for both their UK and, increasingly, worldwide operations.
Since its launch in 2007, Oil & Gas UK has been working with its expanding list of supply-chain members to develop a greater understanding and recognition of this thriving part of the sector.
Our latest economic report, published in July, for the first time painted a comprehensive picture of the supply chain to complement the now more familiar annual overview of UKCS production. We are beginning to understand the extent of the contribution made by the supply chain to the UK economy in its own right, measured in terms of employment, direct taxation and exports. For example, our research shows that supply-chain companies reported a 23% year-on-year increase in turnover in 2007 (including exports) and direct sector employment grew by 10% between 2006 and 2007, to about 22,500. Currently, each £1billion spent by the industry provides about 20,000 jobs across the supply chain, whether the money is operating expenditure or capital investment.
The report also highlights, in particular, the strong export figures of our supply chain, with the value of annual exports of oilfield goods and services reaching about £4-5billion. The UKCS is fast developing a reputation as a global centre of excellence for the provision of oilfield goods and services and export business is being won in a variety of areas such as subsea engineering; high-pressure, high-temperature field developments; oil&gas process machinery; deepwater developments; consultation, and legal services.
With an estimated 25billion barrels of oil&gas still to be recovered from the seabed around the British Isles and an increased focus on higher risk developments with their technical and commercial challenges, sustained access to the knowledge, skills and expertise of contractors and suppliers across the full spectrum of the supply chain will be vital. Also, as the diversity of players in the basin evolves and smaller operating companies arrive, the industry needs to change to a culture of faster, more efficient ways of doing business.
That is why Oil & Gas UK will focus its annual conference this year on supply-chain efficiency, sustainability and best practice, combining learning from both inside and outside the sector.
The event, which is sponsored by Shell, will focus on three key topics: business perspectives, supply-chain sustainability and cross-industry learning.
The first part, business perspectives, will explore the strategies employed by two major UK contractors to secure business at home and overseas. The second session will look at the broad area of supply-chain sustainability, from a commercial, as well as human-resource, aspect.
Conference delegates will hear, too, about best practice from other sectors, including defence, construction and Government.
While the supply-chain conference aims to increase business efficiencies, PILOT Share Fair 10 will focus on creating new business opportunities for the supply chain. This year’s event, which is sponsored by CAN, a leading provider of engineering, inspection and maintenance solutions, aims to provide small and medium-sized suppliers to the oil&gas industry with the information they require for long-term business planning. About 16 leading operating and major contractor companies are expected to present their project development work plans and activities scheduled over the next 18 months, representing potential new business estimated to be worth in the region of £4billion.
With costs at an all-time high in the basin, it has never been more important that we find ways to add value and improve performance; this will ensure the future competitiveness of the UKCS. One way of doing this is through the use of the Supply Chain Code of Practice. The code is a set of best-practice guidelines which have emerged from joint efforts by industry to standardise and simplify commercial arrangements between companies. Oil & Gas UK monitors progress regarding implementation of the code on an annual basis by means of a compliance survey. The latest 2007-08 survey is now available at www.oilandgasuk.co.uk
Paul Dymond is operations director, Oil & Gas UK


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The BBC reports that two new dates in the ongoing postal strike have been announced. Friday 6th and Monday 9th November will see all-out strikes, in contrast to recent action where different parts of Royal Mail have walked out for 24 hours at a time each.
Royal Mail have said that the backlog of undelivered mail has risen to 35 million items, but that they have cleared items delayed by last week’s strike. The Communication Workers’ Union called RM’s estimate “laughable” and said that the true figure was between 50 million and 60 million. Anecdotally, we’re hearing from many online merchants that their post does seem to be getting through still, though whether that will continue in the face of all-out strikes, remains to be seen.
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, who is chairing talks between the two sides, seems to remain optimistic that a settlement can be reached soon. He said that proposals had been put to the CWU and to RM’s management, and
They’ve agreed to look at those proposals over the weekend and consult appropriately with colleagues, with a view to returning to the TUC for further negotiations early next week.


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Rite Aid CEO: Ongoing Walgreens merger affected Q4 earnings
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Although Rite Aid affirmed it believes its acquisition by Walgreens Boots Alliance is in the “best interest of Rite Aid shareholders, customers and associates,” Chairman and CEO John Standley acknowledged “the extended duration of the merger process is having a negative impact on our results.
Walgreens and Rite Aid first announced the proposed merger on Oct. 27, 2015, but agreed to extend the deadline to July 31, while the companies awaited the Federal Trade Commission to rule on the transaction. In Tuesday’s 2017 fiscal fourth-quarter earnings release, Rite Aid stated: “While WBA and Rite Aid continue to be actively engaged in discussions with the Federal Trade Commission regarding the transaction and are working toward a close of the merger by July 31, 2017, there can be no assurance that the requisite regulatory approvals will be obtained, or that the merger will be completed within the time period contemplated by the merger agreement on the current terms, if at all.”
For its 2017 fiscal fourth quarter ended March 4, Rite Aid reported revenues of $8.5 billion and a net loss of $21.1 million. Its adjusted net loss came in at $3.2 million, and Adjusted EBITDA was $264.3 million, or 3.1% of revenues.
These earnings results bested Wall Street analyst projections, lifting Rite Aid’s stock in early Tuesday trading.
Retail Pharmacy Segment revenues were $7.1 billion and increased 4.3% compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of the extra week in the fourth quarter, partially offset by a decrease in same-store sales. Revenues in the company's Pharmacy Services Segment were $1.5 billion and decreased 1.3% compared to the prior year period.
Same-store sales for the quarter decreased 3.0% vs. the prior year, consisting of a 4.3% decrease in pharmacy sales and a 0.3% decrease in front-end sales. Pharmacy sales included an approximate 246 basis point negative impact from new generic introductions. The number of prescriptions filled in same stores, adjusted to 30-day equivalents, decreased 0.3% over the prior year period. Prescription sales accounted for 67.1% of total drugstore sales, and third-party prescription revenue was 98.4% of pharmacy sales.
In addition to the ongoing proposed merger having an effect on earnings, Standley said: “We continue to face reimbursement rate challenges that we have been unable to offset with drug cost reductions.”
For the full year, the company reported revenues of $32.8 billion, net income of $4.1 million. Adjusted net income was $66.8 million.
Camp Hill-based Rite Aid operates 4,536 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia.


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Peter Biddle, who helped invent trusted computing when he was at Microsoft, discusses the serious Android security bug that was just reported. It's a good, short read, and most alarming is the news that Google's had information on this critical bug since February: "The entire value of a chain of trust is that you are limiting the surface area of vulnerability to the code-signing and hashing itself. This bug, if it's as described, destroys the chain."
"The suspected Russian hackers behind the worst U.S. cyber attack in years leveraged reseller access to Microsoft Corp services to penetrate targets that had no compromised network software from SolarWinds," Joseph Menn and Raphael Satter at Reuters report: While updates to SolarWinds' Orion software was previously the only known point of entry, security company CrowdStrike… READ THE REST
So, this two-part Trump tweet today was weird. The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality. I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control. Russia, Russia, Russia is the priority chant when anything happens because Lamestream is, for mostly financial reasons, petrified of…. ….discussing the possibility… READ THE REST
"Facebook just took down two foreign influence ops that it discovered going head to head in the Central African Republic, as well as targeting other countries," says Graphika's Ben Nimmo. "More-troll Kombat, you might say." From the introduction to the Graphika report MORE TROLL KOMBAT: On December 15, Facebook announced that it had taken down… READ THE REST
Did you get a new iPhone for Christmas? Or, maybe you splurged on a new smartphone with that infusion of holiday cash. Either way, your purchase isn't completed when you walk out with your new phone. Making sure you're equipped to keep that thing charged up 24/7/365 is just as important. Easier said than done… READ THE REST
If you aren't up to speed on the intricacies of knives and knife production, then a Thai Moon Knife might look more like a weapon than a kitchen utensil. With a wide blade that visually looks more like a cleaver than a traditional food preparing knife, it's the product of more than 200 years of… READ THE REST
When the new flagship phone of the Android universe, the Samsung S21, rolls out on Jan. 29, it'll be the latest smartphone leap forward, yet still part of a curious trend that doesn't make any buyers happy. Just like the iPhone 12 when it debuted last year, the S21 will be hitting store shelves without… READ THE REST


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Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest car maker, today reported a rise of 8.1 percent in total volumes at 139,763 units in March as against 1269,345 units clocked in the same month last year, as per disclosure made by the company.
Domestic sales grew to 127,999 units during the month, posting an increase of 7.7 percent as compared to 118,895 units sold in the corresponding month last year. Growth in exports were a step better increasing by 12.6 percent to 11,764 units during the reporting month.
While the Mini Compact segment where it sells the Alto and Wagon R posted a decline of 15.6 percent the Compact segment comprising Swift, Ignis, Ritz, Celerio, Baleno and Dzire grew by 29.7 percent thanks to the continued robust demand for the new launches Ignis and Baleno.
Utility vehicle segment comprising Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga, posted a growth of 31.8 percent during the month whereas the vans like Eeco and Omni posted a decline in sales by 9.8 percent.
With this the Delhi-based company ended the financial year with its highest ever total sales of 1,568,603 units, a growth of 9.8 percent as compared to 1,429,248 units.


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Early 3DS adopters received early (and free) NES titles through the system’s Ambassador program earlier this year, but, now that these games are starting to see release on the normal Virtual Console, Nintendo has updated one of them a little, with the rest set to follow.
Namely The Legend of Zelda has seen an update in Japan. Nothing too major, mind, but support for the creation and loading of restore points has been added (a feature seen in all Game Boy Virtual Console titles). Fans may also be pleased to hear a digital manual is now included with the game as well as a new menu icon.
When NES’s other nine games will update both inside and outside of Japan is unknown.


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The long-awaited Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will finally release new details at the upcoming Gamescom. As the last trailer for this latest Star Wars Lego game was released almost a year ago last August, it is definitely exciting to see what was added to this game.
As Lego games are definitely seen as more simple games for kids, they still provide appeal for adults due to their unique sense of humor, a large roster of characters, and fun, if somewhat mindless, gameplay. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga aims to shake up the traditional Lego game mold of fairly straightforward puzzles and combat with major changes. TT head of production and strategic director Jonathan Smith sums up the sentiment behind the game: “it really felt like the right time to aim as high as possible; to create a LEGO landmark.”
The most major improvement is the existence of a massive open world. Although previous Lego games such as LEGO DC Super-Villains do have a smaller 3 region world, the latest Lego Star Wars game has much bigger ambitions. The trailer teases some of this by showing the player riding on a Bantha through Mos Eisley.
The combat will also see sizable improvement. Already, based on brief moments in last year’s trailer, there will be a shooting system, complete with aiming down sights, akin to a third-person shooter game. In addition, there are more complicated lightsaber duels teased, such as the duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and General Grievous. If the fancy animations are anything to go by, there may even be a duel combat system in place to replace the more button-mash gameplay of previous Lego games.


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Car sales in the US rose 13.4 percent in 2012, its highest level in five years, supported by the economic recovery and availability of cheap credit.
The US auto industry is expected to grow further in 2013 with sales improving 6.6 percent year-over-year.
Car sales across the industry totalled 14.5 million with General Motors selling the highest number of cars and light trucks, 2.5 million for the year.
Volkswagen recorded the biggest increase in car sales, 35 percent while Japanese carmakers Toyota Motors and Honda posted increases of 27 percent and 24 percent, respectively. Chrysler sales jumped 21 percent for the year.
However, yearly sales of Ford and General Motors lagged, with increases of 5 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively.
Japanese carmakers grabbed higher shares in total sales though they had experienced a supply shortage due to the earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
The US auto industry has experienced a recovery in the recent months, after suffering from lower sales in the aftermath of a recession that went until 2009. In line with an improvement in market fundamentals, the demand for passenger vehicles increased, helping the industry's revival.
Research and consulting firm Polk said it expects new auto sales for 2013 to jump 6.6 percent over last year with the sales of light vehicles totalling 15.4 million units. Polk also expects the industry to cross the 16 million mark in the following two years.
Analysts said that the market is set to see as many as 40 new models in 2013, driving consumers' enthusiasm and attracting better demand. The competition among carmakers will provide customers with new models and technologies along with lower prices.
In addition, a recovery in the US housing market resulting in more construction projects will help boost the sale of heavy-duty vehicles.


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Already the largest maker of enterprise cloud apps, Salesforce leveraged the big momentum of a blowout Q4 earnings announcement to promise that it is on its way to becoming the world’s biggest provider of enterprise apps, period.
That’s a distinction SAP has held proudly for about 40 years, and it’s a leadership marker that SAP certainly has no intention of relinquishing—either to Salesforce or Oracle or any other challenger.
On the other hand, the Salesforce juggernaut—or what I described in this morning’s Cloud Wars Minute episode as a hog on ice—continues to gain mass, speed, and momentum even as it reaches an annualized run rate of $30 billion.
So if SAP is going to retain its prestigious position, it will need to extend and enhance its own impressive growth spurt fully revealed in its own Q4 numbers (for more on that, please see SAP’s Extraordinary Comeback: Cloud to Rise 26% in 2022).
Plus, as I laid out in a recent Cloud Wars Minute episode, Benioff has also turned Salesforce into a platform and data powerhouse, with revenue of about $8.3 billion.
Let’s take a look at how Benioff rolled out his great expectations.
First off, he laid out some numbers that even his worst enemy would have to respect:
- for Q4 ended Jan. 31, revenue up 26% to $7.3 billion—as Benioff quipped, “I don’t think there were too many $7.3-billion quarters at 26% growth in the world this year”;
- for the full fiscal year, revenue of $26.5 billion, up 25%–stunning growth for a business that size; and
- guidance for the coming fiscal year calling for revenue of $32.1 billion.
Based on that trajectory, Benioff said, “Salesforce is on track to becoming the world’s #1 enterprise software applications company.”
Throughout the earnings call, not only Benioff but also co-CEO Bret Taylor, CRO Gavin Patterson, and CFO Amy Weaver repeatedly stated that the driver behind all that growth is the ubiquitous demand among CEOs in every industry for digital transformation.
As Benioff put it, “In every company that I speak to, these CEOs that I’m speaking to are all going through major digital transformations. And those customers’ priorities are all beginning and ending with their customers.
“So our job remains to help these companies grow and achieve this transformation.”
Nothing real fancy or deep there—we’ve got a generational opportunity and we’re throwing everything we have at it. But did you catch how Benioff said that Salesforce’s job isn’t just to help its customers “achieve this transformation”; rather, it is “to help those companies grow and achieve this transformation.”
In today’s acceleration economy, the need to grow—not just to complete projects, but to drive new revenue, create new businesses with dynamic new products and services, and become the digital business the future demands—has become the defining priority for every business in every industry.
And tech vendors of every stripe had better recognize that new imperative, and voice it loudly and clearly: in today’s high-change environment that is shaping the future, your top job isn’t just to make and sell great code—it’s to help your customers grow and thrive and dazzle their customers in the acceleration economy.