text: It’s unfair that South L.A. residents bear the burden of a toxic-food environment while nearby communities have access to better food. This disparity between neighborhoods amounts to food apartheid, and means that residents of South L.A. can look forward to higher levels of chronic disease and worse health outcomes. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently released a report showing that low-income communities within the county have a disproportionately high percentage of child obesity, too. Among proposed solutions, the report recommended using zoning to discourage unhealthy food retailers. This fall, the Los Angeles City Council is considering an ordinance to do just that. The ordinance would stop new fast-food chain restaurants from setting up shop in South L.A. for the next two years. This fast-food cease-fire would give the residents and leaders of South L.A. a chance to envision the sort of food establishments that would meet the needs of the community – and to take steps to make it happen. Considering the great impact that the local food environment has on what people eat, it is crucial for communities to start a dialogue and for local governments to lead the charge. If we are going to tackle obesity and chronic disease, we need to stop the proliferation of harmful food, and instead, ensure access to healthy, nutritious food. South L.A.’s proposed ban on fast food is a brave and bold step towards a healthier community; one for other cities to follow. Juliet Sims is a registered dietitian and a graduate student at the U.C. Berkeley School of Public Health.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Everyone eats. But what and how much we eat is greatly affected by the sort of food that is available around us. Take our ancestors: Humans evolved in a calorie-sparse world; as a result, they ate less. Those who could get their hands on sugary, fatty foods – which are taste-bud queues for calories – had a better chance of surviving. But things have changed. Today our nation is bursting at the seams with food. This overabundance flips the calories-equal-survival equation on its head. Now, those who eat more low-calorie foods, like fruits and, vegetables, are the healthiest. Sadly, our lizard brains have not evolved as quickly as our food environment. With the combination of calorie-loving humans and a country where cheap, unhealthy, high-calorie foods abound, you’ve got a recipe for poor health: a toxic food environment. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREPettersson scores another winner, Canucks beat KingsUnprecedented levels of diet-related diseases, like obesity, highlight the fact that communities across the country are facing food environments that are hostile to health. But some neighborhoods – low-income ones in particular – are worse off than others. South Los Angeles is one such community. South L.A. suffers from a major imbalance of unhealthy food-retail outlets compared to healthy ones. An L.A. Times analysis found that South Los Angeles has the highest concentration of fast-food restaurants in the city, and very few grocery stores. Given South L.A.’s plethora of fast-food options, it should come as no surprise that 30percent of adults are obese, compared with 20.9percent in the county overall. Research has shown that communities with high concentrations of fast-food restaurants also have high levels of obesity. A dearth of grocery stores, furthermore, may be why South L.A. residents are significantly less likely to get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day than residents countywide. Consumption of fruits and vegetables increases when there’s a supermarket in the neighborhood.


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When the first-generation Toyota Prius launched back in 1997, there were more than a few industry pundits who thought the whole hybrid thing was a fad. And like most fads, they thought it wouldn’t last.
Humble pie is what those same pundits are eating these days, and more than a few helpings of the stuff.
It boggles the mind when you realise that Toyota’s global sales of hybrid vehicles passed the four million mark in May 2012 – and that 2.6 million of those were for the Prius.
You have to admire Toyota’s tenaciousness because it was slow-going for the first 10 years – the time it took for Toyota to sell the first million hybrids. But popularity for the petrol/electric hybrid has steadily gained traction.
Demand for Toyota’s hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate, accounting for a sizeable 15 per cent of the company’s total global sales.
That’s helped by the Toyota Prius spawning a family of vehicles that now includes the seven-seat Prius V and smaller Prius C – all powered by similar versions of Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive system.
However, despite the inclusion of even more hybrids under the Lexus umbrella with the CT200h hatch joining the range, the now iconic Toyota Prius remains the dominant seller in the hybrid business – at least for now.
The third- and current-generation Toyota Prius was launched in 2009 with a raft of refinements and styling changes over the second-generation Prius.
We tested the updated version of the Prius that was released in March 2012 with more features, more refinement and fresh styling.
It’s still unmistakably Prius, but with a focus on maintaining a contemporary look as well as a measureable improvement in the way the automobile rides and handles.
The fully-loaded and top-of-the-line Toyota Prius i-Tech picks up a host of new standard kit that included solar moonroof, eight-way power driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, seven-inch VGA colour screen with satellite navigation, digital radio and leather trim.

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FARCOM: 2.000 Hand Sanitizers donated to the General Police-Headquarters of Thessaloniki
FARCOM readily responded to the appeal by the Deputy Minister of the Interior (of Macedonia & Thrace), Mr. Theodoros Karaoglou, to donate antiseptics to the General Police Directorate Headquarters of Thessaloniki.
The company, continuing its Corporate Social Responsibility actions and activities, provided 2.000 Hand Sanitizers for the hygienic protection of the forces who daily offer their front-line services. The donation reflects FARCOM’s conviction that support by the private sector during periods of major crises is critical and has a decisive role to play.
The donation was delivered by the Deputy Minister himself on Monday 30 November 2020, at the Police Headquarters Building, in the presence of Police Major General Lazaros Mavropoulos, the General Police Director of Thessaloniki, and Ms. Stella Soumski, FARCOM Marketing Director.
FARCOM standing by the children of the GREEK CHILDREN’S VILLAGE at Filiro
FARCOM readily responded to the appeal made by the Greek Children’s Village at Filiro to meet the fundamental needs of its facilities that are experiencing an unprecedented crisis.
Due to the circumstances caused by the pandemic in the country, the Children’s Village is facing unprecedented dwindling in sponsorship and donation support, which exacerbates the threat against its very operation.
FARCOM, following up its efforts to support vulnerable social groups in a spirit of respect and responsibility, responded readily by donating to the village personal hygiene and children’s hygiene products, both for the children and their carers, wishing them to soon overcome the major challenges they are facing.
FARCOM received an honorary distinction at the “Salus & The Kind Hearts Awards 2020” Event
FARCOM received another corporate excellence honorary distinction at “SALUS & THE KIND HEARTS” Event, organised by the New Times Publishing Organisation. The event was held at Horizontes Restaurant, on Mt. Lecabettus, on Tuesday 27 October 2020.
FARCOM was represented online by its Marketing Director, Ms. Stella Soumski, who addressed the audience and conveyed the sincere appreciation of company administration.
This award was received by FARCOM during a landmark year, as 2020 marks the company’s golden jubilee. FARCOM has been a major cosmetics industry in Greece, offering consumers top quality and aesthetics products for half a century.
Besides, by the end of 2020, FARCOM’s new, ultra-modern production plant is to be completed, deployed over an area of 10,000m2; the project’s investment budget exceeds 5,000,000 Euros and makes it a pivotal point for further growth in the years to come.
FARCOM: Antisceptics donated to SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari
Personal antiseptic packets have been donated by FARCOM to protect children residing under the guardianship of SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari. Once again, FARCOM has confirmed its corporate social support to agencies fostering children.
SOS Children’s Villages provide care and protection to children who, for whatever reason, cannot be brought up by their parents. This supporting care is provided on a stable and long-term basis from the early sensitive years of childhood to the point when the young person can stand on their own two feet – properly prepared for life as an ethical and vocationally qualified member of society.
We would like to warmly thank Mr. Agathonikos Drepanidis for his acknowledgement letter to FARCOM.
We wish health and prosperity to him, the children, and all the people of SOS Children’s Village for their invaluable daily social work.
FARCOM: Received Silver Sales Excellence Award for 2020
FARCOM has distinguished itself at an important event once again, claiming the Silver prize at this year’s Sales Excellence Awards 2020, the awards celebrating and highlighting best sales practices. FARCOM was one of the winners in the ‘Exports & International Trade’ category. The Sales Excellence Award presentation ceremony took place on Thursday 24 September 2020 at House124 in Chalandri, Athens.
This year’s Sales Excellence Awards Event was co-organised by Boussias Communications and the Sales Institute in Greece (IPE). The event was adapted to the special circumstances due to the pandemic. Winners received their awards in accordance with the measures and regulations in place due to the current conditions. However, despite these restrictions, organisers and participants sent a clear message of optimism as regards the prospects of Greek entrepreneurship.
FARCOM is one of the largest cosmetic manufacturers in Greece and exports its products to 53 countries around the globe.
FARCOM: Donation of antiseptics to Pavlos Melas Municipality, Thessaloniki
Hand Antiseptic Gels were donated by FARCOM to the Department of Social Policy of the Municipality of Pavlos Melas, as part of the company’s continuous efforts, since the outbreak of the pandemic, to provide aid for vulnerable population groups.
These antiseptic products are to be distributed to children at the nurseries run by the Municipality, the children helped by the “Children’s Umbrella” [Paidiki Ombrella] Child and Family Support Group, and the children attending the free social assistance ‘frontistirion’ [coaching school] operated by the Municipality of Pavlos Melas.
Afterwards, a ceremony was held to present the admirable work of ‘Children’s umbrella’. The ceremony was attended by Mr Simopoulos MP, the mayor of Pavlos Melas Mr Demourtzidi, the Deputy Mayor Mrs. Amanatidou, the managers of “Children’s Umbrella” organization, and the Marketing Director of Farcom, Mrs Stella Soumski.
FARCOM: Supporting “MELISSA” Girls’ Orphanage
It was with great joy that FARCOM greeted the opportunity of covering the needs of ‘MELISSA’ Foundation, by donating daily care and protection products such as shampoo, hair conditioners and antiseptic preparations.
‘MELISSA’ provides a home and cares for girls who were abandoned or neglected by their families and has been doing so without interruption since 1921. The need to support the Foundation’s commendable charity work is greater than ever due to the current economic recess and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
We warmly thank the Director of the Orphanage, Ms. Vasileia Mavrou, for her letter acknowledging our gesture.
FARCOM Another “Diamonds of the Greek Economy 2020” business distinction award.
Yet again, FARCOM gained a very important business distinction. For the second consecutive year, it was awarded as the “Diamond” of the Greek economy at the annual event of business excellence DIAMONDS OF THE GREEK ECONOMY AWARDS 2020, which took place at the Hilton Athens Hotel on Wednesday July 15th.
The aim of the event, which took place for the seventeenth consecutive year, was to highlight the most dynamic Greek companies, which sent a strong message of optimism for the prospects of Greek entrepreneurship despite the outbreak of the pandemic.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the Ministers of Development and Investment, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, and the Minister of Energy and Environment, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, as well as leading business entities of the country and high-ranking business executives. Due to the measures taken to limit the spread of Covid-19, the event was held with special hosting protocols and specific hygiene rules, while it was broadcast live via Live streaming.
The year 2020 marks our 50th anniversary celebration of dynamic presence in the beauty industry. The company has enjoyed uninterrupted growth since its set up and ranks among the largest cosmetics manufacturers in Greece, listing 53 countries worldwide.
We pride ourselves of 18 high-quality product brands amounting to nearly 3000 SKUs featuring hair, body, and skin care products. This year we are focused on completing the building of our second factory (10000 m2) which enables us to expand to new product categories establishing the fulcrum of further company’s expansion for the future.
FARCOM PROFESSIONAL Barber Seminar / Show by VICENC MORETO.
On 18th November 2019, FARCOM and ARTERO’s official global ambassador, Vicenc Moreto, presented a BARBER Seminar/Show at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
The event was attended by prominent personalities from the hair styling industry and was crowded by many participants. More than five hundred hair stylists from all over Greece gathered in the stunning building of the Thessaloniki Concert Hall and enjoyed the spectacular event, inspired by Vicenc Moreto’s classic aesthetics combined with contemporary and modern elements that characterize his work. His hairdressing and hair styling techniques have been a source of inspiration for the participants, reaffirming why he is regarded as one of the most celebrated and renowned barbers in the world.
The year 2020 is of particular importance for FARCOM as it celebrates its 50th anniversary from its foundation and continuous presence alongside the hair styling industry. FARCOM is considered as the leading Greek manufacturer of professional hairdressing products in Greece.
This has been a great opportunity for the professional hair stylists to take part to an event starring eminent artists.
FARCOM Diamonds Awards 2019
FARCOM Diamonds Awards 2019
FARCOM gained a very important distinction of “Diamond” of the Greek economy, at the DIAMONDS OF THE GREEK ECONOMY AWARDS 2019 held on Wednesday, July 10 at a magnificent ceremony at the Grande Bretagne Athens Hotel.
As stated by Mr. Themis Sarasidis upon receiving the prize: “This prize belongs to all FARCOM employees“.
The ceremony was attended by numerous entrepreneurs and executives of the largest companies in Greece, representatives of the government, public organizations and institutions who delivered a strong message about the prospects of Greek entrepreneurship. It is worth noting the presence of mass media at the ceremony.
For over 49 years, FARCOM remained faithful to its commitment to continuous development while listing 53 exporting countries around the world. Having a full range of hair, body and face care products, the company is currently in the forefront of the Greek cosmetics production and marketing companies.
FARCOM PROFESSIONAL – Educational Seminar BRIDAL & EVENING Hairstyles
On December 2nd, 2019 the last educational, professionals only, Bridal & Evening Hairstyles, seminar of the year, was held at its FARCOM’s Academy in Thessaloniki by guest Hair Artist Konstantina Casia, a highly decorated and award nominated professional. The seminar was a great success driven by Konstantine’s inspiration and creative energy.
On the show, attended by professional hairdressers, bridal and evening hairstyles proposals were presented. Thanks to her excellent training in bridal – evening hairstyles, attendees were given the opportunity to acquire useful tips and hinds.
Professional hairdressers renewed their appointment for the upcoming round of training seminars at FARCOM’s 2020 Academy.
FARCOM, the main sponsor of TEDxUOM 2019
In line with this year’s theme, “reboot”, FARCOM was again the main sponsor of the Macedonia University’s TEDxUOM seventh edition, held on November 30th at the NOESIS Science Center & Technology Museum of Thessaloniki.
During the event, FARCOM presented the “Cosmetic Labelling” workshop. The aim of the workshop was to clarify the manner in which consumers can decode the information written on the cosmetics product’s labels. By doing that, we help increase consumers’ awareness and enable them to make more conscious choices in the decision making process.
With 50-year experience in the cosmetics field, FARCOM provides on-going support to youth-driven initiatives organizing such projects and conferences.


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Saab said on March 29 that it had been forced to interrupt production the previous day due to problems with suppliers. Saab's new Dutch owner Spyker said production had resumed on March 30 at the factory in Trollhattan, in southwest Sweden, and assured that Saab "has sufficient means to meet its immediate liquidity needs."
"Certain suppliers halted supplies to Saab Automobile pending discussions about payments and supply terms," Spyker said.
Saab Automobile continues to work on longer term solutions to further strengthen its financial position and improve its capital structure. "Saab Automobile expects to resolve these issues in the short term, also to prevent any further disruptions in supply," it added.
The incident comes the week after Saab announced that its managing director Jan-Aake Jonsson was leaving for personal reasons.
Spyker also announced on March 25 that its losses had multiplied in 2010, soaring to 218 million euros (US$309 million) for the year, against a loss of 23 million euros in 2009.
General Motors owned Saab for 20 years but the Swedish company never made a profit during that period. In 2009, output plunged to 38,756 vehicles from 93,000 in 2008. Spyker came in early last year and bought Saab from GM for $400 million.
Despite all the problems Spyker still has high ambitions for Saab. Spyker hopes to boost production way up 80,000 this year, but still expects annual losses before a return to the black in 2012.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011


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Report: Most Local Merchants Will Increase Marketing and Shift Budgets to Digital this Year
The majority of local businesses are increasing their spending on advertising and marketing this year, and they’re shifting their dollars towards a broad variety of digital tactics. Those are two of the key findings from Street Fight’s just-released study, The Local Merchant Report 2017. Our analysis also revealed a pattern of momentum spending that makes a good case that suppliers of local marketing technologies and services should create modular offerings to jump-start even relatively light spenders.
To help suppliers better understand and meet the needs of these local merchants, Street Fight in February conducted an online survey of owners and decision-makers at over 25o small and medium-sized businesses (fewer than 50 employees but with at least one physical location). Since the last time Street Fight surveyed this type of company in 2014-15, we’ve observed a continued shift to digital marketing tactics and a growing sophistication in their usage. Social media marketing is currently their preferred channel: they’re spending more on it, and, as they adjust marketing objectives, they’re using more tools to manage their efforts.
A little over a third of the survey respondents said they would spend less than $1,000 this year across all their marketing efforts, including traditional media. But nearly 30% said they would spend $25,000 or more. These relatively heavy spenders are the best prospects, but not just because of their spending volume. They also use more types of marketing or advertising, and more measurement and management tools. But, as shown below, 57% of local merchants regardless of budget size said they were increasing their spending, a third significantly.
Those with larger budgets were almost twice as likely to say they were increasing their spending significantly. But when we dug into the numbers, we saw an interesting pattern of spending momentum. Checking against a variety of budget sizes, we saw a strong correlation between size and the intent to increase. We looked to see if there were a classic tipping point or critical mass – i.e. a certain budget size that really got the ball rolling. Instead, we saw a steady progression: the bigger the budget, the more likely to increase. That’s a pretty strong case for a supplier to get in the door early, and grow its business as the local merchant gets more comfortable with a marketing tactic and spends more and more on it and others.
At the same time, across budget sizes, about a third of the respondents said they spend at least half their marketing and ad dollars on digital tactics and media. Well over half (57%) said that digital mix was increasing. And we saw the same momentum pattern here as well. Bigger budgets are shifting to digital faster.
We asked about their planned spending on six types of digital advertising and marketing. On average, across all categories, three-quarters of respondents said they would maintain or increase their spending, while fewer than 10% said they’d cut back. The remainder said they weren’t using the given tactic.
The figure above shows which tactics were most likely to receive an increase in spending from the local merchants. Social media and email marketing, which they deemed their most effective media, will likely get the biggest benefits. But even paid search – an area where survey respondents said they needed a lot of help, and that they didn’t rate as particularly effective – should see bigger budgets from nearly a third of local merchants.
Overall, that’s a very positive picture for local digital marketing. Budgets are growing and relying more on digital tactics. Local merchants are maintaining or increasing spending on a variety of digital categories. And there’s evidence to suggest that once they see a positive return on marketing, no matter how small they start, they’re likely to increase spending and that momentum fuels further increases.
David Card is Street Fight’s director of research.
Click here for more on the Street Fight Insights report, The Local Merchant Report 2017.


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Samsung has sent out invites for a Samsung Unpacked event to be held before MWC 2015 begins.
The Samsung Galaxy S6's launch date has finally been confirmed. Samsung has sent out invites for the next Samsung Unpacked event, to be held on March 1, two days before the Mobile World Congress 2015 begins. The Samsung Unpacked event held before the MWC is usually where the company launches its flagship smartphone for the year.
The Galaxy S6 is expected to come out alongside an Edge variant. Unlike the Galaxy Note Edge though, the S6 Edge is rumoured to have two edge screens. The devices will also have 2K displays along with Samsung’s newly announced octa-core 64-bit Exynos 7 SoC. The company has supposedly dropped the Snapdragon 810 from its flagship devices this time.
According to reports, the Galaxy S6 will be the biggest change in Samsung smartphones in a long time. The company has reportedly designed the S6 ‘from scratch’, adopting new design philosophies and incorporating metal into the design. Recent rumours suggest that the Galaxy S6 may even be an iPhone 6 look alike.
Either way, we’re going to get to know pretty soon. The event is scheduled for 6.35pm CET (1 AM IST) on March 1.


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The list of companies and individuals suing *Google* for the way it runs its search ad business is a long one: including everyone from biggies like American Airlines to one-off advertiser lawsuits. And settling its latest AdWords-related lawsuit could ultimately cost Google (NSDQ: GOOG) up to $20 million, according to Mediapost.
The class-action lawsuit was filed by two small business advertisers in 2005: Minnesota-based printing company CLRB Hanson Industries and N.J.-based Howard Stern (not the radio personality); they argued that Google had charged them more for ads on certain days than they’d agreed to pay for. Google countered that it had only overcharged them to make up for days when it under-delivered ads, but still chose to end the litigation with a settlement. Both plaintiffs will receive $20,000; Google agreed to pay their lawyers more than $5 million. Other affected advertisers will get AdWords credits.
In a statement to Mediapost, a company spokesperson said: “Google believes the claims are without merit, but we are pleased to have the litigation behind us and to move forward with our business objectives.”
Photo Credit: srqpix


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Windows Phone users are used to waiting for Microsoft to deliver on its promises, but the company has been testing their patience recently. Microsoft has abandoned its "first and best on Windows" strategy in favor of cross-platform apps that are nearly always better on Android and iOS than their Windows tablet and phone counterparts. Office is the latest proof of a continuous trend that’s leaving Microsoft’s most-loyal Windows customers out in the cold.
After shipping Office for iPad earlier this year, way ahead of a touch-optimized Windows release, Microsoft followed up with an even better version for the iPhone last week. While the initial Office for iPhone app, released last year, offered basic editing like its Windows Phone counterpart, the new app goes way above and beyond the functionality Microsoft ships on Windows Phone. Comparing the two almost feels unfair at this stage. Microsoft is working on new touch-optimized versions of Office for Windows tablets and phones, but the company won’t deliver them until Windows 10 is ready next year. It’s another period of waiting for Windows fans.
Skype for iOS is a much better experience than Windows Phone
Windows Phone owners have also been waiting for years on improvements to the Skype experience. During that time, Microsoft has released an overhauled version of Skype for iPhone alongside some big improvements to Skype for Android. Both Skype for iOS and Android are better than the slow and sloppy app on Windows Phone. Microsoft had the opportunity to deliver its best Skype experience on its own platform, but it's the iOS app with its beautiful animations that wins hands down.
It’s not just Skype and Office where Microsoft is failing to deliver a good Windows experience for its services and apps. OneNote is far superior on Android and iOS, and Microsoft’s latest OneDrive update for Windows Phone has been met with a lot of negative feedback. Microsoft was forced to acknowledge this and promise "we’re in the process of improving the usability and polish of our app." Likewise, Xbox Music has struggled to be a reliable app on Windows Phone recently after Microsoft separated it from the core operating system. The old promise of built-in Windows Phone features like Office was originally desirable, but this bundling has hurt Microsoft as it struggles to now separate them out to accelerate app updates.
Rare exceptions to Microsoft's iOS and Android focus
There are exceptions, though, and Xbox One SmartGlass is an example of a cross-platform app that’s practically identical on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. That could be because Microsoft has largely abandoned its unique "Metro" design principles to create apps that look the same across Windows Phone, Android, and iOS. There’s still a wait for the Windows functionality to match across most of these apps, though.
That waiting game has been common across Windows Phone’s lifetime. Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) added some much needed features but didn’t go far enough, Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) was an overhaul with new hardware support and no upgrade path for existing devices, and Windows Phone 8.1 finally delivered on features with a promise of universal apps that haven’t really materialized from Microsoft let alone third-party app developers. Apps that run well across Windows tablets and phones is the eventual goal, but rival platforms are seeing the benefit of Microsoft's apps right now.
There's only so long Windows users will remain loyal
Microsoft is sending a clear message that it wants to reach consumers on popular mobile platforms. That’s an understandable move, but with a lack of a true Windows Phone flagship this holiday and hints that unique features like Cortana will make their way to Android and iOS, it leaves Windows Phone in an odd spot. If all of Microsoft’s core apps and services work better on Android and iOS, it makes Windows Phone a lot less appealing. If Microsoft can’t even make good apps for Windows, there's not a lot of hope left for third-party app developers to build for Microsoft’s mobile platform. Couple that with the Windows tablet and phone app gap, and the future looks increasingly bleak. Appealing to Android and iOS users might be Microsoft's goal, but there's only so long Windows users will remain loyal.


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In last week's blog post we talked about how plastic has revolutionised the sports industry, including footwear for athletes. Technology today has been able to create innovative footwear which offers support and strength that athletes need. Although new plastic has been produced to create the latest footwear for sportsmen, three London students have created shoes entirely made from plastic waste. The multi-coloured footwear is part of a project called 'Everything you buy is rubbish' and have used waste found on UK shores such as the Thames to make the trainers.
The purpose of the innovative footwear was to raise awareness of how plastic is having a negative effect on our environment. Charles Duffy, William Gubbins and Billy Turvey, devised the idea together to highlight our waste culture.
'Whether dumped in a landfill or washed up on the shoreline, everything that you buy will inevitably end up as rubbish.' They write.
'With the development of plastic came a utopian promise – that this revolutionary material would change our lives. It has now become so materially ingrained in our lives and environment that it's becoming increasingly indistinguishable and inseparable from nature. We made these shoes completely out of rubbish we trawled from UK shorelines as a satirical communication tool to convey the direct correlation between waste and consumerism, and the disposability of contemporary products.'
The team says the humble show is a prime example of the 'out of sight and out of mind' legacy of the modern consumer. They say shows were once hand crafted items that were not only durable but repairable, but now people discard them as soon as they become slightly damaged. As shoes are now so mass produced it is becoming common to throw them away regularly and get a new pair, rather than getting an existing pair fixed.
The team go on to say: 'We reflect an image of ourselves through our clothing. The first of our clothing to show signs of damage is footwear – in the eyes of the consumer, a superficial blemish or a shift in the latest trend is all that's needed to warrant a new purchase. For the majority of its life it is rubbish. Whether in a landfill or washed up on a shoreline, the synthetics within the shoes – in addition to the plethora of plastic we discard – will take centuries to break down.'
For more information about the 'Everything you buy is Rubbish'
project, watch the video below.
At Coda Plastics we are very proactive when it comes to being environmentally friendly, by recycling any leftover plastic we produce. We also purchase a lot of reprocessed waste from other companies in order to produce new products. On top of this we also have a number of plastics which users can dispose of in domestic or industrial compost processes; degrading without a trace within 6-12 months.
If you would like to find out more about our plastic manufacturing services, please feel free to contact us on 01603 501020.


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The participation of at least 25 countries in June of this Year is estimated.
This opportunity is taken by the joint work between the Costa Rican Institute of ICT Tourism and the Institute of Technical Standards of Costa Rica (INTECO). INTECO serves as a representative of Costa Rica to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and is a full member of the International Committee of Tourism and related services ISO TC 228.
According to Alberto López, president of the National Mirror Committee and General Manager of the ICT, which participates on behalf of the country in said meeting, this designation is of vital importance, since being the venue of a meeting of this global level is a privilege for the sector, for the topics that are treated related to the development of tourism and its future projections, and the standards that are developed that ensure the improvement of the quality of the provision of tourism services.
“This meeting addresses topics as diverse as the latest trends in sustainable tourism, adventure and well-being, where Costa Rica has positioned its leadership in the world in recent years,” said López. In addition, he indicated that other elements of tourist services such as lodging, tour operation, protected areas, tourist guides, transportation, diving, among others are analyzed.
According to the ISO organization, this event will be held in June 2020 in Costa Rica with an estimated participation of at least 25 countries that will discuss the improvement of tourism norms and services for the new challenges of tourism on the planet.
Alexandra Rodríguez, Director of Standardization of INTECO, informs that the international work developed in the ISO is reviewed in Costa Rica through the National Tourism Committee INTE CTN 34, which is made up of nine working groups in which the representatives of the sector They are actively participating and are currently developing a work plan for the adoption of 39 ISO standards applied to tourism.
The National Committee INTE CTN 34 is led by the ICT in the presidency and CANATUR in the vice presidency, and representatives of tourism service providers, chambers of the sector, consumers, academia and other stakeholders interested in the quality of tourism services in the country .
Currently 15 of these standards have already been revised and are in the process of being published and are related to different areas that include adventure tourism, diving services, natural areas, beaches, tourist guides, accommodations, restaurants, travel agencies, ports and boats among others. New working groups for tourism guides, industrial tourism, information offices and museums remain open. Recently, the adoption of an ISO regulation related to wellness tourism was achieved.
The participation of Costa Rica in these international forums contributes to the positioning of the country as a model of sustainable tourism, by preserving 25% of its territory in conservation areas and national parks. In addition, it owns 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Tourism is considered one of the main engines of the economy and one of the elements that drive the economic recovery throughout the country of both medium and small businesses, representing 8.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) and generating 211 000 direct jobs. Last year the income of more than 3 million tourists was recorded.
Tags:Rent a car in San Jose airport, Renta a car, Renta a car in San Jose, Rent a Car in Costa Rica, Renta de autos en el aeropuerto de Alajuela, Renta de autos en el aeropuerto de San Jose


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Software program sector braces for a cut up amongst main firms
Contemporary from a robust three-year surge, the software program trade is coming into a brand new interval of uncertainty. However for firms that look as if they’ll keep the course, Wall Avenue’s enthusiasm is undimmed.
Shares in Salesforce, the main software-as-a-service participant, surged greater than 6 per cent on Thursday after a quarterly earnings report that dispelled latest worries about flagging progress. In the meantime, tax and small enterprise software program firm Intuit, which has seen its inventory market worth bounce practically threefold over the previous 4 years, to $71bn, forecast one other stable 12 months of progress, sending its shares up 5 per cent.
On the identical day, nonetheless, shares in information centre software program firm VMware fell greater than 5 per cent, because it lowered its key licence income forecast for the remainder of this 12 months and unveiled the 2 largest acquisitions in its historical past, for a mixed $four.8bn. In the meantime, information analytics firm Splunk, which reported earnings the day earlier than, dropped eight per cent on a disappointing money circulate forecast.
The divergence factors to a rising separation within the anticipated fortunes of main software program firms, as Wall Avenue searches for these finest positioned to experience out what many concern can be a broader downturn in IT as massive clients pull of their spending.
With valuations within the sector wanting extremely stretched after the lengthy rally, latest slips have been punished severely. Shares in Zoom — the video conferencing firm that debuted on Wall Avenue earlier this 12 months — presently change arms for practically 50 occasions this 12 months’s anticipated income, a symptom of sky-high expectations for lots of the new cloud-based gamers.
The software program trade has simply been by means of “a once-in-20-years infrastructure cycle”, stated Brad Zelnick, software program analyst at Credit score Suisse in New York. That has been capped by a surge in gross sales over the previous 12 months, he added, pushed by a variety of components, together with a US tax reduce, a shift to “hybrid cloud” platforms that has seen many firms overhaul their primary IT infrastructure to mix their current amenities with new cloud providers, and a brand new urgency to speed up their “digital transformation” to make their companies extra agile.
After that burst of progress, year-on-year comparisons are beginning to look difficult. In line with Mr Zelnick, infrastructure software program firms like VMware are shedding momentum in comparison with cloud providers which are seen as vital to how companies are repositioning themselves within the digital age. Together with Adobe, Salesforce is “one of many first two vehicles on the digital transformation freight prepare,” he stated.
Two issues are complicating the image because the software program trade faces extra unsure occasions. One entails the enterprise mannequin adjustments the sector has been going by means of because it adjusts to a brand new actuality during which cloud-based subscription providers come to signify a much bigger share of gross sales.
Splunk, as an illustration, stated that its disappointing money circulate forecast mirrored a transfer to a brand new method of charging which can see extra funds delayed into future intervals. VMware, in the meantime, blamed a disappointing licence income forecast for the remainder of this 12 months on an accelerating shift to subscriptions in a part of its enterprise, which additionally ends in extra income being deferred till later intervals.
Maybe inevitably, nonetheless, Wall Avenue selected to see the disappointing forecasts as partly an indication of the darkish financial clouds which are beginning to collect. Pointing to the financial uncertainty, Pat Gelsinger, VMware’s chief government officer, conceded: “There’s uncertainty, and no person is immune from that.”
The second issue complicating the image has been an increase in mergers and acquisitions, as software program firms search for new avenues of progress. This week, VMware — which is majority owned by Dell — introduced two purchases for a complete of $four.8bn — safety firm Carbon Black, for $2.1bn, and cloud instruments developer Pivotal, which had been majority owned by Dell, for $2.7bn.
In line with Mr Gelsinger, the offers mirror a shift to “hybrid cloud”. However VMware’s purchases obtained a combined reception from Wall Avenue analysts, who questioned why it was buying the minority in Pivotal when Dell already managed the corporate, and whether or not Carbon Black was too small an organization to make VMware an actual participant within the safety market.
“The natural progress is beginning to decelerate, in order that they’re beginning to flip to acquisitions,” stated Daniel Elman, an analyst at IT analysis agency Nucleus Analysis. Development in Salesforce’s authentic gross sales software program fell to 13 per cent this quarter, in comparison with the 22 per cent progress in its newer customer support enterprise. “They’ve dominated the marketplace for fairly some time and it’s beginning to get tapped out,” Mr Elman added.
‘We see a shopping for surroundings’
The acquisitions have additionally weighed on Salesforce’s revenue margins — contributing to long-run unease on Wall Avenue concerning the firm’s failure to spice up margins extra as its enterprise has grown. Asserting its newest quarterly figures this week, nonetheless, Salesforce predicted an additional enhance to the revenue margins on its “natural”, or current, companies within the coming months, even because it steps up the acquisitions.
“We do make trade-offs between our natural progress and margin,” stated Mark Hawkins, the corporate’s chief monetary officer. “We’ve made appreciable progress over time, however we all know there’s extra to be finished.”
Central to Wall Avenue’s optimism about Salesforce, together with different software program firms that proceed to commerce near all-time highs, is a perception that they are going to climate more durable financial occasions higher than most different elements of the tech trade. Salesforce, as an illustration, reported income progress of 30 per cent in Europe this quarter, and singled out a brand new contract with a financial institution in Italy as proof that demand for its software program can stand up to political upheaval.
“No matter is occurring around the globe, we see a shopping for surroundings, we see CEOs investing,” stated Keith Block, Salesforce chief working officer. “High of thoughts for that is digital transformation.”
The query now’s whether or not this type of spending will proceed to carry up in a slowing economic system — and what number of different software program firms will show resilient when broader IT spending takes a dip.


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CUNA’s Consumer Protection Subcommittee met with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Kathy Kraninger Wednesday as part of the group’s agenda while in Washington, D.C. for the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. This is the latest in of recent meetings between credit unions and Kraninger, the previous one occurring last week with CUNA leaders.
During the meeting the group raised concerns with Kraninger regarding the over-regulation of credit unions, particularly regarding products and services such as remittance transfers, mortgage loans and short-term, small-dollar.
The Subcommittee emphasized the difference between credit unions’ not-for-profit structure, and the structure of for-profit institutions, and that credit unions exist solely to serve consumers.
The Subcommittee also emphasized that the CFPB should consider the cost of regulations on credit unions verses the benefit to consumers, so rules do not inadvertently harm consumers by negatively affecting access to safe and affordable financial products and services.


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If you are currently following a ketogenic diet, also called keto, then you have probably…
A new study conducted by researchers in Switzerland and involving 115 patients has indicated that drinking coffee helps people get “regular” again after surgery, thus also shortening their hospital stays. Results were published in PubMed:
RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were randomly assigned: 56 were allocated to the coffee group and 59 to the tea group. After coffee intake, the first bowel movement occurred after a median of 65.2 hours versus 74.1 hours in the control group (intention-to-treat analysis; p = 0.008). The HR for earlier first bowel movement after coffee intake was 1.67 (p = 0.009). In the per-protocol analysis, hospital stay was shorter in the coffee group (6 d in the coffee group vs 7 d in the tea group; p = 0.043).
Elsewhere in the Scandinavian gut, coffee appears to protect against gallstones. Researchers in Denmark found a correlation between drinking more than six cups of coffee per day and a 23% lower risk of developing symptomatic gallstone disease, and published their study in the Journal of Internal Medicine. Per a press release:
Among 104,493 individuals, those who drank more than six cups of coffee per day had a 23% lower risk of developing symptomatic gallstones compared with individuals who did not drink coffee. Drinking one extra cup of coffee per day was associated with 3% lower risk. Also, individuals with certain genetic variants that have been linked to increased coffee consumption had a lower risk of gallstones.
Although the study only uncovered correlations, the authors highlighted several mechanisms by which coffee consumption might help prevent gallstones from forming.
Some people’s gut intuition is that coffee plantations in southwest India’s Kodagu district are to blame for the climate change-related floods and droughts affecting the region. Quartz India spoke with some forestry researchers about how it’s not actually the coffee’s fault, it’s the prevalence and lack of diversity of non-native trees planted for shade and for profit after native forest has been cleared. But even this need not be the case:
While the environmentally disastrous effects of plantations are frequently discussed, agroforestry researchers try to strike a middle ground. Scientists like those in the ecosystem management group at ETH gather data to build up evidence that there need not be a dichotomy between forests and agriculture; they can exist side-by-side in a way that can be profitable to farmers, and cause least damage to the environment.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has renewed its strategic partnership with Vermont-based nonprofit health organization Grounds for Health. The organization focuses on cervical cancer prevention programs in coffee-producing regions. GFH had more:
Bringing preventive health care to underserved communities is an important step in protecting the quality of life of women who work in coffee and live in some of the most remote coffee regions. Over the next two years, the organizations will collaborate on work in East Africa that builds sustainable, healthy, and durable origin communities.
“We couldn’t be more pleased,” stated Ellen Starr, Executive Director of Grounds for Health. “This multi-year commitment from our long-time partners at SCA creates the opportunity to ensure a healthy future for even more women in the coffeelands.“
Bay Area newspaper The East Bay Times conducted a friendly Q&A with importer Royal Coffee‘s 35-year-old CEO Max Nicholas-Fulmer. Topics included how the industry has changed over the years, Royal’s commitments to local jobseekers and the motivations behind its boutique smaller-volume and educational offshoot The Crown:
Our intent was to create an open-source educational center to benefit an industry not historically known for transparency. We look at The Crown as an investment in our customers and producing partners. Having a venue for producers to showcase their coffees and an educational program is the foundation of Royal’s next 40 years in business. We want it to be a place where anyone can walk in and experience the full spectrum of coffee, whether by enjoying a flight of espressos, taking a course on sensory exploration, or learning more about green coffee analytics.
Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturing company Foxconn has routinely failed to deliver the job numbers it promised when it accepted $4.1 billion incentives from the administration of former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker. It appears coffee is not to blame. It was announced today that Wisconsin-based Foxconn Industrial Internet will be building autonomous Briggo Coffee Hauses for the robot barista company’s expansion. Briggo had more in a press release:
“Consumer demand for Briggo’s connected coffee experience has grown fast and it is time to scale-up our production capacity with this exciting global partnership,” said Briggo CEO Kevin Nater. “Foxconn Industrial Internet provides us the scale and speed necessary to revolutionize the global specialty coffee market.”
Portland-based importer Sustainable Harvest is collaborating with Stanford University for the launch of a new on-campus executive course called “Leadership and Design Thinking: Drive change in your organization.” Sustainable Harvest Founder and CEO David Griswold will be among experts joining Stanford professors and researchers in leading a session entitled, “Relationship Coffee: Designing Business through Partnerships and Collaboration.” Per a press release this week:
“Infusing sustainability and design thinking into the heart of business has the power to overcome some of the greatest barriers to global well-being,” says Stanford professor Julia Novy-Hildesley. “To do so, we must inspire the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs with lessons and models from pioneering change agents like Sustainable Harvest.”
Howard Bryman is the associate editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. He is based in Portland, Oregon.


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Paytm Canada partners with Paysafe
Paysafe has partnered with Paytm Canada, the Toronto-based division of Indian mobile payments juggernaut Paytm, to improve the capabilities of Paytm's Canadian app, which currently supports utility and bill payments.
Paysafe North America is now processing payments for Paytm Canada, along with providing data protection and security, Paysafe said in a Tuesday press release.
The move is the beginning of a close collaboration between the two companies as they continue to look for ways to strengthen their partnership and bring more value to Paytm’s base, according to the release.
“We’re pleased to be enabling more ways in which Paytm Canada’s customers can pay with ease through their mobile application knowing their payment is secure,” said Carla Erlick, Paysafe’s senior vice president for Paysafe’s North American processing division, in the release.
“Paysafe has worked with us as a true partner and their customer on-boarding and support services have made it a seamless process for us,” said Harinder Takhar, Paytm Canada’s CEO, in the release.
Paytm Canada launched the app in March of 2018, focusing on mobile bill payments. Consumers who download the app may use it to pay utilities and other bills, earning points redeemable at participating merchants including Amazon and Tim Hortons. Paytm Canada offers 10,000 points equal to $10 for each customer who signs up.


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It was officially announced today that the 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S will travel 203 miles on an electric charge, according to EPA estimates. That's the best of any Taycan model yet (barely), as the pricier, more powerful Turbo manages 201 and the mack-daddy Turbo S only 192. It was also announced that the Taycan 4S is officially on sale today.
However, as we discovered in our Taycan Turbo real-world range test, the electric Porsche is capable of greatly exceeding its EPA estimates. Contributing writer Dan Edmunds managed a range of 287 miles on his EV range test loop, while seeing similar efficiency figures during a more spirited road trip thereafter. As such, given the two Taycans' nearly equal EPA-estimated range, it seems reasonable to assume that the 4S should be able to similarly overachieve. Hopefully we'll be able to test that assumption soon.
Now, it's important to note that the 4S in question that can achieve that EPA-estimated 203 miles is equipped with the $6,580 Performance Battery Plus option that adds a 93.4-kilowatt/hour battery pack. The standard battery pack has 79.2 kWh, but according to a Porsche representative, production of Taycans with that pack are still "some months away." Its EPA-estimated range will be announced closer to that time.
With either pack, the Taycan 4S motors can generate 562 horsepower when using its "overboost" function. With Launch Control, Porsche says it'll hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and that it'll do so repeatedly.
When the base Taycan 4S with the 79.2-kWh battery does eventually arrive, pricing will start at $105,150, including destination. And to do some math for you, that means the car you could buy today with the bigger pack would start at $111,730.
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Back presents two new features that users are better known Like and Star.
Since the year 2008, the user has to know that the Favorite feature is available and become part of Twitter.
In order to further popularize the feature, Twitter has redesigned [...]
Yahoo ranked third under Hotmail.
Based on data released by comScore (a website traffic monitoring agency world) in October 2012, which is a Gmail email service owned by internet giant Google, is expressed as the number one email service in the world.
Sony is believed to introduce a new generation console, the PlayStation 4, at an event to be held on February 20, 2013.
This info comes after Sony released a teaser in the form of video, the Japanese manufacturer indicated there would be a new console [...]
Iron Man 3 movie has not been released, Gameloft has prepared his game to iOS and Android devices.
Quoted from Slashgear, Thursday (28/3), Iron Man 3 games scheduled to be released on 25 April, or the day before the movie appeared in theaters.
As a gift to the loyal fans of the game ‘Angry Birds’.
In the third birthday, Rovio as a manufacturer of world’s most famous game, Angry Birds, released the latest level for the loyal fans.
Games featuring the ‘Angry Birds’ [...]
Los Angeles – Technology latest computer with a transparent display that allows users to reach out and touch into digital content introduced recently at the TED Conference (Technology, Entertainment and Design) in Los Angeles.
Researchers TED Jinha [...]
Team University of Bangor, Wales, successfully developed a system of internet at speeds up to 20 Gbps, and can be increased up to 40 Gbps.
Some time ago, Google released a statement that surprised many observers and internet users around the world today [...]
You are one of those who dreamed of adventure and find treasures from the past? Google may be able to realize the dream.
Quoted from Slashgear, Monday (1/4), Google Maps Street View Team reportedly managed to find a treasure map of William ‘Captain’ [...]
Computers are often problematic certainly very disturbing your busy day with work or just play using the computer.
Problems that occur on a computer is often assumed to be a problem we can not solve yourself, so you often bring the problematic computer [...]
Enjoying the music for some of us to be one of necessity. No exception for you an adventurer who likes to do outdoor activities.
For that, we need gadgets that can facilitate your needs for music, which of course must have toughness in all terrains.
After a long time not been heard, the latest info says that LG soon release updates to Jelly Bean Optimus 4X HD.
Quoted from Techradar, Friday (2/1), the site claims to have Italian named Caotic email updates about this from a LG spokesman.
The first [...]


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The Samsung Galaxy S8 is one of the most if not "THE" most impressive smartphone to come out in recent memory. However, it does not come without a few hitches here and there. So far, a few issues have surfaced since the official release of the flagship Samsung smartphone. Below are some of these bugs and the ways to eliminate them.
The most glaring and annoying issue with the Galaxy S8 is its awkwardly placed fingerprint scanner. This is a design issue so there is nothing owners can do but to learn how to use the sensor without smudging the camera lens or to just use other security features such as facial recognition. However, even this feature is not perfect.
Reports have come in saying the facial recognition feature does not work smoothly. Users have to scan their faces repeatedly before the Galaxy S8 would unlock. So far, there is no software update to fix this glitch. The only solution right now, according to Trusted Reviews, is to just keep scanning to find the right angle.
Samsung also recognized that the facial recognition feature could be fooled into unlocking the device via a photo of the owner. This security risk has no known solution though it is highly suggested that Galaxy S8 owners utilize all the security methods of the handset including using the fingerprint scanner and security code.
A number of Galaxy S8 owners noticed that their screens took on a reddish hue. After initially insisting that this is not an issue, the tech conglomerate finally admitted that the red screen was caused by issues with the color settings.
The only way to get rid of the red tint is to wait for Samsung's cure. A new software update is currently making its way so it is a mere waiting game for those affected by the glitch. Once owners receive the update, they can play with the color settings to finally get rid of the redness.
Some Galaxy S8 units are suddenly losing Wi-Fi connection without being prompted. According to those who have experienced the bug, their phone's wireless connectivity would drop out of all of a sudden and later return with the owner doing nothing at all.
The Korean tech giant is already working on a fix for the Wi-Fi issue, which is supposed to be caused by problems with how the Galaxy S8 communicates with the wireless networks. Tom's Guide suggests that if the software update does not work, the owners can reboot their Galaxy S8s or go to the Settings app, click on backup and then Reset Network Settings.
A new issue with the Galaxy S8 is slowly gaining steam. Some owners have reported that their units are suddenly rebooting or restarting without being prompted. The issue is relatively new and Samsung has yet to recognize and address it. The Samsung Galaxy S8 seems to be experiencing problems after problems after its successful launch, which is a cause for concern especially considering that it is only one week old.


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CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple will enter the stay sports activities protection area with “Friday Night time Baseball.”
Apple and Main League Baseball introduced Tuesday that Apple TV+ will carry a weekly doubleheader on Friday nights in eight international locations when the common season begins. Video games will initially be accessible with out the necessity for an Apple TV+ subscription.
The video games will likely be completely on Apple TV+ and won’t be accessible on groups’ regional sports activities networks.
MLB has been below a piece stoppage since homeowners locked out gamers on the finish of the collective bargaining settlement. At 97 days, it’s the second-longest work stoppage in baseball historical past.
The broadcasts on Apple TV+ will embrace pregame and postgame exhibits and won’t be topic to native broadcast blackout restrictions. They are going to be produced by MLB Community.
In addition to being proven in the USA, Canada and Mexico, video games may also initially be accessible in Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.
The settlement additionally consists of the “MLB Large Inning” weekday present for followers within the US in addition to a livestream channel for these watching within the US and Canada.
MLB has been exploring promoting a weeknight package deal of video games with ESPN lowering its protection of the common season to 30 video games, totally on Sunday nights. Turner Sports activities may have video games on Tuesday nights below a brand new rights deal that begins this season.
Apple and MLB have been intently aligned for years. MLB At Bat was one of many first apps to go stay on the Apple app retailer in 2008.
The deal additionally comes as Apple is seeking to develop to different leagues. The corporate has been pursuing streaming of NFL video games when the league’s “Sunday Ticket” expires on the finish of the upcoming season.
Extra AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
The Related Press


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The Harvard Business Review wrote an excellent article recently on the power of word of mouth in China’s digital space. Citing examples such as McDonald’s recent McSpicy Chicken Wings campaign, leveraging the woes of competitor KFC’s botched social media efforts.
Interesting stats include: 60% of Chinese seek friend referrals when purchasing products, vs their Western counterparts 38%. The Chinese follow the crowd; the more social proof received, the more likely uninitiated Chinese will follow suit.
China’s unique word-of-mouth infrastructure was also referred to; with Chinese living in close quarters physically, and tied closely to family culturally, word-of-mouth tends to become extremely prevalent in concentrated local environments; for instance, while C’estbon, a bottled water brand, has small nationwide share, it dominates local southern markets with up to 50% of the market.
Great insights; check the full article here.
Related articles from around the web.
- The Power of Word-of-Mouth in China (blogs.hbr.org)
- Hold Off Being Bullish on China’s Luxury Market (online.wsj.com)
- Chines online population passes 400 million (teabreak.pk)
- Yum! Brands Promotes Sam Su to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yum! China Division and Mark Chu to President and Chief Operating Officer, Reporting to Su (eon.businesswire.com)
- Social Media Bubble: Roundup in the Cloud (cloudave.com)


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Jeremy Jonker who was Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Development and Paypal Ventures, becomes Senior Vice President, Head of Consumer In-Store and Digital Commerce (news posted on August 27 2020).
Steve Simpson, Chief Creative Officer, has left the company (news posted on August 11 2020).
Robert Clarkson, Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Global Partnerships, has left the company (news posted on July 20 2020).
Create an alert
to follow the executive moves at Braintree.
IG Group has announced the acquisition of Tastytrade (posted on Jan 25, 2021).
The project of Visa acquiring Plaid has been abandoned (posted on Jan 13, 2021).
Tilney Smith & Williamson and Smith & Williamson have merged (posted on Dec 31, 2020).
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USA: P&G denies Pringles, Folgers sale rumours
US food and consumer good giant Procter & Gamble has denied that it is considering the sale of its snacks business, which includes the Pringles crisps brand, and its Folgers coffee brand.
"We are not shopping Pringles," chief financial officer Clayton Daley told investors at a conference in Boston. He added that P&G did not plan to sell its Folgers coffee brand either, reported Dow Jones Business News.
Rumours have been circulating this week that P&G is considering the sale of the two brands in order to finance a bid for German consumer products giant Beiersdorf, which owns the Nivea skin-care brand.
Separately, P&G raised its forecast for first-quarter earnings, citing strong volume growth.
The company now expects earnings for the quarter to 30 September to increase by 19-21% from US$1.04 a share a year earlier.
The arrival of the administrators at Golden Wonder, the former leading crisp manufacturer and household brand name in the UK, last week provided the coup de grace for an iconic but struggling brand th...
Tayto has announced the acquisition of the Golden Wonder manufacturing facility in Scunthorpe and the Golden Wonder Brands....
Tayto is close to winning the race to acquire what's left of the Golden Wonder snack food business, industry sources have told just-food....
Premier Foods is understood to have entered negotiations with the administrator of the beleagured UK snack food company Golden Wonder about the possible acquisition of the company's remaining assets, ...
Stephen Hutchinson, managing director of Irish snack manufacturer Tayto, confirmed the company's acquisition of the Golden Wonder factory in Corby and the contract to make Pringles' Minis for Procter ...
Tayto have confirmed a report, which appeared yesterday (12 January) on just-food, that the snack manufacturer from Northern Ireland has acquired the Corby site and contract to produce Pringles' Mini'...
Tayto is to acquire part of the beleaguered Golden Wonder business, in a deal that is expected to be announced tomorrow (13 January)....
US consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble, which owns the Pringles snacks and Folgers coffee brands, has reported higher sales and earnings for the first quarter....
- Danone's Q1: four things to learn
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- Nestle to cut UK confectionery jobs
- PepsiCo affirms full-year target as Q1 hits mark
- Tyson to buy burger-to-entree firm AdvancePierre
- Tyson shops Sara Lee bakery, Kettle and Van's
- TreeHouse Foods sells soup, baby food units


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Quarter of SME Leaders Optimistic about Reopening their Business, but many Report Anxiety and Stress
As businesses reopen their doors today, research from Nucleus Commercial Finance today reveals a quarter (25%) of SME leaders feel optimistic about reopening and a similar amount (24%) feel motivated.
Driving this wave of optimism is the chance to reconnect with customers for a third (32%), a similar amount (32%) are excited to get back into their working routine, and 29% are looking forward to getting back to profitability.
However, not all SME leaders share this optimism, as the findings reveal reopening is a mixed bag of emotions. Businesses leaders said they feel anxious (21%), stressed (17%) and worried (15%), while just one in 10 (9%) feel supported.
Concerns with reopening
When it comes to reopening their business, SME leaders have a number of concerns and are facing a variety of challenges, but they are thinking first and foremost about their staff and customers. One in five (21%) are most concerned about the welfare of their staff and a similar amount (18%) say that motivating staff will be their biggest challenge.
From a customer perspective, more than one in five (21%) cite ensuring customers adhere to social distancing as a top challenge, 19% are concerned about implementing new health and safety measures, and 16% are worried about reduced footfall due to capacity limitations. With the majority of consumers turning to online shopping over the past 12 months, one in eight (13%) SME leaders are also worried their customers will stick to new habits and not return to their old ways.
Chirag Shah, CEO, Nucleus Commercial Finance comments: “After a year of restrictions and months of closures, it’s encouraging to see so many SME leaders are optimistic about the return to work. Not only are businesses looking forward to improving their financial situation, but many are excited to reconnect with staff and customers; something communities across the UK have been missing out on.
“However, it’s clear that there is no one size fits all when it comes to reopening their businesses. There are significant practical challenges of keeping staff and customers safe, but also the difficulties of managing finances, such as buying new stock, paying returning staff and implementing new technology. Government and industry must work together to raise awareness of the support measures available, and reassure business owners that there is help at hand which can be tailored to their unique circumstances and delivered at speed, to support them through the pandemic and beyond.”
Companies In This Post
- Tonik acquires TendoPay, enters employee benefits market Read more
- Broadridge Appoints Martin Koopman as Chief Product Officer Read more
- Joakim Sjöblom on Why We Are Moving Toward a Subscription Economy Read more
- Baillie Gifford Goes Live With SureVu for CSDR Compliance Read more
- Clausematch Announces Partnering With Arbuthnot Latham to Digitise the Policy and Compliance Framework Read more


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In just a few hours, Apple will hold an annual autumn presentation, which will show
Where and when to watch
The event will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater inCupertino, CA Beginning at 10:00 local time (at 20:00 in Kiev). As usual, you can watch the presentation on the official website of the company through the browsers Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge. For the first time, the broadcast will also be available on YouTube.
What to expect
The main headliners of the event will besuccessors to the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and XS Max. According to rumors, the new items will be called iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The devices will be equipped with a new processor, increased RAM, as well as a camera with two and three modules (depending on the model), which will be located on a square ledge.
The presentation should also show smart watchesApple Watch Series 5. They are likely to receive an updated "stuffing", new features and only cosmetic changes in design. In addition, we are waiting for the release of stable systems iOS 13, iPadOS, MacOS Catalina, WatchOS 6 and, possibly, the new iPad.


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To keep their jobs,
delivery drivers are required consent to biometric monitoring, according to multiple reports. The monitoring comes from cameras in their vehicles, which will take their photos and track their driving for unsafe behaviors.
Reuters reported earlier this month that some drivers are quitting over what they see as a violation of
. Vice reported Tuesday that it obtained screenshots of the consent form that drivers must sign. The agreement allows Amazon to collect biometric information in the form of photographs in order to verify driver identities, and to monitor drivers' location and movement, "including miles driven, speed, acceleration, braking, turns, and following distance."
"As a condition of delivery packages for Amazon, you consent to the use of Technology," the form reportedly says.
Amazon spokesperson Deborah Bass said the camera program is meant solely as a safety measure.
"We piloted the technology from April to October 2020 on over two million miles of delivery routes and the results produced remarkable driver and community safety improvements -- accidents decreased 48 percent, stop sign violations decreased 20 percent, driving without a seatbelt decreased 60 percent, and distracted driving decreased 45 percent," Bass said. "Don't believe the self-interested critics who claim these cameras are intended for anything other than safety."
Adam Schwartz, staff attorney with civil liberties advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticized the requirement to consent to "faceprinting," or recording images of faces for biometric purposes.
"When a company says to its staff, 'Give us your biometrics or you're fired,' that's not consent," Schwartz said. "We are disappointed by reports that Amazon is coercing its drivers, on threat of termination, to submit to faceprinting."
A group of five US senators previously expressed concern over the video monitoring, asking Amazon CEO
in an open letter to explain how the company will avoid violating workers' privacy and putting them at risk by adding "unsafe pressure" to their fast-paced jobs.
The cameras, powered by AI company Netradyne, are triggered to record when drivers if they sense high speeds, hard braking, yawning and other potential indicators of danger. They also warn drivers of unsafe behaviors in some instances. The monitoring appears to apply to drivers who don't work directly for Amazon, but instead for delivery hubs that contract with Amazon.
Critics have said the pace of the job is unmanageable, with drivers expected to deliver hundreds of packages in a 10-hour shift. Some drivers have reported not having time to find a bathroom. The cameras will monitor for drivers who urinate or defecate outdoors.


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Diamond Foods plans to expand its production facility for Kettle brand potato chips in the US state of Oregon.
The expansion will increase capacity at the Salem site by 25%, create more than 15 new jobs and cost the company US$8.4m, Diamond said yesterday (16 August).
The company said the expansion will help broader distribution of its Kettle products on the West Coast and in the Southwest.
Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of 2010 and be completed in the second quarter of 2011. The project is a public-private sector partnership between Diamond Foods and a number of Oregon government development groups.
“Kettle Chips was founded in Salem, and Diamond Foods is proud to be able to expand its commitment to the community by investing over US$8m to create new jobs and better serve our customers and partners,” said Michael Mendes, Diamond chairman, president and CEO.
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I can go down to the local grocery store and buy aluminum foil for roughly 40 cents per square foot — and NASA’s complaining about their budget? Why would the national space agency have to opt for make their foil out of gold rather than reliable old aluminum, or copper, or even silver if they’ve got to get fancy about it? I mean what’s next, a space suit made of carbon fiber? The fact is that NASA cuts corners wherever it can, but when soaring beyond the Earth’s skies there’s precious few areas that can tolerate less than the best. While most people think of gold only as a precious metal and as a building material embraced by people with more money than sense, it is also one of the heaviest, most uniquely workable metals that isn’t dangerously radioactive. The answer at Geek.com.
The auction has been closed.


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It's just over a month away from Saint Patrick's Day, and that means it's Shamrock Shake season.
The seasonal treat is back at some McDonald's restaurants.
It's a combination of vanilla soft-serve, a green minty syrup and whipped topping.
Not all restaurants plan to carry the dessert, so McDonald's is launching a "Shamrock Shake finder" on its app.
The shake will be available through March 24th.
Shamrock Shakes return to some McDonald's restaurants
More TOP STORIES News


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With features like Passbook already announced, Apple seems set to add near-field communication (NFC) to the iPhone. But how far can Apple go to sell NFC like no one has sold it before?
When Apple launches something new, it loves to bang the gong. Its focus is on refinement, but it sells new features like it just kicked off a revolution. Right now, I get that feeling with the next iPhone and the introduction of NFC. If Apple is as "Apple" as we expect it to be (whichever way you take that), it would aim for nothing less than making people think that it's like nothing we've ever seen. And in this case, it will probably be right.
Let's face it: NFC is something we've all been excited about for a few years now. But year after year, we've watched it never quite get off the launch pad. Right now, we have a range of Android devices on the market that include NFC, but the promise of simple swipe payments has yet to be fulfilled. In a perfect world, our phone will replace our wallet, and all kinds of check-in, purchase and ticketing functions will be accessed with a tap of our smartphone.
Google has stalled the launch of Google Wallet for Australia. This bottleneck to NFC's promised land on Android, and has seen Westpac looking to devise a to sidestep Google's hold over Android security systems.
So what could Apple do to wow us with NFC? Apart from some slick advertising that shows people living an emotionally fulfilled lifestyle through their revolutionary new smartphone? A genuine launch with banking partners on day one would be a big step on its own. But it would need to go beyond banking to give it that real "Apple" launch factor.
Passbook in iOS 6
Apple has already announced Passbook for iOS 6, which is an obvious focus for NFC integration. In Passbook's on-stage demo at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2012, Passbook covered everything from sports ticketing to gift cards to flight boarding passes to loyalty cards. It integrates location awareness to offer the right cards, coupons or tickets based on where you are. Plus, it would inform you of flight delays or gate changes to keep you up to date — a dynamic ticketing feature that would give real value over a piece of printed paper. Adding NFC tap-and-go features to all of this would enhance the concept greatly.
Then just imagine if Apple cut its own deal with Visa or MasterCard to let us all use iTunes credit to pay for anything, anywhere, anytime. Tap at any PayPass facility to charge anything to your iTunes account? Suddenly, it really is a frictionless transition. No extras required, no changes to bank arrangements, no changes to anything. Just switch on that new phone you've purchased. Apple instantly becomes your key virtual currency partner. All of those discount iTunes gift card offers suddenly become a discount on cash.
So if Apple can go all the way with NFC and make it a seamless feature that "just works" when you buy the new iPhone, it could spark the revolution that the technology has been waiting for.
It's also quite possible Apple that won't even use the term "NFC". That word will be tucked away on the spec list, while Apple simply uses "Passbook" as its branding for the iPhone's virtual wallet technology. It does like to make things its own.
Here in Australia, we can only hope that whatever it launches as, Apple launches it here as quickly as it launches in the US. I wouldn't hold my breath on that point. We may well find that we're in the same boat we find ourselves in with Google's Android delays now, but with much more fanfare to highlight exactly what we're missing out on.


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Uma Mahesh spearheads Kochi-based Drisya Creations. She says, the 3100 will help expand Drisya’s client list from offset printers to corporate and advertising agencies...
Indian advertising revenue is expected to grow in excess of 12 per cent CAGR, in the next five years.
Chennai-based packaging equipment specialist, Suba solutions showcased Duofixx, folder-gluer/stitcher for the first time at PrintExpo 2017.
Total 48 exhibitors, including a large section of cosmetics and FMCG products manufacturers, came together during the third Private Label Products Show held at Pragati...
Delivering the keynote address on the subject, ‘Brand management of the future and evolution of flexible packaging and printing,’ during the International Packaging...
As PackPlus, the packaging, processing and supply chain event, returns to Delhi on 27-30 July 2016, the organisers have put together a daylong international packaging...
Dehradun-based Om Color Creations have added two new Cron 3632 and 4648 CTP systems at their existing premises in Haridwar industrial area and Dehradun respectively....
Drupa: one of the biggest show, finally got over, and more than 28,000 Indian visitors are back to business., Associations
Feb 22 - Feb 24, 2018
Bombay Convention and Exhibition CenterMumbai, Maharashtra
Feb 23 - Feb 25, 2018
Science college compoundChhattisgarh, India
Mar 11 - Feb 11, 2018
Novotel Hyderabad Convention CentreKondapur, Hyderabad, India
Apr 10 - Apr 12, 2018
GD Modern International Exhibition CenterChina
May 15 - May 18, 2018
Oct 10 - Oct 14, 2018
Messegelände60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany


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A lot can happen in a week. Seven days might not seem like much, but it can be an eternity in the tech news cycle.
Between Windows news, hardware and software developments and Microsoft's fast-paced movements throughout the technology landscape, it's never easy to keep your hand on the pulse of technology. Not to mention everything that's going on right here at Windows Central!
Every week we're going to compile the biggest stories into one post, so you never fall behind – In Case You Missed It (ICYMI).
Season's greetings, everybody!
This week, Microsoft rolled out the Windows 10 PC 'Redstone' preview build 11082 to Fast Ring Windows Insiders. While it doesn't bring any significant new features and contains a few known issues, it is the first build to bring us past the Threshold build.
Don't expect any more new Windows 10 Insider Preview builds for PC or Mobile until January 2016, but know that new releases will arrive more often once they start up again.
It was a banner week for Windows 10 apps, as we saw some big names showing up in the Store. Firefox finally released the 64-bit version of their browser for Windows.
Pandora put out an app to match the one they already had for smartphones.
Netflix also launched a Windows 10 PC and tablet app. The video streaming service also assured us that a Windows 10 Mobile app is due out in the "near future."
American Express not only redesigned their mobile app, rebranding from Amex to American Express, but they also made the jump to PC.
And the massively popular game World of Tanks Blitz rolled its way onto Windows 10 as well.
Ever wonder why, despite Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform (UWP), some apps are only available for either PC or smartphone and not both? We did you a solid to explain what the UWP is precisely and what it means for developers, apps, and end users.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft continues to push Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10
- The Windows Store has seen 2.5 billion visits since Windows 10 launched
- How to set up a kid-friendly Windows 10 device with a child account
- Windows 10 gets cumulative update, bringing it up to Insider build 10586.36
- 27 essential apps you should install on your Windows 10 computer
- How to disconnect Skype from Messaging in Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile
- Windows 10 family settings updates lets parents give more screen time to kids
- Windows 10 gets better protection against 'drive-by attacks' in IE11 and Microsoft Edge
- Tech support call center accused of fraudulently charging $80 for free Windows 10 upgrades
- How to disable Action Center in Windows 10
Microsoft has implemented some more changes to their OneDrive service; this time, for the better. Even though they recently cut the amount of storage for users with free accounts, those who had previously been given a 10GB "Loyalty Bonus" will continue to retain it.
Certain enterprise, government, and education organizations who have Office 365 Enterprise plans will now be given unlimited OneDrive storage. The additional space will start rolling out at the end of the month.
Windows 10 users who previously enjoyed the OneDrive placeholder feature that was removed from the OS may be happy to hear that Windows 10's Redstone update is expected to bring it back.
Microsoft is looking for your input to help improve other services as well. In their support forums, they have asked users some questions about how they can improve Continuum on Windows smartphones.
They've also launched their first global survey of Windows Insiders to help plan for 2016.
Both the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 receive stability improvements for the Type Cover, touchpad and typing. And now you can customize your Surface Pen to work with any apps you want.
With Santa Claus soon to be taking flight to deliver gifts around the world, Cortana, Edge, and Microsoft Maps have teamed up with NORAD to track Santa on Christmas Eve. While you wait for Santa, you can also enjoy crackling fireplace on your Bing homepage.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft's new Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book promo videos put them to work
- Microsoft's Project Oxford has released previews of its Speaker Recognition and Video APIs
- Microsoft India's research wing sees 30 percent profit hike in 2015
- Xbox Fitness now lets you shed calories without a Kinect sensor
- Microsoft Philanthropies hopes to improve the world through technology
- Bing Pulse real-time polling tools are now Microsoft Pulse real-time polling tools
- Microsoft launches new partnership to bring Windows 10 to Chinese government
- The HoloLens Experience: Microsoft's developer introduction to the holographic headset
- HoloLens video clips show how the holographic headset works from the user's perspective
- Hacker group claims it brought down Xbox Live this week, pledges to do it again
- Microsoft posts official Surface Hub user guide ahead of Jan. 1 ship date
- Microsoft acquires data analytics start up Metanautix
- Microsoft uses your usage data to personalize ads; here's how to opt out
- Office 365 Outlook web mail will soon automatically add flights to your calendar
Get ready to fuel your travels through the wasteland with Fallout 4's Nuka Cola Quantum. The choice of a nuked generation was restocked and just went on sale at Target yesterday.
Intel updated their RealSense SDK with improvements in facial tracking and recognition.
Just ahead of CES, LG announced some new goodies, including a super-lightweight 15" laptop and a trio of new 4K monitors.
Rdio is shutting down after "key assets" of the company were sold off to Pandora. But the company is making good with its soon-to-be-former customers by giving them a chance to download archives of their Rdio history. Users have until December 22 to take them up on their offer.
Other notable items:
- 'Assassin's Creed Collection' domain registered by Ubisoft
- Twitter brings Moments to the UK to help you see what's trending
- Scale new VR heights with The Climb for Oculus Rift, from the makers of Crysis
- Turn your virtual Minecraft avatar into a real-life USB flash drive with Minetoys
- NVIDIA's latest GeForce Experience Beta adds in-game screenshot capture, editing and 4K upload
- Tobii adds support for Windows Hello to its eye-tracking cameras
- EE recalls every Power Bar USB battery due to overheating complaints
- Dell unveils refreshed Latitude 5000 Series notebooks with improved design and security
- Evernote discontinues Evernote for Pebble, Skitch and Clearly
Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.


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Bob Moon: OK, admittedly, this is not news: Verizon’s iPhone has sold at record speed. Duh. But if you’re keeping track, the company says it ran out of pre-orders in less than a day. The real news turns out to be a surprise that could curb the enthusiasm of some buyers.
Seems Verizon has slipped in a change to its data policy: Download too much and you might get “throttled.” That’s not so much a personal threat, as it is a technical term. Here’s Marketplace’s Adriene Hill.
Adriene Hill: Being “throttled” basically means your wireless carrier slows down the speed that you can download data. And Verizon’s new policy gives the company the right to do just that, at least for the really hardcore data junkies out there.
But, says company spokesman Jeffery Nelson, Verizon’s not doing it now, and even with all the iPhone traffic coming online…
Jeffrey Nelson: We do not expect any time soon to need to implement the network management policies we have introduced.
Nelson says the other major carriers already have this sort of provision, and Verizon has to have a policy in place to make sure that all customers get good service.
As for knowing what sort of downloading might trigger a “throttle,” maybe a whole lot of video or gaming or something else?
Nelson: They are such important questions, but they are unknown at this point.
And that’s a problem, says Glenn Fleishman. He’s a freelance journalist and blogger who covers the wireless industry.
Glenn Fleishman: Verizon isn’t in the wrong to set a limit, they’re making it harder on their customers by not providing clear guidance on what that means.
Think of an unlimited data plan like an all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant. There is, at some level, a limited amount of bandwidth for mobile phones, like there’s a limited amount of food at the restaurant.
Fleishman: I’ve gone back 20 times to the all-you-can-eat-buffet, any reasonable person would say that’s unreasonable.
But, what counts as an unreasonable data appetite, Fleishman says, is not a decision we can trust phone carriers to make in favor of customers.
I’m Adriene Hill for Marketplace.