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Archives for November 2007
November 30, 2007
Do you have a big carbon footprint? Get out your mobile phone and check. Reuters India reports how.
"European scientists have devised an online application to measure how much greenhouse gas people emit from the way they travel, light their homes, choose dinner or watch television.
"The idea is to help people be aware of the impact that their personal behaviour can have," said Antonia Mochan, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, whose scientists came up with the new application.
"Climate change seems such a big story, people think 'Where can I start?' This can help," she said.
The application, which requires users to input information on their behaviour, is available via the mobgas Web site and is free of charge.
"To access the service, anyone (on any network) can SMS the word 'HIV' to 31771 followed by their post code or town name. Their two nearest testing locations will be SMS'ed back.
Six mobile Voluntary Counseling and Testing units, or VCT units, are also traveling around the country. This partnership with well-respected testing experts New Start offers anonymous, confidential and free HIV testing and counseling."
This wood and plexiglass phone booth art piece (in two parts), by Sarah Seager, titled Untitled Other, sold at a Philips de Pury & Company Contemporary Art Auction held in New York, November 16 for $5,000.
"A co-worker of the man, who told police that he found the 33-year-old lying dead and bleeding from the nose, has now confessed he killed the man,The Korea Times newspaper reported.
"Kwon, 58, told police Thursday night that he hit Seo, 33, while reversing his excavator at a stone quarry in Cheongwon, North Chungcheong Province. The phone was on fire when he found Seo lying on the ground, and he was too afraid to report the incident, the police said. Kwon was arrested."
A Russian woman gave birth by the light of dozens of mobile phones after a power cut plunged a town into darkness. Ananova reports.
"Emergency generators kicked in to keep incubators going at the local maternity ward at Shelehov in northern Russia.
But the room where Rima Pivovarova, 22, was giving birth was plunged into darkness just as doctors started to try and sort out complications with the delivery.
Quick-thinking nurses borrowed mobile phones from colleagues and other patients and used their light as they delivered the baby.
Nurse Nadezhda Stempkovskaya, who helped deliver the baby, said both mother and son are doing well."
November 29, 2007
BIC, leading manufacturer of ball point pens, lighters and shavers, is designing disposable cartridges for fuel cells, a kind of power supply that could someday eliminate the need to constantly recharge mobile phones or laptop computers.
Electronics makers are drawn to fuel cells because today's rechargeable batteries can't keep up with the demands users place on portable gadgets.
[via Business Week]
West London "nearest loo" SMS service - blogged about last year - is up and running.
Harried theatre-goers, distressed shoppers and hard-pressed bar patrons in London's West End can now SMS the word "toilet" -- and receive an SMS back giving the address of the nearest public facility.
The system, which covers 40 public toilets, triangulates a user's position by measuring the strength of the phone signal.
Worldwide mobile telephone subscriptions reached 3.3 billion -- equivalent to half the global population -- on Thursday, 26 years after the first cellular network was launched, research firm Informa said. Reuters reports.
According to the International Programs Center of the U.S. Census Bureau, The total population of the world reached 6,634,294,193 on Thursday.
At the same time 2,571,563,279 people were using the most widely used mobile technology, GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), according to global trade body GSM Association.
The second largest mobile technology, CDMA, had 421.4 million users at end September."
This cell phone pouch from Brando comes with two slots. One let's you hear your ringtone, the other blocks out all signals.
Spotted on I4U
We feel so left out here in Switzerland where there has been no official news at all as to when the iPhone will be available and which operator will be offering it (probably Swiscom). It's available unlocked though here, at a retail price of Sfr 960 ($858) but there are so many posts on updates and on what not to do or the phone will be blocked, it seems safer to wait for an official channel.
Remember when cell phones were bricks and weighed a ton? Well one company believes some people might just be nostalgic for that era and has come out with an updated version of the brick phone; the Mini Mob Mobile Phone.
The block phone is back, but with a difference, it is a mini version of the classic block phone. Measuring 11 cm in height and 3.5cm in depth
[via The Red Ferret]
A NSW childcare provider has been fined nearly 17 thousand dollars for underpaying an employee for 15 months and then sacking her via a phone-text message.
[via Live News]
Links to other fired by SMS stories.
Apple Inc. will introduce a version of the iPhone next year that can download from the Internet at a faster rate, AT&T Inc. Chief Executive Officer Randall Stephenson said.
The device will operate on third-generation wireless networks, some time next year.
Six months after rolling out its Mobile Banking service to consumers in the USA, Bank of America says that it has reached a record 500,000 active mobile customers.
According to a recent Tower Group report, that's more than all other U.S. banks combined.
[via Cellular News]
November 28, 2007
Google is updating its Google Maps for Mobile with a new location finder feature that allows users to find their location even though they don't have a GPS chip in their device. The My Location feature, which is available as a beta, helps the more than 85 percent of handsets that don't have GPS functionality.
[via San Francisco CHronicle]
According to the The New Zealand Herald, Prime Minister Helen Clark has been accused of insulting the Queen by text messaging while the monarch was making a speech.
Daily Express newspaper in England reported that Helen Clark was seen texting during the Queen's opening address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda last Friday.
... The Republican Movement of Aotearoa NZ says the incident shows Helen Clark is "clearly half-hearted" about the monarchy."
Nokia has launched an investigation after a phone battery exploded while it was charging next to the bed of an Auckland man. stuff reports.
"Norman Sievewright said he was given a "huge fright" when he awoke to a loud bang in the in the middle of the night.
He found his phone in pieces and the carpet singed. "It was very scary. . . especially with the fumes." he told One News.
Nokia said it had the remains of the charger and phone and would be investigating the cause of the explosion.
In August Nokia issued a global advisory notice that it would replace its bl-5c batteries made between December 2005 and last November, after about 100 of them had overheated or exploded.
The company had produced about 46 million of those batteries worldwide."
Other story in the news today involving an LG phone Man Killed by Cellphone Explosion and links to related incidents.
A Korean man was apparently killed by his LG cellphone today.
He was carrying the phone in his left shirt pocket when it exploded, puncturing his heart and lungs. It happened in the North Chungcheong Province of Korea as the man was working on a construction site. He was found dead by one of his coworkers.
Click here for related incidents involving cell phone batteries exploding.
Cellphone users could soon tell when their handset is running low on juice or laden with new messages simply by reaching into their bag or pocket and giving it a quick shake, thanks to Shoogle's intuitive interface. New Scientist reports.
"A new system uses a phone's speaker and vibrator to make a device feel and sound like it contains liquid when it is running out of power. The same technique can be used to indicate when new messages have arrived, by simulating the sense of balls rattling around inside a box.
Both tricks let a user check the state of their device quickly and without having to actually look at it."
... Different sounds could be set to correspond to different people. The sounds used range from metallic clinks (.wav format) to wooden thuds (.wav format).
In the November 15 episode of NBC's "30 Rock," Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey, in their roles as Jack Donaghy and Liz Lemon, sang the praises of Verizon Wireless before Fey looked right into the camera and asked, "Can we have our money now?"
At least in this case, art did indeed imitate life. Verizon said it handed over an integration fee to NBC, in addition to some marketing support, for the mini-commercial within one of the network's hottest shows.
... "We talk with NBC on a consistent basis about opportunities," said Lou Rossi, director of media and sponsorships at Verizon Wireless. "We had engaged them to think about some ways we could help increase our presence in the marketplace, and they came back to us with the '30 Rock'-specific opportunity."
Orange France has revealed its iPhone tariffs and details of the iPhone unlock deal it is forced to sell under French law.
Prices range from €49 to €119 per month, while the iPhone costs €399 ($588).
Orange is also offering iPhone at €549 ($808) to customers who do not wish to benefit from one of the four "Orange for iPhone" plans and at €649 ($956), without a plan.
The cost of unlocking the handset is €100 euros ($147) during the six months following purchase of the handset.
A judge in America was removed from the bench on Tuesday for jailing 46 people after none of them would admit to having a cell phone that began ringing during his court session.
Judge Robert Restaino "snapped" and "engaged in what can only be described as two hours of inexplicable madness" during the March 2005 session, Raoul Felder, chairman of the state Commission on Judicial Conduct, wrote in the decision to remove the judge.
Everyone is going to jail," the judge said. "Every single person is gong to jail in this courtroom unless I get that instrument now. If anybody believes I'm kidding, ask some of the folks that have been here for a while. You are all going."
When no one came forward, the judge ordered the group into custody and they were taken by police to the city jail, where they were searched and packed into crowded cells. Fourteen people who could not post bail were shackled and bused to the Niagara County Jail in Lockport, a 30-minute drive away.
The old home phone numbers of former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, composer Edward Elgar and poet John Betjeman are among millions being made available online for the first time on Wednesday, reports Reuters.
Genealogy Web site Ancestry.co.uk has spent three years transferring nearly 2,000 old phone books to the Internet to help people research their family tree.
From the first slimline directory of 1880 that contained just 248 names to the heavyweight volumes of the 1980s, the collection traces the inexorable spread of the phone network.
... Directories for London were published online last year. The project now includes all the 280 million historic names, addresses and numbers from across Britain."
Brunton's SolarRoll is available in three sizes and can power a variety of things including laptops, GPS devices, cell phones, video camera, digital cameras... . They even claim that the SolarRoll can charge your car battery as well.
Japanese already use cell phones to shop, read novels, exchange e-mail, search for restaurants and take video clips. Now, according to the Associated Press, they can take a university course.
"Cyber University, the nation's only university to offer all classes only on the Internet, began offering a class on mobile phones Wednesday on the mysteries of the pyramids.
For classes for personal computers, the lecture downloads play on the monitor as text and images in the middle, and a smaller video of the lecturer shows in the corner, complete with sound.
The cell phone version, which pops up as streaming video on the handset's tiny screen, plays just the Power Point images.
... The cell phone lectures may be expanded to other courses but for now will be for the pyramids course, according to Cyber University, which offers about 100 courses, including ancient Chinese culture, online journalism and English literature.
Unlike the other classes, the one on cell phones will be available to the public for free, although viewers must pay phone fees."
A new store on the Champs Élysées which will sell the iPhone from Wednesday evening onwards.
[via the IHT]
Students and parents at Mason High School, Ohio, have complained that administrators are confiscating cell phones and reading text messages "to determine if the students attended private parties off school grounds during the weekend." Middletown Journal reports.
The ACLU sent a letter to the principal at the High School, warning that the school"'s "current practice of seizing student cell phones and reading personal text messages was poor policy and unconstitutional".
School district spokeswoman Tracey Carson said if a student tries to hide something on the phone, that can send up a red flag to an administrator. She said students may get in trouble if there is pornography or any references to drugs or alcohol on the phone.
... The ACLU's Gamso said the complaints referred to administrators wanting to know what students were doing off school grounds. "Attendance at a private party that does not disrupt classes and does not occur on school grounds is none of the school's business. Private student social activities are issues for parents, not the school."
November 27, 2007
In their own words. "Using CellQ, visitors are free to move around the park, visit shops and restaurants, or just relax while they wait their turn. Their phone automatically calls them to the ride when they reach the head of the line. At the ride they enter through a special entrance and board almost immediately."
More than 380 million Indian telephone subscribers, who do not want to receive telemarketing calls or SMS messages, have registered with the National Do Not Call Registry, the telecom market regulator said Tuesday. [via Indian Muslims.info]
Verizon Wireless announced this morning a major shift in its position on non-carrier-offered devices and applications, saying it will begin activating any device that meets a “minimum technical standard” and will allow “any application the customer chooses” to be used on the devices.
The carrier said the new option will be available to customers throughout the country by the end of next year.


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Amazon first stirred up conversation in Oakland and in Pittsburgh when the Seattle-based electronic commerce company opened a pickup location on Oakland Avenue in October.
The City was launched into one of the biggest national business stories in recent memory when Amazon announced in January that the Steel City was one of 20 finalists for the company’s upcoming second headquarters.
Since then, there have been public forums on the possibility of Pittsburgh becoming Amazon’s second home, pleas from Mayor Bill Peduto to the company and a recently reported visit from Amazon representatives to Pittsburgh.
According to reports confirmed by Peduto, Amazon came to visit Pittsburgh and look at potential building sites in April.
The potential arrival of Amazon’s HQ2 has been a divisive issue around the City and in Oakland specifically. The company has promised a reported 50,000 jobs if it were to come to Pittsburgh, but community members pointed out possible negatives Amazon’s arrival could create at two community forums in Oakland back in February.
Waverly Duck, the head of the Urban Studies program at Pitt, questioned the benefit of bringing Amazon to Pittsburgh back at the first community forum at Parran Hall Feb. 8.
“Amazon was very clear about what’s in it for them, I think that we should start asking what’s in it for us,” Duck said.
His concerns were echoed by at the meeting by William Generett Jr., the vice president of community engagement at Duquesne University.
“Depending on the statistics, somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of our population lives at or below the poverty line,” Generett said. “The question becomes, how are those 40 percent of people going to be impacted by this?”
Amazon also became a topic of debate during the campaign trail for the District 8 City Council seat back in February and March. One of the candidates, Sonja Finn — who received the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Democrats in the race — feared what Amazon would do to the City’s housing prices.
“I think we’re all worried about the skyrocketing prices in housing,” Finn said. “I know that I bought my house eight years ago — I would not be able to buy in the area now. I think we need to make sure that if we’re offering subsidies to Amazon, we need to see the Amazon bid now.”
The eventual winner of the election, Democrat Erika Strassburger, was more positive about the potential arrival of Amazon but still warned that city officials need to “look out for the most vulnerable of our city residents.”
Pitt’s leadership specifically has been positive about Amazon in Pittsburgh. Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher came out in support of Amazon’s potential move to Pittsburgh in a February interview with Geekwire. He said if Pittsburgh were to become home to Amazon’s second headquarters it would be “unquestionably a good thing.”
Peduto has also been a strong proponent of Amazon since it announced Pittsburgh as one of its finalists. In an interview with Geekwire in January, Peduto said he wants to work with Amazon while being aware of the problems that have arisen from the company’s headquarters in Seattle.
“We want to be able to partner with Amazon to be able to address the issues that have come up in Seattle and be proactive,” Peduto said.
Peduto has come under fire from some Pittsburgh residents for his refusal to release the details of the City’s proposal to Amazon.
Mila Sanina, executive director of the Pittsburgh-based investigative journalism website PublicSource, criticized Peduto for refusing to release the details of Pittsburgh’s plan at another public forum Feb. 12 after other finalists like Philadelphia made their bids public.
“The officials have been saying it is a nondisclosure agreement, and that there are trade secrets a part of this proposal that impedes our competitiveness against other cities,” Sanina said. “Mayor [Bill] Peduto said he would go to court to help keep this proposal a secret.”
Pittsburgh’s Office of Open Records ordered the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to release the details of the bid Jan. 24. The City and county appealed the decision Feb. 23. The details of the bid have still not been publicly released.
The debate around Amazon and the consequences of the possible arrival of its second headquarters will remain a hot-button issue around the City as the company has no set decision date. A decision is only expected to be made some time later this year.

domain: news


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Kendall Jenner appointed as creative director of Revolve’s FWRD
Model and reality TV star Kendall Jenner is taking on a new role as the creative director of online fashion boutique Forward (FWRD), owned by LA-based Revolve Group.
In her new position, Jenner will be responsible for the platform’s overall look and feel and will be tasked with curating the brands sold on the site, as well as monthly trend edits. She will also come up with marketing ideas and oversee brand partnerships and activations.
Jenner will step into the role during this season’s New York Fashion Week, which kicks off on September 8. As explained by Revolve, the partnership between the model and FWRD will capitalize on their shared fashion-forward outlook and their common Los Angeles roots.
Jenner certainly has experience as a trendsetter, having contributed to the rise of athleisure, cycling shorts and revealingly minimalist cardigans, among other styles, since she first came to the public’s attention as a cast member on seminal reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
As she prepares for her new role at FWRD, Jenner has said that she is “excited to curate the site’s offering with emerging designers and brands,” suggesting that the future of the platform will involve a focus on up-and-coming labels.
“Kendall as the creative director for FWRD is the perfect choice as we continue to invest
in the next generation luxury consumer,” commented Revolve Group co-CEO and co-founder Michael Mente in a release. “Her multifaceted experience in the fashion industry and the vision she has outlined for the FWRD business has the potential to transform our business and the luxury business as a whole.”
“Kendall is the epitome of luxury fashion, and there isn’t a better fit for this position,” added Revolve Group’s chief brand officer, Raissa Gerona.
Copyright © 2023 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.


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Bonjour!! French market arrives in Banbury’s Market Place 🙂
Tongues and tastebuds will be in for a treat with the arrival of a French Market in Banbury on Friday, 28 March the Savoir Fayre Market will take up residence.
Visitors will be able to browse up to 40 stalls selling a range of French crafts, clothing accessories and foods including cheeses, meats and breads.
Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell District Council’s deputy leader, said: “Banbury and Bicester are both traditional market towns and these continental markets fit that theme while offering a little something different for shoppers.
“We recently held an Italian market in Bicester and Kidlington so for anyone who missed out on a taste of Italy; there is an opportunity to sample the delights of France. And for those who did enjoy the Italian market, why not come along to the French market and enjoy a different taste of the continent.”
The market will take place in Banbury Market Place on Friday, 28 March from 9am – 5pm.
For more …
French Market in Banbury Market Place Friday 28th March http://t.co/v1tU0shRcf
— Banbury Town Council (@TownEvents) March 25, 2014


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Looking luxurious this winter season just got easier thanks to the release of KKW's Glam Bible Holiday collection, which is offering an all-encompassing kit that's perfect for gifting to oneself, or a friend.
This release was revealed on Instagram, showcasing a vast collection that appears to include eye shadows, lipsticks, fragrances and more. The items are enclosed inside of a book-like case, which opens to reveal all of its contents but can be closed for simple storage. The color palette of this line features the same beige, light brown and neutral nudes that KKW has become known for, offering a reliable kit to help one pull off a full-faced holiday makeover.
The line will retail on November 23.
KKW's Glam Bible Holiday Collection Offers a Neutral Color Palette
Ellen Smith — November 13, 2018 — Fashion


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At a time when U.S. economic indicators seem to signal otherwise, Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke yesterday delivered an optimistic outlook for the economy, pointing to “tentative signs” that the pace of the decline may be slowing down.
In a speech delivered at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Bernanke also noted that while inflation is not a concern right now, the potential inflationary threat from the Fed’s quantitative easing means the monetary policymakers stand ready to “remove some of that liquidity and raise the federal funds rate.”
Toward the end of his speech — in which he covered Fed actions so far in battling the crisis in the credit markets, bonus payments at American International Group, and the causes of the downturn — Bernanke described the current crisis as “one of the most difficult financial and economic episodes in modern history.”
There is some hope, he added, because “recently we have seen tentative signs that the sharp decline in economic activity may be slowing, for example, in data on home sales, homebuilding, and consumer spending, including sales of new motor vehicles.”
“A leveling out of economic activity is the first step toward recovery,” he said.
The Federal Reserve will continue to take the necessary steps to unclog the credit markets and strengthen the U.S. economy, Bernanke said, defending the central bank’s aggressive actions to stabilize the economy because “our best forecast is that inflation will remain quite low for some time.”
— Market News International


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Nike's NFL apparel deal valued at $1.1B
- Erik Siemers
- Business Journal staff writer
Exactly how much Washington County-based Nike (NYSE: NKE) — the world’s largest athletic apparel brand — spent to outmuscle rivals Reebok and Under Armour for those rights has largely remained a mystery.
But a report by Sports Illustrated and Fortune magazines this week detailing the league’s revenue sources said Nike paid $1.1 billion to land the lucrative NFL apparel sponsorship.
Not only would that vastly eclipse earlier projected figures — Ad Age reported the deal would cost Nike $35 million a year — but it would be more than four times what Reebok paid for apparel rights on a contract that was twice as long.
Reebok’s deal, which expires next year, was valued at $250 million over 10 years, or about $25 million per year.
Assuming the $1.1 billion figure is true, Nike would be paying around $220 million per year.
“(The NFL) was looking for that kind of money, and they got it,” said John Horan, publisher of Glen Mills, Pa.-based Sporting Goods Intelligence.
Nike and NFL officials declined to confirm the SI-Fortune figures.
Once a year, Nike discloses its endorsement contract obligations in its annual report filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission in late summer.
But in its second-quarter report filed with the SEC in January, Nike provided an update showing its endorsement commitments had increased by $770 million as of 2012 going forward.
The company didn’t disclose why its obligations increased by so much, but industry watchers, including Horan, note that the most significant deal struck by Nike in the time between its annual report and its second-quarter filing was the NFL apparel contract.
@ErikSiemers | email@example.com | 503-219-3418
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The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has kicked off the New Year with the announcement of a £14 million fund for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in a bid to boost apprenticeships in London.
From January, the Apprentice Grant for Employers (AGE) will double from the current limit of £1,500 to £3,000. This funding for SMEs will allow employers to apply for £3,000 per apprentice that a business employs. The announcement follows a trial project that was funded by the LEP last year in which SMEs received the enhanced £3,000 grant for a three-month period.
During the trial the number of AGE-supported apprentices in London increased from 1,765 to 2,222 and sparked a high demand for the increased grant to be permanently set in place.
Boris Johnson added “More than 20,000 workplaces in the capital are already benefitting from having apprentices in their workforce. A large proportion of these are small and medium-sized businesses but we want to help even more of these companies take on even more apprentices. I urge company bosses from all corners of the capital to take up this cash incentive and help young Londoners in 2015 to get a foot on the ladder to success.”
Skills Minister, Nick Boles has stated that “It’s excellent news that the Greater London Authority is providing extra support for small businesses in London to take on apprentices. Apprentices offer businesses of all sizes the chance to increase their talent pool and get the skills they need to grow. Over 100,000 apprenticeships across the country have already been supported through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers, and it’s good to see that the GLA are building on this successful model to grow apprenticeships further in the capital’s thriving small business community.”
In addition to this, London’s Regional Chair, Steve Warwick, said: “The Federation of Small Businesses are delighted that the Mayor has committed to working with the London Local Enterprise Panel to reintroduce the uplift of the Grant from £1,500 to £3,000 for SME’s. FSB research shows that London is one of the costliest cities to do business in, particularly in terms of high employment costs. We have long argued that the Grant for London businesses should be higher than other parts of the country and this is welcome. It is important that the funding goes to businesses that need the most and not larger businesses that would have invested in apprentices anyway.”


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The UK tax man is about to punch double-cab pickup drivers in the face
Upcoming changes to the benefit-in-kind (BIK) rules will see all double-cab pickups classed as cars rather than vans
From 1 July this year, double-cab pickup drivers in the UK will pay more company car tax as the trucks lose their commercial vehicle status.
Yep, in a move that could take an axe to the UK’s growing pickup market, HMRC will no longer follow the VAT rules that class any pickup with a payload greater than one tonne as a van.
In a recent missive, HMRC said: “From 1 July 2024 most if not all double-cab pickups will be classified as cars when calculating the benefit charge [that’s benefit-in-kind, aka company car tax]. This is because typically these vehicles are equally suited to convey passengers and goods and have no predominant suitability.”
Vans and commercial vehicles are much cheaper for employees than company cars, with pickup drivers previously paying a flat rate of £60 per month if they were in the 20 per cent tax bracket, or £120 per month if they earned more and paid 40 per cent tax.
Because pickups in this country mostly run on diesel, double-cabs will now be classed as rather heavily polluting cars and BIK bills will likely triple as a minimum. Yikes.
There will be a period of grace before you’re forking out that extra cash though. Those drivers still in a lease can apply the old rules until they trade in, after which the new rules apply. Alternatively, if you’ve just ordered a new pickup (even if it isn’t delivered until after 1 July), you’ll also get away with paying the lower rate – at least, until the vehicle is disposed of, the lease expires, or 5 April 2028 – whichever’s first.
Anything ordered after 30 June 2024 will be subject to the new rules.
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Food manufacturing company Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd. has announced it will be closing its Grand Falls, N.B., frozen pizza plant at the May.
A spokesperson says 180 jobs are affected.
The company says employees will receive a severance package that “exceeds the statutory requirements in addition to employment counseling, resume support and career planning assistance.” As well, the company will continue its group medical and dental benefits until Dec. 31.
According to a news release, the company is establishing a $4-million fund to help with job retraining and economic development. They plan to work with local government, as part of the fund.
Dr. Oetker is blaming a “challenging” retail food climate for the closure of the leased plant.
“This very difficult announcement does not reflect on the quality of work and dedication of our Grand Falls employees. There is nothing our Grand Falls employees could have done differently. Food manufacturers have been facing severe economic pressures over the last few years and today’s market has become ultra-competitive,” said Cécile Van Zandijcke, the company’s executive vice-president, in a news release.
“In order for Dr. Oetker to continue operating efficiently within this challenging environment, we needed to restructure our Canadian Manufacturing Operation.”
Dr. Oetker acquired the frozen pizza plant in Grand Falls from New Brunswick-based McCain Foods in 2014.
The company says that after the closure, 70 per cent of the manufacturing will move to its facility in London, Ont. The remaining 30 per cent of production will be moved to its plant south of the border in New Jersey.
Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd. is a subsidiary of a German company, Oetker Group.


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| Electronic Matchmaker
"There are plans to have a network
of ELX terminals in post offices, LRT stations and
shopping complexes. Currently, there are three stations
located at Bukit Bintang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur,
in Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching.”
- The Star
3 July 2009
Tie Asia Pacific Conference
MSC Malaysia Images’ Public Gallery
Many conference delegates were able to check their emails or get the latest news updates via Streetspace Web Station™s at the TiE conference.
2 July 2009
Streetspace Web Station™ brings the Web to TiE Asia Pacific Conference 2009
Visitors and delegates to the TiE Asia Pacific Conference 2009 didn’t have to leave their email, twitter and Internet access behind as Streetspace Web Station™s appeared at the show floor of the TiE Asia Pacific Conference 2009
10 June 2009
EWL unveils new Web Station™ model F-Series
Embedded Wireless Labs recently unveiled its new F- Series model Web Station™ to the market after several months in development.
9 June 2009
EWL Introduces New Web Station™ Model and Phoenix Development Board at National ICT Conference 2009
Embedded Wireless Labs geared up for the third quarter by introducing prospective buyers to its new Phoenix Series high performance development board and new F-Series Web Station™...
1 June 2009
Welcome to Embedded Wireless Labs’ New Streetspace Product Website
“The new site is timely to improve the visibility of the Streetspace brand with customers and vendors as well as to promote new product features and business applications.”
1 January 2009
Affin Bank catches up Online
”For people who do not have access to computers, we have installed Internet terminals in our branches so that they can continue to do banking in our self-service lobbies. We are progressively rolling out Internet terminals across all our branches throughout Malaysia.”
18 December 2008
AFFINBANK launches affinOnline.com, a simple,
convenient and safe Internet-banking service for everyday
AFFIN Bank Press Release
terminals are a physical representation of our tagline “Banking
without Barriers” because they also offer 24–hour
Affin Bank lancar khidmat online
Harian Metro Online
ini turut menyediakan kemudahan terminal Internet di setiap
cawangan Affin Bank sebagai kemudahan berterusan kepada
pengguna yang tidak mempunyai perkhidmatan Internet.
14 August 2008
CIMB to invest RM5mil in cafe banking outlets
The Star Online
cafe banking outlets would be equipped with self-service
terminals and online banking portal CIMB Clicks to offer
customers the convenience of performing their banking
transactions and enjoying the experience of an Old Town
White Coffee cafe© in one location.
14 August 2008
Nicol David Goes Online at the Web Station™
World Champion, Nicol David tries out the Web Station™
at CIMB’s Cyberbanking Café Launch.
13 August 2008
CIMB Bank launches 1st cafe© banking outlet
with OldTown White Coffee
CIMB Press Release
cafe is equipped with self-service terminals (SST) comprising
ATMs, cash deposit machines, cheque deposit machines and
CIMB Clicks, the internet banking portal of the bank to
enable customers to "eat & bank" in one
08 January 2008
CES 2008: Streetspace robust Webstation
Pocket Lint, UK
for use by consumers who have to buy credit via pre-paid
scratch cards, the Streetspace demonstrates just how online
the world wants to be today.
02 January 2008
Streetspace Web Station™ debuts at CES2008
Wireless Labs started its 2008 calendar year in Las Vegas
meeting prospective buyers at the Consumer Electronics
Show, the Industry’s largest trade-only show.
08 August 2007
Maybank’s Net lounge
Internet banking gaining predominance, the bank aimed
to provide banking services in non-traditional locations
such as shopping malls to cater to the “changing
lifestyles of customers. The lounge is equipped with four
Internet terminals for Maybank2u.com customers to do their
Internet banking transactions.
07 August 2007
Maybank To Spend Up To RM2 Mln To Set Up Four@
lounges are Maybank's latest initiatives to provide an
enriching banking experience for customers in need of
Internet access to do their banking via Maybank2u.com.
03 July 2007
Surf while you wait
Straits Times, Singapore
Web Station™s are already popular with students like Syukur
Bin Haris, 13, who tried out the Web Station™ at Boon Lay
with two friends. The Secondary One student said, “It
is a nice device and very cheap to use. I can check my
email messages from my friends, surf my Friendster account
and also read online news.
26 June 2007
there are three stations located at Bukit Bintang Plaza
in Kuala Lumpur, in Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching. Another
seven stations are already scheduled to be placed around
the nation by the end of this year.
19 June 2007
Surf the Net or catch up with the latest news
Straits Times, Singapore
buzz pod is also installed with a Pacific Internet web-station,
at which users - even those without Wi-Fi devices on hand
- can surf the Internet. The Web Station™ will also allow
Net-savvy Singaporeans to pay their bills and top up their
prepaid phone and gaming accounts such as Habbo Hotel
and Pirate King Online.
18 June 2007
Buzz pods for news, downloads to hit all interchanges
Straits Times, Singapore
Press Holdings Limited (SPH) and SBS Transit Limited (SBS
Transit) will introduce a new generation of newsstands,
called buzz pods, at all 14 bus interchanges island-wide.
Shop, Surf and Sign Up At Buzz Pods at the Bus
SBSTransite Press Release
“…the PacNet webstations at the buzz pods
will allow them to do a quick check on their emails, pay
bills and top up their ez-link cards via credit cards.
The buzz pods at all the bus interchanges will also be
equipped with TeleMoney, a payment facility offered by
Systems@Work, hence making it easy and convenient for
consumers to top up their prepaid phone cards and gaming
JCS alternatif mudah cari kerja (BM)
19 May 2007
HR Ministry's electronic terminals to list 50,000
“The electronic terminals offer jobs in government
agencies, private sector and foreign companies so those
who are looking for jobs can check them out there.”
18 May 2007
Jobs at push of a button
The Human Resources Ministry will set up job vacancy electronic
terminals in all parts of the country in line with the Government's
vision to provide an instant response to queries for jobs.
17 May 2007
First Employment Terminals At Bukit Bintang Plaza
Opens On May 24
"Opening of employment terminals at places frequented
by the public like at shopping complexes was an innovative
approach adopted by his ministry to provide an efficient
employment service for job-seekers," he said.
Need a job? Go shopping!
By year-end job seekers can find work while they shop. The Labour Department plans to set up job-search kiosks in major shopping complexes nationwide by December.The first kiosk, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, would open in Kuala Lumpur’s Berjaya Times Square next month
16 April 2002
Terminals' impact being felt in retail
e-commerce grows in popularity and consumers become accustomed
to using public terminals, more retailers will turn to
terminals. That way, they can offer more of their inventory
to customers, not just the items on the sales floor.”
Winner Galleries IDEA 2001 - STREETSPACE Web Station™: Silver, Environments
should a public access Internet terminal look like a shrine,
closed off, walled in and private when it is supposed
to be accessible and ubiquitous as the payphone?”
25 June 2001
The Complete List of 2001 Winners
Clicks and Mortar
Three Berkeley-area McDonald's keep customers web-connected with a new retail terminal.
30 November 2000
Free Web Access to Menu
the increasing need to build a strong presence online,
many retailers are calling on Streetspace to help them
leverage their physical space to introduce their websites
17 November 2000
Local McDonald's Restaurants Add Free Web Access
to Their Menus
McDonald's restaurants in San Francisco have installed
>STREETSPACE Web Station™s, allowing their customers
to literally "walk up to the Web" for free.
04 August 2000
>STREETSPACE to Offer Free Web Access Via
Private Network in Retail Locations.
the last 9 months, consumers in Berkeley, CA have been
accessing >STREETSPACE's free Web-based services
in cafe's, book stores, record stores, and restaurants
via stylishly designed Web Station™s™.
04 August 2000
San Francisco Giants to Provide Free Access
to >STREETSPACE Web Station™s at Pacific Bell Park.
San Francisco Giants have partnered with >STREETSPACE
to provide fans with free access to Web-based content
and services at Pacific Bell Park.
16 August 2000
STREETSPACE: Webbing at a Store Near you
Silicon Valley Internet.com
a report released last June by Forrester Research, 80%
of retailers say they are planning to have Web-based
terminals in most of their stores by 2002.”
20 March 2000
Muze And Streetspace. Announce Alliance To Build Internet Kiosk Network
“Streetspace's access to online services from a broad range of retail locations opens up increased avenues for consumers to access our database and shop at their convenience.”
28 February 2000
Muze and >STREETSPACE. Announce Alliance
to Build Internet Terminal Network.
access to online services from a broad range of retail
locations opens up increased avenues for consumers…"These
days, more and more people are living online. That doesn't
stop when you leave the house. We are providing the
retailer's customers with features that we know will
bring them back again and again."
21 October 1999
Café Net Linkedup
San Francisco Examiner
Staying in touch just go easier. At least it did in Berkeley where 62 new free email terminals will be unveiled at Restaurants and shops around town Friday.
Free standing Internet terminal
provided industrial design for the Web Station™ that
is sleek but extremely rugged.


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The much-anticipated moment for tech enthusiasts in India is here! OnePlus, the renowned tech giant, is unveiling its first-ever foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open, in the Indian market today, on October 19 at 7:30 PM IST. As the excitement peaks, let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking device and understand where and how you can catch the live stream of this grand launch event.
How to Watch the OnePlus Open Foldable Phone Launch Livestream
For those eager to witness the event as it unfolds, OnePlus India has made it convenient for you. The live broadcast will be available on OnePlus India’s official YouTube channel at 7:30 PM IST. Set your reminders and get ready to be part of the unveiling of this marvel in mobile technology. Real-time updates will also be shared across the company’s social media platforms, ensuring you stay in the loop with every significant moment.
Expect from the OnePlus Open Foldable Phone
The OnePlus Open is generating buzz not just for its innovative foldable design but also for its impressive specifications. According to the credible tipster Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd), the pricing of the OnePlus Open in India is anticipated to be around ₹1,39,999. The initial sale of this cutting-edge device is slated to kick off on October 27, creating a buzz among smartphone enthusiasts across the country.
In an exclusive leak shared by Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, the OnePlus Open’s display and camera specifications have been revealed. The device is rumored to feature an inner display with a BOE panel, boasting a remarkable 2K resolution and a rapid 120Hz refresh rate. This display is expected to offer advanced features like 1440Hz PWM dimming and a peak brightness of 2,800 nits, ensuring a visually stunning experience for users.
In the realm of photography, the OnePlus Open is anticipated to house a sophisticated triple rear camera system. This setup includes a powerful 48-megapixel dual-layer transistor outsole primary camera, complemented by a 64-megapixel periscope sensor with 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom support. Additionally, the device is said to feature a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, enhancing the versatility of your photography endeavors.
Beyond its camera prowess, the OnePlus Open is set to redefine charging standards. Equipped with a 100W charger, the device supports 67W fast charging, ensuring your device is juiced up swiftly, keeping up with your dynamic lifestyle. While wireless charging might not be a part of the package, the remarkable charging speeds compensate for this absence.
Running on the efficient OxygenOS 13, the OnePlus Open is not just about style and performance; it’s also designed with practicality in mind. With dimensions measuring 11.7x6x5.8mm and a weight of approximately 246 grams, this foldable smartphone strikes a balance between portability and functionality, catering to the diverse needs of modern smartphone users.
As the clock ticks down to the launch event, the OnePlus Open stands as a testament to OnePlus’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Stay tuned, buckle up, and be ready to witness the future of smartphones unfold before your eyes.


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All Roads Lead to Romulus Michigan as Ford Invests $100 Million in EV Battery Research
The electric car business is booming as Ford and other automakers push for an all-electric future. That’s why Ford is investing $100 million in electric car battery research, purchasing a plot of land in Romulus Michigan. In hopes to advance electric technology and stimulate job growth, the initiative paints a bright future for American electric cars.
Battery research facility in Romulus brings the auto industry back to Michigan
It’s called Ion Park, a dedicated research facility for electric car batteries. A123 owned the 270,000 square foot facility first but closed down in 2017 due to low electric car demand. This $100 million investment is part of a $185 million electric push, with the rest dedicated to battery testing. And Ford projects that by 2025, they’ll have invested $30 billion (with a B) in electrifying their fleet.
And Ford didn’t just throw a dart on the wall when choosing the location. They deliberately picked Romulus in an effort to bring the auto industry back to Michigan, committed to that promise since 2010. And the town it’s located in will receive certain tax breaks, including local property taxes and the six million dollar state education tax.
Detroit Free Press explained that “part of the inspiration for this effort is driven by supply chain challenges in recent months that have created costly disruptions in the automotive industry and others.” In other words, they’ve learned from their chip shortage mistakes, and don’t want to experience these delays while transitioning to electric cars.
What kinds of battery research will be conducted?
Now more than ever, extensive battery research is crucial to the success of long-term electric cars. And while it’s impossible to say what Ford will do with the facility right now, there are a few areas they may focus on.
The most concerning talking point, the primary power source of today’s electric cars, lithium, may eventually run out. This leaves automakers with two choices: find a new battery technology, or find a way to recycle them. One possible solution is iron-air batteries, which are cheaper to manufacture and less expensive to maintain.
Because electric car batteries are more complex, recycling them is trickier than your standard 12-volt battery. But the 200 workers about to be hired at Ion Park will be tasked with making batteries more efficient, easier to attain, and reusable in the years to come.
How many electric cars does Ford make now?
Ford is one of the frontrunners for electric cars, with the Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning making setting the bar for new EVs. Both of them are soon to feature BlueCruise, a Level 2 Autonomous Driving capability. And both are making electric vehicles affordable for the masses. On top of that, Ford is electrifying their infamous Transit lineup, pursuing solutions to making other businesses more eco-friendly.
And while they’re not electric, Ford’s hybrid effort is also reducing the brand’s emissions footprint. With the Ford Maverick hybrid shattering expectations with excellent gas mileage and surprising strength, Ford is taking all the right measures to promote a clean, green future in America.


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Eris COO Preston Byrne talks misconceptions about his firm, which is among the more notable to claim the blockchain can exitst without bitcoin.
Long one of the most ambitious projects in the industry, decentralized application platform Ethereum is set to open to the public tonight.
Three US universities are set to conduct research on cryptocurrencies using roughly $3m in grant funding from the National Science Foundation.
American Banker's Digital Currencies + the Blockchain featured speakers from across the blockchain and finance sectors.
The topic of how blockchain technology can be used to support social good was discussed at an event hosted by Microsoft last night.
A new service, CoinTape, is offering bitcoin users an answer to the burning question: what is the optimum transaction fee?
Two Accenture directors have published a new article suggesting that blockchains must operate without bitcoin to be used by major financial firms.
A deal to create an official Mike Tyson-branded bitcoin ATM in Las Vegas has been met with criticism following questions about the companies involved.
CoinDesk speaks to ShoCard CEO Armin Ebrahimi about his company's efforts to disrupt identity verification via the blockchain.


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SINGAPORE - The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) have rolled out a payments regulatory evaluation programme to help connect the payments industry with legal service providers.
The programme provides fintech firms with a streamlined process to gain access to lawyers specialising in payment services regulations to meet their compliance needs. The firms would be assured that the regulatory assessment conducted by the legal service provider will be sufficiently comprehensive in scope, said the MAS and SAL in a joint media statement issued on Friday.
Interested payment firms can participate in the programme by contacting a participating law firm of their choice. For a start, seven local and international law firms in Singapore will participate in a two-month pilot run of the programme. Following the pilot, MAS and SAL will take in feedback and make adjustments to the programme if necessary.
The programme will then be formally launched at the Singapore Fintech Festival in November and will be open to all law firms in Singapore to join. Payment firms in Singapore can look forward to selecting from an expanded list of law firms providing specialised legal services through the programme after the official launch.
SAL chief operating officer Paul Neo said: "The evolution of payment services regulations is an important aspect of Singapore's development as a fintech hub. As a promotion and development agency for Singapore's legal sector, we want to give our legal professionals the opportunity to showcase their expertise in the fintech space... In time to come, we hope that our lawyers will also develop legal tech solutions in the regulatory and compliance tech fields to complement their legal advisory services to the payments industry."
MAS chief fintech officer Sopnendu Mohanty said that Singapore's vibrant fintech ecosystem and strong regulatory environment have attracted substantial interest from foreign and local firms to establish their payment services business in Singapore. The regulator has developed the programme to to ensure that payment firms that want to engage legal services to support them in their business can do so easily and quickly.


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By Adriano Marchese
Glenn Chamandy, the co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Gildan Activewear, has rejected recent media reports claiming that he issued an ultimatum to the company's board regarding strategic decisions and potential acquisitions.
According to a report by Bloomberg News, Chamandy had allegedly pressured the board to support a strategy of pursuing significant acquisitions before his departure from the company. Gildan director Luc Jobin was quoted as the source of this information.
However, Chamandy has now released a statement refuting these claims, asserting that he did not present any ultimatum to Gildan's board during his tenure.
The decision to oust Chamandy from his position has faced significant backlash from investors, most notably Browning West, a Los Angeles hedge fund. With a stake of nearly 4% in Gildan, Browning West has been vocal in calling for a reversal of the board's decision.
Chamandy, speaking on Monday, dismissed the allegations surrounding the ultimatum as a sideshow diverting attention from the shareholders' reaction to the board's handling of succession planning. He made it clear that he had no involvement in this matter.
Last week, Gildan Activewear surprised the market by announcing the appointment of Vince Tyra as the new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Chamandy. However, details surrounding Chamandy's departure from the company were not disclosed at that time.
Gildan Co-founder's Contract Terminated: A Different Vision for the Future
In a recent development, Gildan, the Canadian apparel manufacturing company, terminated the contract of its co-founder, Chamandy. The decision was made due to a divergence in the vision for the company's future when compared to other board members. Having served for four decades alongside his brother Greg Chamandy, Chamandy's departure marks a significant change for the company.
Gildan specializes in manufacturing basic, everyday apparel such as underwear and socks. It has established brands like American Apparel and Comfort Colors, and also distributes socks for Under Armour through an exclusive licensing agreement covering the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., Gildan faces competition from PVH, the owner of Calvin Klein, and Hanesbrands, the company behind Champion.
Chamandy emphasized that a smooth leadership transition is crucial for maintaining Gildan's successful track record. He stressed the importance of shareholder engagement in the decision-making process. Unfortunately, Gildan was unavailable for immediate comment.
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Wall Street is bracing for lackluster earnings when Apple reports on Tuesday.
The good news for Apple is that low expectations are largely built in, say analysts.
The company is expected to report fiscal third-quarter earnings after Tuesday's closing bell of $1.38 per share on $42.11 billion in revenue, according to analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters.
That revenue figure would represent a 15 percent decline from the comparable year-ago period and an even greater year-over-year decline in revenue than the company reported in the prior quarter.
Last quarter Apple missed analyst estimates — reporting a roughly 13 percent decline in revenue from the year-earlier period and marking its first quarter-over-quarter revenue decline since 2003 — and investors punished the stock. Shares tumbled in after hours trading, eviscerating more than $46 billion in market capitalization.


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It is difficult to ignore the scent of a stunning meal— especially if it belongs to another human. That at least is the suggestion of a recent study, which found that almost 30% of drivers snack from their food. The US Foods study, which provides food delivery for restaurants, collected information from nearly 500 food delivery and over 1,500 U.S. consumers who order apps like DoorDash, Postmates, and UberEats.
Have you ordered large fries on UberEats with your burger, but do you feel a little less than huge when opening the bag to dig in fried fries? As a result, the delivery person is worriedly likely to be entangled in some of them on the road to your house, 28 percent of delivery drivers said in a recently published US Foods survey they have taken food from delivery orders.
A recent survey showed that almost 30% of the drivers require their food to be gnashed before they drop their meal. After food supply distributor US Foods questioned about 500 food supply drivers and 1,500 clients who order their “habits and pain points” via apps, the nausea-inducing findings emerged.
Have you ever wondered if the driver had previously handled your food? How doesn’t the pizza guy take a bit of pizza and lose control? I would be tempted to take a slice when I drove a delivery with a big pepperoni pizza. And, maybe eat the knots of garlic. The guy must be a bit slack, he’s got to drive the scent of pizza there, just haunting him. This requires serious skills. But what if you lose control and eat pizza with your driver?
Representatives between the ages of 18 and 77 with a median age of 31. Drivers with at least one food supply application recorded a median age of 30. The company asked both groups about their “customs and pain points” in order to better understand the process of buying and distributing meals. Of these drivers surveyed, 54% agreed that they were tempted by the smell of customer’s food, and around half of the drivers actually took an injection.
“We’re sorry to report that at times, the driving forces get the best of the suppliers, and their sacred duties are breached by taking some of the food.”
When asked if your driver wanted any fries, the average customer response was 8.4 out of 10— 1 was “no great deal” and 10 was “absolutely unacceptable.” “No big deal.”
To address the issue, 85% of customers suggested adding obvious labels or packets that are usually in the form of an adhesive seal to the question. There are plans in place for some delivery services.
Postmates told NPR that less than 0.06% of the complaints it receives are food-tamping events. Nevertheless, “Any person who makes a supply through Postmates specifically agrees to the degree that any foodstuffs and goods supplied come in the form of flawless items, in accordance with all relevant legislation on food safety and health.”
Doordash advises its drivers not to open or exploit food containers in any way. If a client reports food violations, the company says that the driver’s account will be switched off. Ultimately, food delivery restaurants are a growing industry that transforms the way people eat. In 2018, UBS found an average of 40 most-downloaded apps in key markets in food delivery platforms.
“We assume that by 2030 the vast majority of meals that are cooked at home could instead be ordered online and supplied from restaurants or central kitchens,” says UBS.


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From four colour-coded bins for different types of waste to Disneyland Park's reuse strategy, the US city of Angeles has a number of recycling policies to become more environmentally sustainable
This summer, NS Packaging will analyse the recycling policies in some of the world’s major cities. Thomas Parker takes a look at the US city of Los Angeles, including how it handles everything from electronic goods to different types of packaging
With its plethora of theme parks and iconic images like the Hollywood sign and Universal Studios, it’s no wonder Los Angeles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US – attracting 50 million visitors in 2018.
Tinseltown is the largest city in California, which has enacted legislation in recent years with the aim of becoming more environmentally friendly.
In late 2016, it introduced a state-wide ban on plastic shopping bags, with lawmakers putting forward legislation in early 2019 to phase out any single-use packaging that can’t demonstrate it is recyclable or compostable by 2030.
LA is also strong on the environmental front, with the city having the highest solid waste recycling rate of any American city.
But how does this work in practice?
We take a look at how the city’s recycling system works, both on the kerbside and at one of the state’s most popular attractions.
Street and kerbside recycling in Los Angeles
Recycling in Los Angeles is managed by the LA Sanitation (LASAN) department and offers residents four colour-coded bins for different types of waste.
Black bins are used for non-recyclable household waste, blue for recyclables, green for garden waste and brown for horse manure.
All these bins are collected at least once a week, with containers needing to be placed by the side of the road by 6am on collection day, and removed no later than 8pm the same day.
Services will be postponed by a day on the national holidays for New Year’s Day, Independence Day on the Fourth of July, Labour Day (1 May), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November) and Christmas Day.
Alongside the containers, LASAN also offers an extra capacity tag service for residents that costs $2 each.
Tags can be attached to various types of waste so long as it’s stored in a plastic bag or non-city-issued 30-gallon container, and doesn’t exceed 13kg.
They can be purchased from a resident’s closest LASAN district office, which authorises the removal of household waste and tied bundles of lawn trimmings measuring no more than 1.2 metres.
As well as this, any abandoned waste items, such as mattresses, sofas, doors, carpets, toilets and other furniture can be collected by giving an itemised list of the abandoned waste through either the LASAN’s submission form or by phoning its customer care centre.
Alongside this waste, LASAN will pick up metal household appliances free of charge, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, heaters and water heaters.
In order to request this service, residents must fill in an online metal household appliance collection service request form.
Los Angeles’ recycling project for business
In 2017, LA launched a public-private partnership (PPP) called recycLA, which provides services to all businesses, institutions and large buildings.
It is part of the city’s commitment to enhance the quality of life in LA by improving its overall cleanness.
The PPP does this by providing personalised plans depending on the needs of a business, and issues a monthly charge for the service.
These figures range from $231.30 a month for one collection per week to $433.77 for collection twice a week.
Companies including TechWaste Recycling also provide free pick-ups of electronic goods that need to be recycled, while businesses can also drop-off end-of-life computers, laptops and other IT equipment.
Recycling and environmental policies at Disneyland Park Los Angeles
One of the most visited attractions in Los Angeles is the iconic Disneyland Resort, with the theme park recording a total of 18.66 million visitors in 2018, according to market and consumer data aggregator Statista.
Disney offers in-park recycling disposal, with those operating in the centre-piece Magic Kingdom park using the Swedish-developed automated vacuum-assisted collection system (AVAC).
AVAC uses compressed air to propel waste at 60 miles per hour to a central collection point behind the Splash Mountain ride, where it is processed.
Alongside this, it announced it would bring in refillable in-room amenities, such as complimentary soaps and shower gel, across its hotels and cruise ships over the next few years to reduce plastics in guest rooms by 80%.
Bob Chapek, chairman of The Walt Disney Company’s subsidiary Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, said at the time: “Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.
“These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”


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The K@W Network:
Associate Professor of Marketing
Etsy represents a high-profile test case for whether a company whose social mission is central to its existence can successfully please shareholders as a publicly held entity.
Can Ello stay true to its manifesto by remaining ad free? And can any network supplant Facebook?
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised millions of dollars toward fighting the disease and spawned millions of videos and shares on social media. Wharton's Jonah Berger discusses why the[…]
Technology and social media are changing the marketing game by bringing previously taboo products to the forefront.
Super Bowl ads this year had the usual dose of mayhem and mischief designed to get viewers’ attention and create buzz. But do they send the wrong message? More importantly,[…]


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Processed meat seems to be a mainstay of the American food regimen.
A brand new research printed within the Journal of Academy of Diet and Dietetics has revealed People are consuming as a lot processed meat as they did practically 20 years in the past — regardless of it being linked with larger dangers of weight problems, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and a few cancers.
NEW STUDY SUGGESTS THAT CERTAIN DIETS LOWER RISK OF DEATH FROM BREAST CANCER
The research, which was printed Friday, analyzed knowledge from the Nationwide Well being and Diet Examination Survey which recognized several types of meat consumption from 43,995 U.S. adults, 20 years and older, between 1999 and 2016.
Processed meat, which incorporates crimson meat and poultry “remodeled by salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or with the addition of chemical preservatives,” was discovered to have been consumed extra by People than unprocessed crimson meat and fish or shellfish.
The highest processed meats consumed had been luncheon meat at 39 %, sausage at 24 %, sizzling canine and ham each at 9 %, and bacon at 5 %. Most of these bought had been are shops and fast-food eating places, the research revealed.
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Poultry consumption was additionally up, surpassing unprocessed crimson meat for the primary time. Fish and shellfish consumption didn’t change throughout the course of the research.
“Regardless of sturdy proof linking processed meat with most cancers danger, consumption of processed meat amongst US adults didn’t change over the research interval (1999-2016),” mentioned lead investigator Fang Fang Zhang, MD, PhD, Friedman College of Diet Science and Coverage, Tufts College, Boston, MA, USA. “Whereas components apart from well being (e.g., social, cultural, and financial) can affect People’ meals selections, the shortage of widespread consciousness of well being dangers related to processed meat might have contributed to the shortage of consumption change up to now 18 years.”
In accordance with a press launch concerning the research, the researchers are hopeful their findings will assist educate these concerning the well being dangers related to processed meat and “inform public well being coverage priorities.”
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The World Well being Group has linked meat-based diets to a rise of colorectal most cancers up to now. The Worldwide Company for Analysis on Most cancers, a part of WHO, categorised crimson meat – together with beef, lamb and pork – as a “possible” carcinogen in its group 2A record again in 2015.


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This anxious behavior initially led to delaying large purchases, focusing more on essentials and avoiding any discretionary spends. Short term savings coupled with cheaper EMIs, consumers are now prepared to spend during the festival season. Beating the inertia of sitting at home can’t be more liberating than this.
The hospitality ecosystem i.e. hotels, resorts, holiday homes, travel agents, online travel agencies, restaurants etc. is keeping its fingers crossed on these positive trends. Recovering from a near complete shutdown, the headwinds due to COVID-19 remain strong. While reports show that the Y-o-Y occupancy % has dropped by ~60% in India, the sector is showing early signs of recovery with occupancy % improving M-o-M by around 10-12% driven by the gradual revival of domestic leisure travel in the country.
Leisure destinations like Goa, Jaipur, Mussoorie, Mahabaleshwar etc. are running high occupancy on weekends and holidays from 60-70% (significantly lower than last year), but with less reduction in ADRs down by 7-8%. However, business travel is severely impacted and it may take mid of next year to get back to normal. Only after reduced virus related infections and/or availability of a vaccine. Currently, the occupancy of business hotels is very low despite offering significantly reduced ADRs by 30-35%. This clubbed with reduction in repatriation business has really impacted the large chains with high investments. However, air travel is seeing some improvement as the occupancy has increased but on a lower base, the passenger load factor in the month of September 2020 has shown some recovery due to increased demand after the opening of lockdown.
This will call for efficient management of events and operations. The Industry is also catching on to Atma Nirbharta by looking to increase its focus on local sourcing of ingredients and components in its key pillars of food and beverage, engineering equipment etc. Continued incentives from the government will help in reviving this industry which happens to be one of the largest employment drivers. Maybe a right time for the ecosystem to come together and with the support of the government create a platform connecting farm to plate, engineering to infra, technology to experience, and medicare to guests.
The future looks promising as India is ranked third in the list of future bookings during November-December, falling behind only Thailand and UAE, as per a recent report by RateGain.Indians may end up exploring India more than ever, given that the global travel restrictions may take time to ease; Indians are anxious but also enterprising at the same time.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHospitalityWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHospitalityWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.


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Holiday season 2018: Etsy weighs in on decoration trends
It seems the holiday shopping season gets earlier and earlier every year the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season in the UK and Europe), and the DIY hub recently released its top searches and trends.
Though there will always be a place for traditional plaids, snowy whites and festive metallics during the holiday season, it seems this year’s searches show consumers are looking for décor that’s daring – items with a high Instagram-friendly factor. As forecasted by WGSN, consumers are embracing colour, self-expression and burst of playfulness as December approaches.
A perennial favorite for the summer, Boho has pushed into the Christmas scope over the past few years, and according to Etsy, isn’t going away anytime soon. Compared to the same time period last year, the site has seen an has seen a 67% increase in searches related to “boho holiday” in the past three months alone. Expect to see pom pom garlands, llama icons and fairy-light-draped plants as consumers embrace this 60s and 70s inspired trend.
As forecasted in our Christmas 2018 Aurora Night trend direction, neon colours and accents become a holiday décor staple. Etsy reports that there have been over 1.3 million searches related to “neon” this year. Products from neon signs to disco ball garlands to glow-in-the-dark ornaments feel at once urban and fantastical.
With Chip and Joanna Gaines on track for complete and utter world domination, it’s no surprise that the farmhouse trend still has legs. At Etsy, searches related to “modern farmhouse” have spiked 142% this year. What’s more, the site has seen over 7.7 million searches related to “rustic.” While out shooting retail this holiday season, we’ve seen retailers stock galvanized metal, linen and wood materials and rustic greenery.
Want more? Head to WGSN Lifestyle and Interiors’ report, Christmas Crafting.
Images: Hearth & Hand At Target, World Market, Urban Outfitters, Hearth & Hand At Target
The post Holiday season 2018: Etsy weighs in on decoration trends appeared first on WGSN Insider.


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Toyota shutdown sees two-thirds of local workforce axed
Toyota Australia's plan to end local manufacturing operations by 2017 will see the axing of two-thirds of its workforce – from 3900 to around 1300, according to a statement released by the company.
Toyota initially announced its intention to end local production in February, the last of three automakers – including Ford and Holden – to do so.
Consolidating operations, it will have its main headquarters in Port Melbourne, whilst its Altona factory will be used for different purposes and Sydney operations will be shut down.
Toyota's four major parts centres will undergo "major reform to improve global competitiveness".
"A difficult time"
Toyota Australia's president Dave Buttner said the recent announcements came in a year that had been "extremely tough" for the company.
"We understand that it is a difficult time for many of our employees and we are committed to supporting them during the transition period," he said.
Buttner said he hoped the changes would help the company's Australian operations remain sustainable for the next 50 years.
"The decision to consolidate our corporate operations to Melbourne supports our long-term vision and will assist us in improving business efficiency, increase collaboration and reduce operating costs," he said.
"The intention is that the relocation will be aligned to the end of manufacturing and we will encourage our Sydney-based employees to move to Melbourne."
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KUCHING: The prices of goodies that filled almost all markets and supermarkets have increased to the dismay of the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrants.
From cookies and home decorations to groceries, the prices of such items have increased by more than 10 per cent, according to shop owner at the Kenyalang Park Commercial Centre here, Madam Lau in her 50s when met at a random price check survey by the New Sarawak Tribune on Thursday.
Based on the survey, what she said was true as even the price of the delicious cookies now costs not less than RM20 with the exception of the cake lapis (layer cake) which still costs RM10.
And from RM20 onwards, the delicious popular Golden Momo biscuits, baked by the Mayflower Crazy Cookies, are priced at RM28 per plastic bottle, 3 in 1 cookies (RM28), pumpkin wholemeal (RM28), pineapple tarts at a whooping RM34, croquant biscuits (RM28) and Tri Angel cookies (RM28).
Such spiraling costs due to the economic slowdown in the country have, sort of, dampened the spirit of not only the CNY celebrants celebrating the festivity this year but also the non-celebrants.
Hence, there may be less excitement going around this coming CNY celebration and no one can exactly say it is not because of the weather but rather the slow economic slowdown.


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Ukraine: Inflation edges up in January
February 9, 2017
In January, consumer prices rose 1.1% from the previous month, after December’s 0.9% increase. December’s reading had marked a four-month low. The rise was due to higher prices for transportation and food and beverages.
Inflation edged up from December’s 12.4% to 12.6% in January—a 10-month high. Although price pressures have picked up recently due to adjustments in gas prices, inflation remains significantly lower than January 2016’s 40.3%. Annual average inflation continued to ease, falling from 14.9% in December to 12.6% in January, the lowest result since December 2014.


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Bayern Munich have followed in the footsteps of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus this summer by releasing a new adidas third kit created with recycled Parley Ocean Plastic®.
The 'steel grey' kit, which fuses performance technology and eco-innovative design, has been modelled by the likes of James Rodriguez, David Alaba and Mats Hummels.
In a bid to end plastic pollution of the oceans, adidas and Parley collaborate to 'Avoid, Intercept and Redesign' and convert up-cycled marine plastic debris into technical yarn fibres.
"With every kit we create we are committed to constantly innovating while also drawing on the unrivalled heritage of adidas football," Juergen Rank, Senior Design Director at adidas, said.
"Our partnership with Parley for the Oceans is allowing us to push this innovation even further than ever before, producing kits that set new standards in sustainability while also allowing players to perform at their very best.
"We are delighted to bring this innovation to FC Bayern, one of the world's most iconic clubs."
Bayern kicked off their 2018/19 Bundesliga campaign with a 3-1 home win over Hoffenheim last week and will travel to Stuttgart for their next game this coming weekend.


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US-based bakery King’s Hawaiian has reached a confidential settlement agreement with Super Store Industries (SSI) and Save Mart Supermarkets over a packaging trade dress lawsuit.
In April, the bakery filed a lawsuit against SSI in the US District Court for the Eastern District of California.
The lawsuit alleged that SSI’s Sunnyside Farms-branded ‘Hawaiian’ roll packaging infringed the intellectual property rights of the packaging used for King’s Hawaiian’s sweet dinner rolls.
King’s Hawaiian is the owner of all rights and titles to the sweet roll packaging trade dress.
King’s Hawaiian president Chad Donvito said: “The King’s Hawaiian packaging trade dress is one of our most valuable assets and something that the family ownership of the company takes great pride in having developed.
“In order to protect it, we have assembled an excellent legal team to enforce our intellectual property rights in the trade dress.
“We have invested significant time and resources and it is our intent that this legal team will take appropriate action to protect our trade dress any time, in any place and at any cost.”
The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, but King’s Hawaiian said that the Sunnyside Farms packaging will be changed.
As of 1 September, the company has dismissed the lawsuit it filed in the federal court.
This is the seventh lawsuit that King’s Hawaiian has filed and resolved over its packaging since its foundation.
The company settled lawsuits with Aldi in 2016 and 2019, Alpha Baking Company in 2016 and Southern Bakeries and Harlan Bakeries earlier this year.
Its 2019 lawsuit against Aldi alleged that the supermarket chain had infringed on its intellectual property rights in the orange packaging trade dress used for Aldi’s Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls.
The lawsuit was settled on confidential terms and resulted in Aldi promising to change the packaging of its Hawaiian bread stuffing mix.


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An additional ALDI store will open in Platte County this week.
As previously reported by The Landmark, a new ALDI location is going in near I-29 and 64th Street, Kansas City in southern Platte County. ALDI have said the store will open on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 6328 North Chatham Ave., Kansas City.
ALDI says it will host a “socially distant ribbon cutting ceremony” for the new store at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9.
This will be the second ALDI location in Platte County, with the other being at Tiffany Springs.
Propelled by an investment of more than $5 billion to open new stores and remodel existing ones across the country, ALDI says it is investing heavily in the Kansas City area. “Through new stores and remodels, ALDI is ensuring that the rapidly growing community of local ALDI fans has convenient access,” company officials said in a press release. With two new locations and four existing store renovations planned by year-end, ALDI is set to operate more than 35 stores in the market by the end of 2021.
The Kansas City region is also a key part of the company’s broader expansion of its renewable energy portfolio. ALDI says it is on track to install solar panels on approximately 15 Kansas City-area stores and its regional distribution center by the end of 2021. These solar panels are projected to power 40%-60% of each stores’ total energy needs.
“We’ve been in the Kansas City market for more than 30 years, but the last few have been transformative with our expansion and improvements to existing stores,” said Mark Bersted, Olathe division vice president for ALDI. “In 2021, we’ve been busier than ever in the best way possible. We’re proud and passionate about our Kansas City growth because we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, fresh groceries at unbeatable ALDI prices to as many shoppers as possible.”
ALDI says its stores are purposefully designed for simplicity and efficiency. A typical store is approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space, making ALDI stores much easier to navigate than traditional grocery stores. Stores also feature open ceilings, natural lighting and are built with environmentally friendly materials. Most importantly, ALDI stores are optimized to provide the cleanest and safest shopping environment possible, as the health and safety of customers and employees is the company’s top priority. In addition, the retailer remains focused on ensuring stores are stocked with food and household essentials customers need, including healthy, convenient options and a robust selection of produce delivered fresh to stores daily.
Known as private-label pioneers, the ALDI business model is intentionally designed to offer customers high-quality products at low prices, every day. The retailer says it consistently maintains low prices by working with the best partners to curate a selection of more than 90% exclusive brands.
ALDI says it also remains focused on expanding curbside pickup to even more stores.


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UPS announced this week that it will begin offering Saturday residential delivery in Canada for the service UPS Standard, which features ground delivery to customers in most Canadian cities. Shippers should note that the new weekend delivery expansion for this specific international shipping service only applies to shipments originating within Canada as well as the United States.
Saturday Residential Delivery for UPS Standard Has Previously Not Been Available in Canada
According to UPS, the company is now “the first integrated carrier to offer Saturday residential delivery in Canada as a general service offering for all customers.”
In a press release announcing the service launch, UPS said the following:
“UPS is the first global small package carrier in Canada to provide committed Saturday ground residential delivery of shipments from the U.S. and within Canada at no additional cost. Starting in the GTA, customers who normally receive their residential deliveries on Monday will now receive them on Saturday. The service is scheduled to be available in Montreal, Laval, Calgary, and Greater Vancouver by March. Once fully implemented, the majority of Canadian addresses in metropolitan cities will be eligible to have packages delivered on Saturday.”
Where Does UPS Standard Offer Weekend Residential Delivery Service?
Per the UPS press release, weekend delivery service for UPS Standard is currently available in the Greater Toronto Area. By March 2024, it will be available in Montreal, Laval, Calgary, and Greater Vancouver. UPS stated that once it implements the service expansion, most Canadian residential addresses in metropolitan areas will be eligible for Saturday delivery. It is unclear whether the carrier plans to expand this service to other Canadian cities as well as other destinations outside of what UPS deems to be “metropolitan” areas.
To learn more about domestic shipping within Canada, including the new weekend residential delivery expansion for UPS Standard, visit the UPS website.


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For the fans of Rainbow Six Siege, they are in for a huge treat. That is because the highly anticipated patch 2.1 is now live. This is expected to improve the overall gameplay experience of the community.
According to GameSpot, developer Ubisoft Montreal just released the aforementioned update on Rainbow Six Siege. Interestingly, this is deemed to be the game's first major game update and is part of the current Operation Health initiative. The latter, in one way or another, aims to bring upgrades to the entire gameplay experience within the title.
The official patch notes can be accessed here, but it mainly focuses on the so-called One-Step Matchmaking. This basically promotes more in-game stability and "faster matchmaking results," which is something that fans have been complaining about. The studio sees it as a huge step towards achieving "better performance" and, more importantly, "faster queue times."
As for the Interactive Matchmaking, it is also new in Rainbow Six Siege. This allows players to roam the menus freely while waiting for a match to commence. They are also now able to buy new Operators or tweak their loadouts. The list just goes on and one, thanks to patch 2.1. It should be noted that these were impossible to make in the previous version of the game. Why? That is because players can only do so if and only if they already joined a matchmaking queue.
The above-mentioned Rainbox Six Siege update also implements the hitbox changes previously unveiled by the developers. Players will no longer experience damage when they hit or attack things that, in one way or another, should not hurt them. This is best exemplified on stuff like accessories and/or baggy clothing.
This is Xbox, on the other hand, reports that the next update for Rainbox Six Siege will primarily focus on some of the issues in the game. This includes the problems players experience on Hibana, Smoke grenade application and even aiming consistency problems. Ubisoft is expected to reveal more details about the next update in the next few weeks or so.


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Indie development studio Headup Games has released the puzzle game Bridge Constructor Portal. The game combines Bridge Constructor with the popular Portal franchise brand.
The new game is said to be the next iteration of Headup Games' Bridge Constructor series that combines the series with the iconic Portal franchise.
The new stand-alone title will fully embrace the Portal franchise license to blend the laws of structural engineering and technology straight from Aperture Laboratories into a new experience.
To celebrate the launch of the game the development studio has also released the game's launch trailer. The trailer provides a better look at the game's gameplay mechanics and graphics.
Bridge Constructor Portal is now available for PC, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS.


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Aus Post ‘forgets’ mailbox for five months
AUSTRALIA POST has been forced to apologise to residents of a Victorian town after it was revealed a post box had not been emptied for five months.
The box, located in Beechworth, had been neglected by Australia Post since October 2017.
When it was finally emptied, it was "full to the brim" with bills, letters, Christmas cards and even same-sex marriage ballots.
The error was discovered by Beechworth's Plumbing Plus after many clients with overdue bills told owner Joanne Westra they had never received their invoice.
Mrs Westra contacted Australia Post to demand an answer, only to be told one of the town's post boxes, located on Junction Road, had apparently been forgotten by the organisation for almost half a year.
In a Facebook post, the company alerted customers to the problem, and confirmed Australia Post had apologised for the oversight.
"Beechworth's Plumbing Plus wish to advise our account customers, who receive their invoices and statements by mail, that unfortunately we have discovered that the post box on Junction Rd, a few metres from our front door, had not been cleared since October," the post read.
"We had noticed that some of our customers had fallen behind in their payments. At the same time we had started to get an increasing number of customers saying that they had not received their monthly statements.
"It did take us 5 months of posting at Junction Rd to finally figure this out. We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience that this has caused.
"We are also concerned about other local people in the Junction Rd area who had posted items in this box as it was full to the brim with items including Christmas cards, bill payments, personal letters, etc.
"Australia Post have apologised to us for their mistake. Regular clearing of this box has now resumed."
Mrs Westra told The Border Mail she was unimpressed by the "compensation" offered by Australia Post.
"We realised because we couldn't fit our post in there anymore, it was filled to the brim," she said.
"All I'll say is $50 in compensation and two boxes of stamps isn't much.
"We're also aware of Christmas cards, birthday cards and a large cheque an elderly man sent to pay for hay bales that was never received."
Mrs Westra said a sign had been posted to the box in October alerting residents that clearing times were about to change to 1pm Monday to Friday from October 9 onwards.
But apparently, staff then forgot about the box altogether.
An Australia Post spokeswoman told The Border Mail the problem had now been rectified.
"Australia Post wholeheartedly apologises for this error," she said.
"We can confirm all mail has now been delivered with a letter of explanation and an apology.
"This is an isolated incident that occurred when the collection route was handed over to a different team."


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Is this another crisis like the one we had in 2008?
Not quite. Maximo Torero of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC notes that oil, the real driver of food prices and of the 2008 crisis, is relatively cheap, at around $75 a barrel, not over $100 as it was in 2008.
In 2008, both immediate grain prices, and the prices offered for future grain purchases in commodities markets, climbed steadily for months, whereas now they are spiking and dipping more unpredictably, which economists call volatility.
“The market fundamentals – supply and demand – do not warrant the price increases we have seen,” says Torero. Not all harvests have been bad, and after 2008 countries rebuilt grain stocks. “There are enough stocks in the US alone to cover the expected losses in Russia.”
The food riots in Mozambique were not due to world grain prices, he says, but because Mozambique devalued its currency, making imported food more expensive.
So what has been happening this year?
Markets are responding nervously to incomplete information. First there was a series of shocks: Russia’s export ban, lower maize forecasts, then, days later, a US ruling to allow more bioethanol in fuel which seemed likely to further reduce the maize – the main source of bioethanol – available for food. Meanwhile there was no reliable information about grain stocks, which is strategic information that most countries keep secret.
The result was nervous bidding and sporadically surging prices in commodity markets. And that attracted the real problem: investors wielding gargantuan sums of speculative capital and hoping to make a killing. When speculation exacerbated the price crisis of 2008, Joachim von Braun of the University of Bonn, Germany, then head of IFPRI, predicted that it would continue causing problems. “We saw that one coming and it came,” he says. “Food markets have new design flaws, with their inter-linkages to financial markets.”
Volatility also makes it harder to solve the long-term, underlying problem – inadequate food production – by making farmers and banks reluctant to invest in improved agricultural technology as they are unsure of what returns they will get. “Investment in more production alone will not solve the problem,” says von Braun. As long as extreme speculation causes constant price bubbles and crashes, either farmers will not get good enough returns to continue investing in production, or consumers will not be able to afford the food.
“Without action to curb excessive speculation, we will see further increases in these volatilities,” he says.
The Economist (Dec 6th 2007) writes about how global agricultural prices are Cheap no more:
…what is most remarkable about the present bout of “agflation” is that record prices are being achieved at a time not of scarcity but of abundance. According to the International Grains Council, a trade body based in London, this year’s total cereals crop will be 1.66 billion tonnes, the largest on record and 89m tonnes more than last year’s harvest, another bumper crop. That the biggest grain harvest the world has ever seen is not enough to forestall scarcity prices tells you that something fundamental is affecting the world’s demand for cereals.
Two things, in fact. One is increasing wealth in China and India. This is stoking demand for meat in those countries, in turn boosting the demand for cereals to feed to animals. The use of grains for bread, tortillas and chapattis is linked to the growth of the world’s population. It has been flat for decades, reflecting the slowing of population growth. But demand for meat is tied to economic growth (see chart 1) and global GDP is now in its fifth successive year of expansion at a rate of 4%-plus.
Higher incomes in India and China have made hundreds of millions of people rich enough to afford meat and other foods. In 1985 the average Chinese consumer ate 20kg (44lb) of meat a year; now he eats more than 50kg. China’s appetite for meat may be nearing satiation, but other countries are following behind: in developing countries as a whole, consumption of cereals has been flat since 1980, but demand for meat has doubled.
Not surprisingly, farmers are switching, too: they now feed about 200m-250m more tonnes of grain to their animals than they did 20 years ago. That increase alone accounts for a significant share of the world’s total cereals crop. Calorie for calorie, you need more grain if you eat it transformed into meat than if you eat it as bread: it takes three kilograms of cereals to produce a kilo of pork, eight for a kilo of beef. So a shift in diet is multiplied many times over in the grain markets. Since the late 1980s an inexorable annual increase of 1-2% in the demand for feedgrains has ratcheted up the overall demand for cereals and pushed up prices.
Because this change in diet has been slow and incremental, it cannot explain the dramatic price movements of the past year. The second change can: the rampant demand for ethanol as fuel for American cars. In 2000 around 15m tonnes of America’s maize crop was turned into ethanol; this year the quantity is likely to be around 85m tonnes. America is easily the world’s largest maize exporter—and it now uses more of its maize crop for ethanol than it sells abroad.
Ethanol is the dominant reason for this year’s increase in grain prices. It accounts for the rise in the price of maize because the federal government has in practice waded into the market to mop up about one-third of America’s corn harvest. A big expansion of the ethanol programme in 2005 explains why maize prices started rising in the first place.
Ethanol accounts for some of the rise in the prices of other crops and foods too. Partly this is because maize is fed to animals, which are now more expensive to rear. Partly it is because America’s farmers, eager to take advantage of the biofuels bonanza, went all out to produce maize this year, planting it on land previously devoted to wheat and soyabeans. This year America’s maize harvest will be a jaw-dropping 335m tonnes, beating last year’s by more than a quarter. The increase has been achieved partly at the expense of other food crops.
Guess who loses
According to the World Bank, 3 billion people live in rural areas in developing countries, of whom 2.5 billion are involved in farming. That 3 billion includes three-quarters of the world’s poorest people. So in principle the poor overall should gain from higher farm incomes. In practice many will not. There are large numbers of people who lose more from higher food bills than they gain from higher farm incomes. Exactly how many varies widely from place to place.
Among the losers from higher food prices are big importers. … some of the poorest places in Asia (Bangladesh and Nepal) and Africa (Benin and Niger) also face higher food bills. Developing countries as a whole will spend over $50 billion importing cereals this year, 10% more than last.
In every country, the least well-off consumers are hardest hit when food prices rise. This is true in rich and poor countries alike but the scale in the latter is altogether different. As Gary Becker, a Nobel economics laureate at the University of Chicago, points out, if food prices rise by one-third, they will reduce living standards in rich countries by about 3%, but in very poor ones by over 20%.