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Another round of price hikes will start hitting grocery stores in the coming weeks, mostly due to the end of a little-known holiday tradition in the grocery business, the head of Quebec supermarket giant Metro Inc. says.
Metro chief executive Eric La Flèche said his chain, like most of its rivals, runs an annual blackout on all cost increases from mid-November until February as a way of making things as simple as possible during the all-important holiday rush. That meant food suppliers couldn’t ask grocers for more money even as inflation tore through the supply chain , making fuel and freight and packaging more expensive. So the requests piled up.
Metro now has a backlog of “thousands” of those requests, La Flèche said, and they will start working their way through the system and showing up on shelves in February when the blackout ends.
“There are cost increases coming,” he told a news conference on Jan. 24 after the Montreal-based retailer’s annual general meeting.
The industry-wide cost blackout came to light late last year when Metro and other industry insiders raised their eyebrows at a so-called “price freeze” at the country’s biggest grocer, Loblaw Cos. Ltd.
In mid-October, Loblaw announced it was freezing prices on its in-store discount brand, No Name, until the end of January. President Galen Weston told customers he was trying to make a “meaningful difference to your grocery budget” and provide some relief from inflation.
But sources in food manufacturing dismissed the move as a meaningless marketing ploy, since the annual blackout meant suppliers couldn’t raise their prices at retail anyway. Metro told CBC News that it was “industry practice” to freeze prices — a statement that backfired when some food scholars, including Dalhousie University professor Sylvain Charlebois, questioned whether such a practice would run afoul of federal competition law.
“That’s a long-time practice at our company, and as far as we know, at most retailers. But again, we don’t speak for others,” La Flèche clarified during the news conference. “We had a blackout period and we didn’t accept cost increases.
Loblaw argued the price freeze was unlike anything done before in the industry. It focused on holding prices steady in stores, rather than swatting away cost increase requests at the wholesale level, spokesperson Catherine Thomas said at the time.
If we don’t accept cost increases, there’s no increase at retail
But La Flèche suggested the two are the same thing.
“If we don’t accept cost increases, there’s no increase at retail. So, essentially, prices are pretty frozen for us during that period,” he said.
Metro and its competitors have faced accusations of price-gouging in the last year, after a handful of progressive think thanks questioned how the big grocery chains were managing to boost profits while shoppers faced the worst food inflation since the early 1980s.
“E veryone knows retail prices move all the time and food inflation has continued,” Loblaw’s Thomas said. “What we did wasn’t the norm. It was the biggest act of inflation-fighting in Canadian grocery, and it saved customers a huge amount of money at a time when they needed it most.”
In a quarterly update on Jan. 24, Metro said it grew profits by about 11 per cent and announced a 10-per-cent hike to its dividend for shareholders. But La Flèche said the extra profits came because his company managed costs well, not due to inflation.
The company reported that food inflation helped drive better-than-expected sales of $4.7 billion in the first quarter. But the deluge of cost increases from suppliers forced Metro to take slightly less margin on those sales. La Flèche said Metro received 27,000 requests for cost increases on dry goods alone in 2022 — about three times the normal rate.
He said he can’t pass all those costs onto the consumer and still stay competitive in a market where more cash-strapped consumers are constantly looking for deals.
“We’re selling more and more product on feature at a lower margin,” La Flèche said.
The company ranks as the third-largest grocery chain in Canada, including Food Basics and the Quebec pharmacy chain Jean Coutu. But La Flèche said he’s often at a disadvantage in negotiations with multinational food brands.
“If we want access to their merchandise,” he said, “we don’t necessarily have the big end of the stick all the time.”
• Email: [email protected] | Twitter: jakeedmiston
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2023


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The private information of an estimated 10.3 million users of online shopping mall Inter park has been stolen by a hacker group.
The information includes names, addresses, email addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers. Police launched an investigation after learning about the massive data theft.
The e-commerce company, owned by U.S. online shopping giant eBay, apologized Monday.
“On July 11, Interpark became aware that some of our user information had been stolen by a hacker group through an advanced persistent threat attack, and reported the hack to the police the next day,” said Interpark on its website.
An advanced persistent threat (APT) attack is carried out on a compromised system over a long period of time without detection, instead of making a onetime hit.
According to the National Police Agency’s Cyber Bureau, the attack began in early May. Interpark only became aware of this when the hackers demanded 3 billion won worth of Bitcoins, a cyber currency that is traded like hard cash.
The company said highly sensitive information such as resident registration numbers and account passwords were not stolen
By Park Si-soo

domain: news


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Elusive Aussie Bitcoin founder a reluctant identity Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright, who has revealed himself as the creator of the virtual Bitcoin currency, is an elusive individual.
Kazakhstan’s financial institutions banned from using Bitcoin There is a tough national legislation to counteract money laundering and banks are not allowed to service transactions involving unidentified parties: Central Bank representative.
Japan says Bitcoin not a currency, but taxable Bitcoin is not a currency but transactions involving it should be "subject to taxation", Japan's government said Friday, in a move that could pave the way for formal regulations on the troubled virtual unit.
Man identified as Bitcoin creator denies involvement A man named as being the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin on Thursday denied having a role in the virtual unit, telling reporters he was "not involved."
Buffett says bitcoin 'not a currency' The Oracle of Omaha is not a believer in bitcoin.
MtGox opens call centre after $500m Bitcoin loss The MtGox Bitcoin exchange, which last week sought bankruptcy protection in Japan, opened a helpline for anxious customers on Monday after unveiling a massive loss in a possible theft.
Vietnam restricts use of Bitcoin Vietnam has banned its banks from handling Bitcoins, saying the virtual currency is not legal tender in the communist nation.
Bitcoin users to gather in Tokyo amid MtGox woes Bitcoin users in Tokyo will gather on Thursday for a meeting set to be dominated by the shuttering of the MtGox exchange amid claims of a multi-million dollar theft.
Japan probing bitcoin exchange after huge reported theft Japanese authorities were Wednesday probing the troubled MtGox bitcoin exchange after claims of a multi-million dollar theft from its digital vaults.
Cyber thieves blamed for Bitcoin heist: researchers A gang of cyber criminals using an army of infected computers made off with at least $220,000 worth of Bitcoins and other virtual currencies.
Bitcoin is no way to avoid losses amid devaluation in Kazakhstan Bitcoin is not a good way to save money for Kazakhstanis frantically trying to hedge themselves amid the 20% tenge devaluation.
Winkdex: Winklevosses make their own Bitcoin index Early Bitcoin investors Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have created their own index of the virtual currency, as they gear up to launch the first publicly traded US Bitcoin fund.
Kazakhstan’s Central Bank Governor on Bitcoin Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry views Bitcoin as a threat to the country’s banks.
Bitcoin dealers charged in US with money laundering US authorities Monday filed criminal charges against two operators of a Bitcoin exchange, including the head of a company with high-profile investment backers.


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LONDON — At some point — perhaps it was gazing at a Le Pain Quotidien menu offering an “organic baker’s basket served with organic butter, organic jam and organic spread” as well as seasonally organic orange juice — I found I just could not stomach the “O” word or what it stood for any longer.
Organic has long since become an ideology, the romantic back-to-nature obsession of an upper middle class able to afford it and oblivious, in their affluent narcissism, to the challenge of feeding a planet whose population will surge to 9 billion before the middle of the century and whose poor will get a lot more nutrients from the two regular carrots they can buy for the price of one organic carrot.
An effective form of premium branding rather than a science, a slogan rather than better nutrition, “organic” has oozed over the menus, markets and malls of the world’s upscale neighborhood at a remarkable pace. In 2010, according to the Organic Trade Association, organic food and drink sales totaled $26.7 billion in the United States, or about 4 percent of the overall market, having grown steadily since 2000. The British organic market is also large; menus like to mention that bacon comes from pampered pigs at the Happy Hog farm down the road.
In the midst of the fad few questions have been asked. But the fact is that buying organic baby food, a growing sector, is like paying to send your child to private school: It is a class-driven decision that demonstrates how much you love your offspring but whose overall impact on society is debatable.
So I cheered this week when Stanford University concluded, after examining four decades of research, that fruits and vegetables labeled organic are, on average, no more nutritious than their cheaper conventional counterparts. The study also found that organic meats offered no obvious health advantages. And it found that organic food was not less likely to be contaminated by dangerous bacteria like E.coli.
The takeaway from the study could be summed up in two words: Organic, schmorganic. That’s been my feeling for a while.
Now let me say three nice things about the organic phenomenon. The first is that it reflects a growing awareness about diet that has spurred quality, small-scale local farming that had been at risk of disappearance.
The second is that even if it’s not better for you, organic farming is probably better for the environment because less soil, flora and fauna are contaminated by chemicals (although of course, without fertilizers, you have to use more land to grow the same amount of produce or feed the same amount of livestock.) So this is food that is better ecologically even if it is not better nutritionally.
The third is that the word organic — unlike other feel-good descriptions of food like “natural” — actually means something. Certification procedures in both the United States and Britain are strict. In the United States, organic food must meet standards ensuring that genetic engineering, synthetic fertilizers, sewage and irradiation were not used in the food’s production. It must also be produced using methods that, according to the Department of Agriculture, “foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.”
Still, the organic ideology is an elitist, pseudoscientific indulgence shot through with hype. There is a niche for it, if you can afford to shop at Whole Foods, but the future is nonorganic.
To feed a planet of 9 billion people, we are going to need high yields not low yields; we are going to need genetically modified crops; we are going to need pesticides and fertilizers and other elements of the industrialized food processes that have led mankind to be better fed and live longer than at any time in history.
Logically, the organic movement should favor genetically modified produce. If you cannot use pesticides or fertilizers, you might at least want to modify your crops so they are more resilient and plentiful. But that would go against the ideology and romance of a movement that says: We are for nature, everyone else is against nature.
I’d rather be against nature and have more people better fed. I’d rather be serious about the world’s needs. And I trust the monitoring agencies that ensure pesticides are used at safe levels — a trust the Stanford study found to be justified.
Martin Orbach, the co-founder and program director of the Abergavenny Food Festival in Britain, owns a company called Shepherds that produces a superb sheep’s milk ice-cream sold at a store in Hay-on-Wye. It has a cult following at the Hay literary festival and beyond. Journalists, Orbach told me, regularly report that they have eaten an “organic sheep’s milk ice cream.”
The only catch is this is not true. “We have never said it’s organic because it would be illegal for us to do so,” Orbach said. “But it fits with the story of a small sheep’s milk ice-cream maker.”
Organic is a fable of the pampered parts of the planet — romantic and comforting. Now, thanks to Stanford researchers, we know just how replete with myth the “O” fable is.


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It’s extremely important to wear helmets when riding motorcycles, according to Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, but that’s not just her personal opinion — it’s based on clear facts about what happens in the case of a crash.
“We know from research that every time a state repeals its motorcycle helmet laws, there’s an immediate jump in deaths and brain injuries from motorcycle crashes,” Gillan told TechNewsWorld.
Head injuries are a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes, according to the Brain Injury Association of America.
However, helmets reduce motorcyclist deaths by 37 percent and brain injuries by 67 percent, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2009, helmets saved the lives of 1,483 motorcycles, and 732 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had been wearing helmets.
Some states require motorcyclists to wear helmets, but there are strong lobbying efforts to repeal or restrict those laws. Such movements — and their appeals to personal freedom and liberty — are a mistake, in Gillan’s view.
It’s not just a matter of personal choice, she argued. There are a number of real social costs involved when a helmetless motorcyclist crashes and requires medical care.
“When you’re riding on public roads, and you’re picked up by an ambulance funded by public money, and you go to a hospital supported by public funds, you’re incurring a social cost,” said Gillan. “It really isn’t an individual decision, any more than wearing a seatbelt or not driving drunk.”
Helmet Wish List
Riders can be confused by all the bells and whistles on today’s motorcycle helmets, but many of the features to look for are based on common sense, said Karen Aldana, director of media relations with the NHTSA.
“Consumers should look for a helmet that fits snugly and comfortably and is compliant with safety standards,” Aldana told TechNewsWorld. “A compliant helmet will have a thick — about one inch — rigid inner lining, and the DOT label will be attached to the center back of the helmet. Also, the straps will be firmly attached to the helmet.”
Features that make helmets more comfortable can be just as important as safety features, she noted, since they ensure that consumers will want to buy and wear the helmets.
“Consumers may find a range of options in helmets that comply with safety standards,” said Aldana. “They do not make the helmets more effective, but they may make the helmets more comfortable.”
‘Ultimate Street Helmet’
Many riders don’t like helmets because they restrict visibility or sound, but helmet designers and manufacturers are addressing those concerns by creating helmets that are safer and more usable than ever.Icon, for instance, recently released its Variant helmet, which features some of the newest helmet technologies.
“The Icon Variant helmet is our most-advanced helmet yet, as far as aerodynamics and street rider-specific features are concerned,” Justin Knauer, operations manager for Icon, told TechNewsWorld. “It meets what we call the ‘4 World Standard,’ by passing the toughest safety standards in the world: ECE, DOT, AIS and SG.”
The Variant offers features that will appeal to many different kinds of riders in a variety of conditions and situations.
“The Variant features a complex 3D-molded shield and an eye-port designed to maximize a rider’s view of the road,” explained Knauer. “Being able to see where you are going on a motorcycle is the best safety feature you can build into a helmet. Now add the peak flow visor that is on top of the Variant for blocking out sunshine and rain, and you’ll see why we call the Variant the ultimate street helmet.”
The company continues to evolve new helmet designs and technologies to meet the demands of 21st-century riders, Knauer noted.
“There are some really exciting things in store for the Icon helmet line,” he said. “We’re constantly refining everything in the collection, and helmets are a part of that process.”
‘Most Aerodynamic Helmet’
Want Bluetooth connectivity in your helmet? Schuberth has you covered — and in a helmet that’s aerodynamically designed, as well.
At the recent Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Cleveland, Ohio, Brian Doelling, special events coordinator with Schuberth North America, told TechNewsWorld the helmets in the Schuberth booth were “the lightest, most aerodynamic modular in the world.
“We didn’t want a big box on the side of the helmet,” he added.
Scorpion also is at the forefront of new helmet technologies. Its EXO-1100, for instance, has been billed by the company as a “next-generation helmet.”
The shell is constructed from its exclusive Thermodynamical Composite Technology material, and it features an all-new EPS liner.
“Think of it as a ‘smart helmet’ when it comes to its ability to absorb impact,” said Michael MacGregor, a product manager for Scorpion Sports. “The shell is able to gradually crumple on impact, which allows it to absorb much of the energy generated by the shock, while still retaining the majority of its structural integrity.”
The helmet has a variety of high-tech features to make the helmet appealing and usable for riders, including a special coating that ensures the inner visor never fogs up, no matter what the riding conditions. It also features a helmet inflation system that lets the rider inflate cheek pads for a perfect fit.
Scorpion continues to research new ways to make safer and more rider-friendly helmets, MacGregor told TechNewsWorld.
“In regards to the future, we have an aggressive plan for growth in 2012,” he said, “which includes launching several new helmet models and a massive expansion to our apparel lines.”


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Sample this. A request for information filed in the Prime Minister’s Office in February on Twitter handles and social media activity has elicited no information from the public information officer
The State Information Commission has now recommended that this decade-old, understaffed RTI Cell be shut, primarily in reaction to the BBMP's various departments shrugging off their responsibility in accepting RTI applications relevant to them.
Contracts signed with foreign firms by the UIDAI show that they got “full access” to classified data including fingerprints, iris scan info, and personal information like date of birth, address and mobile number of the applicants. They were also allowed to store the data for seven years.
Experts wonder why state aloof to online RTI idea
The portal, which is available only in English, would now also be available in Hindi language. A mobile RTI app has been developed for Android platform by NIC
Vijay Shekhar Sharma has agreed to sponsor 1,000 Right to Information requests for onlineRTI.com that helps people file these applications online.
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The 2020 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Starling Bank will be open for entries on 2nd March 2020.
Making the announcement, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards said 2019 was a brilliant year as it 'received 3,000 entries, traveled to three new regions, changed the style of the regional finals, shortlisted more than 700 entrepreneurs and crowned more than 100 regional winners and 14 national winners'.
It also announced that Just Eat UK founder, David Buttress, will return to the judging panel this year. A previous winner himself, David later became a member of the judging panel before taking a break to begin his new role as chairman of rugby union region the Dragons.
Among others, it also welcomes Celia Hodson to the judging panel for the first time. The Hey Girls founder was named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year at the National Final last year, and now brings bags of enthusiasm of dedication to supporting entrepreneurs as a judge.
As well as Celia and David, we’ve celebrated some incredible entrepreneurs over the past seven years including, Julie Deane of Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt of BrewDog, Shaun Pulfrey of Tangle Teezer, Alan & Juliet Barratt of Grenade, and Steve Bartlett and Dominic McGregor of Social Chain.
If you’ve got an inspiring entrepreneurial story, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards wants to hear it. Spend the next few weeks thinking about what makes your story so interesting and inspiring. You could be the next Great British Entrepreneur of the Year!
If you want to be reminded when entries open, register your interest here:
[bs_button size="block" type="primary" value="Register" href="https://gbea.typeform.com/to/s8Liqv"]


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More than a ton of advanced electronics crashed into Earth's atmosphere Sunday night, when the European GOCE orbiter ended its four-year mission. When it re-entered the atmosphere over the South Atlantic Ocean, most of the 2,425-pound craft disintegrated; about 25 percent did not.
Distraught over the devastation wreaked on his nation by Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines' representative at a global climate change conference said he will fast during the 11-day forum. Yeb Sano links weather catastrophes of recent years to global warming.
Last week a Tennessee man's car caught fire and was destroyed after he ran over a metal trailer hitch. There are about 150,000 vehicle fires in this country every year, but this one made national headlines because it was a Tesla. This is the third Tesla to catch on fire. Within three days the company's stock was down 22 percent.
For a company so focused on a single product, even just a few fires can have a huge impact. But no other car company has Elon Musk at the helm.
When the New York Times came out with an unfavorable review of the Model S, Tesla's CEO accused the author of ethics violations, "which is sort of hilarious and also very Nixonian," says jalopnik.com editor in chief Matt Hardigree. He wrote an article that compared Musk to the famously paranoid president, saying, "both Elon Musk and Richard Nixon had great Visions for the future."
It's that vision of the future that lots of people credit as the reason for Tesla's success, which at the moment is built around a single product, the Model S electric car. "Whether that's Ford and Henry's model T or Volkswagen and Dr. Porsche's Beetle, all the world's largest car manufacturers started with one," says analyst Eric Noble.
But with Tesla it's a little different. What's different, says Noble, is "there is a very strong argument that the cost of producing Model S is well above the transaction price for the vehicle."
In other words, the company loses money on Model S. As a result, Tesla more than any other car company, relies on investor goodwill and high share prices to stay afloat. Those are things that can be influenced by a charismatic, visionary leader who's great at generating buzz. But there are limits to that charisma.
When the company's defining product burst into flames not once, but three times, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started considering an investigation. All three incidents were the result of punctured batteries and not product malfunctions, but nonetheless, investors are starting to worry.
God may have rested on the seventh day, but the Postal Service won't. Amazon is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service to deliver packages to customers in Los Angeles and New York on Sundays.
"Here’s a dirty secret — the post office has been delivering on Sundays for quite awhile for its Express Mail Service," says Carl Howe, Vice President of Research at the Yankee Group. "So this is an opportunity to take advantage of infrastructure they already have in place and make some more money."
The post office brings in about the same amount of money as Amazon does every year: Roughly $60 billion. The difference is the post office’s business has been steadily declining.
"This comes at a very good time because they’re starved for cash and this will hit the bottom line immediately," says John Callan, Managing Director with Ursa Major Associates and founder of Postal Vision 20/20--an independent entity which studies the postal business model. Callan says teaming up with a progressive online company shows that the Post Office is starting to look to the future. "It helps them play into the growing marketplace of e-commerce so that they don’t have to worry so much about the dying marketplace of letter mail."
For Amazon, this is all about customer service.
"It’s about time that they did something like this for guys like me," says Tim Bajarin, a tech consultant with Creative Strategies. He's a member of Amazon’s prime service, which offers free 2 day shipping. He says it’s frustrating to order something on a Thursday and know it won’t arrive until the following week. "If you’re eBay, Amazon or Google, you still have to deal with instant gratification of a person going to a store and buying what he wants now,"
Bajarin says this deal means Amazon can get the customer closer to the immediacy of the brick and mortar experience without them having to schlep to the store.
Disaster relief is being rushed to the Philippines by organizations large and small. Rough estimates suggest more than 10,000 people died when a powerful typhoon stuck on Friday.
Big, traditional relief organizations like the Red Cross are mobilizing. But there are also many smaller efforts.
The U.S. is home to some four million Filipino-Americans. The largest Filipino community is here in Los Angeles.
The disaster was personal for Alex Montances. His mother’s side of the family is from Tacloban, the city decimated by the typhoon.
“I have a lot of first cousins back there who we haven’t heard from since Friday. It’s a pretty scary situation,” says Montances, who works with the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns.
A person can feel powerless sitting by the phone waiting. But Montances says Filipino-Americans are raising money for disaster relief at the grass-roots level. Churches are taking collections. To raise funds, one group held a 5k run.
"There’s one thing I can say about the Filipino community – there’s really a sense of ‘bayanihan’ spirit. ‘Bayanihan’ in Filipino really means like the whole community coming together to help each other out," says Montances.
These small, ad hoc relief efforts have some advantages over the big international aid groups.
Gene Tempel is dean of Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He says local Filipino groups are best at raising money from that community.
"The advantage of these diaspora organizations is that they will know how to mobilize some people at the local level – people who may not think of giving to these larger relief organizations," says Tempel.
Many Filipino-Americans could donate more than money.
“In this particular case, a lot of the immigrants are doctors and nurses. And you could perhaps see direct response from doctors and nurses to organize mission trips,” says Tempel.
Filipino groups here in the U.S. coordinate with their counterparts back in the Philippines who know how to navigate around the bureaucracy and corruption.
"Because these typhoons and disasters and earthquakes happen so frequently in the Philippines, they pretty much know the communities that they’re serving with medical or disaster relief," says Montances.
Gene Tempel agrees.
"They know the local organizations with whom to work. And I think that’s a huge advantage for them."
In fact, the big international aid groups will often partner with local nonprofits to distribute relief. So while they might be small, Tempel says, the contribution of local relief groups is vital.


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Retailers are being warned to keep up compliance with allergen legislation Natasha’s Law, as the government has issued £1.5m to local councils to crackdown on enforcement.
Introduced in October last year, Natasha’s Law requires retailers who prepare and sell fresh food-to-go products in store to list the full ingredients and certain allergens.
The 14 allergens that must be declared include celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, and tree nuts.
The restriction was named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from an allergic reaction after eating a sandwich from Pret a Manger.
Last month, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced a £1.5m fund to help 151 councils in England enforce Natasha’s Law.
Averaging £9,933 per local authority, the grant will last until March 2023.
DEFRA said: “The grant covers a single new burden: enforcement costs. From 1 October 2021, food safety and standards enforcement must include an inspection of the business’s compliance with the new allergen-labelling legislation.
“This will increase the time required for each visit by approximately one hour. The cost calculation assumes that outlets are inspected once every two years.”
Stores found breaching the regulations will be given an enforcement notice initially, with the most severe penalty being unlimited fines and a criminal offence. Stores that don’t sell food-to-go don’t have to comply.
Store owners across England reported a mixed level of enforcement by local councils, so far.
Although retailers across Birmingham said they had received visits, some stores in Manchester, Cambridgeshire and the Midlands have seen no enforcement officers.
Despite the lack of inspections, retailers praised suppliers such as Cuisine de France and Blakemore for their support, but stressed the importance of remaining compliant, especially with the increased funding.
Amit Puntambekar, of Ash’s Shop in Cambridgeshire, told betterRetailing: “Our local authority isn’t the most diligent on checks, but we’ve seen support from Cuisine de France who constantly upgrade their equipment. We can now include information such as calorie counts.
“I was quite nervous about having allergens on hand, but we’ve remained fully compliant and haven’t had hassle from anyone.”
Shortly after Natasha’s Law came into force, an betterRetailing investigation found 60% of independent retailers across the south of England were in breach of the legislation.


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Author: Mike Schussler Source: BankservAfrica
BankservAfrica Disposable Salary Index reveals good news for retail sector
South Africa’s retail sector is getting a spring bonus, as both disposable salaries and the number of people taking home more than R10 000 every month have seen a massive increase. This is according to the latest BankservAfrica Disposable Salary Index (BDSI).
The spike in the amount of cash that consumers have in their pockets may, in turn, also help third-quarter growth. Mike Schüssler, chief economist for economists.co.za explains that the BDSI has not shown double digit increases since April 2012, and the current increase is the highest since September 2010. While inflation was very high in July at 6.3%, the fact is that even after allowing for consumer price increases, the average salary increased way above inflation. The average take-home pay increased to R10 924 per month.
“This means that for the first time in 11 months, average real disposable salaries are showing positive growth on a year-on-year basis. The real increase in disposable salaries is, therefore, 4.7% in July 2013 – the highest of such level in nearly two years,” he says.
Good news for retail
Schüssler expects the huge nominal salary increases to decline again – but not before giving the economy a short-term boost.
“The economy may benefit for a short period from this temporary spike. We expect that there will be another big increase in consumer spending in the next month or so which may actually assist third-quarter growth.
“However, the BDSI figures also show just how weak the South African economy was in the third quarter of 2012, as both the delay in salary increases and the strikes had major effects on the overall consumer behaviour.”
The numbers in perspective
Schüssler also cautioned against too much optimism, as this positive news is partly a timing issue.
“For the June and July figures some caution is needed when looking at the percentage increases, as some increases are actually higher than would be the case under normal conditions.
“It is important to keep in mind that salary increases were paid to public service members very late in 2012. This resulted in the fact that the current numbers actually reflect two years’ worth of increases for them, artificially increasing growth at this point. In other words, the current figures may be a temporary blip that will fade away after August payments. In all likelihood, we will only see a more realistic picture in the September data.
”However, according to Schüssler, not all of the BDSI increase seems to be from last year’s delay in salary implementation. There seems to be a slight decrease in the number of employees paid. At the same time, the overall total salary bill over the last three months increased by 12.2%. This is confirmed by the 16.9% increase in personal income tax collected by SARS in June 2013, compared to a year ago.
“This certainly shows that overall salary levels and tax collections from individuals are rising rapidly,” says Schüssler.
More people earn upward of R10 000 per month
CEO for regulated products at BankservAfrica Brad Gillis says South Africa’s median disposable salary has increased for the first time to over R8 000 per month.
Gillis says that although this, too, may be a temporary phenomenon it does, however, show that the number of people in formal sector employment with take-home salaries of over R10 000 per month is increasing. Interestingly enough, July 2013 was the first month in the history of the BDSI during which 40% of all disposable salaries captured on the BankservAfrica system were over R10 000.
“This means that after tax, medical aid, pensions and other deductions, 40% of the formal workforce who are paid electronically via the South African payments system now get at least R10 000 in their bank account,” Gillis explains.
With many sectors still bargaining over their wage settlements, it is likely that the number of employees who earn a disposable salary of over R10 000 per month (paid electronically into their bank accounts) may increase in the next couple of months.
Average disposable pensions
Disposable pensions increased with about 12% on a year ago and currently stand at R5 024 per month, which is still less than 50% of average disposable salaries.
Contact Gerian Miller for more information: GerianM@bankservafrica.com or (011) 497 4067
Note to the editor:
The BDSI data is smoothed on a three month moving average basis and adjusted for both weekly payments and pension payments. The average pension payments are only about 60% of those of people in employ, so the BDSI focuses on the employed and their salary payouts. We therefore adjusted the monthly numbers to take this into account. The average disposable salary is adjusted on a constant basis for these two factors. December is a very high payout month and somewhat distorts monthly averages, but we believe that the year-on-year trends remain intact.


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Image: CBC Radio Canada / FIS
Nova Scotia seafood sector far exceeds targets set a decade ago
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 07:00 (GMT + 9)
The following is an excerpt from an article published by CBC Radio Canada:
Seafood exports to China alone grew from $25 million in 2007 to $666 million in 2021
Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay was roasted by opponents last week when he posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of himself eating a lobster in Malaysia while on a trade mission in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: X (Twitter)
The P.E.I. politician was denounced as tone deaf and out of touch with average Canadians, but overseas trade missions are one reason Nova Scotia seafood exports have exceeded goals set for the industry 10 years ago in the Ivany report — a blueprint for expanding the province's economy.
Veteran seafood analyst Peter Norsworthy — while not weighing in on the optics of the MacAulay image — said seafood exports from Nova Scotia to China have grown from $25 million in 2007 to $666 million in 2021, with almost all of that growth in lobster.
It was a new market able to absorb huge increases in landings occurring at the time.
"The challenge that we had in the early 2010s was the increasing volume of lobster being available and a lack of market. The Maritime provinces collectively put a push on promoting those products in Asia," Norsworthy said.
Former premier Stephen McNeil and then-fisheries minister Keith Colwell were frequent flyers to Asia.
"Those promotion efforts by the provinces and the governments at the time certainly helped take that excess lobster and increase demand for lobster overall and boosted prices. Market promotion works," he said.
Good luck and good management
Many other factors outside the control of government or industry contributed to growth in Nova Scotia's seafood exports, especially a favourable exchange rate.
The industry works in Canadian dollars and is paid in U.S. dollars. Both were near par in 2012. Since then, the Canadian dollar weakened to the benefit of the exporters.
Increased consumer demand in North America during COVID-19 also helped, as has a growing Chinese middle class with an appetite for the crustacean that's bright red when cooked and sometimes called a dragon prawn.
Source: Nova Scotia Seafood
A decade after the Ivany report was issued as a call to action, fishery and agriculture exports stand out in an assessment of where Nova Scotia has met, or failed to meet, 19 targets it identified. The value of Nova Scotia food exports increased 168 per cent in the decade ending 2022, easily surpassing the goal to double in value.
Rising seafood exports were driven by the big four: lobster, crab, shrimp and scallops. Lobster leads the way with an export value of $1.3 billion in 2022. [Continues...]
Author: Paul Withers | CBC Radio Canada | Read the full article by clicking the link here


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If you've been missing out on the graphics card wars of late, then here's a quick rundown. AMD launched its high-end $549 Radeon HD 7970 at the end of last year, and it reigned comfortably for a few months until NVIDIA came out with the masterful GeForce GTX 680. That would have been the end of the matter, at least for this product cycle, except for one crucial factor: time. Having reached the market so much earlier, AMD has now had six months to not only tweak its drivers but also its 28nm silicon. That process has already culminated in 1GHz cards at the low- and mid-ranges, and today it leads to the (slightly predictable) announcement of a Radeon HD 7970 'GHz Edition' -- priced at $499 and expected to be available from a range of board makers from next week. To keep you amused in the meantime, there's plenty of detail in the gallery below and after the break.
Update: review roundup added here.%Gallery-158843%
It almost goes without saying that the new version has a clock speed bump from 925MHz to 1GHz, but there are other fundamental changes too. For a start, AMD's PowerTune feature has been given the ability to boost voltage as well as clock speed, and it can also now push the clock up to 1050MHz when there's available headroom -- which should help it go up against NVIDIA's own GPU Boost feature. Interestingly, AMD is also promoting the card's compute prowess, which is increasingly relevant for non-gaming applications as well as rendering and lighting, declaring the 7970 GHz Edition to be the "world's first 1TFLOP DPFP [double-precision floating point] GPU" with a 2.6x lead over its rival in compute workloads.
The original 3GB of GDDR5 memory remains the same on this new edition, but it too has been clocked up to offer 10-percent more bandwidth -- a 6GB/s data rate instead of the previous 5.5GB/s per pin. What's more, all of this is being accomplished without changing the 250W typical power draw, which bodes well not only for operating noise and temperature, but also for keeping the price in check, since vendors can simply put the new silicon on their old boards. Given all this, AMD is already declaring that it has "taken back the crown," with its official benchmarks giving the GHz Edition a significant fps lead in all current games at 2560 x 1600 resolution -- but it may be safer to reserve judgement until we've rounded-up independent reviews from the specialist sites.


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Apple repaying parents over in-app purchases
Updated 4:50 pm, Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Apple said it would refund at least $32.5 million to consumers to settle a U.S. Federal Trade Commission complaint that it billed for mobile application purchases made by children without their parents' consent.
Under the terms of the settlement, Apple also agreed to change its billing practices to make sure that it has obtained "express, informed consent" from consumers before charging them for items sold in mobile apps.
"Consumers should not have to sacrifice basic consumer protections to enjoy the benefits of mobile technology," FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said at a press conference Wednesday in Washington to announce the settlement. Ramirez said that the $32.5 million figure is just a floor and that consumers will get full refunds to cover purchases from March 2011.
The FTC deal is Apple's latest entanglement with the U.S. government, which has stepped up its scrutiny of the Cupertino company. The iPhone maker also is battling with the Justice Department over a court-appointed monitor assigned to review the company's compliance with an antitrust lawsuit it lost last year regarding e-book sales. A Senate committee last year also released a report criticizing the company for policies that allow it to avoid paying billions of dollars in U.S. taxes.
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Apple, the world's biggest company by market value, should expect the attention to continue, said David Balto, an attorney who was previously a policy director at the FTC.
The government "knows perfectly well that a case against Apple sets rules for the road," he said. "If they are willing to go against Apple, it shows they are willing to go against anybody."
Wednesday's FTC settlement stems from the billing mechanism within Apple's App Store that made it easy for children to ring up charges while playing games without the parent being aware. Many games in the App Store use what's called "in-app purchases" in which a player can pay to get more features or advance more quickly.
Apple's App Store is the digital marketplace for buying games, productivity tools, picture-taking and social networking tools and other software for the iPhone and iPad. The company said this month that customers spent $10 billion on the App Store in 2013, with almost 3 billion apps downloaded during December. Developers who make the software applications have earned $15 billion by selling their software through the Apple Store. Apple takes a 30 percent cut of App Store purchases.
"Protecting children has been a top priority for the App Store from the very beginning, and Apple is proud to have set the gold standard for online stores by making the App Store a safe place for customers of all ages," Apple said in a statement. The agreement with the FTC "extends our existing refund program for in-app purchases which may have been made without a parent's permission."
Apple's deal with the FTC comes after the company settled a similar class-action lawsuit in California last year, resolving claims that the company induced children to make game-related purchases on iPhones and iPads without their parents' knowledge or permission.
The FTC said Wednesday that its complaint alleged that Apple didn't inform account holders that entering a password would open a 15-minute window in which children can incur unlimited charges, even if the account holder takes no action.
Apple also often showed a screen that didn't explain that a password entry would finalize a purchase, the FTC said. The company's actions violated federal law prohibiting unfair practices by companies, the commission said.
Apple received "at least tens of thousands of complaints about unauthorized in-app purchases by children," the FTC said. That included one consumer who reported that her daughter spent $2,600 in the app "Tap Pet Hotel," according to the FTC.
The $32.5 million minimum that Apple has agreed to pay under the FTC settlement is a tiny amount for the iPhone maker. In its last fiscal year, Apple generated $171 billion in revenue, or about $19.5 million per hour.


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Chick-fil-A on Thursday plans to start building momentum for the autumn opening of its first two stand-alone restaurants in the Milwaukee metro area.
The suburban Atlanta company will unveil signs announcing the coming restaurants during a media event Thursday featuring Wisconsin Chick-fil-A franchise operator Jamie Fuller and the Chick-fil-A mascot, a cow that carries an "Eat Mor Chikin" sign. The sites are under construction. »Read Full Blog Post(35)
Menasha Packaging Co. said Monday it will spend $5 million to expand production capacity at its Hartford plant, a move that could create about 75 jobs in Hartford and Neenah.
The company, which specializes in high-end graphic packaging, has six plants in Wisconsin, including support operations in Neenah. »Read Full Article
Despite the dire predictions, the cost of health plans sold on the marketplace set up under the Affordable Care Act are increasing next year at roughly the same rate as past years in Wisconsin — and several insurers are even lowering prices.
Wisconsin is not among the states that have released information on what the plans will cost. That is scheduled to happen on Nov. 5, the deadline for the federal government to approve its contracts with insurers who want to sell health plans on the federal marketplaces. »Read Full Article(14)
When Aleasha Hladilek realized her bachelor's degree in anthropology wouldn't get her a job, she returned to school to become an auto mechanic and a welder.


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“Because our patented method involves interactions with first inputs, we have also developed a highly enabling solution for interactions with augmented and virtual reality objects to provide access to immersive private environments.” – Mike Hill, CEO, SensiPass
SensiPass, a Dublin-based firm, has announced a new authentication system based on mobile biometrics.
The company already offers two authentication systems: SensiPass Connect, its flagship offering, is a mobile app that is designed to authenticate the user via interaction with a selfie image, such as drawing a line around the user’s profile; SensiQR, meanwhile, prompts the user to scan a QR code from a computer screen or other device using their smartphone.
Now, however, SensiPass says it has acquired global patents for what it calls a “3-factor dynamic digital signature”. In a statement, the company explained that the system authenticates against a template of “secret interactions with biometrics,” adding that SensiPass uses “various face matching algorithms for the biometric factor,” but has “also developed interactive voice biometric algorithms, and even interactions with augmented and virtual reality objects.”
The company says that because its authentication system is based not only on biometric recognition but on user interaction, it is “highly dynamic… eliminating the ability for replay attacks of stolen credentials.”
As for where it goes from here, SensiPass says it is aiming to establish pilot programs in the US with major government agencies such as the National Institute of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense’s Defense Information Systems Agency. It is also receiving financial and consulting assistance from Deloitte, which has named it one of its Deloitte Fast 50 companies.
(Originally posted on Mobile ID World)


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December 27, 2012
Italian Catholics Want to Reclaim the Sabbath
Chelynne Headman, Deseret News
REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY — Italians are fighting a government lift of regulations on business operation hours, insisting that the move will eventually hurt the small shops and values that have long been the foundation of the Italian business community.
TAGGED: Catholic, Italy


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Alcatel-Shanghai Bell has offered state-owned TOT a vendor credit deal using a loan from a Chinese bank to fund the operator’s nationwide 3G rollout.
India’s TRAI has increased the foreign direct investment limit for broadcast carriage services, such as DTH, IPTV, MSOs and mobile TV, from 26% to 74%.
NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley says the Australian fiber project will cost the government less than A$30b ($25.3b), with remaining funds to come from debt markets.
Sony has issued a software patch for 535,000 Vaio notebooks, warning of possible overheating. It says 39 units have already overheated and has recalled 233,000 notebooks in the US.
LG Telecom, the smallest Korean operator, has changed its name to LG Uplus, effective immediately.
India’s Department of Telecom has pushed back the deadline for mobile number portability from June 30 to October 31 because operators are not ready.
Compuware will work with SingTel’s cloud computing arm Alatum to offer software-as-a-service (SaaS) cloud services in Singapore.
SIM card manufacturers boosted sales 10% to 3.4 billion units last year, according to the SIMalliance. India recorded the fastest growth, up 65%.


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To kick off what will surely be a stellar year for tourism operators and the industry as a whole, the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is hosting a month-long member appreciation campaign in February. This is our chance to recognize existing members, make sure everyone is getting the most from their membership, and encourage others to join the club. To learn more about the value of an OHTO membership, click here.
As part of the appreciation campaign, OHTO is running a contest to recognize members who are committing to growing tourism in their region. We hope you will see the value of membership and join us in celebrating each other’s successes and inspiring others.
What’s up for grabs? Two winners (one current member and one new member) get to choose either:
- Prize #1: An overnight getaway package, including dinner and an experience, at Somewhere Inn Calabogie.
- Prize #2: An overnight getaway package, including dinner and an experience, at Bonnie View Inn.
*Both prize options are valued at $500 each.
The contest is now closed and we thank all our members for their participation, as well as welcome the many new faces who’ve joined on as new members.


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Jetstar extends leadership position in Singapore with the addition of China's Capital Beijing
Low fares leader Jetstar will significantly boost tourism between China and Singapore with its new, low fares flying to Beijing*. (Flights subject to regulatory approval).
A new daily Melbourne-Singapore-Beijing* service announced today and starting from 24 November 2011 will add more than 8,000 seats a week from across the Jetstar network to Singapore where they will join the flight at Changi Airport.
For a limited time, Jetstar is offering a special one-way fare of just S$98 to celebrate the decision to fly to Beijing*.
The special sale runs for just two hours, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm today (13 July) at Jetstar.com (Terms & conditions apply).
After the initial two hour sale, a special one-way fare of $148 will be available from 3:30pm today (13 July) until 11.59pm tomorrow (14 July) at Jetstar.com.^
Beijing bound passengers and returning travellers to Beijing can enjoy a stopover in Singapore to shop or indulge in the myriad tastes of the city’s restaurants, generating an added source of tourism revenue.
Jetstar Asia CEO, Ms Chong Phit Lian, said Chinese visitors to Singapore typically spend as much as 60 per cent of their holiday budget on shopping excursions in the city - one of the world’s best retail havens.
“Singapore’s attractions such as Sentosa Island, the two new integrated resorts and the endless choices in local cuisines showcasing our multicultural city, are a strong draw for visitors,” she said.
“From Singapore, Jetstar now has three long haul services, to Melbourne, Auckland and Beijing – providing two different classes of comfort in Business and Economy,” Ms Chong added.
“Beijing also presents visitors with many attractions, including the world heritage listed Forbidden City, Summer Palace and of course, the Great Wall of China.
“And from Beijing, with China’s growing network of high speed rails, short trips can be made conveniently to other major cities, allowing passengers to maximise their trips to China,” she said.
Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said the new service marks a significant milestone for the airline which has invested heavily in growing a Pan Asian network.
“Beijing represents a critical step in the growth of our brand in China and the continued rollout of our Pan Asian strategy,” Mr Buchanan said.
“Connecting Singapore and Beijing is a significant occasion because of the strong economic and tourism ties that exist between them,” he said.
“Beijing builds on our low fares leadership position in Singapore, continuing the expansion of our successful Singapore hub, now connecting with another 25 destinations from Singapore, such as Jakarta, Phuket, Melbourne and Auckland,” he said.
Beijing* will become Jetstar’s 9th Chinese destination joining Haikou, Shantou, Guilin, Hangzhou and Ningbo – all of which were launched in the past 18 months.
The new daily Singapore-Beijing* service will connect with Jetstar’s existing Melbourne-Singapore service via Jetstar’s Singapore hub, with a stop-over in Singapore on the inbound Australian sector.
For information, go to Jetstar.com
Melbourne-Singapore-Beijing* schedule commencing 24 November 2011.
Melbourne-Beijing* (via Singapore)
- * Melbourne – Singapore - JQ7 12:00 – 16:50
- * Singapore – Beijing - JQ7 18:35 – 00:50 (+1)
Beijing*-Melbourne (via Singapore)
- * Beijing – Singapore - JQ8 02:50 – 09:30
- * Singapore – Melbourne - JQ8 20:50 – 06:55 (+1)
*Subject to regulatory approval
^S$98 SALE TERMS & CONDITIONS
Available point of sale Singapore only, all inclusive one-way fare. The sale commences at 1.30pm (Singapore time) Wednesday 13 July 2011 and ends at 3.30pm on Wednesday 13 July 2011 unless seats sell out prior. This offer is for travel between 24 April 2012 & 23 May 2012. Conditions apply (fares subject to availability, selected days & flights only, excluding travel on public holiday & school holidays).
^S$148 SALE TERMS & CONDITIONS
Available point of sale Singapore only, all inclusive one-way fare. The sale commences at 3.30pm (Singapore time) Wednesday 13 July 2011 and ends at 11.59pm Thursday 14 July 2011 unless seats sell out prior. This offer is for travel between 24 November & 13 December 2011, 10 January 2012 & 18 January 2012 and 31 January 2012 & 7 March 2012. Conditions apply (fares subject to availability, selected days & flights only, excluding travel on public holiday & school holidays).
Jetstar’s all day, every day low fares from Singapore to Beijing* start from ^S$248, all-inclusive, one-way at Jetstar.com.
About Jetstar Group
Jetstar first took to the skies in 2004 and has since flown more than 350 million customers across an extensive international and domestic network. The Jetstar Group is made up of Jetstar Airways (subsidiary of the Qantas Group) in Australia and New Zealand, Jetstar Asia in Singapore, and Jetstar Japan in Japan. A leading low-fares airline, Jetstar is committed to offering everyday low fares to enable more people to fly to more places, more often. As one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing airline brands, Jetstar was voted Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia Pacific in 2021 and was recognized for its excellent flight safety records and services when listed on the "2022 World's Top 10 LCC" released by Airline Ratings.


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DoorDash will acquire European delivery company Wolt as it builds a global platform
DoorDash has agreed to acquire the food delivery company Wolt for €7 billion (about $8.1 billion) with plans to expand its reach to Europe (via TechCrunch). Founded in 2015, Wolt is a Finland-based company that contracts out couriers to deliver takeout, groceries, and other goods to customers in 23 countries mainly throughout Europe.
Both DoorDash and Wolt announced the all-stock transaction in separate blog posts, confirming a move that will bring DoorDash to Europe for the first time. Currently, DoorDash is only available in cities across the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia.
“By joining forces, we believe we will accelerate our product development, bring greater focus to each of our markets, and improve the value we provide to…


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2013 Ford Hybrid Sales Break Full-Year Record
June 3, 2013—Ford Motor Co. has surpassed its previous full-year hybrid sales record in the first five months of 2013, the automaker recently announced.
Ford projected sales of approximately 37,000 hybrid vehicles through May, a 375 percent increase over the same period last year.
The previous full-year hybrid sales record was set in 2010 at 35,496 vehicles.
Ford said the Fusion Hybrid is projected to deliver its best May sales ever, and the Fusion Energi is also expected to achieve its best sales month since its introduction in February.
The Ford C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid also posted conquest rates of 64 percent and 67 percent, respectively.
"We're working tirelessly to get as many hybrids to the market as we can right now to meet this unprecedented customer demand for our electrified vehicles," said Erich Merkle, U.S. sales analyst for Ford. "The success we are experiencing with hybrids is energizing the whole company."
Ford is now second only to Toyota in the number of hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S.


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The nation’s military exchanges and the Defense Commissary Agency are joining forces to put some jingle back in military shoppers’ pockets by picking up the tab on their MILITARY STAR cards with the Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has offered the sweepstakes to its customers for the past three years. Now, in its fourth year, the Exchange is partnering with the entire military resale community to offer MILITARY STAR shoppers a chance to enter everywhere the card is accepted, including AAFES, NEX, MCX, CGX and commissaries, and online at shopmyexchange.com and mynavyexchange.com. The sweepstakes runs through Dec. 31. Each transaction counts as one entry.
Five grand-prize winners will have their MILITARY STAR card bill paid in full up to $8,200, with a minimum prize of $2,500. Ten second-prize winners will be awarded a $1,000 credit on their MILITARY STAR card statement, while 25 third-place winners will receive a $500 credit. Winners with a balance less than their prize amount will receive a credit on their account.
“Just by using your MILITARY STAR card, you could win big,” said Aileen Rivenburg, Exchange general manager. “One swipe could go a long way toward paying for your holiday gifts this year.”
Winners of the Your Holiday Bill Is On Us sweepstakes will be randomly selected and announced on or about Jan. 30.


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The world’s most widely-used herbicide, glyphosate, has been in the headlines a lot lately. California’s EPA recently announced that it plans to label the ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup as “carcinogenic” which isn’t good news for its manufacturer, Monsanto, which has been trying to ink a deal with Syngenta.
Tag Archive: carcinogen
I admit to feeling uncomfortable when asked to remove my shoes as I enter someone’s home. The awkwardness is especially... View Article


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Intel’s new chip for smartphones handily beats some of the fastest phones on the market, according to chip review site Anandtech.
Intel’s Atom Z2460 “Medfield” delivers “tablet-like scores” on the BrowserMark benchmark, wrote Anand Shimpi. “The Galaxy Nexus running ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) comes close, but once again Intel expects that on the same OS Medfield should be faster than any of the currently available SoCs (system-on-a-chip),” he said.
Intel announced the Medfield chip Tuesday at CES. The device-on-a-chip will be used in upcoming smartphones–and most likely other devices–from Lenovo and Motorola.
The chip should deliver similar numbers on Ice Cream Sandwich. “Intel promises that Medfield’s performance will scale on ICS as well – [so] the gap should be maintained.”
On the opposite hand, Shimpi cautioned that the performance hole would possibly decrease whilst new telephones emerge in accordance with the recent ARM Cortex A15 layout.
Note that every one benchmarks are initial because this is an Intel reference design telephone (which Intel is appearing off at the CES ground) no longer a commercially to be had phone.
So, what’s different this time around for Intel and smartphones? “Intel has been talking about getting into smartphones for a couple of years now, but thus far it hasn’t been able to secure a single design or partnership that resulted in a product actually coming to market,” Shimpi wrote.
Which, after all, is true. Intel announced a few years back that LG may convey out an Atom-based smartphone. by no means happened. Nor did Nokia in the end bring out a phone based on Intel’s Moblin Linux platform.
“This time around, things are different. The major change? Focus, and Google,” according to Shimpi. “Intel has ramped up the software engineering engine, going into the Android source code (Gingerbread, Honeycomb and now ICS) and fixing bugs. Intel’s goal is to deliver the most stable version of Android as a result of its efforts,” he wrote.


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Logitech made news this week with the Harmony Elite, CREATE Keyboard Case for iPad Pro, and more.
Logitech BLOK, UE ROLL, G303 and G29 in the news this week.
Fans of racing games have been clamoring for a new Logitech G racing wheel to play the hottest driving games on next-generation consoles. The wait is finally over with the announcement today that the Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel for Playstation 3 and Playstation 4 will be available in July, and the Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel for Xbox One and PC will be available in October.
As racing simulation fans know, Gran Turismo 5 launched November 24th. The long awaited PlayStation 3 title is the latest


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Marc Rutenberg, the CEO of the Florida company Marc Rutenberg Homes, has recently successfully designed and built a luxury home that complies with and even surpasses all Energy Star standards and is LEED Platinum certified. The Castaway III, as the house is called, measures 4,552-square feet, which is about 3,100 square feet larger than the average zero-energy home. This house proves that there is no need to sacrifice comfort and luxury to reduce one’s carbon footprint.
Team ASUNM, a collaborative effort between Arizona State University and University of New Mexico, has come together to address the inefficiencies of urban sprawl and to create a model for sustainable desert living that has been dubbed SHADE (Solar Home Adapting for Desert Equilibrium), which is an entry in the Solar Decathlon 2013 competition that takes place on October 3-13, 2013 in Irvine, California.
A new partnership between Silicon Energy and CrystaLite that was announced at the recent Living Future unConference in Seattle is bringing a new alternative to photovoltaic solar roof implementations and ground-mounted installations: the solar structure. PV-integrated structures provide home and business owners with extensive flexibility in the design and implementation of solar power when a solar roof is not cost effective or to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing integration of solar panels with structural design of patio and deck coverings, carport coverings, and picnic shelters.


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LONDON -Airline group IAG is about to cancel its takeover of Air Europa after European regulators indicated they’d not permit it to go through with out additional concessions, although CEO Luis Gallego hasn’t given up hope of some sort of tie-up. Members have rejected the £530m deal and so the insurance firm stays as a mutual. Firms are calling on the government for more support after Plan B Covid restrictions take impact. Three pubs and restaurants warn of the influence of last-minute cancellations as Omicron fears unfold.
- A total of 51 agriculture teams – composed of farmers, fishers, and producers – have joined forces to signal a petition towards the mega commerce deal, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership .
- Download the Economic Times app and keep up to date with unrivaled coverage of Stock Market, Business, Finance, Sensex – BSE India, Nifty- NSE India, Personal Finance, Business News and Economy News as they occur.
- With its best-in-class digicam expertise, it’s almost impossible to take dangerous photographs with the vivo X70 People have lengthy been fascinated with images as it…
- In the primary episode of a multi-part sequence on Bengaluru, we look at how and why Texas Instruments arrange shop …
- The higher your scores, the better it goes to be to get approved for loans and bank cards, plus you’ll be offered higher rates and phrases.
Property costs are set to skyrocket, rising as much as $159k in a single Aussie metropolis if a controversial plan is permitted. Allowing first-time property buyers to divert $60,000 or more from super would carry home-ownership charges and prices too, new modelling exhibits. Shares fell in sentiment-driven promoting that hit four out of 5 blue chips on the Australian inventory exchange on Wednesday with tech shares among the many hardest-hit. The government has reduce interest rates and rebranded the Pension Loans Scheme to try to drum up curiosity in the taxpayer-funded reverse mortgage.
Carrying the digital momentum from final year, online used-car marketplaces are racing hard, with investors busy within the pit lanes, refueling tanks and screwing in tyres for a bumper-to-bumper competitors. As Christmas inches nearer, bakers up and down the nation Finance are desperately waiting for the grocery store cabinets to be restocked with brown sugar. New buyers may even want to bag a few shares as an inflation hedge.
Bank Of Canada Renews 2% Inflation Target, Provides Jobs To Mandate
Intraday truth check In the last 4 years, only one.24 % trading periods noticed intraday features larger than 5 % . In a Q&A, the chairman of Apollo Tyres sees a quantity of progress triggers for the domestic trade forward, but notes that relentless commodity … Gavi chief govt Dr. Seth Berkley took inventory of the practically two-year battle in opposition to the pandemic because the alliance launched the … Valeena Campos, her husband, and two youngsters are at present residing in her in-laws’ attic due to the pandemic. With Valeena hoping to return to work quickly, she wants a strong plan to assist pay down her debts and buy a house for her household. The country’s largest traditional grocery retailer chain, with virtually 500,000 employees, said vaccinations are a focus for the company.
Australian society has one of the highest penetration charges of sensible telephones within the Western world. Justin Longmuir is about to proceed as coach of the Fremantle Dockers for at least three more seasons. The state government has confirmed Emily Roper as Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, nearly two years after the last everlasting head resigned. Mining giant Rio Tinto paid more than $1 billion in royalties to 4 Perth households final 12 months as a end result of offers struck by their forebears within the 1960s. Inflation in Britain surged to 5.1% in November, its highest fee in more than a decade… A covid cross began operation in England, despite a revolt by MPs from the ruling Conservative party, ninety nine of whom defied the prime minister, Boris Johnson, by voting in opposition to the measure on Tuesday…
The US$259 million sale of a property administration business by Shanghai Shimao, a unit of Shimao Group, has caught the attention of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. As the Great Resignation gathers tempo, businesses that differentiate by leveraging their very own information might be most likely to win, retain and recruit the people they want. The initial public offering of HP Adhesives opened for subscription on Wednesday and acquired a massive response from retail investors on the primary day of bidding. Cryptocurrency prices slumped on Tuesday because of a contemporary correction within the virtual coin market. Benchmark market indices fell on the finish of Tuesday’s buying and selling session as rising inflation made investors nervous. The latest rise in crime on North Michigan Avenue and at other iconic Chicago destinations is casting a pall on vacation shopping as town tries to emerge from practically two years of pandemic stasis.
First-time buyers struggling to keep away from wasting a deposit are watching the common home get pricier at a fee of £1,seven hundred per thirty days. This time of year, in fact, tends to be a chance for taking inventory of where we are, remembering the previous and trying to the longer term. Whatever the Government does or does Small Business not do, people will reduce on Christmas plans. Love Hemp signed a three-year endorsement deal, which includes shares, with former world boxing champion Joshua . A ballot of three,000 EV homeowners by Zap-Map revealed that InstaVolt’s rapid-charging public community is highest rated whereas Ecotricity acquired the worst critiques from drivers. The Department for Transport said the transfer will `enable taxpayers´ cash to go further´.
In India Netflix Slashes Prices 60 Percent Because It Seeks Viewers
This nationwide award recognizes distinctive management in advancing adaptation of pure assets in a altering world. The Alliance received the honorable mention award in the Broad Partnerships category. The American Society of Anesthesiologists is saddened to announce right now that its Business Events Strategy Executive, Chris Wehking, handed away on Sunday, November 28 following an extended battle with most cancers. Maryland Smith is launching a nine-month, on-line Data Science and Business Analytics Certificate Program for technical and non-technical professionals.
Although it’s been bitcoin’s worst week for months, there’s a silver lining which might see the blockchain’s price skyrocket. November real estate information highlights the scale of the challenge dealing with the Chinese authorities in stabilising the world’s second-largest financial Business Strategy system. Despite the MYEFO enchancment to the finances bottom line, there isn’t a signal of the intense policy choices needed to help the economic system outgrow the long-term debt that approaches a trillion dollars.
Copper prices have remained near five-month highs as a result of provide problems in Chile and solid demand from China. Westpac shareholders have hit out at government pay after extra failures in methods and controls affecting 1000’s of shoppers had been revealed. The US Congress has permitted elevating the federal government’s debt restrict to about $US31.four trillion.


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Economic Uplift Amidst Uncertainties in Fayette County
Fayette County has seen ups and downs in terms of economy. The 2020 pandemic of COVID-19 hit even harder. Three years after the events, where is the county in terms of economic growth? Are there positive signs of a new economic resurgence? What are the weak points to focus on to ensure a thriving county?
Magnet for Investors
Fayette County has emerged as a paragon of both economic resilience and growth. All that, in the face of nationwide economic shifts and upheavals.
The county’s diverse economy, thriving business environment, and dynamic demographic trends set it apart.
The county’s growth is spurred by a healthy mix of industries. With healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail trade, and education playing key roles. The business-friendly environment has acted as a magnet for investors and entrepreneurs alike.
New Enterprises Are Sprouting
A testament to this is the recent upsurge in business registrations. With over 300 new enterprises being launched within the first half of 2023. This marked a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. Such trends indicate a surge in entrepreneurial initiatives. It also underscores the rising confidence in the county’s economic outlook.
In healthcare, Piedmont Fayette Hospital is an award-winning facility and a significant employer. It recently unveiled plans to expand. This, in order to further fortify its position as a healthcare titan. This expansion is set to increase the employment opportunities by an estimated 8%. This will add to the thriving local healthcare sector.
Tech In the Game
The technology sector is booming as well. It is led by companies like Panasonic Automotive Systems and TDK Components USA. They have been increasing their workforce. A surge in local technological innovation has attracted high-tech industries. It created jobs and contributed to the local economy.
Retail trade and manufacturing have also displayed substantial resilience. Businesses have embraced digital transformation. They leveraged e-commerce to bolster sales amidst the pandemic-induced disruptions. Now about the manufacturing sector. The county continues to attract international corporations such as Hoshizaki America, Inc. The latter has recently announced a further investment in their Fayette manufacturing base.
This growth also allows other online industries such as casinos to thrive. More and more people are attending casinodays to have an entertaining time from their house.
Moreover, Fayette County’s educational sector is not to be overlooked. The county prides itself on having one of the top-rated school systems in the state. It has been a significant factor in attracting families and fostering population growth. This, in turn, fuels the local economy, creating a ripple effect on housing, retail, and services.
Cinema After COVID
Additionally, Pinewood Studios Atlanta continues to contribute to the county’s economy. It is the largest film and television studio in the U.S. outside of California. Despite facing initial setbacks due to COVID-19, the studio has rebounded strongly. Several high-profile productions are underway. And they bring in tourism and create a plethora of job opportunities.
Growing Real Estate Market
Real estate, an economic barometer, has been robust. House prices grew by 8.7% over the past year. This reflects the county’s growing popularity and financial health. This growth, coupled with low interest rates, has stimulated the housing market.
But, this price increase has not only created an uphill battle for those seeking affordable living arrangements. It also put strain on the county’s efforts to ensure inclusive growth. The lingering effects of the pandemic have exacerbated income inequality. It led to affordable housing shortage. The county’s reliance on certain industries may heighten its vulnerability to sector-specific downturns.
Beware to the Inequality Gap
Thus, the county’s prosperity doesn’t touch all residents evenly. Income inequality is a nagging issue that seems to persist. It is creating a stark contrast between the county’s affluent and less fortunate residents. Data shows that the top 20% of earners in Fayette County make approximately eight times more than the bottom 20%. This discrepancy underlines a significant disparity. It presents a daunting challenge to the county’s policymakers.
Accompanying income inequality is the issue of affordable housing. It is a problem that has gained significant attention in recent years.
Even so, the local government has been proactive in addressing these issues. They launched various initiatives to make affordable housing a reality. But they also broadened the economic base to ensure resilience and inclusivity.
Fayette County serves as a blueprint for other regions seeking to foster economic prosperity. While there remain areas to address, the overall economic health and outlook of the county remain optimistic.
The challenges faced by Fayette County are not unique. But they are indicative of broader issues faced by many American counties.


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A memristor-based circuit that spits out a steady stream of true random numbers could hold the key to enhanced security in NFC transactions, reports IEEE Spectrum. The tiny circuit, invented by engineers at the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan, offers the prospect of using small low power devices to generate true random numbers — something that is difficult to do using today’s digital circuits, which typically produce numbers that aren’t completely random, the publication explains.
- ABN Amro pilots wearable payments with select customers
- Danske Bank brings Apple Pay to customers in Northern Ireland
- Dankort gets lockscreen mobile payments and Touch ID support
- Punchh brings Apple Pay to restaurant loyalty program
- East London gets local currency built on the blockchain


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A deal was reached September 9 for C&S has entered into an asset purchase agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers pursuant to which C&S will acquire substantially all of AWI’s assets, including its White Rose distribution business and three distribution centers that are operated by AWI and White Rose.
Associated Wholesalers Inc. (AWI), the Robesonia, PA based wholesale co-op, announced on August 22 that, in conjunction with its sale process, it has received and is evaluating offers from potential buyers to acquire the assets of AWI and White Rose. …
Tewksbury, MA based Market Basket continues to see a standoff between the two factions of the Demoulas family, those siding with Arthur T. Demoulas, the recently ousted CEO, and those siding with Arthur S. Demoulas.
Sources have told Food Trade News that Delhaize America is considering the sale of its 66 Bottom Dollar Foods stores located in Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northeast Ohio.
Sources have told us that AWI is seeking a buyer for its entire wholesale enterprise, not just for its White Rose division.
Safeway’s shareholders approved a deal for the company to be sold to Cerberus Capital Management.
Food Trade News has learned that AWI may be considering selling the entire company, rather than just the White Rose division.
Two Virginia-based independent retailers that have been in business for a combined 125 years have closed their doors in the past month: Virginia Beach-based Camellia Foods and Farmer’s Foods, based in Hopewell.
The Kroger Company continues to be the hottest supermarket operator in the country. Last month, the Cincinnati-based chain posted another strong earnings report, the first to include its acquisition of Harris Teeter.
Bhavdeep Singh and Mark McGowan will be taking on new roles at Ahold USA.


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Before you get too excited by the headline and start commenting, this was a response by Tuface to a hypothetical question of “if you were given US$10million, what would you do?”
In an interview monitored on urban music channel SoundCity, Tuface spoke on a range of issues from making slight joke about his bald head, to music, to love and his most cherished piece of clothing.
When asked about his view on love, Tuface had this to say, “ wow! Love is powerful… it is one of the most genuine feelings…”
He also spoke on some of his memories of growing up. According to the ‘Enter The Place’ singer, “…I think I was a very friendly person… I didn’t look like a bully, was very friendly, I was a joker”.
On his favorite piece of clothing, he says it is a navy blue Versace top which he’s had now for two years but has worn only once. With all the clothes he has I am not surprised he has worn that particular shirt just once.


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To reduce your company's carbon footprint, learn from these 12 IT departments reducing power demands and increasing efficiency.
Technology vendors and data center suppliers were also invited to participate in Computerworld's search for the Top Green-IT Organizations.
The next generation of IT vendors has arrived on the scene. Driven by a tentative economic recovery that is seeing venture capitalists release a few more dollars...
The Juice Pack boost and reserve quickly recharges the iPhone and iPod; the Link Wireless A/V Extender you extend a computer's display to a TV.
Server virtualization is already saving you money. So why not save some more? Forrester Research shares thee recommended changes.
Physicists at the University of California have taken a giant leap closer to creating a new computer chip that gives memory the brains of a CPU.
Facebook and eBay shared some tips at a conference this week for improving efficiency and cutting energy bills in data centers.
Green isn't usually the first color that comes to mind when one visits the hot, dry desert climate of Phoenix, where temperatures recently topped 109 degrees.
IT departments are learning to master the art of retiring hardware at the right time. Here's what to consider when recycling hardware your company no longer needs.


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If your diet includes fried strips of bacon, tender cuts of steak or deli ham sandwiches every other day, you might want to pay attention to this. Researchers at Northwestern University in the United States have found that eating 2 servings of red meat, processed meat or poultry per week was linked to a 3% to 7% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and 3% higher risk of death.
Study senior author Norrina Allen said, "It's a small difference, but it's worth trying to reduce red meat and processed meat like pepperoni, bologna and deli meats. Red meat consumption also is consistently linked to other health problems like cancer." The study found 3% to 7% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death for people who ate 2 servings of red and processed meat a week.
Researchers found no association between eating fish and cardiovascular disease or mortality.
The study also found 4% higher risk of cardiovascular disease for people who ate 2 servings per week of poultry, but the evidence so far is not sufficient to make a clear recommendation about poultry intake. In fact, the relationship may be related to the method of cooking the chicken and consumption of the skin rather than the chicken meat itself. It also found that fried chicken; especially with deep fat-fried sources that contribute trans-fatty acids, and fried fish intake have been positively linked to chronic diseases.
Study lead author Victor Zhong informs, "Modifying intake of these animal protein foods may be an important strategy to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death at a population level."


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- Panasonic Toughpad tablet: Now the Army can play Angry Birds too
- Toughpad A1: Check out that daylight-readable screen!!
- DNA Day 2015: Understanding ourselves from the inside out Apr 25
- New Australian bill could outlaw VPNs in bid to stamp out Hulu, Netflix ‘piracy’ Apr 24
- Microsoft’s Xbox revenues fall, shipments still lag Sony Apr 24
- ARM details its upcoming Cortex-A72 microarchitecture Apr 24
- ET deals: Dell Optiplex 7020 miniature quad-core desktop for $824 Apr 24


text: platinum Asset Management Co co-founder Kerr Nelson fifa 18 coins full of China economic development confidence. He said, the company of Chinese heavy asset investment is based on confidence in the fifa 18 coins macroeconomic development prospects. Nelson said, Chinese with a positive attitude to everything, in many lines have been leading the world, including the fifa 18 coins industry, iron and steel industry. The number of university graduates China far beyond India and the United States. Russia and other cheap fifa coins, this is an important advantage of fifa 18 coins resources China economy. International observers have pointed out, improve the international competitiveness of Chinese, this is more and more Inspire the development fifa 18 coins the national economy. The research of Japanese Kyorin University Graduate hut coins professor Liu Di said that the Chinese economy with its market scale, efficient fifa 18 coins, unremittingly promote technological innovation characteristics and increasingly profound impact on the direction of the world economic development.


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The most power diesel Astra ever has been recently revealed by Opel and the model is also made by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom.
The German based automaker Opel has announced a couple of months ago some changes to the Astra range, including the new diesel engine, and now the company has stepped forward, revealing the impressive unit. According to the car manufacturer, the Opel Astra BiTurbo is getting a 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI diesel engine, which is developing a total output of 195 horsepower (143 kW) and it has a peak torque of 400 Nm.
The new diesel engine in the Opel Astra is helping the model to achieve some impressive figures, including a top speed of 226 km/h (222 km/h Sports Tourer, 223 km/h GTC) or 4.9l/100km, which is the fuel consumption for the GTC version (5.1l/100km for the Sports Tourer and the five-door hatch). The CO2 emissions in the Opel Astra BiTurbo stop at 129 g/km in the GTC (134 g/km in the Sports Tourer and 5-door hatchback) and the model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds. Vauxhall says that the Astra BiTurbo is available to order starting with the 2nd of August, 2012, and the hatchback has been priced at 24,095 GBP while the Sports Tourer costs 1,015 GBP more.


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YouTube, the world’s largest and most popular online video streaming service has started rolling out a new app, YouTube Music on Android and iOS. Recently YouTube had announced a new subscription model called YouTube Red in US offering ad-free video and music at $10 per month.
Google is a repository of music and videos and in order to streamline the experience further, it has launched a standalone music app. Google says, “YouTube Music will offer completely new experience making music discovery easier than ever.”
- WhatsApp rolls out YouTube integration for iOS, come with PiP feature
- YouTube signs paid service agreements with Sony, Universal music labels
- YouTube is said to plan new music subscription service in March
- YouTube adds pinch to zoom feature for 18:9 displays on Android, iOS
- YouTube app for Android gets new UI, adds bottom navigation bar
- YouTube Red launched in US, will offer ad-free video and music for $10 per month
YouTube Music is only available in the US for now. The app features a home tab which will recommend tracks based on what users choose in the app or play on YouTube site. With YouTube Music app, Google wants to make music listening experience more smoother by allows users to hit play from anywhere in the app.
Also there is a huge emphasis on YouTube Red membership which allows for ad-free video and music experience. It also enables offline music and seamless switching between video and audio-only option.
Watch YouTube Music app introduction (App users click here)
YouTube Music can be downloaded in the US starting today and YouTube is offering free 14 days trial.


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Incentives & Rebate Management
A suite of electric vehicle (EV) chargers is now available to the public at Beneficial State Bank in Fresno, Calif., installed with the support of a partnership working to increase EV charging availability in Fresno County. The partnership’s goals are to support access to clean transportation, improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
At the Transportation Research Board (TRB) annual meeting in January, Brett Williams, CSE’s senior principal transportation advisor, spoke about electric vehicle (EV) incentive programs, their impacts, and the consumers they are influencing.
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), administered by CSE on behalf of the California Air Resources Board, provides consumer rebates for the purchase or lease of new electric cars and motorcycles.
Last month, CSE Senior Principal Transportation Advisor Brett Williams presented at the 31st International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS 31) in Kobe, Japan. The World Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Drive Transportation Association co-host the annual conference for world leaders in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.


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Guangzhou | We're a group of multilingual reporters and filmmakers bringing you stories on Chinese culture. Follow us now on @GOLDTHREAD2.
The world’s second-largest ski resort is 800,000 square feet of fake snow
Aug 23, 2019
5 street foods you must try in Guangzhou—all on one street
Jul 17, 2019
Inside the biggest piano factory in the world
Feb 06, 2019


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TBS students visit the port of Barcelona
published on 20.11.19
Master 2 Tourism & Services Management students visited the port of Barcelona last November 18 to learn more about the cruise industry, accompanied by their teacher Deborah Carrer. The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, a European centre for training in logistics and intermodal transport, welcomed the students at its headquarters on the seafront.
The aim of the activity was to introduce students to an overview of the port of Barcelona and the cruises that dock there every day. “In 2018 alone, more than 3 million passengers transited the port of Barcelona”, explained Mar Pérez, Cruise Manager.
The Catalan pier is considered the first cruise port in Europe and the Mediterranean. Specifically, the cruise industry generates an economic impact of 3 million € per day in Catalonia, a figure that translates into more than 1 000 € million annually.
The students were also able to enjoy a guided maritime tour of the port of Barcelona, where they took a closer look at the different terminals and the real functioning of their infrastructures.


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Prime Fifth Avenue has scored a new retail tenant.
Spanish retailer Desigual has leased 5,200 square feet at 605 Fifth Ave. between East 48th and 49th streets, with 2,300 feet on the ground level and the rest lower-level storage. The current tenant, Sunglass Hut, is moving across the avenue.
Jason Greenstone, Michael O’Neill and Taylor Reynolds of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant. The owner’s rep was Roy Dervich of Breakwater Holdings. The companies declined or did not return requests for comment.
The Barcelona-based fashion brand recently reopened its flagship at 958 Sixth Ave. with a fully painted façade by Okuda San Miguel.


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Sweet might be the the very least major matter a author can create about, but I’m creating over it this 7 days for the reason that I crave a second’s reduction from — perfectly, from existence itself, as it truly is lately. I visualize you are doing, far too.
The Lehigh Valley has 4 distinct seasons, which typically contain humid summers, chilly winters, and very short and gentle springs and falls.
Given that the third most populous metropolitan region in Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley is served by numerous faculty districts, public and private significant educational institutions, middle faculties, and elementary faculties.
As A lot more people store on line, one of its sights — offers shipped to the doorstep — will carry on to fuel what regulation enforcement calls a expanding trouble, specifically in the coming months.
The inspections listed Listed here are those that fall under the jurisdiction of your Pennsylvania Section of Agriculture, along with All those county and native wellness departments that have...
A possible listing of witnesses who could testify in opposition to Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski at his impending trial continues to be revealed.
Penn National Gaming claims it is speaking about getting rival casino operator Pinnacle Enjoyment, and developing a unified business with forty five Houses in a lot more than a dozen states and Canada.
The historic Sterling Hotel setting up in Allentown has actually been offered Website to a gaggle that includes the owner of the restaurant and nightclub operating in the framework’s almost a hundred thirty-year-outdated walls.
Thanks largely towards the aforementioned comparably favorable small business local weather, the Lehigh Valley has skilled good results in luring big, established enterprises and new startup firms from close by states such as Big apple and New Jersey, bringing with them upwards of Countless new Positions to the realm.
The Lehigh look here Valley is additionally situated within a a person-day push to more than one third of the overall inhabitants of The us and multiple fifty percent of the whole populace of Canada.
This area now ships far more goods, has far more flights, and serves more people (above seventy five million from Boston to Washington, D.C. as of late 2016) for Amazon than almost every other facility in the region. Both Amazon and LVIA go on to speculate greatly from the area space to higher help the ever-expanding need for air cargo pushed in large part through the explosion of e-commerce and the need for more quickly, extra economical delivery of goods.
It's a business brawl, but one which stretches far past the marketplace to boost delicate problems with privacy...
Allentown Town Council passed a $108 million budget Wednesday, approving a controversial stormwater cost Regardless of outcry from the general public.
I know I have already been a tad Pollyannaish these days, but hey, the news is so lousy that someone needs to prop us up every now and then.


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What’s “Appening” at Church of the Holy Communion?
Download the new CHC app for quick access and notifications about CHC happenings!
Most parishioners know that Holy Communion launched a new website last spring. But fewer folks know that a new app accompanied the launch. Free and available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play, the CHC app provides easy access to sought-after information: calendar dates, sermons, online giving, and more.
Download the CHC app and get connected today!


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tech2 News StaffJul 31, 2015 08:15:56 IST
Sony Xperia mobile's Twitter account has sent out a tweet teasing the launch of a new phone on 3 August. According to rumours doing the rounds online, the said phone is most likely expected to be the Sony Xperia C5 Ultra.
Focus closely now, a new way to capture split-second photos is coming. 03.08.15 #Xperia pic.twitter.com/VVE21DKLyk
— Sony Xperia (@sonyxperia) July 30, 2015
As seen in the tweet above, the use of words clearly hints at a smartphone with an impressive camera. 'Focus closely now,' 'split-second photos,' most likely hints at a brand new auto-focus system on the upcoming Sony smartphone. Sony hasn't revealed any details or even a teaser of the image of the said phone.
Yesterday, French website Nowhereelse posted an image of the front-face of a Sony smartphone which according to it is the Xperia Ultra C5. An earlier leak suggests that the phone will sport a 5.5-inch full HD display and will be powered by a 64-bit MediaTek MT6752 SoC sporting an octa-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM. The phone is expected to come with two 13MP cameras and will employ Sony IMX230 sensor which is also seen on the Moto X Style and Moto X Pure edition smartphones.
Xperia Blog also has some leaked images along with the user manual of the alleged Xperia Ultra C5 smartphone. We will find out on Monday what the new Sony smartphone will be called.
Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.